@mikemonnette How brands cut costs to trick customers For some of these I don't even put too much blame on the retailers because they do provide sharper price for a customer for whom that's the top priority, but I figure this is a case where more information is probably better so you can be a more informed consumer. Let me know if you like this and want a part 2 and I can share some more ways brands cut costs out of product to protect their own margins. #fashion #fashiontiktok #style #shopping #mensstyle #mensstyleguide ♬ original sound - Mike
Here are some common ways brands skimp on quality to keep their costs low:
1. Misleading Fabric Labels
Have you ever bought something labeled as a “wool blend” or “cashmere blend,” only to find it doesn’t feel quite as luxurious as you’d expect? That’s because these blends often contain very little of the premium fabric they advertise.- Why it happens: Wool, linen, cashmere, and other high-quality materials are expensive. Including just a small percentage allows brands to slap those buzzwords on the tag.
- How to spot it: Always check the composition label. You’d be surprised how often “blends” contain less than 10% of the good stuff.
2. Skimping on Sweater Details
Cable knit or fisherman-style sweaters are timeless staples, but not all are created equal. One common trick? Only putting the intricate pattern on the front.- Why it happens: Patterns like cable knit require more time and effort (and money) to produce. Brands save by leaving the back plain.
- How to spot it: Turn the garment around—if the back is plain, you’re looking at a cost-cutting shortcut.
3. Cutting Corners on Patterns
When it comes to prints and patterns, there are lots of subtle ways brands save money. These tricks don’t affect function but can make a garment feel cheap.- One-sided patterns: If a garment has a print only on one side (like the front of a shirt), it’s likely a cost-saving move.
- Pattern alignment issues: Misaligned seams, mismatched pocket patterns, or upside-down prints are all signs of cost-cutting. Why? These shortcuts reduce fabric waste and speed up production.
- How to spot it: Look at seams, pockets, and how patterns line up across the garment.
4. Outlet Store Secrets
Outlet shopping feels like a win—designer brands at a fraction of the price! But here’s the truth: Most outlet stores don’t sell past-season merchandise anymore.- Why it happens: Instead of offloading older inventory, many brands produce separate, lower-quality lines specifically for outlets. These products look similar but are made with cheaper materials and shortcuts.
5. Black Friday and Holiday “Deals”
Much like outlet stores, some Black Friday or holiday sale items are made specifically for those events. These items are often lower quality than the brand’s regular products.- Why it happens: Brands know you’re expecting a steal, so they produce special, low-cost lines to hit those price points.
- How to spot it: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare the item to similar ones in the brand’s regular collection to spot differences in quality.
How to Avoid Getting Fooled
The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed. Check fabric composition labels, pay attention to patterns and seams, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.This holiday shopping season, take a closer look at what you’re buying—and if you notice any other cost-cutting tricks, I’d love to hear about them!
Want more insider tips? Let me know, and I’ll share even more tricks of the trade in a Part Two.