Shopping trends – How men and women shop for clothes in Britain
As 2025 begins, YouGov Profiles reveals how men and women’s clothing shopping habits differ over the past year.
When it comes to frequency, women are more likely than men to shop for clothes at least once a month (26% women vs. 17% men). Similarly, women also lead slightly in shopping every 2-3 months, with 35% compared to 31% of men.
Shopping preferences show distinct behavioral patterns. Women are more inclined to buy based on what appeals to them, with 44% saying they purchase items they like the look of in shops, compared to 36% of men. Men are more likely to say they prioritise comfort over fashion compared to women, with 36% of men and 32% of women stating they don’t follow trends and prefer to feel comfortable in their clothing. Meanwhile, 13% of men and 10% of women lean toward timeless, classic styles rather than trendy items. About 7% of men and 8% of women keep up to date with latest fashion and buy a few key pieces each season.
Spending habits further illustrate differences in priorities. Women report higher spending in lower to mid-range categories, with 29% spending up to £50 in the past three months compared to 23% of men. In the £51-£100 range also, women outspend men, 25% to 20%. Spending in the higher brackets is more evenly distributed. About 9% of both men and women report spending between £101 and £150, while 9% of women and 7% of men fall in the £151 to £300 category.
These insights, gathered using YouGov Profiles show differences in clothing shopping behaviors among genders. Women tend to shop more frequently and spend slightly more on average, often favouring items they find appealing in shops. Men, in contrast, are more likely to shop less often and prioritise comfort and timeless styles over trends.
Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race. Learn more about Profiles.