We’ve all been there—waiting until last minute for that perfect date outfit and running to our closest mall to find the cheapest and most convenient option in sight. We jolt to the nearest Forever 21, H&M, Charlotte Russe, or Zara to find something that we may not totally love, but it’s below budget and will get the job done. We wear it for that one event, wash it, and realize it’s not only two sizes smaller but has holes, discoloration, and would most definitely be better off in the trash can or in that bag of other mishaps on their way to the consignment store.
But why do we keep wasting money on cheap, terribly-made, clothing that doesn’t love us back? It’s time to take back our wardrobes and our money from these cheap chains and invest in timeless pieces from companies that we can feel good wearing.
Not convinced? Let me help. . .
1. The fits are all wrong, girl. We grab that size 6 dress in H&M that we’ve been eyeing, go to try it on, and wham! The zipper has no way of going over those curves. Have we gained weight that quickly? Could we have gone up a size in the past week? We try on a size 8. Still too small. WTF? All of this not only annoys us, it affects our body positivity. In creeps the internal body shaming. In reality though, this is due to the crappy company. Many garments within these chains are made in sweatshops, and with less regulation, sizing can get all kinds of messed up. Don’t body shame; shame the company.
2. The quality sucks. Shrinkage, tearing, fading, zippers breaking, buttons popping, and this is all after the first wash. You know it’s happened to you. These companies’ only concerns are high volume, and high profit. They could care less if after you put down your hard-earned $30 it shrinks up to a baby’s size. There are millions of others who will continue to do so. Don’t be like those basics.
3. It’s the principle! These big brand companies have zero regard for their employees. Most chains produce garments overseas, with widely unregulated practices. Amidst the horrific working conditions and environments that these people are subject to, they are given the lowest wages, and kept well past the hourly work day that we are accustomed to. Terms like slave and child labor are common. Large quantity at the fastest pace is the only thing that holds value to these companies.
4. The environment matters. The carbon footprint left by large fashion chains is among the highest. The dyes, materials, and entire manufacturing process increases greenhouse gases and pollutants, while using up a ton of our natural resources. The trip over to our doorstep from the foreign countries in which our clothes are made takes a lot of fuel and energy, adding to the issue. On top of that, when our clothes fade or tear from poor quality, or when we are ready to move on the next season’s trends, we throw them away. The entire process does nothing but harm our precious planet.
5. Show support. By choosing to shop at our local thrift, vintage, and local fashion designer lines, we boost our local economy and give the finger to big business. We show that we can still have great style, without having to resort to some predetermined idea of what we as young lady consumers may find attractive. I’m sure no one else in the club will be sporting that dress designed by your friend on Etsy.
Although smaller fashion lines and vintage may sometimes hold a higher price tag, it is well worth it to make an investment than throw the money away in a month or two. Those outfits from Forever 21 hold no resale value. That vintage Chanel bag on the other hand. . .
The big picture is quality over quantity. Our college years are the time to start building that timeless wardrobe that we can save for years to come. With the minimalist trend coming full throttle- take note. It is better to have 10 staple items, than 30 pieces of crap. Choose wisely.
All photos courtesy of Pixabay: www.pixabay.com