Girls vs. Boys Clothing Prices: Is There a Gap?

When parents shop for children’s clothing, one question often arises: Are girls’ clothes more expensive than boys’ clothes? In 2025, in both the UK and the US, the answer is nuanced. Let’s take a closer look at real-world price comparisons.

UK Market Overview

In the UK, high-street brands like Next, Marks & Spencer, and H&M sell both boys’ and girls’ basics. Prices for everyday T-shirts, leggings, or joggers often fall in the £6–£12 range, regardless of gender. However, noticeable differences appear in certain categories:

Dresses for girls: typically £15–£30 (a category boys generally don’t need).

Boys’ jeans and trousers: around £12–£25, slightly more durable and sometimes priced higher due to heavier fabrics.

Outerwear: usually gender-neutral, averaging £30–£50, though girls’ coats may have added design details (fur trims, embellishments) that increase price by £5–£10.

US Market Overview

In the US, retailers such as Target, Old Navy, and Carter’s display similar trends. Basic tops and bottoms for both genders are priced $10–$20. Yet, specialty items diverge:

Girls’ dresses and skirts: $20–$35, making girls’ wardrobes more varied but sometimes pricier.

Boys’ jeans and cargo pants: $18–$28, reflecting durability.

Outerwear: ranges $40–$90 for both genders, though girls’ jackets with additional design features can add $5–$15.

The “Pink Tax” Debate

Researchers and parents sometimes refer to a “pink tax” in children’s clothing—where similar items cost slightly more if marketed toward girls. While the gap is not massive in children’s basics, it is more visible in occasionwear, dresses, and outerwear with added embellishments.

Budgeting Tip

Parents can minimize the gap by:

Shopping gender-neutral basics (often cheaper and easier to hand down to siblings).

Prioritizing durability over design—boys’ jeans may outlast two seasons, while girls’ skirts may be outgrown faster.

Checking unisex ranges in big retailers, often priced more evenly.

Summary Table

CategoryGirls (UK / US)Boys (UK / US)Basic Tops£6–£12 / $10–$20£6–£12 / $10–$20Bottoms£10–£18 / $15–$25£12–£25 / $18–$28Dresses£15–£30 / $20–$35N/AOuterwear£35–£55 / $45–$90£30–£50 / $40–$90

📌 Conclusion: Girls’ wardrobes often include more categories (especially dresses), which can push total spending higher, even if individual basics are similarly priced. Parents can save money by mixing unisex basics with a few standout gender-specific pieces.

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