Clothing prices can be all over the place. What’s the difference between a $50 denim jacket and a $300 denim jacket? They’re both just denim fabric sewn together, right?
Not exactly.
Although in basic terms, yes this statement is true, a denim jacket is denim fabric sewn together. However, in reality a simple denim jacket is so much more than that.
Who’s paying?
The probable main difference between a $50 denim jacket and a $300 jacket is labor and who is really getting paid.
Being as brief as possible, making a denim jacket involves the following steps:
- Growing and picking cotton
- Processing cotton fiber in yarn then weaving and dyeing the fabric
- Designing the jacket
- Creating a paper pattern for the jacket and sewing a test garment
- Cutting out pattern from denim fabric
- Sewing fabric pieces together
- Adding closures, rivets and embellishments
These 7 steps involve many different people in the making of one jacket. Plus, this does not factor in the marketing and retail tasks which help the denim jacket find its eventual owner.
Now ask yourself, how is it possible to only charge $50 for something that takes so much work?
The answer is: someone else is paying, usually through sketchy business practices that don’t allow for others to live a full and healthy life.
The major fashion industry is broken and at #REMIXbyStevieLeigh, we reject that system. The fashion system that overworks and underpays most if not all of their employees.
Quality over Quantity
Another reason cheap clothes are so cheap is because they are usually not quality. Thin, poorly made fabrics that pill and tear quickly and plastic zippers that break easily are just a few issues with the quality of cheap clothes. When you pay more for your clothing, you often get better fabrics that are durable and zippers made of metal that can withstand the test of time.
Support the arts!
If you purchase clothing that is more expensive, it is likely you’re purchasing from a small business and/or supporting the person who made the garment directly!
At #REMIXbyStevieLeigh, our mission is to create one-of-a-kind works of art that contribute directly to the artist.
Stevie Leigh Andrascik, a sustainable fashion designer, creates every single garment in the #REMIXbyStevieLeigh line by hand from her studio in Worcester, MA. She uses upcycled fabrics which would otherwise be sent to a landfill.
By purchasing apparel from us, you are directly supporting an artist and rejecting the tyrannical fashion system. All while receiving a piece of one-of-a-kind art you can wear everyday.
Add a personal touch!
There are as many independent fashion designers out there as there are big fashion brands. The perk of buying from an independent fashion brand, is most of the time you can converse directly with designer!
With the price you pay for more expensive clothing you can often add something customizable to the garment.
Hem too long? Chest too tight? When you buy directly from an independent fashion designer, you most likely can send them a quick email to have alterations performed. Bespoke clothing, just like that!
At #REMIXbyStevieLeigh, we want our one-of-a-kind garments to fit your one-of-a-kind body therefore we offer FREE alterations with all purchases!
In conclusion… Cheap clothes may not hurt your wallet but they hurt so many other people.
By choosing to buy clothing from small businesses and designers, it may seem like you are paying more but you are also receiving so much more back in the form of
- Sustainability
- A personalized experience
- Direct support to the creator
If you’re looking to find out more information about the sketchy business practices of the large fashion industry I suggest watching the movie The True Cost.
If you’re looking to shop sustainable handmade apparel from an independent fashion designer shop #REMIXbyStevieLeigh
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