Do Consumers Make Good Choices About Clothes?

People buy clothes without even thinking. No matter how well intentioned they may be, shoppers end up purchasing articles of clothing without taking into consideration the equation. Things go a little bit like this; people see something that they really like and they decide that it must be theirs. Due to the fact that the garment was on sale, the shopper bought it. The main idea is that consumers don’t think twice before acquiring something. As surprising as it may be, they don’t care whether or not they are buying clothes from animal-derived products. The only thing that they care about is satisfying their needs. Consumers aren’t exercising their power, but it’s a good thing that others are.

One fashion brand is cleaning up their store

Those who haven’t been living under a rock, are familiar with the fashion brand ASOS. This beauty retailer makes available the latest in menswear and womenswear, such as clothing, footwear, and accessories. What most people don’t know is that the famous fashion brand has decided to stop selling products made from silk, mohair, cashmere, and feathers, ban which will come into effect at the end of January 2019. Why is that? It seems that ASOS is joining the fight against animal cruelty. Just as a reminder, the fashion retailer owns the second biggest clothing site in the United Kingdom. What does this mean? It simply means that they won’t enjoy bumper rises in sales. Or maybe they will. Who knows? Some consumers have become conscious, expecting and even demanding ethical options. What is certain is that ASOS will stick by their decision, no matter what happens.

ASOS’ decision is quiet understandable. Animals like goats, ducks, geese, and silkworms are tormented for the sake of fashion. Simply put, significant pain and suffering is caused. From the fashion brand’s point of view, this is completely unacceptable. It’s only normal to wonder what consumers have to say about this courageous move. Some individuals shop according to discounts and elegance, while others shop based on sustainability. People have started to become concerned about the wellbeing of animals that make their clothes, which is a good thing. The hope is that more and more fashion brands will follow ASOS’ example.

The pioneering of synthetic spider silk

Some fashion brands aren’t cruelty-free. This is not to say that virtually all of them are bad. Far from it. There is a range of brands that don’t source animal products. One of the best examples is Stella McCartney. Not only does Stella McCartney bring forward stylish garments, but also is pioneering synthetic silk. Researchers have finally discovered a way to make silk without using silkworms.

The process of creating spider silk thread is simple in fact. Yeast is placed in a tank of water. Sugar, salts, and vitamins are added to the mix. Soon, the yeast starts to grow and reproduce. The white-coloured powder is dissolved and, last but not least, spun. Some researchers have tried to farm spiders only to discover that it isn’t possible. Stella McCartney has a long-lasting partnership with the company that produces the synthetic silk. The great thing about this material is the fact that it can be engineered for more length. Garments made from synthetic silk aren’t yet available in stores, but we won’t have to wait too long. They will be in stores soon enough.

Consumer behaviour in the fashion industry

The fashion industry isn’t insensitive to the needs of animals. But what about shoppers? As discussed earlier, people have come to understand that they have choices and their choices can have negative consequences. It’s possible to keep up to date with fashion and protect the animals. The most important thing that individuals have to do is use their spending power wisely. At present, it’s not that difficult to find out how clothes or accessories are made. Companies are transparent when it comes to their practices. The best way to exercise one’s purchasing power is to buy from brands that are ethical.

High-end boutiques make sure to cater to the needs of customers. Therefore, there is no reason to worry that one can’t find what they are looking for. Boutiques don’t have piles of unsorted clothes. On the contrary, they know what consumers want and they do their best to make them happy, including offering ethical pieces of clothing. The aim of stores selling stylish clothes is to offer a unique shopping experience. What happens is that consumers are sent to areas of the store where they are likely to find the garments that match their style and preoccupations. What needs to be understood is that ethical shopping is made easy nowadays. The choices may be limited and the price tags may be high, but it’s all worth it. People have got to stop being so selfish.