Lakeside students navigate the complex world of fashion as they contemplate the price, ethics, and style of the clothes they wear. As we delve into our peers’ closets, we analyze the importance of these factors that contribute to how they present themselves to the world.
On the far end of the price spectrum are high-end luxury brands, which Lakesiders have a wide range of opinions about. When asked how many designer items they own, an anonymous student writes, “None. Why would you need those?”, while others express they enjoy shopping for and owning such items due to their high-quality and exclusive designs. These brands often symbolize status, refined taste, and act as a stand-in for the celebrities who create or sponsor them. As freshman Emma S. ’28 remarks, “If celebrities and influencers show the product, seem like they’re into it, believe in its benefits, and appeal to me, then I might buy it.” On the opposite end of the spectrum comes a more affordable but typically lower quality option – fast fashion.
Fast fashion has gained considerable traction in recent years. Industry leaders such as Shein and Temu have become popular due to their astonishingly low prices and deals — prices dropped by 1.8% since 2000 despite inflation raising prices on most commodities. More than 50 billion new clothes were produced in 2000, and the number has doubled since. Additionally, fast fashion makes it affordable to buy something for only one use, such as an outfit for a concert or micro trends on social media.
However, in order for companies to sell their clothing for such low prices, they have to prioritize an inexpensive production process. As a result, only 2% of fashion workers are paid a living wage. Meanwhile, the infrastructure of clothing factories often gets neglected, which led to the collapse of Rana Plaza, which injured 2,500 and killed more than 1,100.
Fast fashion is also harmful to the environment, with the fashion industry contributing to an astonishing 10% of our worldwide emissions. Textile production is the second largest contributor of polluted water with a pair of jeans taking 2000 gallons of water to produce. Meanwhile, the longevity of clothing has halved since the year 2000, leading to clothing degrading during washing. 85% of textiles get thrown out every year, leading to 92 tons of clothing disposed of every year.
On the flip side, as consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental impact and economic consumption, thrift stores have emerged as an increasingly affordable and sustainable alternative to fast fashion, especially popular among Lakesiders. In fact, 49.6% of Lakesiders polled by Tatler indicated that they at least sometimes thrift for clothing.For many, it’s a fun way to discover unique pieces that add character to their wardrobe. For others, the thrill of finding a hidden gem, whether it be a designer dress or an off-beat accessory is “like gambling but with no risk. Just reward.” In addition, a growing number of Lakeside students are embracing thrifting as a sustainable and affordable way to express their individuality. As one junior puts it, “I can always find really cool clothes, and the prices are really affordable! At least 80% of my wardrobe is thrifted!” Beyond the financial benefits, by extending the lifespan of clothing, thrifting contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.
However, the rise of thrift flippers, individuals who purchase items from thrift stores to resell them at higher prices, has raised concerns about accessibility and affordability. As one sophomore laments, “Gone are the days of 25-cent records and $1 grandpa tee shirts.”
Thrifting also provides an alternative to spending a hefty fine on designer clothing, as shopping second-hand is often far less expensive than buying the actual product. Often, avid thrifters can find luxury pieces for a much lower price. One such thrifting fanatic, Reagan R. ’25, explains her approach to evaluating luxury goods: “It has to do with the stitching. Overall, I’d say that luxury goods are definitely higher quality.” T
here are many factors that can lead to someone’s clothing choice. As the clothing market gets polarized with expensive designer items and marked-down prices of fast fashion, Lakesiders have been turning to alternatives to thrifting for cheaper and more sustainable clothing. However, at the end of the day, whether you agree with this shift in interest or not, what you choose to show to the world represents you in the best ways possible – and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
