Your shopping bill decoded: How GST impacts clothes, shoes, and more

Think your fashion choices are only influenced by trends and budgets? Think again. Taxes also play a role — and they’re included in your shopping bill.Whether it’s a cotton kurta, a designer dress, or a pair of sneakers, how much you pay depends on how the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to your purchase.Here’s how GST affects clothes and footwear in India — and how knowing this can help you save.Clothes: GST by price, not styleGST on readymade garments is based on price. If the garment costs less than ₹1,000, GST is 5%. If it costs ₹1,000 or more, GST is 12%.So, buying two shirts priced at ₹999 each means you pay less GST than buying one shirt priced at ₹1,001 — even if your total spend is the same.Unstitched fabrics like cotton, silk, or georgette attract a flat 5% GST, regardless of the price. If you prefer getting your clothes tailored, that means lower tax.Footwear: A case of price and materialGST on footwear also depends on price:Below ₹1,000 – 5% GST₹1,000 and above – 12% GSTThe tax can differ based on material of the footwear. Leather shoes follow the same slab system: 5% GST below ₹1,000 and 12% above it.But synthetic or artificial leather, rubber, plastic, or EVA foam footwear attracts a flat 12% GST, regardless of price. So a pair of EVA foam sandals may be taxed at 12%, even if they’re inexpensive.Sarees: Simple or embellished? That decides GSTGST on sarees depends on material and design. Cotton and silk sarees generally attract 5% GST. Sarees made of georgette or decorated with sequins, embroidery, or tassels may attract up to 12% GST, depending on the embellishment.No kid gloves in GST lawGST does not differentiate between adult and children’s clothing or footwear. Whether it’s a suit for a toddler or a lehenga for a teenager, the same GST slabs apply.Online shopping? GST applies to extra charges tooGST rates don’t change when shopping online. But extra charges like delivery fees or platform service fees attract 18% GST. So, if you buy a ₹999 kurta with a ₹100 delivery fee, you’ll pay 5% GST on the kurta — and 18% on the ₹100 delivery fee.The bottom lineUnderstanding GST rates on clothes and footwear can help you shop smarter. Even a small price difference — like crossing the ₹1,000 mark — can raise the tax you pay. Knowing which materials attract higher GST can also guide your buying decisions, especially during discounts. Your wardrobe isn’t just about style — it’s also about tax.

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