The Real Reason Designer Clothes Cost So Much

By Brian Maynor

 

Quality is often cited as the main reason designer clothes cost significantly more than similar items made by discount brands, but is that really true?

Not discounting the fact that there is a noticeable quality difference in pieces made in Portugal or Italy over those made in Bangladesh or Turkey, but honestly that is far from the only reason designer brands charge on average four times more than the cost of the garment to produce.

Here’s a breakdown of how those costs are justified by the labels that produce them as well as the people who buy them:

1.    The design process.  When you’re dealing with a designer brand there are a lot of steps between concept and purchase.  Along with the time to design the garment, there is the time choosing the fabric and then the time in-house teams spend creating multiple variations to determine which one gets sent out for production.  All of that time costs money, not to mention the cost of maintaining the facility the entire operation is housed in, as well as every other employee working at the label.  That’s a lot of time and overhead to cover, and generally accounts for the first 100+% markup in the garment cost.

2.    Licensing and production costs.  If there is a secondary logo or image used in the garment that isn’t free, so the cost of licensing the use will be added to the cost of the final product.  Then when it finally reaches production, not only is there the cost of making the clothes, you have the labels, packaging and storage that are all unique to the markets the items are being shipped to, so this part of the process can add another 100% to the cost of the item.

3.    Marketing and placement.  Photo shoots, fashion shows and social media placement all cost big bucks in the hopes to persuading customers they need the item, not to mention the placement in retail outlets who add their own profits to the cost of the item.  This alone can add 200% to the price tag.

4.    Consumer choice.  While all of the above are quantifiable costs in the process of taking a sketch to final product, the fact that consumers will camp out for new products and pay exorbitant prices are the real reasons why designers charge so much for their pieces.  People value exclusivity and the prestige of spending more than others and owning something not everyone can afford.

While some people save up for designer pieces and call them investments, others justify the cost with the fact they are buying fewer pieces, wearing them more and keeping them longer as opposed to buying inexpensive clothes that you have to replace every few months.  Whether you want a closet full of designer clothes, or just one or two key pieces the best advice for maintaining perspective on your clothing costs is to create and stick with a budget.  That way you have a designated amount of money to spend however you choose, completely guilt free.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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