the clothes you wear matter
(with pictures to prove it)
I wish i could ban my 16-year-old self from forever21. She had no money, but every time she got $30 from babysitting she would blow it on two $15 shirts that lasted for approximately one wash.
Insert Timeless Fashion; she saves the day. Quality clothing is captivating because it has the ability to improve your confidence, mood, and appearance. It is an energy multiplier, not an energy vampire.
Before I dove into the world of ‘nice’ clothing, I always wondered why certain people ALWAYS looked particularly amazing. I just assumed they were more fit or more beautiful than I was (which may still ring true, but anyways…), but it also really came down to the dang fabric they wore. The differences may seem *subtle*, but they make the world of difference.
Class, we are going to look at how the quality of material completely changes the look of a piece:
I think the argument with fast fashion is that in this economy, how do you afford anything else? I’m feeling spicy so here’s my clever argument back:
In this economy, how do you afford fast fashion? Some of you may have read a previous post where I talk about how my husband and I paid off an ungodly amount of debt. During that time, we were riding on little to no funds as we handed over our entire paychecks to FAFSA each month. I hate you, FAFSA. Anyways, during that time I had gotten a new job that required me to look presentable. Despite our circumstance, I chose to buy a few pairs of pants that were quality enough to last and make me feel good. It has been well over a year and those pants are still holding up. Not only are they still in good condition, their style remains because they aren’t ‘trendy’; they’re timeless. I have actually saved money, as I would’ve had to buy more pairs of pants if they were not quality enough to last as long as they have.
Before my fabric conversion, I was buying new clothes every couple months to replace what wore out. Now, I maybe buy a new piece every six months. And here’s the kicker, my clothes aren’t wearing out! I just keep adding to the collection. Building a quality wardrobe takes time. However, choosing to shop second hand can speed up the process!
Why quality clothes? I grew up never paying much attention to what I wore, but I remember often feeling uncomfortable wearing the clothing I had. My jeans rode up my front (lol), my shirt colors never looked right, and every material felt rough. I accumulated many cheap pieces that felt impossible to match with each other. Clothing was never a source of joy, just an uncomfortable necessity of life that I had to endure.
Cut to college; I made friends with a girl whose closet was basically a portal to Europe. Her wardrobe not only oozed quality, but was equally as comfy. So why quality, you ask? She looked better in her pajamas than I did in my cocktail attire. When it was girls night out, we all flocked to her closet to borrow from. Quality clothing has a way of shifting your whole presence—it carries a certain weight, a quiet confidence that shapes how you move through the day. That is worth all the money in the world (okay not that much money - but it is worth the extra investment).
What makes a ‘quality’ piece of clothing? I find that natural materials like linen, silk, wool, and cotton make me look and feel great. Cotton is pretty accessible and won’t always break the bank.
Where do I shop?
Everlane: The Queen of Organic Cotton & ‘feel good’ fabrics
Quince: “We believe quality products can elevate your life. Especially when they’re sustainably made and affordably priced.” - Quince ‘About Us’ page
Second Hand Stores: Who says you need to spend hundreds just to have nice clothes?! There are many online second hand shops that prioritize quality like ThredUp, Eileen Fisher, and Poshmark.
If you’re wanting to inch your way toward better quality clothing, go to your typical’s like Abercrombie and Gap. If you’re acquainted with what ‘nice fabrics’ feel and look like, you will definitely be able to find some nice pieces there!
although being raised to always subscribe to this thinking, you’re right in that it’s still a struggle to take the steps to make those big purchases, especially when they cost so much initially. however, i also have to remind myself that it’s a privilege that i can do this now - i know many that due to the unfortunate cycle of poverty can’t afford to this
100% - and quality is also better for your body (a lot of fabrics aren't breathable and can cause issues). The other side is that sometimes you have to invest more in care, but ultimately, I think it's still worth it for all those reasons and it's more environmentally friendly.