Whether you have expensive taste or are a bargain hunter, everyone is looking for something different in clothing and technology. From name brands such as Nike, Patagonia and Apple to random thrift store finds, some people prefer to look at price rather than brand name, and vice versa. When I go shopping, rarely as it may be, I try to balance the pros and cons of price and brand, but more often than not, I opt for name brand over price because of quality and reputation.

For example, when I look for leggings, I prefer to buy from brands such as Lululemon or Nike because I know what I will be getting. I have several off-brand pairs of leggings, but they are not the same quality as my others. Yes, these name brand pants are quite a bit more expensive than the Target ones that I own, but they have lasted much longer without getting stretched out, pilled or just plain ruined. With these, I am getting more of my money’s worth because even though I pay more, I am able to wear my Lululemon pants for longer. These companies clearly put more time and money into their products, and it shows in the way each piece of clothing fits, looks and stands time.

Reputation of brands is also very important to me as a consumer. I’m not going to buy something that has a ton of bad reviews, and many of the more recognizable brands receive better reviews. These brands are obviously popular for a reason, and while I don’t understand the reasoning behind a few, I can appreciate ones like Apple. Most of my friends have iPhones of some version, and there is a reason that every time I upgrade my phone I stick with the brand. Every Apple product that I have purchased has lasted me a long time and has, in my opinion, been worth the price. If Apple didn’t have a good reputation, people would probably stop buying their products, so for my peace of mind I continue to be loyal to this well-known brand instead of branching out into unknown territory.

Overall, many factors contribute to what kind of brands we choose as consumers. While I am always excited to take home a good deal, I try and stick to what I know and purchase name brand clothing and other products because I know I can trust them. There is obviously a fine line between what is way too expensive and what is worth paying a hefty price for, so when I shop I try to keep all of these components in mind.