article

Dupes Make Affordability the Ultimate Flex, According to Gen Z

Finding a good dupe gives Gen Z a sense of pride—they’re excited to share how little they paid rather than bragging about a big price tag…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Aug 4 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

he majority of young consumers have no shame about buying dupes, and are actually excited to share their budget-friendly finds on social media
They’re choosing quality dupes over real luxury items, focusing more on value for their money than brand names
Many young people don’t feel like they’re sacrificing anything when buying dupes—in fact, they actually prefer a good dupe even if they can afford the real thing

For Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, dupes aren’t just a budget-friendly option—they’re a badge of honor. And dupes don’t have the same definition they might to older gens. Dupes aren’t necessarily a knockoff or a counterfeit, but rather inexpensive alternatives to a product, often a luxury one, ranging from something with a similar vibe or use to full-on replicas from cheaper brands. For these gens, dupe shopping is all about being bougie on a budget and making smart, stylish choices without splurging. And they’re not just getting a thrill from saving money; they get it from outsmarting the system. Like...