I think it depends on what’s important to you as a person. If the final price is the only concern on your mind then no, fabric and construction really doesn’t matter. Just buy the least expensive thing you see online.
My guess though, is you don’t always buy the cheapest cut of meat when you’re at the grocery store. Other things matter to you (in addition to price) in that transaction. Where are the cattle raised? How is the cattle treated? What grade of meat is it? How long has the company been doing business?
Why does the food you buy matter? Why does the type of car you buy matter? Why does fabric and construction matter? Why does the quality of anything you buy matter? This is subjective to a certain extent but we all have a threshold—whether that’s a defined threshold or imaginary—and other factors play into our regular purchases. It matters because other factors are important to us as humans. We seek out various qualities of items because certain things are more important to us than others. Generally speaking, when you invest in higher quality products it’s because you want to eat, drive, wear, and experience things that are better.
One of my favorite things to do with my family is go to our weekly farmer’s market. Not only is it great family time, but it also allows us to build relationships with local farmers, cattle raisers, cheese makers, and fishermen to put better food on our table. I love the fact that when I prepare a fish dinner I know what lake that fish came from, who caught it, when it was processed, and who my dollar is going to. In an odd way, I feel empowered leaving the market—like it did good for my community and family.
When you invest in your appearance, wearing our clothing, you make a commitment to buying better. Better fabric and construction means animals that are properly raised and treated throughout their lifetime. Custom made clothing and small batch product runs means less waste. Boutique manufacturers and mills mean greater longevity rather than simply paying for a label. Purchasing from a full service haberdashery means we do our own alterations and ensure you have a proper fit. Knowing the name of the owner or associate who is helping you means you’ve established a relationship based on trust that will help navigate your clothing buying journey.
It would seem then that a suit isn’t just a suit. A jacket isn’t like every other jacket. Not all shirts are created equal. Buying online from stores that pay millions in marketing isn’t always the best idea. The consumer has an immense amount of power and responsibility in this space.
Origin of material matters. Treatment of source matters. Fabric and construction matters. Service matters. Fitting matters. This is why we do what we do. Ultimately, because you matter.
