Luxury brands, influencers and fashion enthusiasts alike, constantly emphasize on “investing in
quality fashion or a capsule wardrobe”. Is it really an investment if you are spending your money on
clothes though?
Well, there are two parts to it. One is a “need” and the other is “growth”. Let me explain.
On one hand you definitely “need” clothes to survive frost bites and sun burns. You also need
clothes because someone between tribes and modern society decided that clothing is better than no
clothing. So here we are thousands of years later, evolving through everything, including fashion.
The real question here is, “Is a white buttoned shirt for ₹2,200/- from Zara better than a ₹400/- shirt
from Sarojini Market?”
You may argue that the quality of fabric you purchase from Zara will outlast the number of washes
of anything you purchase from Sarojini MArket. The fact still remains that you spent money buying
it, irrespective of if it cost ₹400/- or ₹2200/-. An expense is an expense. However big or small.
So what is an investment? An investment is something that you expect would give you a higher
return than the value you purchased it for. Do clothes grow in value year on year? No! So is it an
investment? No! No matter the quality of the fabric, buying clothes is not an investment.
Now coming to the “growth” part of it. Let’s say you are a celebrity stylist. Do you think what you
wear might bring more prospective clients your way? Of course! Nobody is going to allow you to
style them, if your clothing choice is questionable in the first place. In that case, do clothes help you
grow in your career and skillset? Yes, they do. Are they then an investment? Yes, but only if you use
it to bring you more prospective clients.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean this stylist can spend all their money on clothes and say “It was a
business investment.” Be mindful of how much you spend and set yourself a shopping budget every
month. That way, you can enjoy it to advance in your career, while also setting money aside for
more important and meaning goals in life.
