Genuine clothing price is too high quality
With the sharp rise in the cost of raw materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers, wool, and silk, the prices of autumn and winter clothing from genuine, well-known brands have also surged. According to industry sources, compared to previous years, this season’s autumn and winter clothing prices have increased by approximately 20%. For many middle-income white-collar workers, this has come as a shock. A recent post on an online forum read: “One month's salary can only buy one piece of autumn or winter clothing!†This statement sparked widespread discussion and even led to online protests and complaints about the price hikes.
However, at the same time, a different trend has emerged—“Shanzhai versions†of branded clothing, which cleverly capitalize on lower prices and have gained popularity on the internet. These imitations, often priced just a few dozen yuan, have become a growing trend among online shoppers. While they offer the same style as high-end brands, there is a noticeable difference in quality. Issues like shrinking, fading, and poor stitching have led to numerous complaints on Taobao. Sellers and platform administrators are frequently involved in disputes over these products.
A netizen named "Jelly 1120" posted on Chengdu's Longmen Town BBS, expressing frustration over the rising prices of genuine brand clothing. He wrote, “I earned my salary at the beginning of the month, went shopping yesterday, wanted to buy a piece of clothing, but ended up not buying anything and going home. It's scary! To get ready for winter, I just need one piece of clothing, but it costs four digits. Look at my poor salary—I can’t afford it.†His post quickly caught attention, sparking discussions across various platforms.
Many young people shared similar sentiments. Another user, “charity519,†said, “I bought a sweater two days ago, and it was 798 yuan. I couldn't afford it, so I went home and let my mom knit me one instead.†Meanwhile, user “2010†expressed more frustration: “Clothes are now so expensive, and even dumpling prices have gone up. My salary hasn’t increased. Last year, a sweater cost 200-300 yuan, and it was a brand. Now it's thousands—prices have risen four or five times.†On the other hand, user “Mei Fei Shibu Dance†offered a humorous take: “Let’s run naked together, or else we’ll have to pick leaves from the square!â€
Despite the humor, most comments reflected genuine dissatisfaction with the rising prices of authentic clothing. The situation—where one month’s salary buys just one piece of clothing—has become an unavoidable reality for many consumers.
To investigate further, reporters visited several major clothing stores in Zhengzhou. They found that autumn and winter clothes were significantly pricier than in previous years. For example, a black jacket at E.LAND was priced at 1,286 yuan, while a winter skirt cost 2,556 yuan. Some imported coats exceeded 10,000 yuan. Even Guangzhou-based brands like Lei Sha had jackets starting at 578 yuan. Similar trends were observed in other shopping centers like Shanghai City and Dashang Xinmaite.
According to Fu Hongli, a manager at Dazzle’s clothing store, the price increase was due to higher production costs. Cotton yarns accounted for 60%–70% of the cost of knitted garments, and rising raw material prices had directly impacted final retail prices. “The continuous rise in cotton and fiber prices is the main reason behind the price hikes this season,†he explained.
The Zhengzhou Municipal Price Bureau confirmed that cotton prices had risen sharply due to factors like bad weather, reduced production, and speculation. Carded cotton, for instance, had jumped from around 18,000–19,000 yuan per ton last October to 35,000 yuan today—a nearly 50% increase.
While the price hikes are a result of market forces, some consumers have turned to cheaper alternatives. Ms. Liu, a regular at Dehua pedestrian street, explained that she no longer buys branded clothing in physical stores. Instead, she tries on items in-store and then searches for similar ones on Taobao, often opting for “Shanzhai versions†that cost much less.
Online sellers like Ms. Wang, who runs a Taobao shop specializing in imitation branded clothing, have found success. She noted that after the Spring Festival Gala, the pink coat worn by actor Niu Li became a hot item, and her high-fidelity version sold well. Similarly, a dress worn by Xu Jinglei in a popular drama also generated significant sales.
However, the Consumers Association has warned consumers to be cautious when purchasing online clothing. While online shopping offers convenience and cost savings, quality issues remain a concern. Complaints about shrinkage, fading, and discrepancies between online listings and actual products are on the rise.
To protect themselves, the association advises buyers to choose reputable sellers, check reviews, verify product details, and request invoices and warranty cards. Upon delivery, customers should inspect the item carefully before signing. If problems arise, they should report them immediately on Taobao or escalate the issue to relevant authorities if necessary.
In summary, while the rising cost of genuine clothing has left many consumers frustrated, the emergence of affordable alternatives has provided a new way to stay stylish without breaking the bank. However, with the risks involved, careful shopping remains essential.
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