Why should you choose quality over mass-produced clothes?

You must be sad to see that we are increasingly seeing lower quality clothes in stores these days. What could be the reason for this?
The fashion industry has undergone huge changes in recent decades, affecting not only production methods but also the quality of materials used. The current economic slowdown is also not conducive to more expensive, high-quality design. Believe it or not, this was not always the case... Before the twentieth century, clothing was made almost exclusively from natural textiles such as linen, wool and canvas. These materials had proven their durability and quality over the centuries, ensuring longevity and comfort for their wearers. In addition, since clothes were mostly made by local craftsmen, people bought pieces that would last a lifetime and could be repaired if necessary. In many rural communities, fabrics were hand-woven on traditional looms, so each pattern had its own meaning that was passed down from generation to generation. Craftsmen of the time often used natural dyes, which always created unique shades.
 But the Industrial Revolution changed everything in an instant. The introduction of mechanized production allowed clothes to be produced more cheaply and shipped quickly, which fundamentally changed the fashion industry. Instead of custom-made, mass production took over, and manufacturers began using lower-quality, cheaper materials to meet the ever-increasing demand. This made fashion accessible to a wider audience.
By the mid-twentieth century, synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon had entered the market, revolutionizing clothing production. The first synthetic fiber was developed by the Dupont company in 1935. These synthetic materials, which are made from more than 60% petroleum derivatives, made production significantly cheaper. Although they may seem practical, these materials have a much shorter lifespan, are less skin-friendly, and have a negative impact on the environment. The first successful synthetic fiber was viscose, which was produced from wood cellulose in 1891. It was the first synthetic fiber that could be produced on an industrial scale and was an excellent substitute for the more expensive silk. Further breakthroughs followed in the twentieth century.
Fast fashion became increasingly dominant in the 2000s, and as it grew in popularity, manufacturers began to produce clothes that were deliberately calibrated to have a short lifespan in order to maximize profits. The “throw away and buy new” approach not only has a very bad effect on consumer habits, but also significantly burdens the environment. Poor-quality clothes quickly deteriorate or go out of fashion, so consumers are constantly buying new and newer pieces. On average, these clothes are worn only 7-10 times before they are finally discarded.
Fortunately, the demand for sustainable fashion has come to the fore again. More and more people are realizing that quality, long-lasting clothes are not only more economical in the long run, but also more environmentally friendly. The foundation of sustainable fashion is conscious shopping, which encourages us to choose fewer, better quality pieces. Sustainable fashion is not just a fleeting trend, but a deep-rooted response to the pressing problems of our world. Every piece of clothing we consciously choose is an opportunity to protect our planet from the consequences of overproduction and waste.
During my travels, I have increasingly realized that sustainable fashion is not only about environmental awareness, but also about feeling good in what we wear. For example, when I was roaming the volcanoes of Fuerteventura, I was wearing clothes that were comfortable, durable, and perfectly suited to my experiences. Moments like these remind me that the harmony of quality and durability not only gives style, but also creates memories. So sustainable fashion is not only for the environment, but also for us. If you want to support this trend, choose durable clothes made of natural materials. This way, not only your clothes will last a long time, but also the experiences you have with them.