# Unbranded Attention Unbranded apparel and cosmetics are on the rise, and associated with quality. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 19, 2018 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unbranded-attention ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Unbranded Attention trend? **Unbranded Attention:** Though heavily branded fashion and cosmetic items are currently extremely popular, there is a small but distinct resurgence of unbranded products within these industries. That said, what's different about such products now is that they rely as much on quality as they do affordability. ## The consumer insight behind the Unbranded Attention trend Millennial consumers today have become highly skeptical and critical of "big brands," with many displaying a preference for more entrepreneurial, direct-to-consumer companies instead. This skepticism was born out of many factors, one of which is the perception that they had been paying for the brand name vs. the quality of the product they were buying. Beyond the popularity of D2C brands with this demographic, this has also created an openness to brands that put an explicit focus on the products they offer vs. the brand and story behind them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 10, 2017 to Nov 17, 2018 - Published: Nov 19, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Unbranded Attention trend ### Unbranded Products Consumers are gravitating toward unbranded products that rely on quality rather than affordability and branding. ### Direct-to-Consumer Models Millennials display a preference for more entrepreneurial, direct-to-consumer companies. ### Minimalism Consumers are willing to pay for high quality, minimalist products that align with their values. ## What the Unbranded Attention trend means for industry ### For Beauty and Cosmetics Innovative e-retailers and startups provide unbranded cosmetics and beauty essentials at factory cost, while addressing sustainability and accessibility. ### For Fashion Startups offer unbranded, high-end fashion and accessories straight from the source with direct-to-consumer models. ### For Marketing and Advertising The rise of unbranded products opens opportunities for marketing and advertising professionals to create new branding strategies that highlight quality and values instead of brand names. ## Workshop question Conceptualize an unbranded product/service within your brand's area of expertise. ## Trend signals for Unbranded Attention Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 87%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 87% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unbranded Attention trend 4 featured examples from Jun 10, 2017 to Nov 17, 2018. - [Immersive Unbranded Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-with-a-purpose): Brandless' NYC Pop-Up with a Purpose is Interactive and Informative (Category: Marketing) Implication: Brick-and-mortar retailers can embrace immersive unbranded pop-ups as a means to drive foot traffic and engage consumers in a unique way. - [Unbranded Beauty Essential Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-essential-line): Brandless Has Added 15 New Beauty Products to Its Affordable Line (Category: Business) Implication: Brandless' online platform is disrupting the traditional retail model by offering affordable beauty products directly to consumers. - [Unbranded Cosmetic E-Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-pie): Beauty Pie Connects Shoppers to Label-Free Products at Factory Cost (Category: Business) Implication: Cosmetics retailers can adopt Beauty Pie's e-commerce model to offer label-free cosmetics at factory cost to consumers. - [Unbranded Fashion Start-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unbranded-fashion): Italic Sells Products from the Same Factories That Make High-End Goods (Category: Fashion) Implication: Italic's members-only marketplace provides a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fashion retail industry by offering unbranded luxury goods at affordable prices. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)