The Value of a Product: Why Price Reflects Quality and Ethics
I recently received a comment on Instagram that really struck me. Someone called the prices of our bras "shameful." In over 30 years of business and 20 years of experience with e-commerce (we've been online since September 2005), I've never received a comment like that, especially since we've always strived to select products with an adequate, if not excellent, value. In fact, we've never, and I repeat, never, had a return due to product defects or quality.
This made me think, because I think it is inappropriate to judge the price of a product without knowing its quality, the production process and the values it represents, whether it is a product offered by us or by others.
This is certainly not the only comment of this kind: "I buy 10 on Shein," "I find the same ones for much less," "No thanks, I don't spend that much on pajamas, I'll throw them away after a year," etc. These are all comments I disagree with for various reasons, so I decided to take this opportunity to explain what's behind the cost of a textile product.
What Determines the Price of a Product?
When it comes to textiles, the cost is influenced by numerous factors that often go unnoticed. Here's an overview:
1. Materials Used
The choice of fabrics is one of the most crucial factors. High-quality materials, such as organic or premium cotton, silk, merino wool, or innovative technical fabrics, are more expensive than synthetic or low-quality fibers. Furthermore, fabrics certified for their environmental sustainability are more expensive, but they guarantee a lower impact on the planet. Clearly, choosing a quality product contributes to its longevity.
Another often overlooked problem is the toxicity of the tissues produced, for those who are interested I leave an interesting link to an article from www.geopop.it® about the Toxicity of fabrics from a well-known fast fashion brand (taken as an example of a much larger problem).
The products we offer are made with high-quality, durable and comfortable fabrics.
2. Production Processes
The production of a garment can vary greatly depending on its complexity and attention to detail. Artisanal techniques, customized workmanship, or innovative dyeing and printing processes all contribute to price increases. Likewise, production that complies with ethical and regulatory standards has higher costs than that produced under exploitative conditions.
The manufacturers and suppliers we work with reflect these characteristics.
3. Workforce and Working Conditions
A textile product made in countries with fair wages and safe working conditions will inevitably cost more. Choosing to produce in Italy or Europe, where workers' rights are protected, represents an investment in quality and ethics.
The products we offer are almost all produced in Italy and Europe, and where some manufacturers import certain items, their origin is guaranteed by them.
4. Quality and Sustainability Certifications
Certifications, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, guarantee that materials and processes meet high standards in terms of sustainability and safety. Obtaining these certifications requires financial investment and ongoing commitment from companies.
5. Design and Innovation
Each garment is the result of a creative process that includes research, design, and development. Designers, pattern makers, and technicians collaborate to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Innovation in patterns and fabric technologies contributes to adding value to the product.
6. Logistics and Distribution
From production to delivery, logistics represents a significant cost component. Transportation, warehousing, and distribution costs impact the final price, especially if more sustainable solutions are adopted, such as eco-friendly packaging or low-impact shipping.
We try to consolidate deliveries and shipments using collection and delivery points that have a lower environmental impact. Packaging is recycled wherever possible, and we strive to optimize its consumption.
7. Brand Size
Artisanal businesses or independent brands, which don't produce on a large scale, face higher costs per unit than major brands. However, this choice allows them to offer unique, high-quality products.
Understanding these factors helps assess the true value of a textile garment, going beyond simple price. Choosing products that meet quality, ethical, and sustainability criteria is not just a purchase, but an investment in a better future.
An Invitation to Freedom of Choice, with Respect
There are products of all types and prices on the market, along with promotions to suit everyone's needs. We firmly believe that everyone should feel free to choose what best suits their budget and priorities.
Buying a quality product isn't just about choosing something that will last. It's a conscious choice, a commitment to ourselves and our planet. When we choose a well-made garment, we're investing not just in a material or a brand, but in a consumption cycle that has a positive impact. It's not about spending more, but about choosing better.
Think about it: pajamas that last longer, a garment that doesn't lose its color or shape after just a few washes, are small gestures that make a difference. It's not just a purchase, but a way to say no to the throwaway culture, to value what we own, and to respect the work of those who created that product.
The next time you choose something, take a moment to reflect on how the value of that product goes beyond its price and how it can contribute to more sustainable consumption. Every choice we make today is a stepping stone towards building a better, more conscious, and respectful future, because all the products we throw away end up somewhere: here's an example from an article on www.ilpost.it®.
This is my vision, but now I'd like to hear yours: what do you think about the value behind a product? Write to me, because dialogue is the first step towards more conscious consumption.
