Quality Clothing Brand Suggestions- High street or not-so high street... 28 March 2022 at 11:18AM edited 28 March 2022 at 11:39AM in Old style MoneySaving 25 replies 2.8K views

sophieo16

Hello everyone, 

It's been many a year since I last posted on the MSE forums! but thought I'd pop back on for some help/ advice. 

Where would you recommend I look for good quality clothes that will last longer than the things I am purchasing currently? 

I am a person that doesn't shop much, I hate clothes shopping and only go when I know what I'm looking for and need it. I am in need of new clothes at the moment but seem to be struggling. 

I keep getting basic t-shirts, shirts, jeans etc from places like H&M, New Look etc to replace older clothes that I purchased from the same shops around 10+ years ago on some occasions. The issue is (especially with t-shirts) that after 3-4 weeks they are falling apart or fading. They have nowhere near the lifespan old clothes from these shops do. Both that and when I look on the high street, the clothes are styled in a way that I don't particularly like/ need ie. sequins that arent needed, shoulders in jumpers cut out. 

I would prefer to shop elsewhere but don't know where to start. I'm happy to pay more for clothes that will last but I'm really struggling with suggestions or places I can go in person rather than online shopping.

Any recommendations of brands to look for, personal favourites? (online shopping suggestions would be helpful at this stage too)

Floss

If your tee-shirts etc are only lasting a month before fading or falling apart, then you should return them. 

sophieo16

Floss said:

If your tee-shirts etc are only lasting a month before fading or falling apart, then you should return them. 

I have done. So looking for recommendations from others to prevent the need to return things again. I need to replace old clothes but can't clear out until I have something to replace them with

Wicked_Lady

I have found some nice t shirts in the Tu range at Sainsbury's. I also like the plainer, striped tops in Joules and have had mine for several years.

PollyWollyDoodle

I hardly ever buy new clothes, I buy everything from charity shops. The stuff in my wardrobe that has stood the test of time is often from Phase 8 or M&S but these aren’t from current ranges. If you want to buy sustainable clothing, I would look at Patrick Grant‘s community clothing range. 

I have just bought my first new purchase in about three years, a dress from Seasalt.  It’s made from organic cotton, and they are committed to sustainable production and reducing waste, it even came packaged in recyclable paper. You will probably pay more for this sort of clothing, but it should last a lot longer.

Nonnadiluca

I've had a long sleeved tee shirt and a hoodie from Rapanui and I highly rate them. Their environmental credentials are very good, they make their stuff from organic cotton and you can return them for recycling when they wear out. My navy top has kept its colour and washes well. The prices I think are very good, I paid £35 for an organic cotton hoodie which I've worn loads and it still looks really good. Definitely worth a look at their website.

sophieo16

PollyWollyDoodle said:

I hardly ever buy new clothes, I buy everything from charity shops. The stuff in my wardrobe that has stood the test of time is often from Phase 8 or M&S but these aren’t from current ranges. If you want to buy sustainable clothing, I would look at Patrick Grant‘s community clothing range. 

I have just bought my first new purchase in about three years, a dress from Seasalt.  It’s made from organic cotton, and they are committed to sustainable production and reducing waste, it even came packaged in recyclable paper. You will probably pay more for this sort of clothing, but it should last a lot longer.

I was going to put in my original post 'happy for brand recommendations that I can hunt out in charity shops'. Thanks for the recommendations, i'll add them to my list! 

sophieo16

Nonnadiluca said:

I've had a long sleeved tee shirt and a hoodie from Rapanui and I highly rate them. Their environmental credentials are very good, they make their stuff from organic cotton and you can return them for recycling when they wear out. My navy top has kept its colour and washes well. The prices I think are very good, I paid £35 for an organic cotton hoodie which I've worn loads and it still looks really good. Definitely worth a look at their website.

I've actually got x4 tshirts from them that I am trying out for the first time. So far so good! Good to hear about the hoodies though as I will be needing a replacement soon I didn't know about the recycling programme though, so that's great to know! Thanks! 

Emmia

Uni Qlo for basics - like jeans and knitwear, Arket and Cos for Tshirts and Cos for dresses. 

The M&S clothing selection has also improved recently. 

Shropshirelass

Try Lands End. Subscribe to their mail list, and you will get good deals monthly. I never pay full price. Some of their clothes last embarassingly long. I often re-dye the jeans, just for a change, sometimes several times to change my colour schemes. I've read concerns about excessive water use in growing cotton, but when clothes last so long, I reckon production costs are reduced.

Rosetta92

I find Cotton Traders good for t-shirts and tops that wear well. Their size guide is accurate and they also have good discounts in their sales. My OH tried their jeans and says they compare favourably to his favourites from M&S.