Whether you're a designer clothes lover or not, you'll likely have an opinion on whether more expensive clothes really are better. Some people live by the 'buy cheap buy twice' rule, whilst others refuse to spend so much money on a single item of clothing because they don't believe the hype around the improved quality.
Whatever your thoughts, there are undeniably some items that need to be hard-wearing, durable, and long-lasting, and typically, in order to attain these properties, the price may be inflated. This doesn't apply to things like t-shirts and socks, and might not apply to nightwear either, but there are a handful of things worth the extra money.
So, rather than contributing to the plague of fast fashion and having to fork out twice, here are five items it's worth splashing out on off the bat.
- Workout Clothes
You need your workout clothes to fit well, stretch with you, allow your body to breathe, and offer support and coverage where necessary. Oftentimes, you won't tick all these boxes with cheaper options. In order for the price to remain low, compromises need to be made, and these usually come in the form of materials used.
A good example is in relation to workout bottoms. Cotton is a cheap material to buy and works well on top, but it's not great on the bottom – especially if you want to do things like squats and lunges without everyone else in the gym seeing what underwear you're wearing. It's think and often lacks support, but it's cheap. To move better and retain your dignity, it's worth splashing out on a pair of high quality, synthetic workout bottoms.
They will last you for countless workouts and won't wear or split as easily. High quality workout clothes can be pricey, but they can be re-washed and re-worn time after time, making them worth the investment. Make sure you try before you buy, though – everyone's bodies are different which means the best workout clothes for you might not be the best for your gym buddy.
- Winter Coats
No one likes being cold. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous, so it's important that you have a thick winter coat in your wardrobe for when the temperature starts to drop. Coats by default don't tend to come cheap, but some are priced at a cost that seems too good to be true, and this is usually because it is. Like with workout wear, a cheaper price usually reflects the materials used.
For example, Canada Goose jackets are known for their arctic-quality insulation and fit. This is why they're the go-to-choice for people working and living in polar regions. Cheaper alternatives simply don't have the same level of insulation due to costs, so they're not as warm. A winter coat isn't something you need to be buying every year, but you will if you realize what you do have isn't good enough. Bite the bullet and make the investment and you'll have a winter coat that will serve you for years.
- Holdall/Weekend Bag
Everyone likes to travel in style, but doing so may come at a cost. There's no need to spend hundreds on a holdall for your weekend getaway, but the cheaper the bag, the less likely it is to withstand the demands of travel. The bag might be smaller, have less useful compartments to help you organize your luggage, and it might buckle under the weight of your belongings. These are all worst-case scenarios and make travelling more stressful than it already is. Buying a good quality bag made from sturdy materials will serve you well in the long-term and is well worth the investment, so consider spending a little bit more than you normally would if you're looking for a reliable travel option.