Several years ago, Fox news in NYC did an investigation on this. A womans white tailored shirt cost more retail and to dry clean when they were essentially the same shirt.There were other examples but it’s been awhile and I’ve forgotten them.
This is true. My personal policy is not to buy clothes that have to be dry cleaned. I never feel deprived when I shop. I have a few wool winter coats that make the trip to the cleaners once a year, but that's about it. Saves me a bundle. Men who have to wear suits and ties to work don't have that option.