The way we shop for clothes is changing

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the way we shop for clothing is undergoing a profound transformation. The digital age has brought about a shift that allows us to effortlessly access an array of goods at our fingertips – everything from household items to sporting gear to, you guessed it, clothing. Studies show that women spend on average 100 hours every year shopping for clothing over a series of 30 trips to a brick-and-mortar store. However, with clothing sales accounting for nearly 23% of all e-commerce sales and poised to reach an astonishing $300 billion by 2027, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of consumers are opting to forgo conventional store visits in favor of online shopping. The direction of the future appears to be obvious, the allure of purchasing clothes online, coupled with the flexibility of hassle-free returns, seems like a foolproof strategy… but is it? Approximately 17 billion items are returned globally every year. While the convenience of online shopping and returns is a primary concern to many consumers, the surprising reality is that many of these returned items ultimately end up in landfills, contributing to roughly 5 billion pounds of waste annually. In the face of this visible shift towards online shopping being preferred compared to traditional brick-and-mortar, the pressing concern becomes the potential long-term environmental impact, making now a more important time than ever to consider other available options.

The rise of bespoke clothing

The evolution of custom clothing is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, dating back to the introduction of America’s first clothing brand, Brooks Brothers, in 1818. In today’s world, custom clothing presents a sophisticated solution that not only preserves valuable time typically spent searching for a perfect outfit for that upcoming special occasion, but also ensures the proper fit while maintaining a stringent focus on quality. Add to that the potential of contributing to even larger environmental impacts, and the bespoke clothing difference is starting to become apparent.

Sketch of a Bespoke Dress co-created with a client

Here we’ve broken down the 3 main reasons to consider creating a custom outfit:

1. Redefining Efficiency

Instead of embarking on the average 100 hours a year shopping investment, many bespoke clothing providers have a streamlined design process, which only involves a minimal time investment on your end. For example, here at Gramercy Atelier, our design process generally requires about a 2-hour investment of your time from start to finish. This includes an initial consultation, trying on a prototype of the actual design, a debrief meeting on the prototype, and then final gown delivery.

2. The Pursuit of the Perfect Fit and Exemplary Quality

The idea of attaining that perfect unicorn of an outfit has led clothing to become the most popular category of online returns at 26%, with roughly 38% of those clothing returns being due to not fitting properly. Oftentimes clothing found off-the-rack or online cannot guarantee consistent quality. In comparison, custom clothing entails a level of precision that’s meticulously tailored to your unique measurements while maintaining a stringent focus on using high quality fabrics and detailed craftmanship. Each stitch signifies a commitment to excellence, resulting in clothing that provides a truly timeless look with a longer lifespan than traditional off-the-shelf options.

3. A Greener Horizon

While custom clothing may not be perceived as being an eco-friendly option, it is important to consider the potential environmental benefits. Unlike the wasteful practices of commercially produced fast fashion, custom clothing adopts a sustainable ethos by not only tailoring pieces to precise measurements, eliminating excessive waste, it also contributes to a declining number of merchandise returns that ultimately end up in landfills. In addition, factor in the pollution generated by couriers carting those returns to their final destination, which results in an estimated 4.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted annually. To put this in perspective, according to the EPA, a typical passenger vehicle will emit roughly 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. By embracing the option of custom clothing, we embrace a greener narrative that celebrates both personal style and the well-being of our planet.

Why go bespoke?

As the fashion landscape continues to shift, the implication of this new reality becomes increasingly clear. The convenience of online shopping, with its enticing promise of hassle-free returns, must be weighed against the stark reality of waste and environmental impact. With the continued surge in online clothing sales and a growing preference for digital storefronts over traditional brick-and-mortar, the scale of potential harm to our planet cannot be ignored. However, this juncture presents an opportunity for change – a chance to turn towards a more sustainable and intentional path – making custom clothing a fresh perspective during this shifting time. More than just a solution for saving time and attaining a perfect fit, custom clothing exemplifies a commitment to quality and longevity. It’s a commitment to craftsmanship that transcends trends and waste. As we embrace bespoke clothing, we choose to defy the norms of disposable fashion and embrace a lifestyle that places value on both personal expression and the health of our planet. Now, more than ever, the decision to go custom echoes far beyond our wardrobes – it resonates with the promise of a future that’s sustainable, stylish, and truly your own.

Brought to life: an idea for a Bespoke piece taken from the sketch shown above

The Gramercy Atelier difference

While creating custom clothing may seem like a daunting effort to embark on at first glance, many of our clients find it’s actually just the opposite. Finding the right designer to suit your style and needs makes all the difference in ensuring the final outcome is exactly to your liking. Here at Gramercy Atelier, many of our clients come to us for their once-in-a-lifetime special occasion gown, such as mother of the bride or mother of the groom dresses. Whether you are looking for a long or tea-length dress, sleeveless or long-sleeves, our goal is to help you create an elegant, timeless gown, at a price suited for a variety of budgets. Ensure your time and resource contributions lead to a valuable investment that will live on, benefiting both you and the environment. Here at Gramercy Atelier, we take immense pride in each and every detail, making sure every carefully crafted outfit is created with unparalleled craftmanship.

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