64 Times People Refused To Replace An Outdated Product And Didn’t Regret It (New Pics)

It seems like some products are purposely made to be replaced while others are built to last a lifetime. And while certain people have no problem wasting money, others know better. It's can be tempting to purchase something cheap, thinking that you're saving a few bucks.

But often, you might be sacrificing quality, and paying a lot more in the long-run. Not only is it a major expense to constantly have to replace products, it's also really bad for the environment.

You might think that the more expensive a product, the better the quality. But that's not always the case. Take clothing, for example. One study, conducted by the University of Leeds, found that many items on the lower end of the price scale far out-performed the higher-end options. They came to this conclusion by testing the durability of hoodies, jeans and t-shirts in different price ranges.

"The quality of clothing has decreased with the dawn of fast fashion," reports Remake.com. "To keep costs low, brands and manufacturers have been opting for cheaper fabrics and scrimping on finishings."

A 2023 survey, conducted by UK environmental charity Hubub, found that “on average, people expect 26 washes from a £10 ($12) t-shirt before it starts to break down/not look good, compared to 42 washes from a £100 ($125) t-shirt. They expected 30 washes from a £20 ($25) pair of jeans compared to 44 washes from a £100 ($125) pair of jeans.”

But based on the Leeds researchers' findings, the consumers might be misjudging the durability of their clothing. And this can have a negative impact on the environment.

If a garment is durable and lasts long, consumers are likely to purchase fewer replacement garments. They're also more likely to keep their items for longer. This equals less clothing ending up in landfills, and a happier planet.

So how do you know if you're buying a good quality garment of it's not all about the price of the item?

One way, say Remake's experts, is to inspect the inside. There are few signs you might find that point to quality. For example, if the hem is sewn down thoroughly, it’s a good sign. If it’s loose, it’s at risk of snagging.

"The size of stitching is also a good indicator – small stitches require more time and care and are more durable compared with long stitching which could be a sign of cutting corners," reveals the site. "Also check for any flaws such as threads coming undone."

If the item has a lining, check how it feels on your skin. A higher quality, say the experts, should be comfortable and not make you feel itchy, icky, or sticky. The buttons and zippers can also tell you something. Good quality garments won't have cheap, plasticky-looking buttons that aren't sewn on securely.

Whether it's an item of clothing, a vacuum cleaner or furniture, it pays to buy durable products.

"Products that are designed to be reusable and uphold their quality over time reduce the need for replacements, and therefore the amount of waste generated," notes Eurofins Sustainability Services. "The manufacture of new products requires significant energy, raw materials, and water. The waste generated from discarded products also contributes significantly to environmental degradation."