The purchase of essential items due to natural wear and tear and size changes is what replacement buying is all about. In contrast to clothes that are bought and discarded according to fashion dictates, these items are meant to fulfill daily requirements although often unseen except by the wearer himself/herself. This would include such items as socks, underwear, pantyhose, nightwear, sportswear, protective clothing, accessories and umbrella.

With the wide choice available today even with these “unseen” items, people are enticed to treat them in the same way as regular clothes. Advertisements put emphasis on the need to feel good beneath the external clothes and encourage frequent changes as well.