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Original poster

How much do you spend on clothes each month?

158 replies

IceLace100 · 06/08/2021 16:20

Just that really. How much do you spend each month or year on clothes relative to your salary?

Just spent £100 and was feeling guilty but then relative to my salary, maybe this is just "normal"?

After saving for a deposit for years and buying everything in charity shops / going without / borrowing from friends, I am unsure what is a sensible amount to spend.

Maybe I'm just trying to justify my purchases! 🤣😂🤣

OP posts:
TiddleTaddleTat · 06/08/2021 16:24

Sometimes I have periods where I spend much more than other months - usually September seems to be quite spendy. Like more than 10% of net income. Hoping to spend less on work clothes now that I'm more home based. That was always my downfall - especially autumn stuff!

BreakfastOfWaffles · 06/08/2021 16:26

I don't have a set budget monthly because I try to buy when I have a specific want/need and go and look for that item. Some months it's nothing, others it could be £200 if I am updating my wardrobe.

MaryBoBary · 06/08/2021 16:33

For my 21st I got my colours done and the woman that did them said I should be spending about 20% of my monthly earnings on clothes!!! I probably spend about 5% of my earning over a year. Seems frivolous and wasteful to me.

Original poster
IceLace100 · 06/08/2021 16:37

@MaryBoBary

For my 21st I got my colours done and the woman that did them said I should be spending about 20% of my monthly earnings on clothes!!! I probably spend about 5% of my earning over a year. Seems frivolous and wasteful to me.
20%!!!!

I mean if you can spend 20% I'm v jealous! I think 5% would be more normal though!

OP posts:
Lanique · 06/08/2021 16:46

It varies. Some months I'll buy clothes and some months I won't. Sometimes I'll buy a few garments at a time and sometimes just one. In fact, some years I buy more than others. I think two years ago I bought loads because I seemed to be out of everything.

All in all probably £100 a month including shoes.

Jerseygirl12 · 06/08/2021 16:49

I have £900 a month to spend on myself and probably spend £150 on clothes but I usually spend it in a couple of big chunks a year and then buy a few cheap bits each month.

thickandfast · 06/08/2021 16:49

I think I spend about £200-£300 a month, way too much I know.

TooWicked · 06/08/2021 16:51

I spent about £400 in July, but probably won’t buy anything now ‘till September or October once I’ve dug out my cooler weather stuff and work out what I need for autumn/winter.

DeeCeeCherry · 06/08/2021 16:57

Nothing at the moment. I have loads of clothes, and a shoes passion. Just after lockdown started I made a pact I wouldn't buy any clothes for 2 years. I don't need anymore clothes, I'll die without having been able to wear everything, better for the environment etc.

I'm enjoying re-discovering outfits and putting stuff together in different ways. I have bought 1 pair of shoes though.

I love unusual clothing and vintage, and I can't stand fast fashion or chain store 'all looks the same' so that does help. 2 years of non-clothes buying will likely end up 5 years.

Pegasusmail · 06/08/2021 16:59

Not a lot at all. This month 2 pairs of trousers at 30 each.
I will buy some shoes and a couple of tops. I earn 500 a month net. I just buy what I actually need. Re wear a lot!!!

Pegasusmail · 06/08/2021 16:59

500 a week I meant

thickandfast · 06/08/2021 17:19

I seem to spend an awful lot but still re-wear old clothes all the time. Nothing seems to go unworn. How does that work?

cherrypiepie · 06/08/2021 20:50

I set an annual budget of £1200 including hair and beauty appointments and make up. (About 5%)

About 8 years ago I was very spendy and then bought nothing for a few years except ill conceived desperation purchases. I think this is a happy medium.

Annual is better for me as I can have a seasonal restock and then coats and shoes boots and bags always more expensive, and I can buy a few nicer pieces. Most of my things are from the cheaper end of the high street partially due to location (don't like online shopping) and partially cost.

I have a few rules - to buy things I will wear 30 times, to not buy in sales unless planned, to return things not worn before the receipts expires and to sell regularly on vinted. I have a small but really well selected wardrobe now.

My next step is to find some more mid /premium high street stores and buy Better quality/designed.

Bananalanacake · 06/08/2021 21:11

Not much as I'm doing the year without buying myself clothes challenge. But on holiday I got some new lounge wear, technically this is OK as DH paid for them, so it was him buying them not me.

FitToFly · 06/08/2021 21:13

I can go months without spending anything and then have a splurge. Probably over a year about ?3k

Lovemusic33 · 06/08/2021 21:47

Too much…probably £100+ but the same as others have said, one month it maybe nothing and the next it could be a lot more than £100.

stealingbeauty · 06/08/2021 22:52

Probably about £15 a month in charity shops. It’s rare for me to buy anything new as I’m so broke at the moment!

ReluctantEarlyRiser · 06/08/2021 22:56

I barely spend anything on clothes usually but have discovered Vinted and I'm slightly obsessed. That being said, I only spent £5.50 on a jumper last month! I did spend £80 on my hair though....

Original poster
IceLace100 · 06/08/2021 23:41

Thanks all - very useful and interesting to see the range!

I've gone so many years of saving every penny it's hard to let go and treat myself!

OP posts:
AnnieSnap · 07/08/2021 01:54

I am fairly appalled that I have been spending between £300 and £500 per month for the past several months. I have lost a lost of weight, so much that I had no clothes that fit. I like to think that ongoing, my spending will be much more modest. Also, since retiring with a huge drop in monthly income, I have a rule that I won’t pay full price for anything. That eases my guilt a little.

cantbeforeal · 07/08/2021 06:33

I haven't bought anything for a couple of years now. I can never find anything I like and nothing ever fits me right so I've given up Confused

jay55 · 07/08/2021 06:50

I do probably two big spends a year of 400-1000 depending what I want/need.

goose1964 · 07/08/2021 06:50

I usually only buy clothes after Christmas or after my birthday. This year I've been able to buy some out of those dates but mainly because some of my clothes are wearing out and need replacing. I do love clothes though .

purpledagger · 07/08/2021 10:31

I spend up to £150 on clothes, make up and beauty. I do make my money work hard though - I know what suits me and what will work with my lifestyle, so i don't often make 'regret' purchases. I also make use of sales and offers to avoid paying full price.

I feel like I have a good wardrobe with lots of choice and clothes for most occasions, so I'm saving up to buy a couple of expensive bags.

Baystard · 07/08/2021 10:51

Great thread OP.

Annually I think I spend about 2-3% of net salary. I don't buy clothes often, but will replace things that are wearing out and occasionally buy an expensive item.

I have a simple wardrobe, a couple of pairs of work trousers with some different tops and jumpers. I wear very similar clothes every day though. I rarely need to be properly suited and booted so I often use smart casual wear for work for a year or so and then demote to weekend wear.

I find it hard to feel justified in buying clothes. I've barely spent about 20% of my annual spend this year so have some catching up to do, but I often find an item and then have a wobble when it comes to the price (e.g. even which I can afford and is reasonable for the item in question) and put it back on the rail. I actually find it easier to buy the expensive one off items, e.g. some expensive boots or a winter coat or a handbag than 'normal' clothes.