We recently compiled a list of the 27 Most Fashionable Cities in the US and in this article we will talk about the most fashionable city in the US.
The Economic Powerhouse of Fashion: A Deep Dive into the US Market and Global Trends
The global fashion industry is a massive economic force, generating an estimated $1.7 trillion in revenue in 2021, which accounts for 1.7% of the world’s GDP. Women are widely regarded as the driving force behind the fashion industry’s success. A significant portion of women across various age groups actively follow and adopt the latest fashion trends. According to a survey, 36% of Gen Z women (born between 1997 and 2012) buy new clothing at least monthly, demonstrating their keen interest in staying fashionable.
The United States is the largest fashion market globally, with apparel sales revenues reaching $351.35 billion in 2023. While younger generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials, are often perceived as the most fashion-conscious, older age groups in the US also exhibit a strong interest in following fashion trends. According to a survey, the average American woman’s closet contains approximately 148 individual clothing items, indicating a substantial investment in fashion across age groups.
The US apparel market is expected to grow by 2.79% in 2025, reaching $1.84 trillion in revenue. Per capita spending on clothing and footwear in the US is the highest in the world at $1,460. The luxury clothing segment accounts for 5% of the global apparel market, while second-hand clothing accounts for 5.5%. The global apparel market is forecast to grow by 4.8% per year through 2026, with a total growth of 26% and a 15% increase in CO2 emissions.
Big Fashionable Brands in the USA
When talking about fashion, brands like Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL), Guess?. Inc. (NYSE:GES), Michael Kors, and Coach, among many others cannot be left behind. Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) was founded in 1967, and the brand has become synonymous with classic American style and luxury. The brand’s preppy, aspirational look, featuring polo shirts, chinos, and casual elegance, has become a defining element of American fashion. Ralph Lauren was the first American designer to be awarded an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). The company’s revenue increased slightly in Q1 2024 on a reported basis and 1% in constant currency, ahead of expectations which was led by growth in Asia and Europe. Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) maintained a healthy balance sheet with $1.7 billion in cash and short-term investments in Q1 and inventory growth of only 1%.
Similarly, Guess?. Inc. (NYSE:GES) has been at the forefront of setting fashion trends and shaping the industry’s landscape. The brand’s iconic denim collections, featuring bold designs and innovative washes, have been instrumental in defining the denim culture. Guess?. Inc. (NYSE:GES)’s jeans have become a symbol of youthful rebellion and self-expression, resonating with fashion-conscious individuals worldwide.
As of 2024, Guess?. Inc. (NYSE:GES) operates over 1,200 retail stores across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. The company has partnered with various licensees to produce and distribute Guess-branded products, including eyewear, watches, handbags, and fragrances. In Q1 2024, their total net revenue decreased 4% to $570 million in U.S. dollars and decreased 2% in constant currency. American retail revenues decreased 14% in U.S. dollars and 13% in constant currency and American wholesale revenues decreased 25% in U.S. dollars and 26% in constant currency. On the other hand, Europe revenues increased 2% in U.S. dollars and 5% in constant currency.
A stylish young woman modeling a dress from the retailer showcasing its cutting-edge fashion.
Our Methodology
Our methodology for ranking the most fashionable cities in the US is based on a consensus-driven approach. We reviewed numerous websites to identify cities with the highest number of fashion and luxury stores and the most notable fashion trends. Using Insider Monkey Scores, we then ranked the cities. The city in first place received 1 point (27/27=1), the city in second place received 0.96 points (26/27), and so on.
1. New York City, NY
Insider Monkey Score: 1
New York City tops the list of the most fashionable cities in the US. New York City is home to a thriving fashion industry and the most glamorous city in the US that employs 4.6% of the city’s private sector workforce Some notable trends that have originated from the city include:
- Streetwear and hip-hop influenced fashion
- Athleisure wear
- High-end luxury mixed with casual styles
New York city also stands among the most stylish cities in the US and the city with the best-dressed people.
To learn about other fashionable cities in the US, you can check out our detailed report 27 Most Fashionable Cities in the US. At Insider Monkey, we delve into a variety of topics, ranging from the best online ESL courses to business aspects; however, our expertise lies in identifying the top-performing stocks. Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure. None: This article is originally published on Insider Monkey.