This article caught my eye because only a couple of days ago I explained to my daughter why pajamas were invented: because once upon a time we wanted to keep our expensive daytime clothing clean and wrinkle-free because it was difficult and destructive to clean them. An essay at Etsy explains more about the way clothing used to be. In 1900, a new dress could cost a couple month's wages. Thanks to overseas labor, modern machinery, and synthetic fabrics, it only takes abut an hour to earn the price of a discount store dress.
Sixty pieces of new clothing a year? Really? Even my growing children don't buy that much! Link -via Boing Boing
As clothes have become cheaper, our clothing consumption has gone through the roof. In 1930, the average American woman owned an average of nine outfits. Today, we each buy more than 60 pieces of new clothing on average per year. Our closets are larger and more stuffed than ever, as we've traded quality and style for low prices and trend-chasing. In the face of these irresistible deals, our total spending on clothing has actually increased, from $7.82 billion spent on apparel in 1950 to $375 billion today. And the discounters are reaping the rewards.
Sixty pieces of new clothing a year? Really? Even my growing children don't buy that much! Link -via Boing Boing
You're right, though - even counting individual socks I don't suppose I buy more than 20 items of clothing a year.
However, around the first of August I can easily buy 60 items in one trip - basic school clothes for four teenagers!