Durability tests for the discount fashion industry have shown that less expensive clothing performs better than more costly clothing. In order to establish “standards” for the longevity of apparel, the University of Leeds has partnered with the store Primark to evaluate products like jeans and T-shirts.
After evaluating 65 goods, the university’s department of design concluded that a pair of women’s jeans costing US $ 19 was more durable than one costing US $ 194. Primark stated that it anticipated the results would assist provide customers with greater value for their money and will include the study’s findings into its standards.
Kate Morris, the head of the university’s research team, stated, “We had to take into account how the clothes are actually used. Therefore, when it came to jeans, we concentrated on factors like seam strength and cloth rubbing together. We examine pilling, or the tiny bobbles that develop on fabric, in relation to hoodies.”
The findings, which demonstrated that pricing was not always a reliable predictor of long-term quality, also “surprised” the team. In the men’s T-shirt category, the second-best-selling item was only US $ 6.5. Around seventeen styles were tested.
Frequently criticised for its “fast fashion” strategy, Primark has expressed hope that its new Durability Framework would help customers get more use out of their goods.
