How Has COVID-19 Changed Fashion & Shopping Habits?

The covid pandemic has definitely changed the way that we all live, work and shop. From a focus on more casual wear like sweatsuits through to shopping online, here’s how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our fashion habits.

Increase In Online Shopping

Online shopping has been increasing year upon year, as people demand more convenience and choice in what they buy and wear. Even before the pandemic, more traditional fashion manufacturers and retailers were finding a combination of supply chains, rising rental costs and the costs of staffing these retail stores.

During the pandemic, more traditional retailers needed to pivot to an online offering as they weren’t able to offer the in-store experience. Customers also spent more online as they couldn’t shop in-store but potentially had more time on their hands. For some people, online shopping became a focus.

Physical Stores Closing

Stores that couldn’t pivot to online shopping (or couldn’t do it quickly enough) found it difficult to compete. This has seen more stores closing across the entire retail industry - even large big-brand stores who have found that a drop in footfall has made the business unsustainable in the long term.

Smaller stores have had to absorb the cost of additional social distancing and hygiene measures for customers, along with staff shortages and time off, which has made their business difficult to maintain.

Limits to the number of people in a store at any given time - along with mask restrictions and limited shopping numbers - have also led to customers becoming frustrated with their retail experience, and taking their shopping online. This has been challenging to manage for stores of all sizes.

Focus on Independent Brands

As a result of the pandemic, people are being asked to shop with independent retailers to support the economy, save jobs and focus on sustainability. Despite a challenging retail landscape, there are initiatives and support for small start ups in a bid to revive and rethink the way that we live, work and shop.

Against a backdrop of large retailers mistreating staff, paying low wages and risking the health of their teams to gain profit, many people are choosing to be more conscious in the way that they purchase items.

Casual Clothing

As bars, clubs and restaurants aren’t quite back to normal yet - and many people are still working from home or hybrid working - there’s more of a focus on casual chic. Loungewear, sweatpants and comfortable clothing boomed at the height of the pandemic, and this isn’t going anywhere just yet. Shoppers are throwing away the formality and looking for a simpler approach to their wardrobe, instead of worrying about full glam (at least not all of the time). 

As people get more back into travel, swimwear and summer clothing is starting to grow too. As the events industry starts to come back to life, it’s likely that the opposite end of the scale will grow too with flamboyant wedding outfits, beautiful ornate clubwear and rich, opulent fabrics.

Brands That Started In The Pandemic Might Have To Pivot

As people explored their free time in the pandemic, new businesses began - especially in fashion and beauty. Some of these businesses may have found success in the midst of lockdown restrictions and social distancing orders but may be finding that as the world changes again, they need to change their business too.

Activewear brands, for example, thrived during lockdown but as people return to work and have less time, disposable income and need for gym or exercise clothing they might start to see sales falter. This may need a focus on attracting new customers, a different audience or upping their marketing messaging.

Problems With The Supply Chain

It’s no secret that the pandemic has caused a ton of issues with the supply chain for businesses in every industry. Many fashion brands - particularly those who manufacture overseas  - have seen difficulties in getting stock into their stores. Due to global restrictions, staff shortages and shipping delays, getting things from A to B has been much more difficult than in the past. 

This has been frustrating for brands and customers, who have had to be far more careful - but also far more fluid - with their expectations. 

What’s Next For Fashion?

Whilst the pandemic certainly isn’t over yet, there does seem to be an easing as vaccination programs, milder variants and less restrictions all move forward. It’s likely that fashion and shopping habits will still be disrupted, and that online shopping will continue to grow (and be the first - and only - point of call for many people).

It’s likely that after several years, consumers will start to feel less inclined to accept “the pandemic” as an excuse for delays, poor customer experience or a lack of information. There’s an expectation that businesses will have worked out what they need to by now - but the pandemic is still throwing unexpected situations in here and there. The situation isn’t over, but it’s getting there.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-has-covid-19-changed-fashion-shopping-habits

How to Customize a Made to Measure Shirt

A made to measure shirt is the ultimate flex - tailoring is the key to looking sharp, well-dressed and ahead of the game when it comes to fashion. It’s usually a more expensive option than buying a standard shirt from a store but many see it as an investment.

There can be so many different choices when you’re customizing a made to measure shirt that it can feel overwhelming. We’ll take you through the essentials you need to know to customize a made to measure shirt.

Why Choose a Made to Measure Shirt?

With a made to measure shirt you get a shirt that’s quite literally customized to fit your body. This looks more flattering and sharper than off-the-rack options. This helps to lift the rest of your outfit too, making it look more expensive and tailored.

A custom shirt is often made from higher quality materials, along with expert tailoring from an experienced professional. This could mean that you’re buying shirts less frequently as you’ve invested in better quality clothing that’s been created by one person.

With a made to measure shirt you’re totally in control of the design and creative process. If you know you prefer a certain style, detailing or cut - then it’s yours. You can make sure that your wardrobe reflects your personality and style as well as the fact that no-one will have the exact same shirt. It’s been made to measure for you.

How to Customize a Made to Measure Shirt?

If you aren’t sure exactly what you can customize on a made to measure shirt (or you just need some inspiration) then let’s take a look at exactly what you can select when you go for a tailored shirt.

Choose Your Fabric

You can choose whatever style, color, design or fabric you want to. Whether you want to keep it classic or go for a one-of-a-kind showstopper then the choice is completely yours. Your tailor should take you through the options available and also advise you on what your best choice should be.

Choose Your Shirt Style

If you’re thinking of getting a made to measure shirt then you’re probably already aware that there are a huge number of different shirt styles out there. You guessed it, with a customized shirt you can choose the cut or style of shirt that you want.

Whether that’s an Oxford Button Down, Dress Shirt, Cuban Collar Shirt or a Classic Short Sleeve Shirt - the choice is completely yours!

Choose Your Sleeve Style

You can choose the length or fit of your sleeves, depending where and when you want to wear your shirt. It’s also important to think about where you live and how casual you want it to be. As a rule, shorter sleeves are more casual but sometimes they’re a necessity if you live somewhere with a hot climate.

Choose A Collar

You can choose from a lot of different styles of collar such as classic, button-down, cut-away, wing and mandarin. Different collar styles suit different face shapes so take some guidance on this if you need to.

If you’re not familiar with the different types of collar styles, then read on for more detail on the most common styles you might want to choose from.

Classic Collar

A Classic Collar is probably the style you’re most familiar with and tends to suit most face shapes and sizes. It’s particularly flattering for long faces.

Button-down Collar

The ‘button-down’ collar is the same as the ‘classic’ collar but stays in place due to the two buttons on the collar points that fasten to your shirt. This collar is suitable for casual occasions and can be worn with or without a sweater, necktie and jacket over the top.

Cut-away Collar

The ‘cut-away’ collar has a wider spread so there is more room for a necktie. The collar ends also point outwards instead of downwards like the ‘classic’ collars. The ‘wing’ collar is commonly worn with a bow tie for formal occasions including weddings and other black-tie events. The tips sit flat and stand out from the collar, which rest on top of a bow tie.

Wing Collar

A wing collar is the most formal collar style for a dress shirt. It’s started and has the tips pointing downwards in a wing shape. You may have seen this worn with a bow tie in a formal setting.

Mandarin Collar

A ‘mandarin’ collar is also known as a ‘nehru’, ‘standing’, ‘band’ or ‘choker’ collar. It is a short, unfolded style that stands upwards. It is a versatile collar that can be worn both casually and formally.

Choose Your Cuffs

You can choose an adjustable, angle or straight cuff on long-sleeve shirts too. As well as the cuff style, you can choose the number of buttons including single or double.

Choose Plackets and Pockets

You can choose the style of the fabric section where the buttons and buttonholes run. This includes choosing to have no placket, a front placket or a covered placket. Front placket is the most common and a covered placket is the most formal.

With pockets, you can choose curved, angled or straight pockets - most people tend to match their cuff and pocket style for consistency.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-to-customize-a-made-to-measure-shirt

What is Sustainable Fashion?

You’ve probably heard the term ‘sustainable fashion’ a lot in recent years, along with discussions about fast fashion and how it isn’t great for the planet. But what does sustainable fashion actually mean? What Does ‘Sustainable Fashion’ Mean?

Sustainable fashion essentially refers to garments and accessories that are created in an ecologically and socially responsible way. There are different ways that people try to shop more sustainably.

Some people choose to stop buying new clothes, focusing on buying thrifted or pre-loved items. Others look to support independent retailers, avoiding the mass-market fashion industry that pushes fast fashion and low-quality items. There’s also the supply chain, materials and the impact of producing the raw materials to take into account too.

We can certainly choose to shop in a more sustainable way, but getting involved with sustainable fashion does not require buying anything new.

Wearing what you have, shopping second hand, and swapping/borrowing from friends are other ways to engage in the sustainable fashion movement that doesn’t require the production or purchasing of anything new.

Why is Sustainable Fashion Important?

Mass market fashion has been causing harm to the environment and society for a long time. Sweatshops exist around the world and the production of fabric has become industrialized in a way that’s harmful to the environment, pollution and people around the world.

The fast fashion model is built on an endless cycle of overproduction and overconsumption. Cheap prices from fast fashion brands are only made possible because these brands produce in huge quantities. While the companies don’t make much profit from each garment, they are able to profit hundreds of millions or even billions because they produce so much.

And, because fast fashion brands produce in such large quantities, they are able to negotiate prices down with factories. These negotiations suppress wages and keep safety standards low.

The rise of fast fashion has also sparked a “race to the bottom” for the industry as a whole, as brands try to produce garments as cheaply and quickly as possible in order to offer trendy pieces at low prices.

Not all communities and people are affected equally. The pollution, environmental impact and cost to people tends to happen in countries that have a poorer economy.

What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Fashion?

The fashion industry is known as one of the most polluting industries in the world. Making a conscious decision to shop with sustainable and ethical brands will make a difference to the planet and the people within it.

Here are some of the benefits of sustainable fashion:

Quality Reduces Waste

Sustainable brands focus on quality, using materials and finishes that are made to last as well as being kind to the environment. The clothing produced by fast fashion brands isn’t made to last – the aim is to get you to buy more, so why would the focus be on making quality long lasting clothing? In choosing sustainable brands that provide quality, you can reduce your waste as well as the amount of clothing that you buy (also saving you money).

You Should Do You

Fast fashion is all about trends, but we’ve been told what to wear for so long many of us have forgotten what our own unique style looks like. Many sustainable brands focus on creating timeless pieces of high quality. Curate your own personal style, say goodbye to money wasting fashion trends and wear clothes that reflect you.

It's Better for the Planet

The fast fashion industry leaves behind a huge environmental footprint. From the landfill impact, and power and water consumption, to the pesticides and insecticide used in growing cotton and the chemicals that are making their way into the water supply and affecting the health of those in the supply chain, it’s safe to say fast fashion is a real problem for the environment. In choosing sustainable fashion you can say no to supporting the negative environmental impact that the fashion industry is causing, and in-turn reduce your own environmental footprint.

It’s Better for People

Fast fashion has kept the cost of clothing down at the cost of low pay and conditions in developing countries. By switching to ethically made brands you are ensuring that the clothing you choose to spend your money on hasn’t taken advantage of workers or used child labor.

How To Make More Sustainable Fashion Choices?

Choosing to make more sustainable fashion choices doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive), here are some easy ways to be more sustainable:

• Support independent brands rather than fast fashion brands who cause problems with pollution, waste and living conditions.
• Look to reuse and recycle fashion items.
• Choose organic cotton rather than commercially produced.
• Choose brands that work with suppliers and manufacturers who pay their workers fairly.
• Look for brands who give back and support their community.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/what-is-sustainable-fashion