Over the past three decades, Iranians have experienced a seismic shift in their cost of living, with significant impacts on essential aspects such as food, housing, and clothing.
Three decades ago, the annual cost of clothing for the average Iranian was a modest 11,000 tomans. Fast forward to the present day, and this figure has surged to a staggering 1.41 million tomans, representing a remarkable 127-fold increase. It is essential to note that these statistics, derived from official reports, may not comprehensively capture the actual inflation in the clothing sector, often surpassing the conservative estimates.
Even the official reports from the central bank and statistics center acknowledge a substantial inflationary trend in the clothing sector. In 1993, the average Iranian household in urban areas spent nearly 600,000 tomans annually, with approximately 55,270 tomans allocated to clothing expenses. This equates to an average yearly clothing expenditure of 11,540 tomans per individual.
In contemporary Iran, the annual expenses of each household has exceeded 137 million tomans, with nearly 4.937 million tomans earmarked for clothing. With the average household size now standing at 3.5 people, this results in an average annual clothing expenditure of 1.41 million tomans per person. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these figures are based on conservative estimates that may not entirely reflect the actual costs of obtaining decent clothing.
While official statistics provide specific price ranges for clothing, practical observations reveal a more nuanced reality. The cost of basic items such as shoes can vary widely, ranging from 200,000 tomans to 7-8 million tomans. However, most buyers tend to opt for shoes in the 700,000 to 800,000 toman range. This reflects an overall trend of continuous price increases in goods and services over the past four decades.
The impact of rising prices is palpable, with the middle class in Iranian society acknowledged to have fallen below the poverty line. Reports indicate a surge in the popularity of second-hand clothing as consumers grapple with diminished purchasing power.
Hossein Eftekhari, a member of the Union of Textile Industry Producers and Exporters, emphasizes the financial challenges faced by consumers, advocating for installment plans in clothing purchases. Despite official institutions resisting such measures, field reports highlight the flourishing market for installment clothes among small buyers and sellers.
A recent report from the Tehran Chamber of Commerce sheds light on changing consumption patterns among Iranian families. Between 2017 and 2022, households in Tehran province increasingly focused their expenditures on essential goods, food, and housing while reducing spending on other aspects of well-being, including clothing. This shift suggests a compromise on overall well-being standards, as families prioritize basic necessities over non-essential items.
The evolution of clothing expenses in Iran over the past three decades reflects broader economic changes. Rising prices, inflation, and a shifting socio-economic landscape have reshaped consumer behavior, leading to an increased reliance on second-hand and installment clothing.
