The commonest clothing marketing terms used on Amazon April 2024

Term

Sustinable Fashion Implications

Classic/Timeless

These garments transcend fleeting trends. They possess enduring appeal due to their simple, elegant designs and high-quality construction. They remain relevant across seasons and even decades, making them valuable investments in a wardrobe.

Sometimes used to justify higher-impact virgin materials over recycled ones, May involve traditional but environmentally harmful processing methods, Can mask fast fashion items designed to appear investment pieces.

Comfortable/Soft/Breathable

These terms describe the sensory experience of wearing a garment. Comfortable: Ensures ease of movement and minimal discomfort throughout wear. Soft: Refers to the pleasant tactile sensation against the skin. Breathable: Allows for proper air circulation, preventing overheating and ensuring wearer comfort.

Often indicates synthetic microfibers (polyester, nylon) that shed microplastics during washing, May involve chemical treatments for softness that contaminate water, Moisture-wicking usually means petroleum-based materials.

Durable/Long-lasting

These garments are designed to withstand frequent wear and tear. They resist fading, pilling, and other signs of wear, ensuring a longer lifespan and better value for the consumer.

Frequently refers to synthetic fibers that never biodegrade, May involve PFAS or other forever chemicals for durability, Treatment processes often use harmful solvents.

Lightweight

These garments are designed to minimize weight and bulk. They are ideal for warm weather, travel, and activities that require ease of movement.

Often achieved through synthetic materials, May involve chemical treatments to reduce fabric weight, Thinner materials typically have shorter lifespans.

Material-specific concerns e.g. shrinkage, colourfastness, wrinkle resistance

These refer to the unique challenges and considerations associated with specific materials. Examples include: Shrinkage: A concern with wool and cotton. Colorfastness: Important for dyed fabrics, ensuring colors don't bleed or fade. Wrinkle resistance: Crucial for travel and easy care.

Cotton: Unless specified as organic, implies heavy pesticide use, Polyester: Petroleum-based, releases microplastics, Leather: Intensive water use and chemical tanning.Silk: Often involves boiling silk worms alive, Spandex blend: Makes recycling nearly impossible.

Premium/Luxury

These terms denote garments crafted from high-quality materials, often using artisanal techniques. They emphasize exclusivity, impeccable craftsmanship, and a higher price point.

Can mask intensive leather tanning processes using chromium, May involve rare or endangered materials, Often uses excessive packaging and single-use plastics for luxury presentation.

Stretchy

These garments contain fibers that allow for increased flexibility and movement. They provide a comfortable fit and can accommodate a range of body shapes and sizes.

Usually contains elastane/spandex which isn't biodegradable, Requires blended fabrics that are harder to recycle, Chemical treatments for stretch properties often pollute water systems.

Trendy/Fashionable

These terms describe garments that are currently popular and in style. They are often short-lived, reflecting the ever-changing demands of the fashion market.

Encourages rapid turnover and disposal, Often uses mixed materials difficult to recycle, Typically produced quickly with higher environmental impact.