Outlet shopping and discount designer stores have long been the ultimate fashion treasure hunt—scoring past-season gems at a fraction of the price feels like a win, right? But in a world where we’re all trying to be more mindful about our shopping habits, it begs the question: Does outlet shopping align with a more sustainable lifestyle?

Like most things in fashion, the answer isn’t black and white. While outlets can help keep unsold inventory in circulation, they also have a darker side – the promotion of overconsumption, questionable manufacturing, and lower-quality ‘made-for-outlet’ pieces. Let’s break it down.  

The Pros: A More Sustainable Way to Shop?  

Extends the Life of Fashion Pieces  

When done right, outlet shopping can help reduce waste. Many brands use their outlet stores to sell unsold inventory from past seasons rather than disposing of it. That means fewer clothes heading to landfills and more opportunities to continue to put these garments in the hands of people who will love them and use them. 

Reduces Overstock Waste  

The fashion industry overproduces big time. Outlets can provide a solution for brands to clear out surplus stock instead of destroying it. This helps reduce unnecessary waste while offering stylish pieces at a lower price. 

Luxury for Less (Without Fast Fashion Guilt)  

Shopping more sustainably often comes with a hefty price tag. But outlet shopping makes luxury fashion and accessories more accessible, allowing you to invest in timeless wardrobe staples without the full designer price. 

Encourages Investment in Wardrobe Staples  

If you’re curating a capsule wardrobe or leaning into a more intentional approach to fashion, outlets can be a great way to score classic, well-made pieces, think trench coats, cashmere knits, and leather boots, that will last for years. 

The Cons: What to Watch Out For  

The Trap of Overconsumption  

The thrill of a deal can make it easy to overspend on things you don’t actually need. Just because something is 70% off doesn’t mean it deserves a place in your wardrobe. 

The ‘Made-for-Outlet’ Problem  

Not all outlet stock comes from past-season collections. Some brands produce lower-quality lines specifically for their outlets, using cheaper fabrics and less ethical production methods. That ‘designer’ coat? It might not be the same quality as the one in the mainline store.  Some outlets have been accused of inflating ‘original’ prices to make discounts seem more dramatic than they actually are. A deal isn’t a deal if it’s designed to trick you into spending more. 

Questionable Ethics  

While past-season stock helps reduce waste, outlet-exclusive collections may not be held to the same labour or sustainability standards as a brand’s mainline pieces. It’s worth researching brands before assuming you’re making an ethical purchase. 

How to Shop Outlets the “Sustainable” Way  

If you love outlet shopping but want to align it with a more intentional wardrobe, here’s how to do it mindfully: 

Do Your Research: Look for brands that use outlets to sell past-season inventory rather than creating new, lower-quality collections. 

Check Fabrics & Construction: If an item feels flimsy or poorly made, it’s likely a ‘made-for-outlet’ piece rather than true overstock. 

Only Buy What You’d Pay Full Price For: Ask yourself—would you still want this item if it wasn’t on sale? If not, it’s probably not worth it. 

Think Long-Term: Focus on pieces that will work with your wardrobe for years, not just for one season. 

Final Thoughts: Is Outlet Shopping Sustainable?  

Like most things, I think it depends on what you are looking for as a consumer! If you’re mindful about what you buy, focus on quality over quantity, and avoid the trap of overconsumption, outlet shopping can absolutely be a more sustainable way to shop. But like any shopping experience, it requires a bit of strategy. 

What do you think—are outlets a hidden gem for sustainable fashion lovers, or just another way to push us to buy more?