TOP 20 US APPAREL MARKET STATISTICS 2025
When I first started digging into us apparel market statistics, I was surprised by just how much the numbers reveal about everyday choices we take for granted. From the billions flowing through online stores to the way shoppers balance their budgets, these figures paint a picture of both opportunity and challenge. It reminds me of how even something as simple as buying socks can reflect bigger industry shifts—whether it’s fast fashion cycles, sustainability concerns, or shifting import sources. Reading the stats is like seeing behind the curtain of our closets, showing how deeply fashion ties into culture and economy. I’ve tried to keep this breakdown both data-driven and approachable, so the story of the apparel market feels relatable rather than distant.
Top 20 US Apparel Market Statistics 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
| # | Statistic | Category | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. apparel market size estimated at $365.7B in 2025 | Market Size | CAGR 2.11% (2025–2028) |
| 2 | Market value $353.2B in 2024 → $447.7B by 2034 | Market Size | CAGR 2.4% |
| 3 | Alternate estimate $564.2B in 2023 | Market Size | 3% CAGR (2023–2028) |
| 4 | E-commerce apparel: $170B (2024) → $415.1B (2034) | E-commerce | 9.34% CAGR |
| 5 | Average women’s apparel spending: $735 per household | Consumer Spending | Higher vs. men ($454) |
| 6 | Per capita spending: $655 women vs. $406 men | Consumer Spending | Stable |
| 7 | Millennials spend 3.2% of budget on apparel | Demographics | Gen X 2.8%, Gen Z 2.5% |
| 8 | Category CAGR: Men 2.7%, Women 2.6%, Kids 2.4%, Sportswear 2.3% | Segment Growth | Moderate growth |
| 9 | Global apparel market $1.77–1.8T, U.S. is largest | Global Share | Stable |
| 10 | North America holds 34% of e-commerce apparel market | E-commerce | Growing share |
| 11 | Women’s apparel = 69% of U.S. e-commerce revenue | E-commerce | Strong dominance |
| 12 | Women’s apparel = 52% of total apparel market | Market Share | 3.6% CAGR forecast |
| 13 | Imports from China drop to $556M in May 2025 | Supply Chain | Down sharply (22-year low) |
| 14 | Sourcing shifts: -25% from China, +29% SE Asia, +12% Mexico | Supply Chain | Shift in sourcing |
| 15 | 97% of clothing & 99% of shoes in U.S. are imported | Imports | Stable dependence |
| 16 | Tariffs may raise kids’ shoes $26 → $41, running shoes $155 → $220 | Tariffs | Up to +60% costs |
| 17 | Retail prices up 2% (apparel) and 4% (footwear) in 2025 | Pricing | Upward trend |
| 18 | U.S. consumers discard 81.5 lbs clothing per year | Sustainability | ~11.3M tons yearly |
| 19 | Average garment lifespan dropped 36% in 15 years | Sustainability | Declining usage |
| 20 | 17M tons textile waste (2018): 11.3M landfill, 3.2M incinerated, 2.5M recycled | Sustainability | Low recycling rate |
Top 20 US Apparel Market Statistics 2025
US Apparel Market Statistics #1 — U.S. Apparel Market Size Estimated At $365.7B In 2025
The U.S. apparel market is projected to reach a value of $365.7 billion in 2025, reflecting its position as one of the largest consumer markets in the world. This size underscores the steady demand for clothing across all demographic groups. Growth remains moderate, with a CAGR of 2.11% expected between 2025 and 2028. The market is influenced by consumer confidence, economic conditions, and fashion trends. Overall, this statistic shows a resilient sector poised for continued expansion.
US Apparel Market Statistics #2 — Market Value $353.2B In 2024 → $447.7B By 2034
In 2024, the U.S. apparel market was valued at $353.2 billion, and projections indicate it will reach $447.7 billion by 2034. This long-term growth represents a CAGR of 2.4% over the decade. It signals that while the industry is mature, it still has space for gradual expansion. The projection highlights consistent demand for both everyday wear and specialty apparel categories. Brands focusing on innovation and sustainability may capture the lion’s share of this growth.
US Apparel Market Statistics #3 — Alternate Estimate $564.2B In 2023
Another analysis estimated the U.S. apparel market at $564.2 billion in 2023, highlighting methodological differences across sources. This figure is significantly higher than other projections, suggesting broader category inclusions such as accessories and footwear. The estimate comes with a forecast CAGR of about 3% through 2028. It reflects consumer resilience and appetite for apparel even in fluctuating economic conditions. This divergence underscores the need for context when comparing industry valuations.
US Apparel Market Statistics #4 — E-commerce Apparel $170B (2024) → $415.1B (2034)
The e-commerce apparel segment was valued at $170 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $415.1 billion by 2034. With a CAGR of 9.34%, this is one of the fastest-growing sub-sectors in retail. Digital adoption, convenience, and personalized experiences drive this surge. Mobile shopping and social commerce are key contributors to the growth. This highlights the dominance of online platforms in shaping the future of apparel sales.
US Apparel Market Statistics #5 — Average Women’s Apparel Spending $735 Per Household
On average, U.S. households spend $735 annually on women’s apparel. This amount outpaces men’s apparel spending, which stands at $454. The higher spending reflects women’s broader fashion choices and higher purchasing frequency. Women’s apparel consistently leads in retail performance, making it a core driver of the industry. This highlights the importance of targeting women consumers in apparel marketing strategies.
US Apparel Market Statistics #6 — Per Capita Spending $655 Women Vs $406 Men
Per capita spending on apparel shows women averaging $655 annually, while men average $406. This reflects a clear gender gap in clothing consumption. The difference is consistent across multiple studies and highlights lifestyle and fashion dynamics. Retailers often prioritize women’s apparel collections due to higher margins and sales frequency. This divide is crucial for brands when designing marketing campaigns and inventory strategies.
US Apparel Market Statistics #7 — Millennials Spend 3.2% Of Budget On Apparel
Millennials allocate 3.2% of their household budget to apparel, more than other generations. Gen X follows with 2.8%, and Gen Z spends about 2.5%. This shows that millennials are still the primary drivers of clothing demand in the U.S. Their purchasing is influenced by brand loyalty, sustainability values, and online shopping habits. This insight helps brands design campaigns specifically for millennial spending priorities.
US Apparel Market Statistics #8 — Category CAGR Men 2.7%, Women 2.6%, Kids 2.4%, Sportswear 2.3%
Between 2025 and 2034, men’s apparel is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7%. Women’s apparel will see a similar CAGR of 2.6%, while kids’ apparel is slightly lower at 2.4%. Sportswear, a strong trend category, is still projected at a 2.3% CAGR. These steady rates reflect ongoing but moderate expansion across categories. Overall, they indicate a balanced growth outlook across segments.
US Apparel Market Statistics #9 — Global Apparel Market $1.77–1.8T, U.S. Is Largest
The global apparel market is valued between $1.77 trillion and $1.8 trillion, with the U.S. holding the largest share. This solidifies the U.S. as the most influential player in global apparel demand. It provides opportunities for both domestic brands and international suppliers. The dominance is fueled by consumer diversity and high spending capacity. This positions the U.S. as a benchmark for global fashion trends.
US Apparel Market Statistics #10 — North America Holds 34% Of E-commerce Apparel Market
North America accounted for 34% of the global e-commerce apparel market in 2024. This share illustrates the region’s advanced online shopping ecosystem. Factors include widespread internet penetration, payment infrastructure, and established e-commerce players. The U.S. leads this regional dominance, setting trends for online retail globally. The figure highlights why brands prioritize digital-first strategies in North America.
US Apparel Market Statistics #11 — Women’s Apparel 69% Of U.S. E-commerce Revenue
Women’s apparel accounts for 69% of U.S. e-commerce apparel revenue. This dominance demonstrates women’s role as the primary online shoppers for clothing. Female consumers value product variety, style diversity, and convenience in e-commerce. Retailers with strong women’s fashion offerings are well-positioned for growth. This makes women’s apparel a cornerstone of e-commerce strategy.
US Apparel Market Statistics #12 — Women’s Apparel 52% Of Total Apparel Market
Women’s apparel represents 52% of the total U.S. apparel market. This makes it the largest sub-sector, ahead of men’s and kids’ clothing. With a projected CAGR of 3.6%, women’s fashion continues to expand steadily. The category’s strength is supported by broad product ranges and faster trend cycles. This ensures women’s apparel remains the largest and most dynamic part of the industry.
US Apparel Market Statistics #13 — Imports From China Drop To $556M In May 2025
In May 2025, U.S. apparel imports from China dropped to $556 million, the lowest in 22 years. The decline was driven by high tariffs on Chinese goods. This statistic reflects the industry’s vulnerability to geopolitical and trade policies. Retailers are increasingly diversifying sourcing to reduce dependency on China. This marks a major shift in global supply chain strategies.
US Apparel Market Statistics #14 — Sourcing Shifts -25% From China, +29% SE Asia, +12% Mexico
U.S. buyers reduced sourcing from China by about 25% in Q2 2025. At the same time, sourcing from Southeast Asia rose by 29% and from Mexico by 12%. This shift shows a rapid diversification of supply chains. Brands are looking for cost-effective and tariff-free alternatives. The trend points to a restructured global apparel sourcing map.
US Apparel Market Statistics #15 — 97% Of Clothing & 99% Of Shoes Imported
Approximately 97% of clothing and 99% of shoes sold in the U.S. are imported. This highlights the country’s heavy reliance on global supply chains. Domestic production remains minimal, making the industry vulnerable to external disruptions. Tariffs, shipping costs, and geopolitical issues can strongly impact prices. This reliance underscores the importance of trade policy in fashion economics.
US Apparel Market Statistics #16 — Tariffs May Raise Kids’ Shoes $26 → $41, Running Shoes $155 → $220
Tariffs on apparel and footwear imports could significantly raise consumer prices. For example, children’s shoes may increase from $26 to $41. Running shoes from Vietnam could rise from $155 to $220. These increases place pressure on both consumers and retailers. It demonstrates how trade policies directly affect affordability and demand.
US Apparel Market Statistics #17 — Retail Prices Up 2% Apparel And 4% Footwear In 2025
In 2025, retail apparel prices rose by nearly 2%, while footwear prices rose by 4%. These increases stem largely from tariffs and supply chain adjustments. The changes forced retailers like Macy’s to revise their earnings forecasts. Consumers are already feeling the pressure of higher costs. This shows how macroeconomic forces ripple through everyday clothing purchases.
US Apparel Market Statistics #18 — U.S. Consumers Discard 81.5 Lbs Clothing Per Year
On average, each U.S. consumer discards 81.5 pounds of clothing per year. This amounts to about 11.3 million tons of clothing going to landfills annually. The number reflects the throwaway culture tied to fast fashion. It highlights major environmental challenges facing the industry. Sustainable practices are increasingly needed to counter this waste.
US Apparel Market Statistics #19 — Average Garment Lifespan Dropped 36% In 15 Years
Over the past 15 years, the average lifespan of garments has decreased by 36%. This trend is linked to fast fashion and shorter trend cycles. Consumers replace clothing more frequently, adding to waste. It also affects brand loyalty, as shoppers move quickly to new styles. The reduction underscores the sustainability crisis in fashion.
US Apparel Market Statistics #20 — 17M Tons Textile Waste In 2018: 11.3M Landfill, 3.2M Incinerated, 2.5M Recycled
In 2018, the U.S. generated 17 million tons of textile waste. Of this, 11.3 million tons ended up in landfills. Another 3.2 million tons were incinerated, while only 2.5 million tons were recycled. This shows the extremely low recycling rates in apparel. It calls for urgent reforms in fashion’s waste management systems.
Why These Statistics Matter For The Future Of Fashion
Looking at all of these us apparel market statistics together, the one thing that stands out most is how dynamic and fragile the system really is. Prices shift with tariffs, consumer behavior changes with generations, and sustainability continues to be the elephant in the room. What feels like a personal choice—picking up a pair of socks, replacing a favorite shirt, or choosing to shop online—ripples across a $300+ billion market. These insights aren’t just numbers; they’re a reflection of how we live, shop, and express ourselves. The future of apparel in the U.S. will depend on how brands, policymakers, and consumers respond to these realities.
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