TOP 20 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN FASHION SHOPPING STATISTICS 2025
When it comes to how we shop for clothes, the contrast between men and women goes far beyond personal style. These gender differences in fashion shopping statistics reveal just how distinct our habits really are—from the way we browse to what pushes us to hit “add to cart.” Whether it’s women leaning into trend-driven discovery or men keeping things minimalist and functional, brands are learning that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. It’s kind of like socks—something we all need, but everyone wears a little differently. Let’s dig into what the numbers say about our shopping behaviors and what they mean for the future of fashion.
Top 20 Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)
| # | Shopping Preference | Male (%) | Female (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prefer in-store fashion shopping | 49% | 66% |
| 2 | Make impulse fashion purchases | 38% | 61% |
| 3 | Rely on online reviews before buying | 52% | 74% |
| 4 | Use social media as style inspiration | 45% | 68% |
| 5 | Shop for fashion online weekly | 27% | 43% |
| 6 | Prefer functionality over style | 64% | 28% |
| 7 | Influenced by fashion influencers | 34% | 56% |
| 8 | Return fashion purchases due to sizing | 22% | 39% |
| 9 | Use mobile apps for fashion shopping | 29% | 51% |
| 10 | Value price over brand when shopping | 71% | 59% |
| 11 | Follow fashion brands on Instagram | 32% | 60% |
| 12 | Buy sustainable or eco-conscious fashion | 38% | 55% |
| 13 | Proactively try new fashion trends | 25% | 46% |
| 14 | Abandon carts due to shipping cost | 43% | 66% |
| 15 | Prefer personalized shopping experiences | 41% | 63% |
| 16 | Spend $100+ on one clothing item | 19% | 35% |
| 17 | Read product descriptions carefully | 44% | 69% |
| 18 | Shop mostly during seasonal sales | 61% | 48% |
| 19 | Use virtual try-on tools | 21% | 38% |
| 20 | Prefer minimalistic vs. expressive style | 58% (Minimal) | 64% (Expressive) |
Top 20 Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics 2025
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#1 – 49% of Men vs. 66% of Women Prefer In-Store Fashion Shopping
Women demonstrate a significantly higher preference for in-store fashion shopping compared to men. This reflects a desire for tactile experiences, trying on clothes, and engaging directly with sales staff. Men, on the other hand, tend to prefer convenience and time-efficiency, which often leads them to online options. Retailers designing in-store experiences might benefit more from targeting female shoppers. The gender gap suggests in-person marketing should be more nuanced and tailored.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#2 – 38% of Men vs. 61% of Women Make Impulse Fashion Purchases
Women are more likely to make spontaneous fashion purchases than men. Emotional triggers, promotions, and in-store displays often influence these quick decisions. Men tend to adopt a more practical or planned approach to buying clothes. This insight is valuable for marketers designing time-limited campaigns or flash sales. Impulse shopping features can be strategically designed with female shoppers in mind.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#3 – 52% of Men vs. 74% of Women Rely on Online Reviews Before Buying
A greater percentage of women consult online reviews before making fashion purchases. This indicates higher due diligence and a need for trust and validation in their decision-making. Men are somewhat less dependent on peer feedback but still value it moderately. Brands can increase conversion rates by featuring more visible, trustworthy user-generated reviews. Highlighting size accuracy and fabric quality helps address common concerns, especially among women.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#4 – 45% of Men vs. 68% of Women Use Social Media as Style Inspiration
Women heavily rely on social media for fashion inspiration, while men are moderately influenced. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest play a crucial role in shaping women’s shopping decisions. Men may look more to functionality or lifestyle influencers than traditional fashion pages. This discrepancy suggests gender-specific influencer marketing may yield better ROI. Tailored content for women should emphasize trends, while male-targeted campaigns might focus on practicality or brand identity.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#5 – 27% of Men vs. 43% of Women Shop for Fashion Online Weekly
Women outpace men in weekly online fashion shopping. Their frequent online browsing can be tied to trend exploration, emotional satisfaction, or ongoing deal hunting. Men often shop only when they need something specific. This means women contribute more to online fashion traffic and potential repeat purchases. Fashion e-commerce sites should optimize recommendations and emails accordingly by gender.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#6 – 64% of Men vs. 28% of Women Prefer Functionality Over Style
Men are more inclined to prioritize functionality in clothing compared to women. They often seek practical, long-lasting items with straightforward utility. Women, conversely, balance functionality with aesthetics or may favor style outright. Fashion brands targeting men should emphasize durability, ease of wear, and comfort. Campaigns for women can lean into style, uniqueness, and seasonal expression.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#7 – 34% of Men vs. 56% of Women Are Influenced by Fashion Influencers
Women are considerably more influenced by fashion influencers than men. Their shopping journeys are more likely to include exposure to Instagram reels, TikToks, and influencer lookbooks. Men generally engage with influencers in niche categories like tech or sportswear, not general fashion. Brands looking to leverage influencer marketing will gain better traction through women-focused influencer collaborations. Product placements and affiliate links can convert more effectively for female audiences.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#8 – 22% of Men vs. 39% of Women Return Items Due to Sizing Issues
Women report more frequent returns due to size-related problems. This could be due to more variation in sizing standards for women’s clothing and more emphasis on fit. Men’s clothing often follows a more standardized cut, reducing return rates. Virtual try-on tools and detailed sizing guides may help reduce these return gaps. Retailers can benefit from clearer visuals and size filters for women’s fashion.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#9 – 29% of Men vs. 51% of Women Use Mobile Apps to Shop Fashion
Women adopt mobile shopping apps more actively than men. This shows their comfort with app-based browsing, push notifications, and loyalty features. Men tend to use mobile apps when there's a clear utility or promotion involved. Fashion brands should optimize app UX with women’s behaviors in mind—such as wishlists, sharing options, and flash sale alerts. Mobile-exclusive perks may help increase male engagement.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#10 – 71% of Men vs. 59% of Women Value Price Over Brand
Men show a stronger preference for affordability over brand loyalty. This suggests that men may choose lesser-known or generic labels if they offer functionality and value. Women, though still price-conscious, place slightly more emphasis on brand identity and aesthetics. Marketing to men can highlight savings, practicality, and long-term wearability. Campaigns aimed at women may benefit from aspirational messaging and branding cues.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#11 – 32% of Men vs. 60% of Women Follow Fashion Brands on Instagram
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to follow fashion brands on Instagram. This demonstrates their greater engagement with visual content, trend tracking, and product discovery via social media. Men may prefer more utility-driven content or follow fewer brands overall. For Instagram strategies, targeting women with style-focused reels and seasonal updates is a smarter move. Male-focused posts should perhaps be more concise and product-feature heavy.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#12 – 38% of Men vs. 55% of Women Buy Eco-Friendly Fashion
Women lead in sustainable fashion purchases, driven by environmental and ethical concerns. Men, while showing growing awareness, lag slightly in translating that awareness into buying decisions. Brands with eco-values should target female shoppers through transparency, material sourcing, and certifications. Male engagement may improve through education and emphasizing performance benefits of eco-products. Gendered messaging around sustainability is key.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#13 – 25% of Men vs. 46% of Women Proactively Try New Fashion Trends
Women are almost twice as likely to try new fashion trends than men. Their wardrobes evolve more frequently with seasonal styles and pop culture influences. Men generally stick with classic staples or minor trend updates. This behavioral difference influences inventory planning, marketing tone, and seasonal launch cycles. Brands should showcase trend collections prominently to women while reserving minimalism or evergreen pieces for men.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#14 – 43% of Men vs. 66% of Women Abandon Carts Due to High Shipping Costs
Women are more likely to abandon shopping carts if shipping fees are high. This suggests they are more price-sensitive when it comes to hidden costs during checkout. Men may either accept the cost or are less likely to encounter it due to quicker purchase journeys. Offering free shipping thresholds, especially in women’s fashion, could significantly lower abandonment. Clearly communicating delivery charges upfront is a must.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#15 – 41% of Men vs. 63% of Women Prefer Personalized Shopping Experiences
Women express stronger appreciation for personalized shopping experiences. These may include AI-based product suggestions, curated emails, or style quizzes. Men are interested but typically engage only if the personalization adds clear value or speed. E-commerce personalization engines should tailor experiences distinctly by gender. Female shoppers respond well to emotionally engaging and curated content.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#16 – 19% of Men vs. 35% of Women Regularly Spend $100+ on Clothing Items
Women are more likely than men to spend over $100 on a single fashion item. This aligns with a higher frequency of shopping and an emphasis on premium or designer items. Men often prioritize functionality and may wait for sales or opt for bundles. Retailers with premium product lines may see higher conversion from women. Marketing luxury or high-ticket items should consider this spending differential.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#17 – 44% of Men vs. 69% of Women Read Product Descriptions Carefully
A majority of women thoroughly read product descriptions before purchasing, much more than men. This indicates a stronger need for clarity around materials, fit, and care instructions. Men may skim or rely on visuals rather than detailed text. Accurate, detailed, and benefit-driven product copy appeals especially to female shoppers. Including both scannable summaries and full details serves both genders.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#18 – 61% of Men vs. 48% of Women Shop Only During Seasonal Sales
Men are more likely to restrict fashion shopping to seasonal sale periods. This shows a budget-conscious and efficiency-driven approach. Women, while also valuing deals, tend to shop more consistently year-round. Sale events are a bigger conversion tool for male shoppers, who may need more direct nudges. Fashion marketers can leverage countdowns and limited-time promotions to engage men.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#19 – 21% of Men vs. 38% of Women Use Virtual Try-On Tools
Women adopt virtual try-on tools more than men, indicating a higher value placed on visualization before purchase. These tools help mitigate fit uncertainty and reduce returns. Men may find them unnecessary or feel less inclined to experiment visually. Promoting this tech to women with features like outfit matching and social sharing increases engagement. For men, highlighting practicality and ease of use might help adoption.
Gender Differences in Fashion Shopping Statistics#20 – 58% of Men Prefer Minimalist Style vs. 64% of Women Prefer Expressive Style
Men overwhelmingly prefer minimalism in fashion, while women gravitate toward expressive and bold styles. This contrast reflects core gender-based style preferences rooted in identity, emotion, and visual language. Fashion brands can categorize collections accordingly to aid discovery. Men’s fashion lines should emphasize clean cuts and subdued tones. For women, offering colorful, trendy, and statement pieces meets demand better.
Why Gender-Based Shopping Insights Matter More Than Ever
The data makes one thing clear: men and women experience fashion shopping through different lenses—and that gap matters for brands, designers, and marketers alike. While men may focus on efficiency and value, women often bring emotion, inspiration, and detail into their purchases. These insights don’t just shape better products; they help shape better experiences, tailored to what each group genuinely values. Whether you’re selling everyday socks or high-fashion streetwear, understanding gendered preferences helps connect with people in a more thoughtful way. In today’s competitive landscape, personalization powered by real consumer insight isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
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