Critics of fast fashion can’t seem to stop talking about the throwawayism associated with cheap, trend driven clothing. They propagate slowing down our consumption habits, which means buying fewer garments that are classic and will last for years. Enter investment pieces, those instant classics that are meant to be a basic, long-term part of every woman’s wardrobe.
With consumers becoming ever more dissatisfied with fast fashion – feeling the constant pressure to buy into new trends every season, and being confronted with low quality garments that quickly fall apart – its slow counterpart is gaining momentum. However, for those accustomed to affordable fashion the price tag of the average investment pieces can be a setback.
A tool called cost-per-wear provides new insights in this issue. How does this work? First estimate how many times a newly bought garment will be worn during its lifespan. Then, calculate how much each wear would cost. (Advanced users of this method also take into account the number of items in the wardrobe that it can be worn with). According to experts, this would often make clear that a high quality, organic garment that you will covet for years actually costs less per wear than a cheaper option that is quickly worn out.
Consumers who are willing to put this theory into practice appear to have one more hurdle to take: finding the right investment pieces. Unfortunately, an ethical production process is no guarantee for a high quality garment. The same goes for designer labels and high retail prizes. In addition, it can be difficult to assess an item’s future-proof design. Will that bootcut jean, colorful beach dress or wedge heel belong to your wardrobe staples for the next five or ten years, or will you soon get tired of them?
A good way to overcome these issues is by taking a long, hard look at your current wardrobe. Which items are more than five years old and still wearable? How come they have retained their value? Are you still wearing them, and why (not)? By exploring these questions, it will become clear not only which elements tend to characterize high quality clothes, but also which type of clothing you’ll be inclined to covet for many years. And with that knowledge, it’s safe to take those exciting new steps towards a sustainable wardrobe.
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.