By Tia Rawlings
Generally speaking, when you shop, the rule of thumb is that a high price tag indicates better quality. Therefore, designer brands surely put quality first as a way of justifying their high price, right?
This is not necessarily true, there are many brands that use low quality materials to keep manufacturing costs down. Sometimes people are fooled by this notion but in reality, often end up paying for the brand name.
According to Digital World Information, “The average US shopper is actually willing to pay double the price as long as the product lasts long.”
If people don’t mind spending a bit more for a product that lasts for years, then surely the brand is happy to provide high-quality items when they stick a high price tag on them.
Niousha Saffari, 21, retail employee said, “Quality is more important, because it will last longer.”
But what does quality consist of? Good materials – meaning something that is durable and long-lasting? Are ethics and animal cruelty ruled out by quality demands?
Wanting more for your money
Whilst some people are happy to pay a bit more for a higher quality item, there is also a huge number of people who would rather have quantity over quality.
Fast fashion retailers offer more items for your money, which means that while £100 in a higher end high street store may buy you two items, low-cost fast fashion houses could offer 20 plus items for the same budget.
For people on a budget, it may appeal to them to get more items for the money they spend, overruling the desire for high quality materials.
Those who value quality but also love affordability when it comes to fashion, often resort to sustainable shopping. Thrifting has become massively popular amongst young people, and it’s become somewhat of a trend to find hidden gems that are high quality, which is less common amongst the mass production of brands today.
Photo by Unsplash
A bit about sustainable fashion…
In recent years, sustainable fashion has emerged as a pivotal movement within the global fashion industry, driven by the huge rise in awareness of environmental and ethical practices within the industry.
At the core of sustainable fashion is the aim to minimise the environmental impact of our dressing and buying habits, fuelled by the billion-pound fashion industry.
Talia Card, 21-year-old hospitality worker said, “Quality equates to lasting pieces which reduce fast fashion and the need to replace cheap, worn-out clothes.”
Exposure of unethical production and unfair payments to labourers really brings the industry down.
One of the key aspects in creating a world of sustainable fashion is the adoption of eco-friendly materials and production methods. This can be anything from organic cotton to cactus leather, which can appeal to brands who are looking to improve the sustainability of their brand.
By prioritising the use of sustainable materials, fashion brands can reduce their carbon footprint and minimise the depletion of resources throughout their products’ lifecycle.
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