Why are Americans so careless about their clothing?

Answer 1

I'm not sure I can agree with the opinion you are expressing in your question. Many Americans, especially those in business and the professions (teachers, lawyers, doctors, members of the clergy, business executives) are very careful about how they present themselves to the public, and they observe the customs of their particular occupation. There are also many Americans who are very stylish and have been praised for their fashion sense. But it is also true that as a culture, America has become a lot more casual, such that dressing in a formal style is often not expected or required.

When I was growing up, for example, teachers would never come to class wearing jeans-- men wore jackets & ties, women wore dresses. But these days, it is no longer unusual for professors to dress casually in class. Perhaps you come from a culture or a country that is more formal, and by comparison, Americans might seem careless. But I can assure you that there are still many of us who are neither careless nor sloppy, and many of us who still try to make a positive impression by how we dress.

Answer 2

Define careless. Many American take great pride in wearing a few items from the most expensive brands.