Post Reports: Tariffs are Driving Up Clothing Prices. Here’s How to Shop Smarter

Episode Release Date: April 29, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Episode Title: Tariffs are driving up clothing prices. Here’s how to shop smarter.
Podcast: Post Reports by The Washington Post

1. Introduction and Fast Fashion Addiction

The episode begins with co-host Cole Bjorkowitz admitting his lifelong addiction to fast fashion. He shares his experience of accumulating trendy, low-priced clothing and turning to influencer "dupe" videos on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic. These videos showcased affordable alternatives to high-end brands, providing a "quick dopamine hit" that Cole found irresistible.

Cole Bjorkowitz [00:02]: "I have been addicted to fast fashion my entire life, which means I've stocked my closet with super trendy clothes at really low prices."

Recognizing the environmental and ethical drawbacks of fast fashion, Cole reaches out to Rachel Tashian, The Washington Post's style critic, for guidance on breaking this habit.

2. Impact of Tariffs on Fast Fashion

Rachel Tashian explains the economic factors exacerbating the rise in clothing prices. The U.S. government, under President Trump's administration, has imposed tariffs exceeding 100% on goods imported from China, affecting fast fashion brands like Shein, Temu, and even high-end brands such as Hermes.

Rachel Tashian [01:43]: "The dupes that you're talking about, a lot of those things are made in China, so they're going to be subject to some pretty hefty tariffs come May 2nd."

These tariffs aim to close the "de minimis loophole," which previously allowed imports under $800 to bypass import duties. With the implementation of these tariffs, companies are forced to increase their prices to absorb the additional costs.

Rachel Tashian [04:21]: "Trump has closed this loophole that's taking effect on May 2nd. And that means that consumers are going to have to start paying fees on these pieces."

Even luxury brands are not exempt. Hermes, known for its French manufacturing, will face increased costs, leading to higher prices in the U.S. market.

3. Ethical and Environmental Concerns

Beyond economic reasons, Rachel emphasizes the ethical and environmental implications of fast fashion. Fast fashion often relies on underpaid labor in countries like China, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, raising concerns about worker conditions and fair wages.

Rachel Tashian [06:13]: "Garment workers in China, in Bangladesh, and in Malaysia... may not be getting paid a fair wage."

Additionally, fast fashion's environmental impact is significant. Low-quality garments contribute to waste as they quickly fall apart, leading to a throwaway culture rather than promoting repair and sustainability.

Rachel Tashian [07:15]: "We're throwing out clothing rather than repairing it or mending it."

4. The Challenge of American-Made Clothing

A shift to American-made clothing is presented as a potential solution, but Rachel points out several challenges. Producing clothing domestically is prohibitively expensive, with a simple t-shirt from designer Natalie Shannon costing around $70 and even reaching $268 online.

Rachel Tashian [08:31]: "For her to make just a simple plain white t shirt is $70."

Moreover, the U.S. lacks the necessary farming and manufacturing infrastructure to produce a wide variety of fabrics, especially synthetic materials commonly used in fast fashion. Establishing such infrastructure would require significant time and investment.

Rachel Tashian [09:03]: "We don't have the farming infrastructure anymore in this country to even produce the kinds of fabrics that are needed to make clothing domestically."

5. Shifting Perceptions of Clothing Costs

Rachel discusses how the fashion industry's pricing strategies have distorted consumers' perceptions of what constitutes a reasonable price for clothing. The prevalence of constant sales and the lure of "dupes" have made it challenging for shoppers to understand the true value of well-made garments.

Rachel Tashian [10:06]: "Fashion companies have really warped our sense of how much things should cost."

High-end fashion remains out of reach for many middle-class shoppers, and the constant cycle of discounts makes it difficult to gauge the actual worth of items.

Rachel Tashian [10:43]: "It's impossible now" for middle-class shoppers to afford luxury brands without significant savings.

6. Shopping Smarter: Tips from Rachel Tashian

In the latter part of the episode, Rachel provides actionable advice for consumers seeking to navigate rising clothing prices responsibly.

a. Embracing Secondhand Markets

Rachel advocates for secondhand shopping as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The secondhand market has expanded with platforms catering to various budgets and styles, from high-end sites like The RealReal and Vestia to more accessible options like Thredup, Etsy, and Poshmark.

Rachel Tashian [13:37]: "The secondhand market has been booming actually for the past five or six years."

She highlights the importance of searching for "new with tags" (NWT) items, which are often unused and available at a fraction of the original price.

Rachel Tashian [13:37]: "If you add NWT new with tags to any of your searches, you can very often find the version of the thing that you are already looking for that is new."

b. Strategies for Inclusive Sizing

Rachel acknowledges the challenges faced by shoppers who do not fit standard sizing. She suggests utilizing search functions on secondhand platforms to filter by size and setting up email alerts for specific items.

Rachel Tashian [18:35]: "Use the search functions of these websites... set up email alerts for particular kinds of products."

Additionally, she recommends consulting a good tailor to alter purchases for a perfect fit, enhancing the longevity and satisfaction of secondhand clothing.

Rachel Tashian [19:46]: "A great tailor is a big help... and it really is worth it to me."

c. Mindful Shopping Practices

Rachel encourages shoppers to adopt a more mindful approach to purchasing. This involves:

• Browsing Without Buying: Visit stores to try on clothes without the pressure to purchase immediately. Reflect on whether the item is genuinely needed or merely a fleeting desire.

  Rachel Tashian [20:00]: "Shop more without buying anything... see how things fit and how they feel."

• Focusing on Versatility: Choose classic pieces that can be styled in multiple ways, ensuring they complement existing items in the wardrobe.

  Rachel Tashian [16:50]: "Are there three different ways that I can wear this?"

• Prioritizing Personal Satisfaction: Select clothing that brings joy and confidence, rather than adhering to fleeting trends or external opinions.

  Rachel Tashian [17:53]: "Have things in your closet that fit you well and that you like so much that you enjoy wearing them over and over again."

7. Conclusion: Tariffs and Market Responses

The episode concludes with a brief discussion on the political ramifications of Trump's tariffs. The White House criticized Amazon for allegedly considering displaying tariff-induced price increases, an action President Trump labeled as "hostile and a political act." Amazon denied the claim, clarifying that such plans were never approved and would not be pursued.

Cole Bjorkowitz [22:54]: "President Trump called founder Jeff Bezos on Tuesday to complain about it... says, 'he's a good guy.'"

The hosts wrap up by emphasizing the importance of adapting shopping habits in response to economic and political changes, urging listeners to make informed and responsible choices moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Tariffs are significantly increasing clothing prices, especially for fast fashion brands importing from China.
• Ethical and environmental concerns make fast fashion an unsustainable choice, both socially and environmentally.
• American-made clothing remains prohibitively expensive and not a feasible alternative for most consumers in the near term.
• Consumers need to reassess their relationship with clothing, understanding true value and prioritizing quality over quantity.
• Secondhand markets offer a viable solution for obtaining quality clothing at reduced prices.
• Mindful shopping practices can help consumers make informed decisions, reducing unnecessary purchases and promoting sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• Cole Bjorkowitz [00:02]: "I have been addicted to fast fashion my entire life..."
• Rachel Tashian [04:21]: "Trump has closed this loophole that's taking effect on May 2nd..."
• Rachel Tashian [06:13]: "Garment workers... may not be getting paid a fair wage."
• Rachel Tashian [13:37]: "The secondhand market has been booming..."
• Rachel Tashian [20:00]: "Shop more without buying anything..."

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