Why would someone pay $20 extra for a shirt or pants that has paint and holes on it?

Question

Please help me understand.

And do you like this idea or do you think it is absolutely preposterous?

Answer 1

Okay, here's how this works. We're going to use SUVs as the example.

Once upon a time, you had a populace that was working class. Everyone aspired to be upper class and elegant; having a nice car was a sign of prosperity. People wanted Cadillacs, people wanted limousines.

Eventually, money wasn't scarce; in fact, starting in the 80s money was flowing like wine to some people. Cadillacs and limousines were easy to come by -- and so the perception of desireability changed. Suddenly, it wasn't good to appear prosperous, because it was easy. Instead, people wanted to appear working class! Down to earth. Rugged. In short, like they didn't care whether or not they looked prosperous, because they had so much money that it didn't matter what other people thought.

And so the SUV came into vogue. As did blue jeans, again, and rugged shirts, and so on.

Then another recession, in the 90s, and people couldn't afford SUVs. So, SUVs started going upscale -- becoming more pretentious and less rugged -- because once again it was wealth that was important, and what people once wanted as a symbol of "I don't care if you think I'm broke" became a symbol of "You're broke, but I'm not -- in fact, I have so much money I can drive this ridiculously expensive and wasteful vehicle and not care."

So guess what happened in the last few years? Yep, money came around again, and (as you might predict) SUVs fell by the wayside. Now, green cars and efficient cars are what people consider status symbols. Much like the rugged working class image that early SUVs projected, these new status symbols project the image that "I have so much money that I'm more concerned with doing the right thing than I am with appearing prosperous."

The next time we go into a recession, efficient cars will stop being trendy, and green cars will be even more trendy, because they're more costly than efficient cars.

How does this relate to shirts? Well, we're in a time that's relatively prosperous. It is, therefore, a time where it is trendy for people who have lots of money to appear as if they don't.

Tah dah! And yeah, like most things related to fashion, it's all garbage.

Answer 2

Hi! the holes and paint splattered pants messy sort of style is quote "IN" according to the magazines and stylist. People go the extra mile to buy what is in style at the time. But styles come and go so in no time I'm sure this style will change again! Anyhow, if you think about it it is sorta funny people will buy pants that have damage done to it already. Many people although think it is cute. I think it is cute yet do not own pants like that. Good question and I hope I helped!

Answer 3

I actually think it's stupid, but I must be a hypocrite because I do anyway! It's a fashion trend obviously so people go all out trying to keep up with the styles I personally liked this trend when it was "in," but it's beginning to go out again so i'm not spending any extra money on things like that since they're going out of style anyway. <3

Answer 4

I hear ya! It's all about marketing; tell us what's cool, what's in style, what label we should wear and how we should dress. I think it's absolutely preposterous and just another way for fashion designers to reap huge profits...until next year:) But, hey, it's an expression of style...or not!

Answer 5

Well, for a while "destructed" denim was in, and for some reason people thought that because the jeans were destroyed in some factory or sweatshop they were worth more?

Personally I think it's ridiculous to buy pre-worn in jeans. Not only does it not make any sense, but why do you want the same jeans as every other person? Wear them in yourself! It's cheaper and they'll be a whole lot comfier and more unique.

Answer 6

Some people think it looks cool to have pants like that. Others just want tight plain and others want baggy and others want the most stylish they can get. If I was really into the pants I'de buy em for 20 extra smackaroonies! LOL

Answer 7

Because it is the style and the name brand has to be a part of it.

Go figure!

I could buy a bunch wholesale and use some sandpaper and paint and get the same result but I would not have the price tag.

Answer 8

Apparently it is "IN" lol. I only like the ripped thing if they are a good wash and fit, with a few small tears around the pockets. I really don't like the shirt thing. It is completely senseless. More than completely ripped I just like the faded wash, no holes.

Answer 9

Especially when you can buy your own shirt, rip it, and have a one-of-a-kind, custom made. I made this suggestion once in a boutique in which they sold plane t-shirts, ripped for $25. You can get 3 Hanes t-shirts for less than that and do it yourself. I got an angry look from one of the employees.

Answer 10

It's like that whole Abercrombie and Fitch scene with the preps. It's basically just a trend. People just wear them becasue many of their peer's whom may be popular wear them or they just do it becasue thats what the stores are saying is the "it" thing.