Ever gone through your parents’ old clothes from when they were young and thought, “Wait… why does this stuff feel way better than what we wear now?” You’re not imagining it. Clothes really were made differently back then.
Fast fashion has changed everything, from how we shop to what we wear, and how quickly we throw things away. These days, clothes are cheaper, trendier, and more available than ever. In India, brands like Zudio and Westside have jumped on that wave, bringing affordable fashion to millions.
But here’s the catch: that low price often comes at a cost. The quality doesn’t last, and neither does the impact on the planet. So yeah, your parents’ old wardrobe? It probably had way more staying power—for a reason
The Fast Fashion Formula: Accessibility and Affordability
Zudio, a Tata Group brand launched in 2016, has rapidly become a favorite among budget-conscious Indian shoppers. Its success is built on the “AAA Formula”—Accessibility, Affordability, and an Attractive Product Lineup. Zudio’s stores are strategically located in both metro and tier 2/3 cities, ensuring wide reach. The brand’s price points (most items between ₹199–₹999) and frequently updated collections make it especially appealing to young consumers eager to stay on trend.
Westside, also owned by the Tata Group, operates at a slightly higher price point but follows a similar model: regular inventory refreshes, trend-focused designs, and wide accessibility. Both brands are part of a larger movement democratizing fashion, previously dominated by international players like Zara and H&M.
The Quality Conundrum
While Zudio and Westside have made style affordable, many consumers have noticed a trade-off in quality:
- Short Lifespan: Reports and customer reviews tell that Zudio’s clothes may not last beyond a handful of washes, with issues like color fading, tearing, fiber loosening, and shrinking being common complaints. This mirrors global fast fashion trends, where garments are designed for short-term use rather than durability.
- Material Choices: Like their international counterparts, these brands often rely on synthetic fabrics to keep costs low. While some marketing highlights “durable fabrics,” the reality for many shoppers is opposite. these clothes are less robust than those from previous decades.
- Disposable Mindset: The rapid turnover of collections encourages a “wear and discard” mentality, increasing textile waste and environmental strain. Zudio restocks their colevtion in every 15 days!
Environmental and Social Impact
Its no secret that The environmental footprint of fast fashion is significant. The industry is responsible for a large share of global carbon emissions and water pollution. When brands like Zudio and Westside produce garments that last only a few washes, the cycle of consumption and waste accelerates, contributing to landfill overflow and microplastic pollution.
On the social front, the push for ever-lower prices often means outsourcing production to countries with lower labor costs and weaker regulations, raising concerns about worker exploitation—a problem not unique to Indian brands but prevalent across the fast fashion sector.
Why Are These Brands So Popular?
Despite these drawbacks, Zudio and Westside continue to thrive due to:
- Affordability: Their price points make fashion accessible to a much broader segment of the population than traditional or luxury brands.
- Trend Responsiveness: Both brands excel at quickly translating the latest fashion trends into affordable, ready-to-wear collections, appealing to India’s young, trend-conscious demographic.
- Convenience: With extensive store networks and regular inventory updates, shoppers are always tempted by new styles and deals.
The Way Forward
As Zudio and Westside lead India’s fast fashion surge, the challenge is balancing affordability with quality and sustainability. Both brands have begun experimenting with eco-friendly initiatives, but the core model remains rooted in rapid production and consumption. For lasting change, both industry and consumers must be mindful and prioritize durability, ethical sourcing, and mindful buying.
ALSO READ : How Zudio Makes Fashion Affordable for Everyone
