Fashion has found its way through life and culture since ancient times. Even just the bare necessities to stay warm and protect feet are fashionable. The indigenous look is quite fascinating and raw. Flash forward several millennia, and we come to the 20th and 21st centuries. Much has changed, primarily due to the industrial revolution and the feminist movement.
Until about 50 years ago, many households would sew considerably more than we see at home today. Fashionable entrepreneurs take on the industry with cutting-edge fashion designs in today’s free market. Clothing stores push out plans for every season.
Right around the 1970s, fashion production started slowly shifting to overseas manufacturing.
Household Apparel Costs
In the 1970s, the average household would invest about 10% of its income in clothing, including shoes. Each family member would, on average, have about 25 pieces in their collection. 10% of revenue in those days is equivalent to $4,000 in today’s economy.
Today, the average household spends 3.5% of its income on shoes and clothes, about $1,700 a year. However, the number of garments has increased to around 70 pieces for each person in the household.
Fashion Production
“Up until about 50 years ago, many households would sew considerably more than we see sewing at home today. In today’s free market, fashionable entrepreneurs take on the industry with cutting edge fashion designs like 3d embroidery. Clothing stores push out designs for every season.”
In the 1970s, most of the garments that households would purchase were made in the United States, about 95%. Along with homegrown clothing production, almost all high schools in the country offered home economics and sewing classes for students. The art of designing and executing clothing pieces was easier to produce.
Only 2% of the clothing we sport is made in America today. The 1970s was a stepping stone decade in that manufacturing, and textile factories were springing up in Asa and other low-labor cost countries.
Technology also plays a critical role in manufacturing our clothing, shoes, and accessories. Today, we can go online, order a leather wallet with engraving and have it shipped out in less than five days. There are pros and cons to our current lifestyle. While technological advances are significant and the cost is lower, we may bere overdressing with fast fashion practices, according to the book Overdressed by Elizabeth L. Cline.
Quality and Quantity in the Fashion Industry
Everyone is different, and buyers can be picky supreme regarding fashion. My approach to style is quality over quantity. I’d rather have neutral-colored, well-made clothing and shoes than thin, fashionable clothing that will get a hole in after a few washes.
One can be very fashionable with well-made, ethical clothing pieces. America is home to the giant cotton patch in the world. Yet, instead of embracing this agricultural blessing and keeping production and handling in the country’s pride, we ship it off, pay workers $1 a day and toxify the fabric with dyes and chemicals.
The fashion industry is very polluting. While there is nothing more stunning than a well-dressed man or woman do believe we can provide high-quality clothing for long-lasting fashion wear rather than fast fashion practices.
Look back to the 1970s when the average individual had 25 pieces compared to the 70 pieces we have today. How many of those 70 pieces do we wear or can wear? I know, personally, some of my shirts have been recently purchased but already have a hole in them or are too see-through.
What We Need and Not Want
I’d like to see a clothing company that would offer solid, essential styles that most Americans weadailyis. An excellent quality, long-lasting piece that comes in seasonal color, but the high-quality design stays on the shelves for years. Fashion is essential, and we need to feel comfortable and stylish in modern t. Still, fast, fast fashion can be a wee bit too fast, and the industry is just busy with waste and contamination, leaving consumers with an abundance of clothing we may never wear.
The Future of the Fashion Industry
It’s hard to change what you are comfortable with, but innovative minds that make decisions beyond the company’s bottom line should be going to implement smart protocols about fashion. There are a few initiatives from notable fashion brands about future production. Some brands are using only recycled material to make their product. Moreover, while brands promise to be sustainable, the environment and people need a slowdown in consumption. Consumers should consider shopping at second-hand stores for some of their wardrobes. Fashion companies must continue to have a dialog about waste in the fashion industry. Topics, such as how to use sustainable fabrics, and how to design and sell in a manner that preserves our carbon footprint. Is there a way to be stylish in a minimalist, high-quality way? Yes, but we need clothing companies to get on board and provide better, well-thought-out designs that will last for years.
