Boomers or Bust: The Shirt Off Your Back
It’s just fact – people formulate first impressions based on appearances. Clothing is a facet of image that presents self-identity and personality. As consumers, it is important to be knowledgeable about clothing in order to set good first impressions.
The first thing to note is fit. It sounds basic, but clothing should fit properly. Take the time to know all of your measurements. People have been doing this for generations, but people are beginning to opt for off-the-shelf options because of their convenience and trends. This is one thing the boomers did right – they picked items that fit for them. Though each generation believes that they have better style than their predecessors, you should take some points from the boomer’s closets.
Strangely, part of what you can do is look for more sustainable options. High-end clothing from the boomers generation largely consisted of sustainable materials such as wool, and often supported local businesses. Wool particular is more expensive than polyester and cottons but much far better for environmental sustainability and durability. In the boomers era, wool was the material of choice. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious on a social and sustainable level. In 2015, the International Journal of Fashion Design noted that the demand of sustainable clothing has drastically increased in the past 5 years. Several new companies such as Frank and Oak and Naked and Famous are jostling to be at the forefront of this consumer-driven lifestyle trajectory, combining traditional manufacturing techniques with more sustainable materials. The reality is that contemporary clothing choices are somewhat of a fashion renaissance.
The boomers always appreciated quality, and though they weren’t known for being conscious, their consumer decisions reflected the consumption of clothing today. Almost counter intuitively, modern trends reflect the preferences of the working classes of the past. This can be seen in classics such as oxford shirts, wool outerwear, and remastered footwear, which are all doing extremely well in the current market. The past is a good window into the future, because classics come out of each generation.
The boomers were masters at creating their own styles and building upon previous generations to create their own images. They were often meticulous, and preferred pieces with longevity. In doing so, they supported local businesses more frequently than current generations, and showed individual character in their style. Think of the influence of the boomers when you lace up a classic pair of Stan Smiths, a beautiful pair of brogues. Think of fit when you look for a new blazer. Mostly, think about what the boomers would have done – they would have opted for pieces with lasting value.
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