Why I Stopped Paying for Brand Names: A Lesson in Smart Shopping

These days, I shop for clothes at KiK. I’ve come to realize that buying expensive clothes just isn’t necessary. Why would I spend more when I can get similar quality for less? In my experience, pricier clothes aren’t significantly better in quality.

For example, at KiK, you can get three T-shirts for 3,000 forints, while at New Yorker, a single T-shirt can cost around 8,000. That’s a massive difference — and honestly, I’d rather not pay extra just for the brand name. I’m not going to New Yorker or other overpriced stores anymore. Why should I? It feels like daylight robbery.

I don’t really understand why so many people spend so much on expensive clothes. Maybe it’s just to show off. But for me, getting more for less makes way more sense. Just the other day, I bought five pairs of socks for only 1,200 forints — five! That’s a good deal.

I also checked out one of KiK’s main clothing lines called X-Mail. It’s simple, affordable, and does the job just fine.

I also did a research on this brand:

X-Mail is a budget-friendly clothing brand primarily sold through European discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl. It focuses on basic, functional apparel — flannel shirts, T-shirts, and seasonal items — aimed at affordability rather than high fashion.

The brand’s strengths lie in its low price point and practicality. For everyday wear, especially where cost is a factor, X-Mail delivers reasonable value. However, its quality and durability are inconsistent, reflecting its mass-market positioning. Materials and construction tend to be modest, making the garments more suitable for casual, short-term use.

While it won’t impress in terms of trendiness or long-term wear, X-Mail serves its purpose well for budget-conscious consumers seeking simple clothing solutions.

This experience highlights the value of rethinking my shopping habits. Expensive clothing isn’t always synonymous with quality, and in many cases, affordable alternatives like KiK or brands such as X-Mail offer similar functionality without the inflated price tag. It’s easy to get caught up in brand names, but when you step back and focus on practicality, you realize that smart shopping means buying what serves your needs, not your image.

Ultimately, we’re reminded that value doesn’t always come from a logo — it comes from making choices that align with our priorities, whether that’s saving money, avoiding waste, or just keeping things simple.

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