You may hear about a particular lifestyle brand without knowing that that’s what you’re hearing about. You may even already be supporting certain lifestyle brands if your wardrobe is diverse. Click here to learn exactly what a lifestyle brand is so you can support your favorite.
Are you interested in buying from brands that you know share your values and ethics?
Are you a member of a specific subculture, or simply want to shop from companies that are in line with your interests and hobbies?
Would you like to feel like you’re a member of an exclusive club, whose members can all recognize each other by what they’re wearing or carrying?
If so, then it sounds like you’re the target consumer for many a lifestyle brand. From exercise clothing brands to boutique hotels, examples of lifestyle brands are all about us.
But what is lifestyle branding, and what does it mean to buy from a lifestyle brand?
Keep on reading this post in order to find out.
What is a Lifestyle Brand?
So, what exactly is lifestyle branding?
In a nutshell, it’s a brand that caters to an aspirational target market. Instead of a demographic based on, let’s say, location, age, or gender, a lifestyle brand markets to people who want to feel like they’re a member of an exclusive club.
The goal of a lifestyle brand is to project an air of success and power, especially when it comes to social media and self-promotion. Primarily, lifestyle brands cater to the millennial and generation Z markets.
They unite people under a common hobby, interest, subculture, or even goal. They’re all about creating a sense of community — that you have to “buy into.”
Soon, the brand itself will become just as much a part of your life as the hobbies you enjoy, your career, or things that you love.
While many people make the mistake of thinking that lifestyle brands are exclusively related to clothing/apparel lines, these days, the market is much broader.
Examples of lifestyle brands can include furniture, food and drink, gyms, and more.
For instance, take a look at this classic Equinox ad campaign, telling consumers to “commit to something.” The ads aren’t about getting in shape and pumping iron in the gym (though Equinox is a fitness center chain.)
Instead, the ads show the type of lifestyle — one of glamour, success, and constant pampering and jet-setting — that getting in shape by joining Equinox will be able to bring you.
Lifestyle brands are also known for their obsession with all things social media. In fact, many shoppers buy from lifestyle brands in the hopes of being featured on the social media platforms of the brands that they love.
Why Should you Buy From One?
So, why should you buy from lifestyle brands?
Many people genuinely enjoy feeling like they’re a part of something, especially if it’s a community of people who like and prioritize the same things that you do. Lifestyle brands aim to really “get” their consumers, and to be as in line with your values as is possible.
They’re also an awesome way for you to make face-to-face connections with other people who you see out on the street using the same products.
For example, let’s say that you buy from an all-natural and organic baby food, clothing, and diaper company. While you’re at the grocery store, you run into another mom who has items from the same lifestyle brand in her own cart.
The two of you will likely feel an instant connection to each other. You’ll understand that you share the same values, are both mothers to newborns, and that you’re committed to living the green lifestyle.
You’ll feel comfortable talking with each other and offering each other advice on other products or even parenting hacks that are in line with your values.
Who knows?
You might even end up becoming fast friends because of your connection to the brand.
A Classic Lifestyle Brand
One of the best examples of lifestyle brands on the market today?
The clothing company Imperial Motion.
A quick look at their website, and you’ll understand that they’re checking almost all of the most essential boxes when it comes to lifestyle branding.
First of all, their website is designed with social media in mind. The filters that they use on their product photos create an aura of mystery and enigma, instantly making customers want to know more about the brand.
Instead of focusing solely on the clothes, the photos convey the experiences that people will have while wearing them. The increased focus on swimwear, outdoor shots, and even tropical themes on the home page let visitors know that this is a brand that caters to the outdoor-loving, surfing-obsessed among us.
The marketing tactics that they take are inclusive, and clearly strive to create a “family” atmosphere. This only further makes people involved in the surfing and beach lifestyles want to buy from the brand — because it emphasizes a connection to others with similar interests.
Above all, the brand doesn’t come across as desperate, but rather as exclusive.
This, more than anything else, is the hallmark of a truly successful lifestyle brand.
Learn More About Fashion and Your Favorite Lifestyle Brand
No matter which lifestyle brand you prefer over the rest, we hope that this post has helped you to better understand what these brands are, and why they’re only gaining popularity.
Looking to learn more about the kinds of lifestyle brands that might be the right fit for you? Want to figure out how to style pieces from lifestyle clothing brands with what you already have in your closet?
Interested in connecting with others who are from a similar background to your own?
We can help.
Spend some time on our website and blog to connect with other moms, teachers, and entrepreneurs. It’s time to start growing your network — and mining gems of inspiration from top minds — today.