Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Brand Name Labeling Scoop

If you’ve ever walked into an outlet and seen a bunch of labels you’ve never heard of before along with top designers labels… you’re not alone.

Yes, it could be you just haven’t shopped the stores that carry these labels, but more than likely, the outlet store bought the clothing overruns in “lots” from a factory which also made these other “cheaper” brands. These other brands could have been made to design specifications from one of the design firms or just extra made by the factory with a different label sewn in.

Factories overseas are often licensed to make both higher end designer goods as well as lower end goods by the same companies at the same factories Often these are of similar fit and quality as the known name brand goods but have some design changes so they don’t infringe on copyright. Sometimes the designs houses knock them selves off and make slightly different goods that they sell to outlets and secondary stores.

That’s why understanding quality of garment construction is so important. Savvy shoppers who “get it” can spot a well made, well cut garment that doesn’t have a designer name. They’ll get the value without paying the name brand price. You will always pay more for a designer name garment than a non-designer name garment of equal quality. What you’re really paying for is the designer name and their fashion sense.

Shocked? You shouldn’t be. The garment industry is first a business. To design and sell you have to balance costs of production with pricing and profits. You need a big audience, not just the top tier of shoppers that can afford your upscale garments. That’s why you have seen so many top designers doing lower end lines at Target and H & M. They try to walk that fine line of staying in business, keep the factories they licensed to in business and still not weaken their brand name.

When looking at an off branded garment, check the seams for finishing, the fabric content, how the garment fabric is dyed or treated and the fit. Natural fibers tend to cost more and last longer than synthetics. Metal zippers are better than plastic ones and the way the seams are finished will let you in on the quality level of the garment. The more detail in craftsman ship the better quality the garment.

For me the trick is always in the fit. Better cut, higher quality clothes simply fit better. So take the time on an occasion to try on some unknown, secondary labeled clothing. You may find a gem and pay less for it.