Standing in front of my wardrobe this morning, I noticed yet another perfectly good shirt developing those dreaded little balls of fabric that make it look worn and tired. It’s frustrating how quickly clothes seem to deteriorate these days, even from supposedly reputable brands that charge decent prices.

The decline in clothing quality isn’t just my imagination. The fast fashion industry has fundamentally changed how our clothes are made, prioritizing quick turnover and low costs over durability and quality. Walking through Bourke Street Mall recently, I realized that even traditionally reliable retailers have succumbed to this race to the bottom.

The post-Christmas shopping frenzy is upon us, and like many others, I’ve been contemplating whether to brave the crowds for a new suit. The last time I purchased one was for a wedding three years ago, and honestly, it’s starting to show its age. Plus, those pandemic kilos aren’t doing any favours to the fit.

Wandering through the CBD yesterday, I noticed the usual suspects - Myer, David Jones, and various boutiques - all sporting their red and white sale signs. The discounts look impressive at first glance, but experience has taught me to be skeptical of those “up to 70% off” claims. They usually apply to that one hideous paisley tie nobody wanted in the first place.