What Your Handbag Says About Your Relationship

   By SheSpeaksTeam  Aug 06, 2013
3

Our obsession with designer handbags and to-die-for shoes may be more of a relationship statement than having anything to do with fashion. A new study suggests women often collect these designer items in an effort to subconsciously signal to other women that they are in a serious relationship.

CBS News reports about the study that will be published in the Journal of Consumer Research suggesting women purchase luxury items to impress upon other women to stay away from their partner. The study’s co-author Vladas Griskevicius explains, “It might seem irrational that each year Americans spend over $250 billion on women's luxury products with an average woman acquiring three new handbags a year, but conspicuous consumption is actually smart for women who want to protect their relationship. When a woman is flaunting designer products, it says to other women 'back off my man.”

Through a series of experiments on more than 600 women, researchers found that when women see other women in possession of designer items they are more likely to assume they are in committed relationships and will refrain from engaging in flirty conversation with their partner.

During one of the other experiments some of the women were given a scenario in which their significant other was actively flirting with another woman. After being told the scenario these women were asked to draw some designer logos on a sheet of paper. The participants who were told the flirting scenario tended to draw much bigger logos than the women who were simply told to draw the logo.

Though buying designer goods seems to be a signal women are sending to other women, men are also familiar with the game of using luxury items to send a message. Griskevicius’ past research has made the claim that men make big ticket purchases to flaunt their wealth and attract mates. Griskevicius explains the difference saying, “The fact that most women's luxury products are aimed to impress other women helps explain why men have a hard time figuring out if a woman's handbag costs $50 or $5,000. Women's designer products are geared to show off to other women not men.”

What do you think of this new study suggesting women purchase designer products in an effort to protect their relationships?

Are you more likely to buy designer goods when you’re in a relationship?
 

Make a Comment

 
SHARE
Comments
mikkipirss44 by mikkipirss44 | New York, NY
Jan 24, 2024

Enhanced Visibility and Increased Traffic: SEO optimization involves optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results. When your website appears on the first page of search engine results pages (SERPs), it is more likely to be discovered by users actively seeking information, products, or services related to your industry. Improved visibility translates to increased organic traffic, making SEO an essential component of any comprehensive digital strategy.

trynitey by trynitey | NORTH PORT, FL
Aug 30, 2013

Hmm, interesting, however I didn't have a designer purse until recently (like in the past 2yrs) and I've been in the same relationship for 15yrs. I always see the single ladies sporting the more expensive name brand stuff.

TheMrsTee by TheMrsTee | SPRING LAKE, NC
Aug 26, 2013

This is a very interesting theory. I would hav never associated my handbag purchases with my relationship status or quality. Prior to my being married I honestly can't remember if I purchase higher end bags or not. Yes, I have a few now that I am married but was my subconscious motivation to impress or ward off other women? i don't think I would say yes. This would need a lot more factual evidence for me to side with that theory.