Summary of Reddit Comments on Replica Clothing from China

Pros and Cons of Replicas:

• Pros:

  • Brings down costs: "I can’t even go into shops that sell designer without thinking about which seller sells the best version of that tshirt or shoe."
  • Allows for more variety: "Sure I’m eventually spending $150+ but I get much more clothes for that amount than if I went to the mall."
  • Economic benefits: "more cash in the bank for important life purchases eg house, vacations, kids etc while still looking like a million bucks."
  • Quality can be good: "Majority of the stuff I have got has lasted me a long time."

• Cons:

  • Ruins retail shopping experience: "reps ruin shopping for the real thing."
  • Lack of uniqueness: "It’s the same tshirt with a different animal on it it makes no sense."
  • Ethical concerns: Some see it as problematic in terms of ethics.

Balancing Replicas with retail purchases:

• Finding a balance: "I’ve found many retail purchases are worth buying for that alone."
• Embracing variety: "my closet consists of an amalgamation of vintage, retail, small brands, and reps."

Thoughts on Luxury and branding:

• Critique on luxury pricing: "Most people will tell you it's the quality of the material or the ethical manufacturing, but it's a huge lie. It's branding, marketing, and maintaining the status."
• Perception and value: "People will spend heavily on retail items not because they are worth it but because the believe in the perception that by wearing that item it will make them a higher standing member of society."

Individual Experiences with Replicas:

• Quality of replicas: "quality is 1:1."
• Personal preferences: "90% of my wardrobe is reps exception being my workout and outdoors gear."
• Value for money: "people seem to really like them and now they keep on asking for advice on reps."

Impact on Shopping Habits:

• Shift in shopping habits: "I started with reps 6-7 years ago cause I wanted some Yeezy 350s."
• Preference for online shopping over physical stores: "They really dont make sense for me to buy at normal stores anymore."
• Influence of social media on shopping: "online shopping and influence through social media has ruined shopping for me since a young age."

Overall, the comments vary from praising the affordability and variety of replicas to criticizing the impact on retail shopping experiences and ethical concerns related to replicas. Some users find a balance between replicas and retail, while others have fully embraced replicas. Luxury branding and perception play a significant role in people's shopping decisions.