As you walk around campus, you see those who wear generic brands, and others who don’t. The decision between brand and generic attire is a big part of one’s presentation to others.
There has always been discussion about whether brand or generic clothing is better. However, there seems to be no right answer; it just depends on your personal preference, and how you want to spend your money.
For Elanna Vital, a sophomore, generic is usually the choice. Vital said, “You can buy more and pay less, and as long as the outfit is cute, it doesn’t matter.”
Vital also said, “It’s better to buy cheaper clothing; [well-known] brands are expensive, and it can be too much to spend.”
Sophomore, Jillian Yong, also buys mainly generic clothing. She said, “I don’t pay much attention; I look for the fit rather than the brand.”
Bigger brands tend to cost more, but at the same time, can have better quality, which is often a good reason to spend more money.
Moriah Meskin, a sophomore, said, “If you’re in the spur of the moment, you might buy basic clothing, but it tends to fall apart.”
When choosing whether or not to purchase an item, people consider the fit and the size, but often overlook the brand.
When it comes to well-known brands such as Lululemon and UGG, some students mention that expensive items can be seen as a status symbol, showing that one may have a lot of money.
Many students wear particular clothes to present a specific image. Savannah Vold, a sophomore, said, “To certain people, it can be a way to be seen as popular.”
Pricey clothing can be seen as gateway to social status. Natashya Sison, a sophomore, said, “People wear [well-known brands] to fit in, and wear what is cool. If you don’t, you’re not in the ‘in group.'”
However, Meskin said, “I think everybody should express their own sense of style and be their own person, not because they want to fit in; people should step out of the box.”
Feeling good in what you wear is the most important thing, and being aware of the reason why you are purchasing an item can help you make good decisions.
