Sales in clothing took a hard hit since the pandemic, mostly in upscale clothing and everyday work attire, including jeans. What they didn’t see coming was the huge uptick in pajama sales, not to mention spandex, and anything that doesn’t have a ‘set size;’ I’m talking about elastic waist bands and stretchy clothing. Sales for the expanding waistband pants (without buttons or zippers) have increased well over 100%, and continue on an upward climb; though I’m curious as to what will be trendy for the summer. Spandex and Lycra materials are hot right now, but not breathable like cotton, so it could be interesting as warmer weather approaches.
Gym apparel and casual clothing seems to be the new obsession among the younger generations (and some elders) working from home. In fact, the demand for loungewear is high, and some retailers have even named their outfits, ‘work from home ensembles’. Now that the interest is for casual wear, there’s also a demand for more casual types of footwear; since the pandemic, there was a drastic decline in dress shoe sales. Just think about all of the absent holiday parties the past two years (including confinement), it makes total sense, but I’m not so sure about our future generation and their newfound love for sweatpants and spandex. There’s no doubt that we’ve all seen people wear their pajama pants out to the store this past year, and fashion has taken a backseat. I don’t understand how some can look like they just rolled out of bed and got into their car to go to the store…it’s not a good look, especially in the absence of underwear; yikes!
Consumers are the driving force when it comes to all types of clothing, and it’s clearly been about ‘Comfort’ and ‘Softness’ …this is according to google searches last year. While some believe that comfort wear is here to stay, others are optimistic about a comeback for the fashion industry and have many wondering what that will look like in our near future. We have to consider job loss and stay at home orders, which in turn have the industry making fewer clothing options; they’re looking at how to ‘stretch’ their dollars…in addition to using stretchy types of materials; but these materials aren’t for everyone.
Emerging secondhand stores (online) have an abundance of new customers browsing and purchasing gently used attire. I believe that rentals in ‘Formal wear’ may make a comeback, as store closures seem highly likely to continue throughout the year. Americans have had a love affair with the overconsumption of foods, alcohol and clothing, but since this pandemic, many are hoping that it changes some of the core values of people; spend less on unnecessary products and clothing, including impulse purchases, while returning to a basic lifestyle. It’s as if someone hit the ‘Reset’ button for life.
Clothing makes a statement; it shows personality, what you like, and, or how differently you set yourself apart from others; it’s your identity. It is clearly about ‘how’ you are feeling about ‘YOU.’ Now…we wait; as doors reopen and life unfolds once again, time will tell when it comes to fashion and accessories. Looking forward to going somewhere…”what will you wear?”
Make your week count.
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