I WANT TO BELIEVE. (Sometimes I can’t believe my parents let me watch X-Files with them growing up on Sunday nights—my parents definitely were not loosey-goosey and that show kind of scared the shit out of me.) ANYWAY, what’s your favorite fashion conspiracy theory? Let’s go through a few and confirm and/or debunk! And if you have a different answer, by all means—let’s hear it.
1.) Dry Clean Only is kind of a farce. As a former small business owner (RIP One/Third), I’d receive a lot of heated messages pressing me on why our jackets were “dry clean only.” Let me just clear the air and say that clothing companies stick the “dry clean only” label on things so they aren’t held liable when you inevitably F it up while trying to wash it. I’m here to tell you that most things CAN be washed. But I’m also here to tell you that I enjoy dry cleaning things like nice outerwear (once a year-ish), dresses, and jackets. BUT, you can certainly wash them on cold/delicate/hang dry and I can assure you that they won’t be ruined. They just won’t arrive pristinely pressed like they are when you pick them up from the dry cleaner. Big Dry Cleaning is NOT in cahoots with Big Fashion—let’s debunk that first. FALSE.
2.) Retailers adjust available units by demand. Ever notice that the exact item you want during a site-wide sale goes so quickly and then when the sale over, it item comes back and you’re like, fine, I’ll buy it? I have no proof but I’m quite sure that’s done on purpose. It’s all about scarcity with the “best product” and I’m just the willing sucker pawn caught in the crossfire. TRUE
3.) Lack of pockets = funded by purse designers. Ever find it interesting that women’s clothing lacked pockets and the handbag industry continues to boom? In the grand scheme of modern fashion, purses are NEW. Pockets existed in women’s fashion largely until the early 20th century when they started to disappear and it became fashionable for women to carry small handbags. Over time, women began to carry around more and more (ahem, cosmetics) and look at us now. I’m gonna go ahead and say that there is truth to this conspiracy. PRETTY MUST TRUE
Ok, that was fun. And speaking of pockets, Shopbop has a big ol’ 20% off sale happening right now with code SPRING20. You can shop all my picks here here - it’s mostly classic things (I own a lot of it) so you can bet it’ll still be around in the coming years.
And because people asked—the Amazon/Sea lookalike jacket is still en route to me. Can’t wait to get it!
I love fashion conspiracies!! For the last few years my biggest theory was that pieces in the Nordstrom Anni Sale were specifically made, lower quality items just for the sale 🫣 I have no real proof but have consistently felt like the same items bought on sale vs full price are different!! You’re probably the gal to help me debunk this!