How and why do people who aren’t actually well off pay for this stuff?

[Watersunscream]

If I told you our income I would be told we are in the top percent of earners etc but I honestly couldn’t actually justify or financially manage these sorts of purchases.

Has anyone heard of the essentials brand? Literally hundreds for a tracksuit. I think another is Bergen? Expensive t shirts. Then there’s the usual like Fred Perry etc.

Obviously I know lots of wealthy people buy these things too but it’s mostly people from low income backgrounds. How do I know this? Because people I work with who live in deprived areas and not paid much are forever talking about these things! They actually buy the stuff for holidays or as gifts at Christmas etc. Is this a misguided attempt to gain status? An insecurity thing? I find it really bizarre, it wouldn’t ever cross my mind to spend this.

Most of it's knock-off in my area.

It's increasingly hard to tell the difference.

Fakes ?

we don’t have a lot really but son has an expensive track suit that was a birthday present- he lives in it 🤪

Well, they pay for it somehow, and wanted the items to start with. Are they not allowed?

Also, your earnings are irrelevant because people tend to prioritise different things when it comes to spending their wages.

A lot of branded clothes are sold discounted in TKMaxx or Sports Direct.

What’s your job OP?

I never understand the confusion about how other people do the things they do. What's not to get? They either earn the money, save the money, or borrow the money.

I think some people are very easily confused or just have no critical thinking skills.

Credit cards. Fakes. Sale purchases. Different spending priorities. Stolen goods. Are more well off than you think. Could be any number of things.

This is something I studied at uni. In a nutshell:

”Studies on the "chav" subculture and its relationship with brands like Nike explore how UK working-class youth use sportswear as a "badge of pride" and an extension of self-identity. Research indicates that consuming these brands helps marginalized youth project status and construct identity, despite the negative cultural stereotypes associated with the label.”

I guess they find the money from somewhere - legally or illegally, and I expect some are knock offs or from vinted.

@XenoBitch of course. Just questioning the rationale

Display.

when you dont have much money, things like your clothes, nails and car are very important because that's what the general public sees. They're more affordable than a five bed detached.

It sounds a little 'how dare people poorer than me have things they like'

Different people value different things.

I wouldnt bother buying anything cashmere or dry clean only because it's a hassle & expense with cleaning them but I understand why some people covet them

Because you cannot financially manage those purchases?

@WanderingStar26 this is really interesting! How has it come to be that it’s that sort of branding though, why not Tu Sainsbury’s or something? Is it because of the objectively expensive links the brands carry which makes purchasers feel they are also buying status and therefore a ‘good’ (can’t think of a better word!) identity?

I’m a relatively high earner. The minute my money comes in, large amounts automatically transfer into various savings. I never even see the money to use it. Many higher earners have learned to be responsible with money and think about the long term.

I could afford to spend my money on designer items, but I would never do that. What I care about is the value of my money and what I get from my purchase. I do have indulgences, but they provide much longer term dopamine hits than a shirt could provide.

I buy clothes by expensive brands from vinted.I'd rather have good quality second hand than new fast fashion.

@Doyoumisswordpaperclip not really, im
questioning why anyone would buy them let alone those on low incomes

Generally they have more income and/or lower living expenses.

@dudsville i was thinking beyond the actual expenditure itself and the thought processes around why you would chose to spend so much on such items

@Watersunscream

What job do you do that makes you a high earner but you work with people who live in deprived areas?

For status? Financially irresponsible?

Because they want them.
It's that simple.

@Watersunscream what do you spend your money on?

Thinking about that may make you understand why someone wants something, anything whether cheap or expensive.

Its not something I'm interested in but its no different then women who love to buy a designer handbag its just fashion.