THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF AMAZON FASHION
While there is no denying that Amazon champions convenience, versatility, and affordability, it may not be the right place for your next fashion refresh if a lasting and timeless wardrobe is your goal. With Amazon storefronts and Amazon hauls becoming the new norm on social platforms, it’s tempting to jump on the trend–but to what end?
If the stores you’re shopping at don’t align with your personal fashion goals, are they really worth your time?
It’s important to know your objective when shopping, and that includes browsing Amazon. Quality is not something that Amazon boasts when it comes to their fashion offerings, but we do believe that it has its time and place. Amazon is the perfect place to indulge in any one-time fashion needs. It’s a great option when buying Halloween costumes, dupe athleisure, or replaceable accessories that are meant to serve a single purpose or have a shorter lifespan.
While high quality goods usually come with a higher up-front cost, the promise of durability, timeless style, infrequent replacements, and cost per wear, will save you money in the long run. If you’re looking for quality pieces that will never age, we think it’s better to stick with classic, trusted brands rather than indulge in fashion trends that come and go. When we’re shopping for clients, quality is always at the forefront, so we prioritize companies that share our goals.
While it’s not always the case, low prices can often mean compromised quality. With a majority of Amazon’s clothing apparel being sourced from third-party vendors, the ethical practices are unknown and the sizing is limited and inconsistent. They are choosing to lean further into the fast fashion market and embrace trends like fashion hauls from competitively priced brands, like Shein and Temu, widely known for their unethical practices.
When curating clients’ closets, we focus on selecting high-quality materials to elevate their wardrobes and ensure lasting durability. Products like silk, cashmere, wool, cotton, and linen can automatically result in a classic and personally-crafted style. We stay away from “quick-fix” wardrobe updates that retailers like Amazon can provide and avoid fabrics like polyester and synthetic fabrics that typically come with inconsistent or poor construction of the clothing.
Investing in your wardrobe means choosing long-term goals over convenience and low prices, and this starts with the decision of where to shop. If you’re determined to curate a unique and quality closet, selecting a corporation like Amazon for all your fashion needs can compromise this long-standing objective.
We believe there is a time to use Amazon and revel in its convenience and ease. But when it comes down to it, your personal brand is an investment and every purchase contributes to showing up as the best version of yourself. If your Amazon purchases aren’t supporting your fashion objective, then maybe it’s time to explore new possibilities and start investing in yourself.
WRITTEN BY KATE MONTANA FOR WAVE + WOVEN