You might think that spending $200 on a pair of jeans sounds ridiculous, especially if you’re someone who vows to spend money on experiences and not things.
In fact, I’d go so far to say that our culture encourages the purchasing extremes when it comes to clothes.
People either spend a lot of money on clothes or as little as possible on cheap clothing.
Between the abundance of sales and the countless stores that offer fashionable clothes for so much less, we’re conditioned to think that our clothes should come cheap and, in a sense, disposable.
However, have you ever seen an exceptionally well-dressed person? They tend to have a look about them where you just know they paid more for their attire. Well, there’s a reason for it.
Quality clothes, while usually more expensive, are worth the investment. They not only last longer, but they also can make you feel better.
Here are some reasons you should start spending more money on clothes.
They’ll Last Longer
It’s no secret that the better items are made, the longer they’re going to last. How many times have you purchased a garment because it was cheap and on sale, only to get a few wears out of it before it falls apart or loses its shape?
Quality clothing, while more expensive, is inherently made better. From the higher-end fabrics that last longer, to the stitching (higher quality clothes have more stitches per inch to help the piece hold better over the years), clothes you spend more on are designed to last.
You may have heard of the “cost per wear” equation that breaks down how much you’ll spend per wear on an item in relation to how long you’ll have it. Usually, when this rule is applied, the higher-priced clothing wins out and is far cheaper in the long run.
Moreover, expensive clothing tends to be made in smaller batches, which means more time and care is taken to make each individual piece, making it last longer in the long-run.
You’ll Be More Inclined to Mix and Match
If you spend more money on only a few quality pieces, you’ll inevitably have to start mixing and matching to create new looks for your wardrobe.
Instead of justifying the need to go out and buy an array of cheap tops and bottoms, you’ll be more inclined to work with what you have.
Not only will you become better at putting things together, but if you invest in classic pieces, you’ll have an easier time as well. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your classic clothes going out of style.
You’ll Get More Use Out of Them
This goes along with mixing and matching your wardrobe, in that by spending more on your clothing, you’ll likely feel more prone to wearing an expensive item more times than you would a cheaper one.
Instead of purchasing a new dress at $20 for every occasion, you could have one perfect dress that not only fits well, but looks great every time, for every event. This not only saves you the hassle of having to go shopping every time something comes up, but provides you with a wonderful piece you can rely on for every affair. You’ll also spend less time wondering what to wear.
Having a core wardrobe on hand is the key to looking great. If you’ve ever noticed models and fashion editors’ wardrobes, I think you’d find that, for the most part, they all stick to fairly simple, but quality pieces. The reason? Investment classics are comfortable, easy, and they last forever; all aspects of a great closet.
You’ll Be More Comfortable
Let’s talk fabric. Apart from merely lasting longer, you’ll find that more expensive fabric is, most of the time, way more comfortable. Unlike natural fibers, the synthetic fabrics in cheap clothing don’t breathe as well. They’re less likely to keep you warm or cool depending on the temperature, possibly making you miserable.
More than just breathing well, nice fabric is more comfortable. If you’ve ever owned or tried on a cashmere sweater, you know this to be true. Most expensive pieces are made of fabrics you want to live in, and since we do, it only makes sense to be comfortable in what we put on.
Furthermore, you’ll likely be more comfortable in the fit of expensive clothing as well. From the start, quality pieces are made to fit well, from the cut of the pattern to the stitching, they’re tailored to perfection. You’ll not only be more comfortable, but more confident in the way your clothing fits.
You’ll Be Less Likely to Impulse Buy
When you only spend $20 on each garment you buy, it’s easy to justify continuous purchasing. You begin to think that because you only spent $20 there, that you can spend another here, and another there. Ultimately, it causes you to purchase items that you really don’t love or might not even wear that much, based on the sheer fact that they’re cheap.
Moreover, although the price seems small at the beginning, spending a little here and there begins to add up rather fast. However, if you go out in search of a truly high-quality piece of clothing, you’ll be much less likely to impulse buy.
Because you’ll be spending more than you’re used to, you’ll do your research before buying to ensure you receive the best product for your money. You’ll also be less likely to purchase an excess of items you don’t need, because you won’t be able to justify it.
You’ll Be Less Likely to Spend More Later
If your clothing lasts longer, begs to be worn for an array of occasions, and is all-around more comfortable, you won’t feel the need to constantly refresh your wardrobe and will, therefore, spend less later.
When your clothing lasts longer you don’t feel the need to replace it as often, again going with the price per wear model. And if an item is comfy and you love to wear it, there will be no need or desire to constantly go out looking for the next best thing.
There may be times when it’s hard to justify spending so much on a piece of clothing. While you shouldn’t splurge at every chance you get, or buy things ridiculously above your budget, I think you’ll find that by investing in a piece of clothing you truly love, your wallet and your closet will thank you in the long run.
This article was written by Kayla Sloan from Everything Finance and was licensed from NewsCred, Inc. Santander Bank does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained in this article does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Santander Bank does not make any claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this article. Readers should consult their own attorneys or other tax advisors regarding any financial strategies mentioned in this article. These materials are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsem*nt of Santander Bank.
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