spending all one's money on clothes; ruining oneself through extravagant clothing
Often used in the set phrase 京の着倒れ (Kyō no kidaore), referring to the stereotype that Kyotoites spend excessively on fine clothing. As a standalone noun, it describes the act or state of bankrupting oneself by spending too much on clothes.
See also: 京の着倒れ
「京の着倒れ」ということわざを知っていますか。
Do you know the proverb 'Kyō no kidaore' (spending oneself into ruin on fine clothes in Kyoto)?
He ruined himself on clothes, buying only luxury garments and racking up debt.
Compound of 着 (ki, 'wearing') + 倒れ (daore, 'falling, ruin'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is part of a set of regional stereotypes comparing Kyoto (clothing) and Osaka (food).