Why durability matters more than trends

Jenny Daphne Pitsillides – Editor | Re:Fabricate — Real Solutions for a Better Fashion Industry

Garments built to last remain relevant long after trends fade, standing the test of both time and style. While online fads seem exciting and endless, they do fade. Styles change, people change, and soon that item feels out of place as you realize that purchase no longer matches who you are, or perhaps never truly did.

Chasing trends traps you in a cycle of constant disposal and replacement, a wasteful loop, both for your income and for the environment. By contrast, long-lasting, responsibly made pieces offer real value and peace of mind. You might invest more as the item is handmade and eco-conscious, but it stays with you for years. Come winter, you’re not rushing to buy a new coat because the one you already own remains in excellent condition. It was crafted to last, both for you and for the planet.

Ultimately, durability is reliable and consistent. That rainbow crop-top you bought in 2022 may still be in your wardrobe, but likely because it rarely got worn. Knowing yourself and your style lets you choose pieces you genuinely love, items you will continue to enjoy and that last far longer than anything churned out by brands built on fast labour and faster obsolescence. If you do genuinely love rainbow-themed garments, consider the difference in buying from a designer who shares that passion, thoughtfully choosing materials and dedicating hours to perfect their pieces. These garments carry character, care, and intent, qualities that mass-produced items can never replicate.

Looking back from the pandemic to early 2026, it’s clear that most trends have come and gone: the tie-dyes, the tiny skirts, the shackets. Yet the garments still exist somewhere behind your college sweatshirt you never actually wore, and the waste they produced continues to burden the environment. Focusing on durability ensures that what you own serves you well over time. This isn’t about rejecting style or fun, but about making choices that provide enduring value rather than fleeting pleasure. Over the years, your wardrobe becomes a reflection of your taste, principles, and priorities, rather than a collection of disposable fads that vanish as quickly as they arrived.