In the fast-paced, ever-changing world that we live in today, it seems as though advancements are emerging more and more daily such as technology advancements, scientific advancements, etc. But when it comes to fashion, and more so the pieces we invest in and purchase, the quality has decreased majorly in opposition to vintage clothing and previously purchased garments. Why is this? One key factor in the drastic quality of apparel could be overconsumption and mass production of clothes. We, as consumers, buy and splurge on pieces in this modern age more than ever. Due to the overproduction of clothing, many manufacturers and companies tend to rush the garments/pieces we buy, entailing cutting corners such as using cheaper fabrics and materials, cheaper labor, and the lack of quality control throughout the construction process.
Just as the quality of clothing continues to decrease, the price of clothing continues to increase, leading to an ongoing supply and demand cycle. Purchasing and splurging in fast fashion is something that also is becoming more and more expensive due to trends and the need for inclusivity. Although the rise and investment of clothing are becoming increasingly popular, we as consumers are often left underhanded due to the poor sustainability of the clothing we purchase. So what do we do? One key step is to target the companies who make the product and ensure our garments are in the best care possible, ensuring their longevity and ongoing use.
SILHOUETTES AND MEASUREMENTS
Knowing your measurements and investing in pieces that support your silhouette can make a massive difference in the longevity and the uphold of your clothing items. The correlation between your measurements and your silhouette is vital in shaping your figure and it affects your garment’s fabrics and the upholding of your clothes. Being conscious of your measurements in specific areas of your body is something you should consider when purchasing clothes. Vital measurements for men include chest length, waist, inseam, and sleeve measurements. Women’s important measurements are hip, bust, inseam, and sleeve lengths.
MAINTENANCE
Proper care for your garments also plays a significant role in upholding your clothing’s sustainability. In opposition to our everyday pieces, we are quick to throw the pieces we care about the most in the washer and dryer. We need to realize that washing and drying strips and tears our fabrics the most when it comes to clothing. Try to wash and dry your quality clothing as little as possible. Alternative ways to maintain your more high-end garments would be taking your quality pieces to a dry cleaner and having them hand washed and air dried, or if you have to wash your higher-end quality clothes in the washer, use the delicate setting which is equivalent to handwashing. Doing so will put less stress on your garments and will avoid shrinkage and wear and tear.
Overall, the best thing you could do as a consumer is put more thought into your clothing items such as purchasing better quality clothing, maintaining and upholding your pieces, tailoring and purchasing properly fitted garments, etc. Although we, as consumers, are not responsible for manufacturing the items we purchase, we can ensure various ways to uphold our garment’s longevity in the pieces that we invest in. Put more thought into the parts you buy because the little things we tend to forget about makes a massive difference in the quality of our clothing.
