Designer clothing. It’s fashionable, appealing, and chic. High school students are expected to strongly favor it, yet in our survey only a slight majority preferred designer clothing to non-designer.
Designer clothes carry the name and logo of a specific designer or company. Some of the popular designer brands among Carlmont students include Juicy Couture, Northface, Armani Exchange and Calvin Klein. Non-designer clothes are not associated with a particular name. Popular stores that carry non-designer clothing include Forever 21 and H&M.
Non-designer clothing is often much less expensive than designer clothing. For example, a jacket at Juicy Couture can range from $125 up to $400. However, one may be able to find similar non-brand jacket for a fraction of the cost.
“Money is definitely a factor in my decision to buy clothes. I usually like to buy things that are on sale, but if it is something that I really need, then I’ll save up my money and buy it,” said sophomore Alyssa Espiritu.
Others believe that designer brands are too expensive for their quality and style.
“I prefer non-designer because designer brands are too expensive and you can get the exact same thing without a brand,” added sophomore Emma Lin.
Some people don’t want to associate themselves with brand names because they want to express their own personal style. Others find designer brand clothing superficial and do not want to identify with what the brand stands for.
Another reason why some students favor non-designer clothing, such as Forever 21, is because these brands offer more variety and styles to fit everyone’s needs, rather than a specific style for particular type of shopper.
Some people believe that designer brands are of a better quality than that of non-designer brands.
“I prefer brand clothing because I feel like I’m buying stylish clothes that are good quality. The more money I pay the better quality I get and expect.” said sophomore Amanda Breslauer.
“I like brand clothing because the quality is good, so I can get better use of it; I usually look in the sale section because brand clothing tends to be expensive,” added sophomore Danielle Al-Abed.
One characteristic of designer brands is that they usually offer clothes that are similar in style, shape and design. For those who favor a specific style, this makes it easier for them to shop and decide what clothes they would like to purchase.
Wearing designer brands is appealing to some, because it allows them to express their style, boosts their self-confidence, and helps them fit in with their friends.
Although designer and non-designer clothing have their benefits and costs, many students will continue to shop for their own interests and style, regardless of the brand name.
