MAJORITY OF WOMEN LIE TO THEIR PARTNERS OVER SPENDING ON CLOTHES

Two thirds of women regularly fib to partner about real cost of new clothing

Survey by online fashion retailer Lovarni.com also finds one in 10 women keeps every new fashion purchase secret

The majority of women lie to their partners about the amount of money they spend on clothes, a new survey reveals.

Two-thirds admit they “usually always” tell a porkie about the real cost of a new dress, top or pair of shoes.

Most argue that a “little white lie” or a “harmless fib” is better than telling the truth — and starting an argument.

Incredibly, almost 10 per cent rely on their partner’s lack of observation and keep EVERY new clothes purchase a secret.

They only ever come clean if they are caught out by bank statements or hard-to-hide delivery parcels.

The figures were released yesterday by online fashion store www.Lovarni.com, which surveyed 1,000 of its female shoppers.

A spokesman for the site said women are spending up to 50 per cent more online than what they do on the High Street because there is a less of a tell-tale paper trail.

She said: “It’s clear from our research that men are totally clueless about the amount of money their wives or girlfriends are spending on new clothes.

“Our figures show that most female shoppers usually always lie, or tell porkie-pies, about the actual cost of new purchases.

“Indeed, a small number keep every new purchase a secret and almost all only spill the beans if they are forced to do so.

“The upshot of all of this is that between eight and 12 per cent of women admit spending one and a half times as much online as on the High Street – primarily to prevent arguments, but also because they are less likely to get caught.”

According to a recent survey by ecommerce company WorldPay, the average British women spends £315 online on fashion and clothing per year.

Shoes are the most popular fashion and clothing item bought online, with almost 50 per cent of women having purchased a pair in the last year, while the most money is spent on handbags — an average of £187.

The new poll of 18-40 year-olds found that 62 per cent of women in relationships feel guilty or embarrassed about the cost of their wardrobe, and find it easier to lie than to justify their spend.

Virtually all (78 per cent) believe it is better to tell a white lie than risk a row, while a tenth said “complete secrecy” was safer-still.

According to Lovarni.com, a small proportion of women are spending more online than on the High Street because hiding numerous bags can be “very, very difficult”.

“Put simply, online shopping allows consumers to purchase their guilty pleasures without worrying about hauling bags around town,” a spokesman for said.

“It’s also easier to arrange deliveries when he’s out of the house, and saves having to hide lots of shopping bags.”