Blog: 5 Tips on How to Not Give In To Hype

Image: JC Gellidon on Unsplash

Hype is an inescapable, omnipresent phenomenon. It's always existed, but since the rise of streetwear in recent years, it's now a term that is heard all over the fashion industry and beyond. If I had to define it, I'd say it's a "force in fashion that appeals to many consumers for reasons beyond their immediate understanding and stirs within them a resonance that makes them highly consider engaging in its wonder." Hyped brands include everything from Supreme to Off-White and hyped products include Yeezy shoes, Jacquemus's miniature bags, and almost anything that's branded or from a brand collaboration. 

However hyped something may be, sometimes being a better consumer means picking and choosing things that you actually care about or have some kind of aesthetic or emotional response to. Although the need to purchase hyped products or to buy items from hyped brands can be strong, there are ways to avoid unnecessary spending on them. Here are five tips I use when deciding to purchase hyped products or brands: 

1. Ask yourself, "Why am I buying this?" Not every product has to be practical, but think about the value this product will add to your life. Will it last for several years? Can it be styled with the majority of your wardrobe? If you're into reselling your possessions down the line, will it be worth the initial investment?

2. Consider why you find yourself attracted to the product you're admiring. Hype is fickle and can often come with a lack of meaning and purpose. Some brands slap their logos on Gildan t-shirts and instantly make a hit with consumers. Having aesthetic appeal is important, but clothing has significant meaning and artistic value behind it. If your reasoning for purchasing a hyped product is to tout it as a status symbol or if you only intend to use the product two times or less, dive deeper into why it's a necessary addition to your wardrobe. 

3. Also ask yourself, "is this brand one that I can support in good conscience?" This question depends on how you feel about art in relation to its creator. Personally, I consider art and its creator to be one and the same. Everything a brand or artist puts out into the universe is a reflection of themselves. Knowing this, there are some brands and creators that I will not support or have stopped supporting. It's cliché to say, but I work hard for my paycheck and refuse to spend my money on brands that I consider to be offensive, untrustworthy, or tone-deaf. 

4. Do your research. The Internet is a vast expanse of information and so many people are sharing reviews about fashion and beauty. You can find reviews about almost any brand or product on YouTube. Look up anything you want to know about the item you're about to purchase. How does it look on the body, does the color match the photo online, where are the garments made, etc. Another thing I've learned the hard way: always check the size chart. 

5. Will you look like your most authentic and true self if you buy it? Think about the image that you want to reflect onto the world and how this item will help you accomplish that. Is it an accurate representation of your "self-curated reality?" If not, pass on it.