Perhaps the most interesting behavior is evident in the divide between men’s and women’s clothing, as both supply and demand influences lead to significant price discrimination against the men. First, because Western women buy many more new clothes than men, they throw away many more clothes as well. Ed Stubin* estimates that the truckloads arriving from the Salvation Army contain between two and three times as much women’s clothing as men’s. Women are also more particular about the condition of their clothing, so about 90 percent of what is cast aside by women is still in good condition. Men, however, not only buy less clothing but wear it longer, so only half of the clothing received by the used clothing exporters is in good condition. On the supply side, the bottom line is that world supply contains perhaps seven times as much women’s clothing in good condition than it does men’s. African demand exacerbates this imbalance, as African women’s clothing preferences exclude much of Western fashion while men clamor for limited supply of T-shirts, khakis, and suits that are in good condition. The end result of this supply and demand dynamic is that in mitumba markets, similar clothing in good condition may cost four to five times as much for men as it does for women.
This is from The Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy.
*Ed Stubin is an American exporter of used clothing.
The economics of supply and demand worked out practically.
African women won’t wear western clothes, but the men will. Never thought about it, but yeah. Why?
How men vs women wear clothes. Definitely true, even from a young age. Boys clothing gets worn out much more often than girls. Fewer hand-me-downs within the family, let alone donations.
Maybe an answer to 2: because a lot of African women actually live in traditional societies that value modesty and Western women’s clothes tend to be very immodest.
“Traditional” in what sense? Tribal dress was certainly not modest by western standards. If we are talking about Muslim Africa, sure. I could be convinced that’s what’s going on, but I’d have to think about it more.
The author is talking particularly about Tanzania which is about 2/3 christian and 1/3 Muslim, so modesty may be part of it.
I’m inclined to think it has more to do with color than anything else. The black women I have known, especially those from Africa, tend to wear very bright and vibrant colors. White women wear decidedly muted colors in comparison.
I also have been reflecting on the clothing extravaganza of women since reading this and wondering if our wives and daughters are resisting this a la “do not let your adorning be outward.” Ought we restrain the closet size? Few of our wives and daughters would be satisfied with 5 dresses.
The book itself has been pretty good. He walks through the histories of cotton farming and textiles. He does not buy into the belief that we are ruining societies because they are cheaper labor - but points out that the overall poverty rate 40 years later in low cost labor markets is drastically improved.
Even in his talking about the used clothes market of Africa he shows that within 15 years of its rise in many countries there the price of clothing has doubled, showing both an increase in demand and an increase in economic growth to support that doubling.
This is inspiring because I actually know why the quote is fascinating!
I have been writing a lot of essays recently for college applications and scholarships, and I am always tempted to write fluff and try to sound like I know what I’m talking about. In these situations, my dad calls them out as “glittering generalities” and I have to forlornly go and learn something before writing about it… again.
Anyways, this doesn’t relate to clothing but it was helpful to me to see a general statement developed.
Maybe girls don’t struggle with generalities in their writing? There! A connection.