That Dupe philosophy was so ridiculous, “I reject big brands but still follow their trends” the actual cool thing to do is express your individuality

What i hate is that most of my local 2nd hand stores are now FULL of shein and low quality crap. Going to vintage resell shops is way too expensive

Dupe is more commonly used term in makeup and perfume. Like "this cheap eyeliner has a similar formula to and works just as well as that really expensive one." In that case, it's not a product being made to copy another at all. It just happens to work out like that.

I have my best friend living in China for 12 years now and a couple years ago he discovered a knockoff factory for designer bags in which the guys were taking the same leathers, zippers, and everything from the same producers as, for example, Louis Vuitton does. Their knockoffs are practically indistinguishable from the originals. We've brought a couple (paid $250 a pop, from the factory! Super expensive for a knockoff product) and gave them to some women with huge experience in this stuff and they were shocked. 100% same as the originals.

I feel like pre recession a lot more people were judgmental of those who couldn’t afford designer clothing and bags, but after the 08 recession and also during the covid 19 pandemic, less people can afford the real deal and now it’s more about saving money than being able to afford designer shit

Just to point out: UGGs themselves are technically a dupe of Uggboots, an Australian fashion item that was sold simply as "Uggboots". They simply put a label on it and sold it in America, even their brand name was a dupe of the name "uggboots". The name for the fashion item came before the brand name!

Just a note, the UGG example is a bad example. UGG is a generic term for a style of shoe. It's just that Deckers outdoor products gained a monopoly on the trademark. So much so that the original Australian manufacturers can't sell their goods outside of their own country

Greed is what is going on. Workers can’t afford the designer prices. Thus the success of Shein and Wish. It’s a race to the bottom.

Has this channel ever done an episode about charcoal products like facial masks and toothpaste? Knowing how well you guys research all this stuff, I'm extremely curious to know if it's effective, but more importantly safe to use/consume.

I think you said "when ugg boots first came out" or similar - when would that be, sonny? Because I was wearing them here in Australia in the 1970s. Every roadside barn through Australia's woolgrowing regions sold them, unbranded, unlabelled. Then a Yank company decided to trademark the name and concept and when challenged in court, they won. The court accepted uggs were a generic product in Australia so the company (I thought it was Teva?) couldn't have sole rights to them here, but they won international rights to the name and product. Now that's a rip-off!

Once more sustainable brands start making clothing in my size (tall, size 16, shoe 12) I'm all in. But most more ethical brands tend to ignore people like me exsist. Fast fashion brands and learning to sew are really my only options for everyday clothes.

The argument that "by buying dupes you're not supporting the shitty designer brands" is so weird to me lmao. So you're replacing a shitty designer brand with a shitty fast fashion brand, wow 😂 How about we just don't buy anything...

I’m so glad that I don’t care for fashion trends, it just makes life so much more easier to endure.

And then there’s me, I have no idea about most fashion so if I went to Amazon and bought a pair of shoes that were a dupe of famous shoes I likely wouldn’t know it.

Second hand doesn't work anymore - people just offload their fast fashion addiction there. Pay more but buy quality/sustainability and make it last.

I really wish that the fashion of repairing better quality clothing would come back mainstream. I have been purchasing better quality items for the past few years and last year I only purchased a couple of items. I hope to purchase next to nothing this year!

In Italy, in the 50s, women were just as vain as they are today, but money was short. A lower middle-class working woman like my mother would have one single skirt suit for important events, three or four skirts, four shirts, two or three jumpers. One heavy coat and a medium weight coat for spring/autumn. Three pair of shoes and a single handbag. All of that could be held in a two-door wardrobe with two drawers for underwear and tights. That was normal. Even with a long-term job, you could afford little more than that. Today I hear people always complaining about having no money and yet their wardrobes are bursting with low quality outfits. P.S. most of those garments were made by a seamstress who would make sure that those few garments my mother could afford would suit her body shape to perfection. My mother used to have an excellent deportment and most of the times she looked like a model in those bespoke outfits.

I just had to thank you for including the Schmidt's "Youths" video. I love this moment and everytime he says it. I would literally use it everytime if I could and met anyone else who had seen it. I am an old lady in my 30's, so... And please, make the bucket hats end already😄

So yes, fast fashion is bad. Cheap dupes are generally bad too. However, the argument here seems to be that dupes and knockoffs aren't actually putting a dent in billionaires' pockets, and the only reason you suggest that people buy dupes is to "fit in" or look cool, and I don't think that's true either. Many of these "dupe" brands don't only sell dupes, or they're not obvious as dupes. If I buy jeans on Shein because I need pants and they look good, knowing that they're Levi's dupes doesn't matter, being dupes or not doesn't really matter- you still need to wear clothes. Buying $20 pants from Walmart instead of buying from Shein because they make dupes doesn't even matter. The fact is, we're at a point in society where the wealth gap is so large that the affordable products for people are often made under bad worker conditions using cheap materials that are bad for the environment. Yes, reducing consumption is the ideal here, but that can only go so far. At some point, most people are going to have to buy new clothes because theirs either don't fit or are worn out and they can't mend them, and the budget options are rarely if ever ethical. Without the ability to buy longer-lasting quality pieces because they cost significantly more, these brands are going to exist and thrive. We can't fix this unless we fix the wealth inequality first.

my honest thought was that it's too expensive for people to buy the real thing - so they buy dupes instead. it's a fair point that people actively seek out the trends, whilst holding disdain towards the luxury brands too.

“Reps” (replicas) have become extremely popular in the sneaker community since it’s become so difficult to purchase cool, trendy sneakers at their retail price whenever you want. So young people have resorted to purchasing replicas aka knockoffs for affordability and to feel included. Resellers have also been passing off reps as the real thing to make money off of marked up prices of the real shoe. The consumer on the receiving end of that gets scammed (they willingly paid the marker up price). Nike is suing Stockx for selling fake sneakers as they are supposed to authenticate sneakers that resellers bring in to be sold through them. Apparently whoever is making a lot of these replicas, they’re really good and hard to distinguish.

this is kinda funny because Uggs is literally a dupe. the style is a staple in Australia and Uggs the company have been spending years suing the mom and pops stores out of business over there.

The only "fashion" I buy new are the items that nobody really sees, i.e. underwear, socks, etc. Maybe a pair of sneakers every 5 or 6 years. Everything else is second hand. Vapor thrift stores are bursting at the seams with good quality items, at affordable prices. And the last time I watched a fashion influencer video was, uhm, never! Such a waste of time and brain cells.

Great watch as always 👊🏿. I like knockoffs coz they offer people an alternative cheap option to some of the stuff that gets overvalued on brand names but it always confuses me why the people who buy knock offs just don't buy the regular cheap options coz you can easily find cool reasonably priced stuff without having to find something that appears to be brand xyz but I guess it's human nature to want to follow and chase the made up trends.

Always brilliant commentary and thought-provoking provocations without preaching. Love this channel.

Actually not all dupes are bad quality. I have dupes that are great, last me for ages (5 years and counting for leggings!) and I don't see any reason to avoid them as long as you are not overconsuming!

Slow fashion brand suggestions?? Personally a fan thrifting bc that's 90 percent of my clothes/shoes.

Dupes/reps/knockoffs (imo) became popular because people realized you can get a 1:1 copy for x100 less and no one’s going to know…there’s so many websites to get 1:1 jackets, bags or shoes and their made in different factories yes but their made with the same materials and there’s dupes that are a little more , a couple hundred and are exactly the same down to ever stitch

DON'T BE DUPED BY DUPES.

I just discovered your channel this evening , and I really enjoyed the informative but also witty way you approach all your subject matter. Great choice of topics as well. Keep it up with the awesome content. You definitely got my subscription and likes from now on!

Who knew 20 years ago that sewing your own clothes would become a cool, radical thing.

I like a bag company out of London, UK. Their bags are easily $400+ each. I buy second-hand on eBay and they arrive new-to-me and in great condition. I own 4 of said bags for under $150 total. Secondhand is my first choice nowadays.

You are inaccurate on some of the definitions: Knock off: Direct copy. Different name Counterfeit:Direct copy, same name Dupe: self-admitting knock-offs

I can’t wait for the baby product vids. It’s crazy out here as a parent

This will be an interesting ongoing topic as it is one of the most interesting anthropological subjects but as a guy who loves sneakers and works as a creative director, it's common to see creators make or support their friends' dupes and justify themselves saying support small businesses stealing from corporates for the people (we are robin hood) narrative but when they become rich and famous, they frown upon small businesses that makes dupes of their products and uses their fandom to attack them or cry about how much blood sweat and tears goes into making designs......huh?

Guy who used to wear fake Crocs: Cargo pants are ugly. How dare you... 🤣

Seeing as you mentioned uggs a couple times, maybe you should do a video on how ugg boots is a generic term that Deckers trademarked and began bullying and suing small independent makers of ugg boots. I would argue to avoid buying the "UGG" brand which is made in China and buy from a smaller shoe maker.

i wish you had talked about the correlation between knockoffs and terrorism/other illegal activities in this video as well

Thank you for making this video. I loved it. I was wondering whether you could do a video about C.P. Company and the history of this brand?

The real way to be apart of dupe culture is find what you want, research the origins and then buy used / vintage versions of the items + get them tailored to a specific, trendy, fit if needed. This way your style can stay "relevant" and probably get higher quality pieces that you love.

Influencers are the one who control what we want in the social media world.

Levi, interested topic! Would have been interesting to hear your thoughts on 'Bootleg' clothing, which is another sub category of 'fakes' again.

I have had a pair of UGG short boots since they came out and I like them. But I absolutely love my fuggs and I have two pair now. I live at the beach, fuggs can be washed in the washer as they are synthetic, so when they get to scuzzy from the dogs or sand or salty musky smells, I can simply throw them in a cold water wash and let them air dry. Can’t do that with real sheepskin. There are also practical reasons to liking knock offs.

Great messege and one of your best videos yet!

9:20 I thought I was watching a mid roll ad. Great editing editors.

Cargo pants will never go away... they are simply the best, as they are utilitarian.

I’m 55. If I could give anything (except a sustainable environment - that’s pretty much water under the bridge) to younger generations, it would be this: none of this shit matters AT ALL. The only thing that really matters are the people we love and care about. But what they wear, what they drive, how much money they have (above basic necessities) also does not matter AT ALL. Status seeking is a totally empty, dead-end effort programmed into us by people who want our money. Set yourself free of the endless bullshit.

I've been waiting for this video of yours, for so effing long!

Talking about DIY stuff, what is the impact of 3D printing for the environment? I don't have a 3D printer, but I see value in making your own stuff or repair using 3D printed parts vs getting something to replace

Levi mind-reader confirmed! Levi makes a statement, i have an opinion or critique, 5min later Levi states exactly what i thought

The only "designer" thing I own is a pair of Rayban Wayfarers that I didn't even buy. A family member found them at work and gave them to me since I was eyeballing buying that exact pair.

Looking forward to a Future Proof episode filmed in a Prius! Come on, do it, I challenge you Levi!

Love you, Levi. Don’t worry about sounding like a dad. Just shows that you’re ready.

I somewhat agree, but Tommy Bahama for Instance, has some of the most comfortable shirts I’ve worn and the only 2xlts that I can find that fit me exact

Wow I just remembered I used to visit a website that was dedicated to dupes of eyeshadows, lipsticks, blush. Every time a palette or a single come out from Natasha Denona or Anastasia Beverly Hills, I would be sitting in front of a monitor scrolling for hours looking at one shade of orange, and comparing all the other similar shade of orange from other companies reading reviews of texture, blendibility, shimmer, vibrance, etc etc. omg the insanity of finding that dupe. It was pretty normal to end up with 10 slightly different shades of orange, or brown, it’s like Sherwin-Williams but for make up.

Knockoffs and dupes are the same thing - brandless products sold through legal channels. If it copies the designer logo and is sold through gray/black market channels then it's counterfeit.

1:37 EVERYONE AT MY OFFICE FOR SOME REASON

I love "crocks" I've worn them all the way since they started to manufacture them here in Tunisia. lol I've never had the original which is not even sold here.

If you have tried wearing authentic brand-name clothing, you probably can't return back to dupe products. The quality and aesthetic difference is just too massive.

*laughs in my once stolen from a friend t-shirt that I absolutely love and been using for the last 20 years*

Ok one thing I think you got wrong here or missed is the quality or perceived quality of dupes. Influencers recommend dupes because the quality and effectiveness is supposed to be on par of the original. Now who knows if that’s accurate but for some shoppers that’s the intention at least. I don’t think a big majority of dupe shoppers or purchasing to “subvert” designer brands. They’re purchasing it because it’s a cheaper version.

I don't use Tiktok and I don't pay attention to fashion. I just wear clothes until they break. Sometimes if I'm bored I'll fix the holes in my underwear.

I got to say growing up in the 90s in Australia Ugg boot dupes were everywhere in winter. Kmart had them, Big W had them….. as were Dr Martin dupes…

Walmart & Amazon became mega empires prying on people being duped - unfortunately, price will always be king above all else despite quality and ethics.

I’m cool with dupes of large fashion brand items, I usually buy them or items from the thrift store when buying new clothes, but I don’t buy many new clothes and mostly buy what I want to wear

It's hard to believe, but I still repair my clothes and wear it for years

knockoffs are never cool. i rather wear authentic from a cheaper brand than a knockoff of a luxury brand.

At 9:39: I like the fact you use a image from Paris Business District (La Défense) when you are Canadian 😂

Yeah, dupes are depressing: they are trying to say 'hey, I don't need high fashion to look stylish", and yet, at the same time they *need* high fashion so they have the style to copy off of. Really??? [insert face palm].

I don't care about sustainability, brands, condition of workers crap. Just cheap use and throw stuff. I love dupes and knock offs.

In the sneaker world, there is a (sort of) third category called "unauthorized authentic" or UAs.

I think there is some subtlety missed in dupes ARE fast fashions. Most of the denim jackets out there could technically be considered dupes of Levi's types 1 through 3, and very wildly in quality

As soon as you took a breath at 2:04 a Shein ad popped up on the bottom of my screen 😂

I loved the editing😂😂😂

As an Australian I see Ugg's as a knockoff of 1980's bogan fashion with a trademark slapped onto a generic name

We need to bring back "make your own".

I prefer slow fashion, less cloths but better quality. In the long term you save money and you always look good.

People are so cheap its costing them dearly!

I wouldn't say that dupes are a "badge of honor", but it IS seen as smart by some people because you spent less money on essentially the same product. Knockoffs of designer purses and jewelry has also become popular because their prices have increased astronomically in the past few years, while their quality has not. Authentic designer purses for example are often seen as "not worth the price" when you can get a knockoff that's reasonably close enough in quality to match if you know where to shop. (I'm not talking about Shein/Amazon) I wouldn't say buying dupes is about eschewing the trends, either... it's totally that people want to buy into it. It's just too expensive to buy the legitimate brand, and not seen as "worth it" by most average people. I agree that the fast fashion dupes are almost never good, but those aren't the only dupes out there. Hell, even some of the authentic brands have severely fallen in quality over the years, Doc Martens being a great example of that, and that encourages more people to find and buy dupes of those types of products.

Aussie surfers in the 70s popularized these as a post surf warm up. They are hideous IMHO - but people keep buying them!

Not to mention the top brand quality as gone down the shitter. 30 years ago brands like LV and Gucci are sweatshop items all except their tiptop stuff.

If you're buying an outfit that isn't replacing an old outfit that is worn out, you're doing it wrong.

you've made a video on Fjällräven, now we need a video on Lundhags

Not the vine reference 😂😂

He said "Late 1900s" 😂😂

Also the fashion brands have shit quality! Watch Rose Anvil’s KZfaq channel where he cuts shoes in half and puts the big shoe companies on blast for their low quality materials

I don’t have any friends, I only just buy whatever I need and looks good to me.

idk why people buy into ultra fast fashion. in design history there’s a giant term pair called form and function, and microtrends forgo the latter for the first

isn’t ugg itself a weird fashion version of a generic aussie winter boot

I don't buy into all that high fashion trendiness bullshit, which is why I'm going to buy cheap imitations of the those exact pieces of clothing. It really makes no sense. If they really want to show how they're not taken in by all that, the real move is-as you suggest-to opt for alternatives to that entire paradigm of buying clothing.

I love my Lucy and Yak dungas for what they stand for and their business model. They last So long and are really comfy.

some people carry dupe designer bags for decades like my late maternal grandmother did a dupe quilted Chanel bag for over 30 years. she couldn't afford a real Chanel bag

Levi saying that he likes to accidentally dad in these videos but forgetting that his job has been Internet Dad for years 🤔

Ive got the problem where the Dupes carry my size while the actual brands do not. Im just really tiny, and the smallest big name brands carry (shoes, clothes, etc) is too big for me, while the dupes have my size and fit

I'm in Mexico City and there are soooo many Nike dupes

I dunno a lot of the smaller brands that make quality are expensive do you have any good recommendations for jeans and heavy cotton tees

I buy affordable high quality and keep it as long as possible in order to buy as little as possible. We all have way too much sh!t!

Fake it till you make it!! is the new mantra by which influencers try to get rich, kinda ironic

Can you provide or do a list video on brands youd recommend?

If ppl made enough to buy quality , lasting clothes shein wouldn’t be a thing .