What makes designer clothing worth more money than normal labels? Is there really any difference between the materials used in making high-end designer clothing and normal clothing found in regular retail stores? You may be surprised at what you're about to find out. Never assume something unless you know it's for certain. Clearly, there has to be a reason why so many people are choosing to invest in designer clothing. Keep reading and find out whether or not you actually get what you pay for when you splurge on high-end designs.
What Makes Designer Clothing so Luxurious?
Many people believe that when you purchase a high-end piece of clothing, you're paying for the name and not the quality. They believe a simple tag, logo or slogan is enough to persuade the average shopper into spending almost twice as much as the same piece of clothing without a label. They also think that the actual design and materials used are the same in each industry and that the name holds such high status that shoppers are actually willing to pay more money just because of the name on the tag. Is this true? Absolutely not.
Below you will find a list of the three most commonly used materials in designer clothing. In addition, you will also find out which labels are using these materials and the types of benefits you will receive from purchasing items made from these pieces of clothing as opposed to others. Hopefully, by the time you're done reading you'll have a better idea of why it's important to pay a few extra dollars in the beginning.
The 3 Most Commonly Used Textiles in Designer Clothing
Silk
Silk has always been associated with luxury and wealth. There's something about silk that makes you feel important and when you wear an authentic silk piece, your confidence level goes up a couple of levels immediately. There's just something about the way the silk hugs your body that flatters every curve, regardless of your shape.
Purchasing authentic silk items will benefit you in a number of ways. Not only will it look better because the quality is higher than other materials (or materials that are only 50% silk and 50% other materials) but it will also last longer. A true piece of silk is likely to last twice as long as the "knock-off' materials. In addition, silk is said to be one of the most comfortable clothing fabrics on the market right now. The sleek, luxurious feel of silk on your body will outweigh the cost in a second. Now you can justify paying twice as much.
Silk is used for a variety of fashion related pieces. It can be used for skirts, dresses, blouses, scarves, pajamas and lingerie. There are a number of manufacturers who have taken full advantage of the benefits of silk. Some of the designers who have been recognized for creating unbelievable silk designs include Prada,
Chanel and Roberto Cavalli. These world renowned designers offer only the best of the best when it comes to their designer clothing and their customers are always happy with their purchases.
Cashmere
Cashmere is known for its long lasting comfort and unbelievably soft appearance. It's one of those materials that when you see someone wearing it, you just want to touch them because the material looks and feels so incredibly soft. Cashmere is one of the most popular materials in designer clothing because it provides so many benefits. Like silk and satin, cashmere is also long-lasting, comfortable and pleasing to the eye.
The world of fashion can be a little undermining. Designers have clued into which materials are popular among consumers but realize that they can't sell their items for low cost if they're made from this authentic material. So here's a secret to help you out: Some designers (unfortunately we can't name names) advertise their items as cashmere when in fact they are only partially made of the material. This way, you think you're getting a deal because you can't believe you just bought a cashmere sweater for $29.99. Well let me tell you something - nothing good comes for free. Look at the tags on these items and I guarantee you the product isn't 100 percent cashmere. The shirt won't last as long and probably won't look as good. Once again - a little extra money in the beginning will go a long way in the end.
There are many designers who have taken full advantage of the popularity of cashmere. Some of the prestigious designers creating cashmere pieces include Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors and Christian Dior. These luxurious designers are definitely the ones to look for if you're shopping for high quality, stylish designer clothing.
Satin
Satin, although usually classified in the same category as silk, is very different from most other materials on the market. Silk is made from insect larvae and is made of small, fine threads. Satin is shinier than silk and usually incorporates some kind of silk fabric into it but has a dull back. Silk is shiny on both sides so you feel the silk against your skin. Satin is perfect for those who don't like the glossy finish against their body and prefer something a little softer. Generally, satin is slightly shinier, but for the most part, the two are hard to tell apart just from looking.
Like most of the other materials on the fashion market, you get what you pay for. If you want something that looks like satin but don't want to pay the price, you're going to end up with something that doesn't look as good and likely won't last as long. Genuine satin will last up to 10 years or longer - providing you don't catch your skirt on a nail or something.
Like silk and cashmere, there are many designers who have decided to incorporate satin into their magnificent designs. Some of the most luxurious satin gowns have come from prestigious designers like
Versace and Valentino. Unlike silk and cashmere, satin has become a very popular material in shoe design. World renowned footwear designers like Nine West have decided to use silk.
Is Designer Clothing Worth the Cost?
Are you still wondering whether or not designer clothing is worth the cost? If so, keep reading and you'll find out why individuals who refuse to buy designer clothing may actually end up spending more on their wardrobes than those who wear haute couture designs.
Longevity
As you probably know by now, designer clothing is made with the highest quality of materials, 100 percent of the time. You know what you're getting and they aren't trying to trick you. They are telling you flat out - this piece was designed by the best designers in the industry and features the highest quality materials possible - but you'll have to pay the price, otherwise we're not making any profit. As a result, you'll pay a little more in the beginning but that piece will likely remain in top condition for years and years.
Comfort
Once you realize how much time you actually spend in your clothes (which for most of us, is approximately 95 percent of our lives) you'll realize how important it is to choose the right clothing. Have you ever noticed that individuals who purchase designer clothing never complain that it's itchy and uncomfortable? I didn't think so. Cashmere, silk and satin are the most comfortable fabrics. Feeling good is just as important (if not, more important) than looking good - at least for the majority of us. Not only will you look good but you'll feel good too.
Status
Okay, so this one is a little materialistic but let's be realistic - there's a little part of each of us that want the designer clothing because of the label. Chanel didn't get their consumer base strictly from the materials they use. They built a name for themselves through their incredible logo and the designs they use on a regular basis. It's okay to purchase clothes for this reason but you generally shouldn't purchase them only for this reason.
Hopefully I've cleared up some of the questions you may have had regarding designer clothing. Knowing how the clothing is made and which types of materials are best to purchase will give you the upper hand on your next shopping adventure. Don't let those other designers fool you into thinking you're getting authentic designer clothing when you're not. If a deal seems too good to be true it, it probably is.
By Angela Ayles, Editor of http://www.thinkfashion.com
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