TOP 20 BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING SPENDING TRENDS 2025
Every year when summer starts winding down, I find myself curious about how families are preparing for the season ahead. This year, I dug deep into the back to school clothing spending trends because they reveal not just numbers, but the priorities parents and students hold close. I know the feeling of wanting kids to start fresh—with new outfits, the right gear, and yes, even a few fun extras like colorful socks that somehow always end up on the shopping list. Looking at these trends makes me reflect on how back-to-school shopping is more than a transaction; it’s about balancing budgets, boosting confidence, and creating those small rituals that mark the start of a new school year. For me, it’s fascinating to see how both practical needs and social influences shape what ends up in the cart.
Top 20 Back to School Clothing Spending Trends 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
| Trend # | Trend Title / Focus Area | Metric / Data Point | Consumer Impact / Insight | Retailer / Brand Implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clothing = Top Expense | Clothing leads BTS budgets | Families prioritize apparel even while trimming elsewhere | Retailers push fashion bundles to capture spend |
| 2 | Total K–12 Spend | $858 per family | Slightly down from $874 in 2024 | Retailers adjust with competitive pricing |
| 3 | Per-Student Clothing Budget | $417 average | Lower than $472 in 2024, reflecting cautious spend | Stores focus on basics and multipack deals |
| 4 | Deloitte Clothing Spend | ~$570 per child | Clothing stays steady as a core category | Brands highlight durability and longevity |
| 5 | Year-on-Year Flat Spending | ~$570 per student | Spending shows stability despite inflation | Retailers maintain consistent assortments |
| 6 | Tariff & Inflation Pressure | Tariffs raising costs | Parents shop earlier to avoid price hikes | Retailers adjust sourcing and pricing freezes |
| 7 | Price Freezes | Target & DG freeze 2024 prices | Families find relief from rising costs | Boosts store loyalty during BTS |
| 8 | Stockpiling Inventory | Retailers stock early | Ensures supply despite tariffs | Reduces risk of shortages mid-season |
| 9 | Coupons & Loyalty Use | 92% influenced by offers | Parents rely on deals to stretch budgets | Retailers enhance rewards programs |
| 10 | Payment Methods | 63% credit, 23% BNPL | More families finance clothing purchases | Stores promote flexible payment options |
| 11 | Cutbacks on Non-Essentials | 27% cut clothing | Parents scaling back on extras | Retailers emphasize core apparel lines |
| 12 | Brand Switching | 39% switch brands | Shoppers prioritize value over loyalty | Private labels gain traction |
| 13 | Spreading Purchases | Shopping spread over months | Families ease financial pressure | Retailers push early promotions |
| 14 | Full-Price Strategy | Luxury labels test pricing | Affluent families continue spending | Brands like Levi’s avoid deep discounting |
| 15 | Discount Stores Attract Wealthy | $100k+ families shop at Dollar General | High earners seek bargains | Discount retailers broaden customer base |
| 16 | Influencer Luxury Effect | Chanel sneakers, Alo Yoga in demand | TikTok fuels overspending in youth | Luxury brands leverage social media buzz |
| 17 | Thrift & Resale Growth | Growing resale adoption | Families find savings in second-hand | Retailers expand resale partnerships |
| 18 | Athleisure Dominance | Joggers & leggings lead | Youth wardrobes shaped by comfort | Brands expand athleisure lines |
| 19 | Segment Differences | K–12 vs College timing differs | College students shop later, independently | Retailers tailor campaigns by age group |
| 20 | Tech vs Clothing | 25% spend $500+ on tech | Tech rises but clothing remains essential | Retailers bundle apparel with tech offers |
Top 20 Back to School Clothing Spending Trends 2025
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#1 Clothing = Top Expense
Clothing continues to be the largest category in back-to-school shopping budgets. Families see apparel as essential, even if they cut back on supplies or electronics. This prioritization reflects the social importance of children starting school in fresh outfits. Apparel serves both a functional need and a confidence booster for students. Retailers use this demand to highlight bundles and mix-and-match options.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#2 Total K–12 Spend $858 Per Family
The average K–12 household is expected to spend about $858 on back-to-school needs in 2025. This figure represents a small decrease from $874 in 2024, signaling cautious consumer sentiment. Parents are balancing clothing, shoes, supplies, and technology within tighter budgets. Despite the dip, the spending level remains historically high. Retailers must optimize promotions to capture a share of this sizable spend.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#3 Per-Student Clothing Budget $417
Parents anticipate spending around $417 per child on clothing in 2025. This marks a decline from $472 last year, reflecting economic pressures. While budgets are shrinking, clothing is still a priority because children outgrow items quickly. Families are focusing on essentials rather than trend-driven extras. Retailers should emphasize affordability without compromising on durability.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#4 Deloitte Clothing Spend ~$570 Per Child
According to Deloitte’s survey, families allocate about $570 per child on clothing. This shows clothing’s role as a stable category, even when other expenses fluctuate. Parents continue to see apparel as an investment in their children’s readiness. This steady demand creates opportunities for retailers to push new collections. Highlighting value and quality will help brands justify prices.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#5 Year-On-Year Flat Spending ~$570
Back-to-school clothing spending remains flat year-over-year at around $570 per student. The consistency shows that apparel remains a non-negotiable category. Families may shift where they shop, but not whether they buy clothes. Inflationary pressure hasn’t stopped parents from allocating funds for clothing. Retailers can benefit from predictable demand by planning early.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#6 Tariff & Inflation Pressure
Tariffs and inflation continue to affect back-to-school clothing prices. Parents respond by shopping earlier to lock in lower costs. Rising import duties on textiles and accessories make essentials more expensive. This forces families to prioritize core clothing items over extras. Retailers may need to rethink supply chain strategies to keep prices attractive.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#7 Price Freezes At Major Retailers
Stores like Target and Dollar General are holding 2024 prices on certain clothing items. Price freezes help families manage costs in the face of inflation. This move builds trust and loyalty among budget-conscious shoppers. By maintaining affordability, retailers attract both existing and new customers. It also positions them as reliable choices during financial uncertainty.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#8 Stockpiling Inventory Early
Retailers are stockpiling inventory early in 2025 to offset tariff risks. By securing products ahead of time, they aim to maintain price stability. Families benefit by having access to essentials without dramatic price jumps. This approach also reduces the risk of mid-season shortages. Planning ahead is becoming a critical retailer strategy in clothing.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#9 Coupons & Loyalty Use 92%
Around 92% of parents are influenced by coupons, loyalty programs, or discounts. These savings tools are now central to how families shop for clothing. For many, it determines where they buy rather than what they buy. Parents may also take on debt to ensure their kids have what they need. Retailers must strengthen loyalty rewards to stay competitive.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#10 Payment Methods Credit 63% BNPL 23%
Credit cards remain the leading payment option for back-to-school spending, used by 63% of families. About 23% are turning to buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. These payment methods show how families manage big seasonal costs. Apparel purchases are increasingly financed rather than fully paid upfront. Retailers offering flexible payments can ease financial stress for parents.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#11 Cutbacks On Non-Essentials 27%
Roughly 27% of families say they will cut back on clothing purchases in 2025. Rising prices force parents to prioritize essentials over trendy extras. Students may get fewer new outfits compared to past years. This shift emphasizes practical shopping over style experimentation. Retailers must adapt with core collections and budget-friendly assortments.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#12 Brand Switching 39%
About 39% of parents plan to switch clothing brands for better deals. Loyalty is declining as families chase value and affordability. Private-label apparel and discount brands are gaining traction. Shoppers are less concerned with logos and more focused on savings. Retailers must highlight cost-effectiveness to retain or capture customers.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#13 Spreading Purchases Over Time
Families are spreading purchases throughout the season rather than buying everything at once. This staggered approach helps manage cash flow. Parents may buy essentials early and wait for discounts on extras. Clothing purchases are increasingly timed with sales events. Retailers must create rolling promotions to capture these waves of spending.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#14 Full-Price Strategy At Luxury Brands
Luxury and premium clothing brands are leaning into full-price strategies. They are betting on affluent families who maintain strong spending power. These shoppers are less affected by inflationary pressures. Brands like Levi’s and Ralph Lauren are testing higher price positioning. It reflects confidence in demand from status-conscious parents and students.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#15 Discount Stores Attract $100K+ Families
High-income households are shopping at discount retailers like Dollar General. Even families earning over $100K seek deals in 2025. This marks a shift in perception of discount shopping. Bargain hunting is no longer tied only to lower-income households. Retailers in this category are broadening their reach across demographics.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#16 Influencer Luxury Effect
Social media influencers drive demand for luxury apparel like Chanel sneakers and Alo Yoga. TikTok and YouTube are shaping what kids want for school. Parents feel pressured to spend more to meet these expectations. Luxury clothing becomes a symbol of social belonging for students. Retailers and brands leverage influencer marketing to fuel sales.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#17 Thrift & Resale Growth
Thrift and resale clothing are gaining traction among families. Parents use resale as a cost-saving and sustainable option. Students also embrace second-hand fashion as trendy. This dual appeal boosts platforms like ThredUp and in-store resale programs. Retailers are expanding partnerships to capture the resale market.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#18 Athleisure Dominance
Athleisure remains the dominant clothing category for students. Items like joggers, leggings, and sweatshirts are top picks. The comfort trend continues to shape youth wardrobes in 2025. Athleisure balances casual style with practicality for school settings. Brands are expanding lines to meet growing demand in this category.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#19 Segment Differences K–12 vs College
Shopping habits differ between K–12 families and college students. Parents of younger children shop earlier and use loyalty programs. College students shop later and make independent decisions. Clothing preferences also differ between age groups. Retailers must tailor campaigns to each demographic’s behavior.
Back to School Clothing Spending Trends#20 Tech vs Clothing Balance
Around 25% of parents plan to spend over $500 on tech. While technology spending rises, clothing remains essential. Families balance both needs, often cutting in other categories. Clothing continues to carry emotional weight for back-to-school. Retailers combine clothing and tech promotions to maximize sales.
Why These Trends Matter to Me
As I went through these twenty trends, I couldn’t help but connect them to the real-life choices families (including my own) make every August. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but behind every statistic there’s a parent deciding between splurging on a trendy hoodie or sticking with a durable pair of jeans. These patterns show that clothing, no matter the economy, continues to carry emotional weight in preparing for school. I personally see shopping for socks or a new pair of shoes not just as an expense but as part of the excitement and confidence-building that comes with a new start. That’s why I believe these trends are more than data points—they’re a glimpse into how we try to give kids the best possible beginning to the school year.
SOURCES
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/back-to-school-survey.html
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/tariffs-back-to-school-shopping-2025-prices
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/shopping/2025-back-to-school-shopping-report
https://www.outfront.com/blog/back-to-school-shopping-ten-need-to-know-trends
https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/monetize-back-to-school-trends