High Street V Luxury or Independent Lingerie Brands

For a long time I've been a great advocate for high street lingerie... think of me as the Gok Wan of the lingerie blog world (but really I'd rather you didn't). It's reasonably priced, okay quality for what you are paying for and also very fashionable. But what happens when the high street brands begin to "take inspiration" from our favourite lingerie brands, who put so much time into designing a garment?

ASOS Boudoir

Nearer The Moon

Did you know it only takes around two hours for a high street shop to make a suit, from design to finished product? This is what we call "fast fashion". Most independent brands who aren't on the high street have maybe only 2-4 collections a year, whereas a high street shop can have new items coming into stock maybe every week. This is why things like this happen; because of the huge turnover and mass-made items it's easy to see a design, duplicate it with some differences and get it into the shops within the next fortnight. In a high street brand, the designers never stop scribbling new ideas because as soon as a new collection goes out, another has to be completed.

Playful Promises

Topshop

But is it just coincidental? Or are the big brands really scouring the little people for new ideas? It's hard to prove things like this unless the design is identical, which it usually isn't. People usually shy away from suing big companies too because the money they will get out of it is just pocket change to the brand, and it will usually cost the smaller brand a lot to make that claim as it is. It's not worth the losses, and above all people will always be loyal to the brands they admire. A lot of brands who have experienced this take it on the chin and say "imitation is the highest form of flattery".

Dirty Pretty Things

H&M (taken on phone)

However, to look at the other side of the argument, in what way can we benefit from high street designers producing similar products to lingerie brands? Well, the obvious one is that if you can't afford the luxury lingerie item you wanted and you want a similar look for a smaller price, you can pop in to your local town and purchase it without being too hard out of pocket. However, you have to sacrifice the longer lifespan of the product, the fit, quality of fabrics and the reassurance of having something well-made (responsibly).

Topshop

Fleur of England

But what can you do if you would rather support the brand? Well the answer is simple; always be loyal to the independent brands! Although you may have to fork out more for the product, you are buying into a garment that will last a longer time, will fit the curves of your body, and feel great. And let's face it... you can't put a price on feeling amazing in something!

H&M (taken on phone)

Damaris

I for one still think that the high street is a great alternative to luxury lingerie if you don't have the cash, but I would never (knowingly) buy something that is a duplicate due to my duty as a lingerie aficionado! I've seen so many original designs in high street lingerie shops and also some of them have lasted ages for me and the fit is great! So don't be entirely put off because of a couple of copycats. I try to keep a mixture of both high street lingerie and luxury/independent brand lingerie in my drawers because sometimes I need a quick undie fix but also I like to have things that are special and beautifully made.

Ann Summers

Marika Vera

So what is your opinion on these "duplicates"? Would you buy them? Do you prefer to buy underwear in large quantities for a smaller price or do you prefer to buy one set for a bigger price?

Toots xox


Follow us on