As an influencer, your wardrobe is often a key part of your brand. Whether you're showcasing the latest fashion trends on Instagram or styling outfits for a YouTube lookbook, the question comes up often: Can influencers write off clothes as a business expense?

Let’s break it down with a fun and friendly tone because taxes don’t have to be boring!

Can You Write Off Clothes as a Business Expense?

Short answer? It depends. The IRS has pretty strict guidelines when it comes to deducting clothing on your tax return. To qualify, clothing expenses must meet all of the following criteria:

• Required for your business or trade

• Not suitable for everyday use

• Not worn outside of work purpose.

And this is where it gets tricky for influencers.

​What the IRS Says

According to the IRS, everyday clothing—no matter how trendy or essential to your brand—is generally not deductible. Even if you bought a designer dress specifically for a sponsored post, you can’t deduct it if it could reasonably be worn outside of work (even if you don’t actually wear it again).

For example:

• A fashion influencer buying jeans for a photoshoot? ❌ Not deductible.

• A makeup artist buying a black shirt as a studio uniform? ❌ Still not deductible.

• A costume for a Halloween campaign or theatrical-style outfit that you’d never wear off-camera? ✅ Possibly deductible.

Gray Areas (Where Strategy Matters)

Here’s where working with a knowledgeable accountant comes in handy. There are some gray areas influencers can explore:

Specialized or branded apparel: If your clothes are custom-branded with your logo or made solely for content (and not worn outside of work), they may qualify.

Costumes and stage wear: If you're portraying a character or wearing outfits you wouldn’t wear in daily life (e.g., cosplay, fantasy, or exaggerated looks), there’s a stronger case.

Used only for shoots: Some influencers keep receipts and also document how clothing was used exclusively for work—never worn off-camera.

⚠️ But a big warning: Documentation is key. If you’re claiming clothes as a write-off, you’ll need to clearly show:

• The purpose of the item

• How it relates to your content

• That it wasn’t worn personally

Better Alternatives to Deducting Clothes

If deducting outfits feels like a tax headache, there are other fashion-related expenses influencers can typically deduct with more confidence:

• Styling services

• Photography and video production

• Editing software

• Website and hosting fees

• Paid advertising and promotion

• Studio space and props

Final Word

While you can’t write off your favorite outfits just because they appeared in a reel or TikTok, there are legitimate ways to manage your fashion-related expenses. When in doubt, talk to an accountant who understands influencer businesses; they’ll help you stay stylish and compliant.