Fashion consumers shift toward quality over fast fashion

A growing backlash against the $1.9 trillion global fashion industry is driving consumers toward higher-quality garments. As brands across various tiers have increasingly used synthetic blends and cut production costs, shoppers are increasingly prioritizing durability and value over low prices.

Retail experts note a disconnect in the market where the middle tier has been hollowed out, with prices rising even as material quality declines. Rather than trading down to cheaper, lower-quality brands due to inflation, many consumers are adopting a “buying less, but buying right” approach, focusing on how long a garment will last.