Patagonia products have a well-established reputation for quality. I’ve been using my parka for two and a half years, and it is comfortable and warm, with a detachable inner jacket suitable for warmer winter or cooler fall days, making it versatile. Though it is aesthetically rather dry and unstylish, I appreciate its utility. Furthermore, Patagonia does a great job of increasing the appeal of its products by linking its brand identity to environmental and social responsibility. It is involved in several environmental and sustainability initiatives, with the result that buying a Patagonia feels satisfying not only in terms of quality, but in terms of the broader implications of our actions. It makes the customer feel good about their action in a context far bigger than the customer’s own life. And of course, it’s great that Patagonia is setting a precedent for more companies to be responsible about their supply chains and their impact on the environment.
