Market Report Overview

From this market research I have noticed a few major things that set low and high end garments apart.  Construction, Fabric & Style.

The construction of the garment is not as accurate and is often simpler in low end garments, this may be due to the speed in which these garments are sewn in order to accommodate to a huge demand, the more simple a garment the less knowledgeable the seamstress has to be and the quicker the process. The lower end garments were often finished with closed seams, 5 thread cover stitch (which eliminates the need for prior over locking) or knits might have a bound edge. As garments become higher end bound edges are very basic and other finishing such as French seams or facings might be used, these would both require more fabric therefore upping the garment price.

The difference of fabric between the high and low end of the market contributes largely to what is seen as high and low end fashion. Lower end brands use a lot of cotton and cheap synthetics where as high end use more expensive fabrics such as silk or linen. The design of the fabric is also a key factor, low end brands use basic fabrics and have poor prints (usually on cotton) where as high end designers might design their own fabrics and prints, this adds a unique selling point to their garments and also pushes up the price. The use of knits in lower end garments eliminates the need for darts or tailoring to fit their mass consumer. The changing quality of zips, buttons and clasps can also be notices.

The style of garment also says a lot about a brand and their consumer. Lower end brands may use ‘staple designs’ that will sell and sell again (such as men’s singlet or plain jeans) to appeal to a broader audience or make cheaper ‘watered down’ versions of the latest trend where as expensive brands often appeal to a selected consumer with a specific style and attitude to their clothing, this makes their audience smaller but because of the ‘rare’ appeal and quality of their clothing, they are able to push up their prices.

Although top end designers show complex pattern making skills they can also make simple garments similar to low end designs, the biggest difference being the fabric and execution put into the garment.