They can be.

I usually get my jeans from the mall because I'm 6'5" tall, and it's hard to find them that fit me. I've been getting my work polos from the SAMS Club.

My outdoorsy clothing is even more expensive.

I am big into cycling. I buy cycling kits, which are nothing but spandex, really. The material is really nothing special, but still, the good-lasting kits (jersey and bib shorts) are usually around $300 or more. My hiking pants are tactical BDU-styled and usually run around $150. I get a 5.11 brand.

Back when I was a kid, I could get all of the above for under $100 total!