We talk a lot about choosing quality over quantity. It’s one of the pillars of slow fashion and a tried-and-true standard that we lean on. Choosing quality over quantity means that you’re more invested in choosing things that can stand the test of time over choosing many things that could easily fall apart.

It’s a concept that applies to many areas of life. From how we buy our clothes, how we furnish our homes, what we put our energy into, what we choose to eat, etc. Choosing quality over quantity looks like taking time, doing research, and making sure that what we invest in is going to last a while vs lower quality with a lower price tag that will need to be replaced multiple times.

Everyone can benefit from choosing quality over quantity. (And we don’t feel the least bit pompous saying so.)

Quality lasts.

From friendships to clothes, the ones that have time and thoughtful intention put into it lasts longer. Of course all things come to an end eventually and saying goodbye to those jeans that went the distance with you can be as painful as saying goodbye to an old friend. The joy of quality is the time that went into it and the gratitude you feel when you know it was well-spent.

It saves money in the long run.

A lower price-tag is nice in the present moment, but how often will you have to replace that same item because the quality won’t hold up? Once you add up how often and how many times you’ll need to replace a lower quality item, you’ll notice that it’s worth investing in quality.

Quality causes you to care more.

When you invest in quality, you're going to take care of it. You'll instinctively make sure it's treated well, take the time to repair it, and do your best to get your money's worth. Quality over quantity promotes caring for your things. That means — over time — less stuff is thrown away.

It’s better for people and better for the planet.

Choosing quality helps fight against pollution and exploitation. Exploitation is hidden behind lower price tags. If we’re not paying the true cost, someone somewhere is. Low quality items have created a throw-away culture that isn’t sustainable. And we’re paying for it with pollution. Before we dive too deep into the dark side that seems helpless — choosing quality over quantity invests in other’s well-being and creates a culture of pass-it-on instead of throw-it-away.

Choosing quality increases your quality of life.

In a lot of cases, the saying less is more holds true. Having less reduces stress, and less stress is better for you all around. There’s a sense of relief that comes when you know that you have something that will last, instead of worrying often that it will need to be replaced. Quality is an investment — in yourself, in others, and in the planet.

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Jade is a writer, potter, and gardener living in a sleepy town in Northern Ontario. They love growing food, creating functional stoneware, and hermiting with a book as much as possible.