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Where are the quality clothes?

Begonia

Begonia

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
3,708
Hey,

What’s happened to the quality of clothes?

Granted, I’m in a smaller city that isn’t known for its’ shopping, but it does have department stores and downtown shopping. I used to be able to go out and pick up some nice, casual clothes. I’m talking good button down shirts and wool sweaters. I love wool sweaters. Can’t find them anymore and shirts and pants are just crap. I have stuff from 10 years ago that is going strong, and the stuff I buy new lasts just a season, if that. I’d pay more if I could find it. I go on line - to places like j crew etc, and find that things are out of stock. The quality is... better...but still not what it was.

Out throw away society is messing with my ability to dress myself these days. Is that called planned obsolescence?
 
I really like Eddie Bauer for the style you are talking about. I used to shop at Lands End quite a bit too. LLBean is also pretty good.
 
I’m not finding much luck there either I’m afraid

Eddie Bauer used to be good but it changed about 5 years ago and the quality dropped. Right around the time it almost went under. Our local one has gone back to its’ roots by trying to be an outdoor gear store. They have few casual clothes.

The Gap used to be quite good but I’m really disgusted with the quality of their stuff these days. Perhaps the Canadian version of these stores are different?

LL Bean clothes don’t fit me :(
 
Aw bummer. I have noticed the lesser quality as you said in EB but most of the stuff I have is older and has lasted very well. I hate it when things don't wash well after just a few times. I agree on the Gap.
 
Sigh...
 
Woolrich, Pendleton, Patagonia, Prana...
 
monarch64 said:
Woolrich, Pendleton, Patagonia, Prana...
Click to expand...
I wish I could find a button down shirt that someone puts the buttons in the right place for a "busty" woman. I don't buy them at all because none of them ever fit right. The ones I have I have to wear a tank underneath and only button to just below the girls. And I buy excellent bras so they are where they are supposed to be.
 
I'm a 36D and find that J. Crew Perfect shirts (tall size), Banana Republic, and Gap button downs (also tall, sized up) work well for me. It's kind of a crapshoot, really. If you're willing to pay for it, find a tailor you like and have shirts custom made for you. Men's custom button downs go for about $90 here. I'd go custom if all of my options were discontinued. Button downs with a sweater and blazer are my jam all winter.
 
redwood66 said:
I wish I could find a button down shirt that someone puts the buttons in the right place for a "busty" woman. I don't buy them at all because none of them ever fit right. The ones I have I have to wear a tank underneath and only button to just below the girls. And I buy excellent bras so they are where they are supposed to be.
Click to expand...
Do you have a Nordstrom by you? I get a $200 tailoring allowance with my card.

I'm a 38D but my boobs aren't big. I need my shirts, jackets and pants to fit my gut but then that means they're too long in the sleeves and legs. The tailoring allowance sure does come in handy!
 
Try Icebreaker for nice merino wool. A lot are thin layering pieces. Hanna Andersen has excellent quality pieces, but not sure they are your style. I love their jammies. I think Boden for women is nice.

Try Vince sweaters. They offer lots of wools, cashmere and blends. Look for them online at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales on sale. They are pricey but ok if on sale enough. These can last you years. I have a number of Marc Jacobs sweaters, but you have to choose wisely because he can make them with thin merino or thicker wool. Also consider men's sweaters. I find those to be thicker than women's.
 
PintoBean said:
Do you have a Nordstrom by you? I get a $200 tailoring allowance with my card.

I'm a 38D but my boobs aren't big. I need my shirts, jackets and pants to fit my gut but then that means they're too long in the sleeves and legs. The tailoring allowance sure does come in handy!
Click to expand...
There is one next door in WA. I used to get rack suits tailored to fit at Macy's in Cali but no need for that after retiring. I am a 38DDD or E depending on who makes it. Might be worth it for one or two full custom white button down shirts if they last.
 
How about Boden? I think they sell in the US. I have several pieces, particularly Breton style tops that have lasted through multiple washings and several years.
 
monarch64 said:
I'm a 36D and find that J. Crew Perfect shirts (tall size), Banana Republic, and Gap button downs (also tall, sized up) work well for me. It's kind of a crapshoot, really. If you're willing to pay for it, find a tailor you like and have shirts custom made for you. Men's custom button downs go for about $90 here. I'd go custom if all of my options were discontinued. Button downs with a sweater and blazer are my jam all winter.
Click to expand...

Can you tell where this is? My husband get his shirts and suits bespoke and although I think they’re a tremendous value (specially compared to women’s clothes), $90 per shirt would be better.

It is hard to find true bespoke button-down shirts for women — and those who make men’s shirts (and suits) are unwilling to do so for women; our bumps and curves are just too difficult. They won’t even do it for someone with minimal curves like me.

Guys are so lucky with clothes. My dad got his (work) clothes custom-made also and he would just call (or, in those days, write) his tailor when he needed new items. A visit was required only if his measurements changed, but he is one of those who easily maintains his weight. My brother handed down a few Oxxford trousers he no longer wanted to me (he was in an experimental mood when he chose his fabrics and colors that season to my good fortune =)2 ) and the construction was out of this world — clearly hand-made, reinforced in places he needed, generous seam allowance (looking at you, Prada), and the pattern matched perfectly! Some women’s designer clothes that cost more are garbage in comparison.

I agree with the decline in quality overall. I was just talking to DH about my grandfather’s umbrella and how it lasted years and years (I was trying to make a case for my own custom hand-made one). But then we don’t care for clothes the way we used to — everybody just throws everything in the washing machine (I’m guilty of this, even my wool or cashmere sweaters) or dry clean, which is horrible to natural fibers.

To answer OP’s question, I go to different brands for specific items. For example, I would purchase J Crew merino sweaters (if their proportions fit, which doesn’t happen often), but no other fabric; Land’s End for plain Pima cotton t-shirts. For knits, have you looked at Eileen Fisher? They don’t suit me, but a friend loves them and she always looks great. I’ve heard people rave about Everlane cashmere sweaters. Brora is usually excellent, but you’ll pay for quality. And if you have money to burn, I recommend checking Bottega Veneta, which usually has some basics if you don’t care for the runway stuff. I still haven’t found a reliable source of button down shirts, but I don’t wear those often.
 
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LLJsmom said:
Try Icebreaker for nice merino wool. A lot are thin layering pieces. Hanna Andersen has excellent quality pieces, but not sure they are your style. I love their jammies. I think Boden for women is nice.

Try Vince sweaters. They offer lots of wools, cashmere and blends. Look for them online at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales on sale. They are pricey but ok if on sale enough. These can last you years. I have a number of Marc Jacobs sweaters, but you have to choose wisely because he can make them with thin merino or thicker wool. Also consider men's sweaters. I find those to be thicker than women's.
Click to expand...

I've been following this thread. I love Vince clothing, at least the shirts and sweaters. I have many Vince tees (some of which are quite fragile although the white ones are sturdier than the sheer navy one that I need to dry clean) and one green sweater.
 
Begonia said:
I’m not finding much luck there either I’m afraid

Eddie Bauer used to be good but it changed about 5 years ago and the quality dropped. Right around the time it almost went under. Our local one has gone back to its’ roots by trying to be an outdoor gear store. They have few casual clothes.

The Gap used to be quite good but I’m really disgusted with the quality of their stuff these days. Perhaps the Canadian version of these stores are different?

LL Bean clothes don’t fit me :(
Click to expand...

I agree and used to shop at all 3 stores and found that in past years the quality has gone down dramatically IMO.

Good luck with your search. I like Patagonia (as per Monnie's pick) but I only purchase winter accessories there.

For clothes in general I buy brands I like online (since I already know how it fits me so I can purchase it online).

For items I know are quality and will last I am willing to pay more. I spend on what I know will last and invest in expensive pieces that will last a long time i.e. coats, jackets, boots and cold weather accessories. But for dresses and pants etc. I generally don't spend a lot on these items as I know they won't last a super long time. Rather I buy what I like and don't get aggravated if the quality isn't as high as my costly pieces because I am not spending a lot on those items. And I like to mix it up and have variety and that allows me to do so with these items.

For clothes I like small boutiques in my neighborhood and downtown NYC. I also like and purchase (many online) Lily Pulitzer, Betsey Johnson, Sunny Leigh, Max Studio, BCBG, Raven and Lily, Eileen Fisher to name a few.

So my advice is choose brands that you like and also know how they will fit you (or make sure there is a good return policy so you can try them and return and exchange and that way get to know what fits you etc) and get them online. That way you are not dependent on what is in your area. It is so convenient too. I really love online shopping.

Happy shopping Begonia!
 
T-c, I’m in the Midwest—Bloomington, IN to be exact.
 
Ooooooo fabulous tips everyone!

I’m goin’ (online) shopping.
 
Begonia, is Talbots too conservative for your taste? I've got tons of stuff from them and it lasts forever and a day.
 
You will get at least 2 seasons out of JJill.
 
Deejay - just a little too conservative overall, although I do go in and admire the quality quite frequently.
Even Banana Republic is a bit stiff for my outdoorsy lifestyle. I don’t necessarily want to wear outdoor gear though. I do own Patagonia pieces for layering.
I don’t work in an office - I work on a ship and wear a uniform so my casual clothes are quite casual. Jeans, cotton pants, button downs, long sleeve henleys and as many fabulous wool sweaters as I can find or afford. I’d wear cashmere but at $400 a pop and up (I like them thick) I don’t go there.
Although I’ve considered getting a couple...
 
Begonia said:
Deejay - just a little too conservative overall, although I do go in and admire the quality quite frequently.
Even Banana Republic is a bit stiff for my outdoorsy lifestyle. I don’t necessarily want to wear outdoor gear though. I do own Patagonia pieces for layering.
I don’t work in an office - I work on a ship and wear a uniform so my casual clothes are quite casual. Jeans, cotton pants, button downs, long sleeve henleys and as many fabulous wool sweaters as I can find or afford. I’d wear cashmere but at $400 a pop and up (I like them thick) I don’t go there.
Although I’ve considered getting a couple...
Click to expand...

Even if $400/sweater, good care of it will keep you warm and will last 10+ years and thus may be worth the investment.

I think you may be able to find a good deal

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Vince-O...00&cmCat=product&focusProductId=prod201540010
 
I stared noticing a huge difference in quality about 6 years ago. So many sweaters are now junk. I've still had good luck with Nordstrom.
 
Blah:knockout:...I just came back from Belks looking for something for my MIL...didnt buy a thing. Ridiculous prices for subpar clothing.
 
If you think you have trouble try shopping plus size! Not only is quality terrible, even at Nordstrom, but choice is beyond awful!
 
Maybe check out thrift stores since it seems like quality in general is declining across the board. You never know what gems you could unearth at bargain prices!
 
HI:

Lots on sale at Sporting Life! Great stuff there.

cheers--Sharon
 
Begonia said:
I’m not finding much luck there either I’m afraid

Eddie Bauer used to be good but it changed about 5 years ago and the quality dropped. Right around the time it almost went under. Our local one has gone back to its’ roots by trying to be an outdoor gear store. They have few casual clothes.

The Gap used to be quite good but I’m really disgusted with the quality of their stuff these days. Perhaps the Canadian version of these stores are different?

LL Bean clothes don’t fit me :(
Click to expand...



No, I think you've gotten it right..nothing in Eddie Bauer of interest and I only buy jeans/cords at the Gap.
 
PintoBean said:
Maybe check out thrift stores since it seems like quality in general is declining across the board. You never know what gems you could unearth at bargain prices!
Click to expand...



I’m with you there Pinto. I do check consignment and thrift (always have going back to my student days). You can occasionally find a gem but ya know, even shopping that way has changed. Skimmers take the good stuff out before it hits the racks. Also in competition with pickers etc, but I still check.

I’ve gotten some leads here today tho, should keep me busy for a few nights :lol:
 
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