Why Monthly Clothing Subscription Boxes Aren’t Worth Your Money

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In recent years, monthly clothing subscription boxes have gained popularity as a convenient way for us to refresh our wardrobes. Oh yes, I have been sucked into the world of subscription box shopping. Stitch Fix, Daily Look, and a few others have enticed me to give it a try, and see what I get. And no – I am not an affiliate of these companies. I have just used them personally.

While the concept seems appealing at first, it’s important to really think about the value and potential drawbacks of these services. I have succumbed to the temptation. So I thought I would share some reasons why monthly clothing subscription boxes really aren’t worth your money. And to help you make an informed decision about your fashion choices and budget.

Lack of Control Over Selection

One of the major drawbacks of monthly clothing subscription boxes is the limited control you have over the selection process. While some services provide style quizzes and preferences, the final decision of what clothing items are sent remains with the subscription box company or your ‘stylist.’

This lack of control can lead to disappointment when the received items do not align with your personal style, fit, or preferences. And while they may seem great when you try them on for the first time, you have to really think if you will wear this in the future.

I have bought clothing pieces because I really liked them, but they are still sitting in my closet. Unworn and unused. Spending money on items that don’t truly reflect your taste can be a waste of your hard earned money.

Sometimes All Sizes are NOT Created Equally

It can be difficult to judge the proper fit and quality, as they need to cater to a wide range of body types and style preferences. And without the opportunity to try items on before purchasing, there is a higher likelihood of receiving ill-fitting or poorly made garments.

They do a pretty good job of sending clothes that fit. But sometimes, they just don’t. This can be frustrating and result in wasted money, as returning items and exchanging them can be time-consuming and may incur additional costs.

And even though some of the pieces they send are designer labels, that doesn’t always mean high quality. For example, in one of my boxes, I got a pair of jeans, which I do love, but they were $127. OUCH! I have had the jeans for about 6 months now, and one of the seams is pulling apart. I don’t wear the jeans a lot, but having them fall apart is really disappointing. Especially when I think about how much I spent on them in the first place.

Clothes Clothes, and MORE Clothes

While these monthly boxes do bring you new additions to your clothing collection each month, this can lead to an accumulation of clothes without considering versatility. Building a functional and versatile wardrobe requires careful curation, with a mix of basics, statement pieces, and items that can be mixed and matched.

The constant influx of new items can make it difficult to create a cohesive wardrobe and may lead to a surplus of items that don’t serve a practical purpose.

Is the Clothing REALLY You

Fashion trends change quickly, and subscription boxes may struggle to keep up with the latest styles. By committing to a monthly subscription, you risk receiving items that are outdated or don’t really fit into your personal fashion sense. This can result in a wardrobe that isn’t really you. It can feel stagnant or disconnected from what you usually wear. That can be a good thing, too, to get you out of your comfort zone.

But let’s face the facts. If you aren’t comfortable in it, you probably won’t wear it. Spending money on clothing that you don’t feel great in is wasteful. And it just ends up filling your closet with clothes you might wear ‘someday.’ I have a few blouses in my closet like this. They seemed great when I got them. But with my typical wardrobe choices, the blouses just aren’t me.

Don’t Forget About the Extra Fees

Monthly clothing subscription boxes require an ongoing financial commitment, often with recurring fees. These are promoted as a ‘styling fee’ and can be anywhere from $20-$40 for each box. Over time, these styling fees will accumulate significantly, impacting your overall budget. It’s important to consider whether the subscription costs align with your financial goals and priorities. Exploring alternative shopping methods, such as sales, or thrift stores, may offer better value for money and allow for more intentional purchasing decisions.

Monthly Clothing Subscription Boxes Aren’t Worth Your Money

While the concept of monthly clothing subscription boxes may initially seem enticing and exciting, it’s really important to think about the end result on your wallet. The lack of control over the selection of pieces, issues with fit and quality, limited wardrobe versatility, unpredictable style and truly knowing your style, and, most importantly, the ongoing financial commitments are factors that you really need to consider. You can probably do better on your own. Subscription boxes really are a waste of your money. By exploring alternative shopping methods and prioritizing mindful consumption, you can build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style while making the most of your budget.

If you do enjoy shopping for clothing online and getting several items in a ‘box’ at one time, maybe consider Amazon Fashion. I’m going to dive a little deeper into this soon for myself. And with Prime Day coming up July 11-12, 2023, I thought this would be a perfect time to give it a try!

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