Anyone who’s been on this planet long enough knows that just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s well-made.
Many products come with a hefty price tag but are made with cheap materials, poor craftsmanship, or branding hype rather than quality. You might look fancy by owning them, but that doesn’t make them good investments. These things cost a fortune, but they’re cheaply made, and you could find something just as good if not better for probably half the price (or less).
1. Designer sunglasses that are just rebranded basics
Luxury sunglasses can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, but many of them are made in the same factories as budget-friendly brands. The frames are often plastic with basic lenses, meaning you’re mostly paying for the logo rather than superior durability or UV protection. Some premium brands do offer quality craftsmanship, but many rely on branding rather than materials. In most cases, a well-made pair from a mid-range brand will last just as long, if not longer, without the inflated price tag.
2. High-end fashion trainers that fall apart quickly
Luxury fashion brands now dominate the trainer market, selling sneakers for hundreds while using the same cheap rubber soles and synthetic materials as budget shoes. Many high-end trainers lack proper cushioning and durability, making them less comfortable and long-lasting than well-made athletic brands. Unlike performance trainers from sports brands that invest in comfort and innovation, designer sneakers prioritise aesthetics over function. You might get a stylish look, but in many cases, you’re paying extra for branding rather than superior craftsmanship. That’s not to say you should be getting your gym shoes from Shoe Zone or anything, but you also don’t need £200 Nikes to get support and quality.
3. Expensive phone cases that offer no real protection
Designer and tech-branded phone cases can cost upwards of £50 to £100, yet many are just thin plastic with minimal durability. They scratch easily, don’t absorb impact well, and offer little more than a stylish logo. Meanwhile, some affordable brands provide rugged protection, shock absorption, and even waterproofing for a fraction of the price. Just because a phone case is sold in an Apple Store or carries a luxury brand name doesn’t mean it’s any better at protecting your device.
4. Luxury candles that burn out in no time
Many high-end candles come in beautiful packaging, smell incredible, and cost upwards of £50 or more, but they often burn just as fast as a £10 candle. Some even tunnel or burn unevenly, wasting a large portion of the wax. Despite the luxury branding, many premium candles use standard wax blends that don’t last longer than cheaper alternatives. In many cases, you’re paying for a fancy jar and a designer name rather than an actual improvement in quality. There are a couple of brands that are worth the price tag (Cire Trudon being one), but unless you’re some kind of candle connoisseur, a Yankee candle should do you just fine.
5. Premium bottled water that’s just filtered tap
Some premium bottled waters cost more than a coffee, yet many of them are nothing more than purified tap water in a stylish bottle. Brands market them with terms like “alkaline” or “electrolyte-enhanced,” but in reality, the difference is often minimal. Unless it’s sourced from a genuinely unique spring, expensive bottled water is rarely worth the price. In many cases, refilling a reusable bottle with filtered tap water is just as good, if not better, for both your wallet and the environment.
6. High-priced skincare with basic ingredients
Source: Unsplash Luxury skincare brands charge hundreds for creams and serums that often contain the same active ingredients as alternatives you’ll find in Boots and Superdrug. Many high-end products rely on branding, packaging, and celebrity endorsements rather than unique formulations. Dermatologists often point out that the real difference comes from key ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C — all of which can be found in affordable skincare. Spending more doesn’t always mean better results; sometimes, you’re just paying for a name.
7. Designer belts that are mostly plastic
Many luxury belts from high-end fashion brands cost hundreds yet are made from coated canvas or bonded leather rather than full-grain leather. Despite the steep price, the materials can crack, peel, and wear out faster than a well-made belt at a fraction of the cost. Unless the belt is crafted from high-quality leather and built to last, the price is usually driven by the logo rather than durability. Some premium brands cut corners while charging for the status that comes with their name.
8. “Premium” HDMI cables that do nothing extra
Tech stores often sell HDMI cables for £50 or more, claiming they provide superior picture and sound quality. However, digital signals either work or they don’t — meaning an expensive HDMI cable performs the same as a £10 one. Unless you’re dealing with ultra-long cables for professional setups, premium HDMI cables are mostly a marketing trick. A standard, certified cable from a trusted brand will deliver the same performance at a much lower price.
9. Luxury hotel minibars with outrageous markups
A small bottle of water, a can of cola, or a tiny chocolate bar in a high-end hotel can cost five to ten times more than it does in a shop. Despite the high prices, the quality is no different from what you’d find at a convenience store. Hotel minibars exist for convenience, but the prices are often so inflated that they feel like a rip-off. Many travellers now avoid them altogether, opting to buy the same items for a fraction of the price from a nearby shop.
10. “Exclusive” gym memberships that offer little extra
Source: Unsplash Some luxury gyms charge eye-watering monthly fees, yet beyond a stylish lounge and branding, they often offer the same equipment and classes as mid-range gyms. Many exclusive gyms justify their prices with premium branding rather than genuinely better facilities. Unless a high-end gym provides significant perks like cutting-edge recovery technology or personalised training, the extra cost is often just for the atmosphere. Plenty of well-equipped gyms offer the same (or better) workout experiences without the elite price tag.
11. Overpriced charging cables that break easily
Branded charging cables from major tech companies can cost triple the price of third-party alternatives, yet many are still prone to fraying, bending, or breaking within a year. Despite the premium price, the durability is often disappointing. High-quality third-party cables, often reinforced with braided nylon or extra shielding, can outlast expensive branded versions. Just because a cable is sold by a well-known tech brand doesn’t mean it’s built to last.
12. Trendy “superfoods” that are just basic ingredients
Source: Unsplash Many foods marketed as premium health boosters — such as collagen powders, fancy nut butters, or infused waters — are just everyday ingredients sold at inflated prices. Often, these items have the same nutritional value as standard versions but come with extra packaging and a wellness-friendly label. Buying whole, natural foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens often provides the same benefits without the luxury markup. A simple, balanced diet can be just as effective as expensive, trendy superfoods.
13. Limited-edition tech gadgets with no real upgrades
Tech companies love releasing “special edition” gadgets with a new colour or slightly altered design at a higher price. Despite the exclusivity, these versions rarely offer any meaningful improvements over the standard models. Limited-edition phones, laptops, and consoles often come with no added functionality, just branding and a fresh coat of paint. Unless you’re a collector, the extra cost usually isn’t worth it when the standard version performs identically.
