A reader emailed me this question the other day. I thought it would be a great one to open up to your feedback because my experience with this is somewhat limited:
Regarding your goal for 2017 of wearing out your clothes (to purchase a new wardrobe in 2018): do you have any recommendations of companies that sell clothing that doesn’t fall apart after just a few washings? I’ve recently replaced my wardrobe after losing baby weight and everything I’ve purchased gets holes in it after just a few times of being worn! This happens with “fast fashion” pieces from cheaper brands as well as more expensive clothing. I hate buying new clothes all the time and I don’t have much time to haunt the thrift stores since I live out in the country. It seems like such a waste to keep buying new but I don’t know what else to do!
~ Dara
First, CONGRATS on losing the baby weight. I know what a monumental feat that can be! I shop a little differently than most because I hate shopping for clothes in traditional stores. Like hate it. But I do LOVE shopping thrift stores a few times a year. I know it sounds kind of odd, but you can actually see how well the clothing wears and save about 80% off retail {or more} for something that has been worn just a handful of times. I know that it might seem like a hassle, especially if you have to make a trip into the city to do it, but I cannot stress enough the amount of money you will save on high quality clothing! BUT, I also get that you just really might hate that. So here are a two tips:
Pay more. Seriously. When it comes to new clothes, sometimes you get what you pay for. The key isn’t to spend more on clothes across the board, it’s to spend a little more on a few quality items and not junkity junk items that will wear out so fast you have to replace them. I am not very frugal when it comes to jeans. I really like the way certain jeans fit, and since I wear them pretty much everyday, I can totally justify the purchase. I love KUT jeans. Macy’s sells them and they are kind of spendy, but they last FOREVER. The Girls likes Lucky brand. Jeans are one of those instances where quality really does count.
It’s hard to say though to stick with certain brands, because sometimes a good brand can sell a junky item {although I’ve never had a bad experience with LL Bean, Levi, Patagonia, REI or Pendleton}. So don’t pay more just because it’s a designer brand name. Play with an item. Tug at the seams of the jeans, knock the boots around, check out how well the buttons are sewn onto a shirt. You can normally see the quality of an item if you pick it up. Then note the item or the brand and see if you can find it cheaper online. Most of the time you can. That takes us to my next suggestion.
And now I’m curious what brands you swear by?
Help Dara out and give her some brand names you love!
~Mavis
Linda says
Duluth Trading Company. Their stuff lasts. It’s more than Target but worth it. I love Levis. I buy them at the thrift store. Learn the “good” brands before you go to the thrift store so you can buy quality. Also buy tshirts in bulk cheap. I like Old Navys sales. I tend to get stuff all over my tshirts so they are stained and gross long before the wear out. I keep a few for hanging out at home but I always keep a few to leave the house in.
Amy W says
I am also a big fan of Duluth Trading Company. Their stuff is designed for tradespeople so it’s tough and can withstand a good deal of abuse. It is also designed to fit *real* people.
Judy Mills says
Just a quick comment on thrift stores. I have been browsing on line for the cheapest sheet set & duvet cover. No matter where I looked it was still going to be close to 200$. So I went to a thrift store yesterday bought a complete Queen set for 7$, bedskirt for 2& (new still in package) and duvet cover for 5$. All in perfect shape. Also got Mr. M six pairs of new socks (all still w tags on) .50 c each. Love the thrift stores.
Look forward to reading your site every day Mavis.
Take care. Mrs. M.
Rebeccah says
I haven’t purchased anything from Thredup, but I’ve heard really good things. You can find lightly used items here. More than you would pay at Goodwill, but less than purchasing new items.
There’s another site called buymeonce.com that showcases high quality items that last.
I’m also trying to stop buying fast fashion this year, so I’ll be checking both of these sites out when the budget allows! Good luck!
Stacie says
Once you find a brand you like, search eBay for slightly used items. I’ve found excellent clothing on eBay for very little money. I love Nike Dri Fit work out pants, but they are pricey in a department store. I have found very good priced ones on eBay and they’re a better fit for my budget.
Randi says
My husband has a saying, ” Buy once, cry once”
We’ve had good luck with LLBean, NorthFace, some of Macy’s brand name pants as well as Clarks shoes and Lululemon. We were handed down a Lands End jacket that all three of my kids wore after ALL 8 of their cousins wore it.. We talked about taking a photo of all the kids with the youngest wearing the coat to send to Lands End. So that didn’t happen before it was gifted to a neighbor family with 4 kids but it lives on!! That was a good return on investment.
Carrie says
I bought a Lands End down coat and the zipper just broke. Only lasted 2 winters. It was bought a Sears, I wonder if that makes a difference or if everything is made in the same place?
Laura says
Lands End quality is not what is used to be since Sears bought it. I love my winter coat that I got last winter, but I am not expecting it to last as long as my previous coat (that I bought well before the Sears sale). If you shop their sales you can get a decent price.
Erin says
I agree that Lands End quality is not what it used to be. That said, they still stand behind their stuff with their “Guaranteed. Period.” promise. I would call and ask for an new down coat! A zipper should last more than 2 years.
Carrie says
Wow! Thanks! I had no idea. I’ve already replaced it with a prAna coat that I love but if I can get a replacement for free I’d be happy!
Lea says
Did you call the company? Usually zipper problems mean a replacement is sent for free with a free return envelope for the defective object. At least that’s been my experience and it doesn’t matter how long you’ve had the coat/object either.
Lea
Trish says
I really found that Eddie Bauer has good quality clothes and pretty good prices at their outlet stores or there is always online as well.
Mrs. D says
Once you find a pair, buy 3. I have had good luck with Costco. Costco has a generous return policy if it does not fit or falls apart. Gloria Vanderbilt jeans from Costco. I’m still wearing the 3 pair of black jeans I bought for work I got there 3 years ago @14.99 each. I wear these every day for work so mostly all three get washed every week. That goes with any brand you find to your liking. I like Levis too, always scout goodwill or St Vincent DePaul for those. Tell your family what you’re looking for, size color etc.. My grown girls know what I like and are on the look out all the time. I do the same for them. I also love Clark shoes. I have a pair of Harley Davidson boots $105.00 new that I’ve been wearing for 8 years and they still look good!
Delores says
I have found that Rafaella, Bandolino and New Directions are really good brands. Great quality and hold up to numerous washings. I have these brand clothing in my closet and they are anywhere from 1 to 10 years old. I don’t know if you have a Belks in your area but that is where I do all my clothes shopping. They have great sales and the clearances racks are just wonderful. I have gotten brand new clothes for any where from $2.00 to $10.00 That is cheaper than a lot of thrift store prices for used clothing. I joke with the clerks that I would be naked if not for Belks. Also I would suggest buy items that you love and will wear, pay a little more for something that you really love and will wear. When I think of the money I wasted buying items that I picked up at thrift stores and yes, Belks, that were such a great price ( a deal–didn’t want to pass that up), I could kick myself. Hopefully after I donated them someone got their moneys worth out of them, I sure didn’t. Congrats on the weight loss.
Susan says
I’m really curious about this as well. I’ve had 2 pairs of fairly expensive, (what I thought were) high-quality shoes break in the past month (split across the soles), making me question whether my intended investment was worth it. One was a pair of leather Keen boots that I bought at REI (I would have returned them but they’ve changed to a 1-year return policy after I bought them). The other was Dansko clogs. They were both a couple years old, but I expected many more years, especially since the shoes are otherwise in great condition. They are unwearable and I don’t think the design lends itself to being resoled.
I buy mostly from Lands End. Their quality can vary, but I’m not afraid to return something if it doesn’t last a reasonable period of time.
Dana says
Go ahead and return the boots to REI if you still have them. They have to honor the policy that was in place at the time of purchase. If you have any trouble at the store, call corporate.
Susan says
Thanks, Dana. I did try to return them to REI, but was told the new policy is now in place, even if I purchased them prior to the change. The guy at REI said I could contact Keen directly, but that seems a bit much for boots that have been worn for a few years (just in the winter). I appreciate your thought, though!
Emily E. says
I would contact Dansko too! They are supposed to last more than just two years!
Carrie says
I like Anne Taylor Loft and GAP for casual clothes and most everything at REI for work and outdoor play. PrAna, Mountain Hardware and Mammut are my favorite outdoor clothing brands.
Andrea says
I haven’t found all Anne Taylor items to be well made or made of quality materials, unfortunately. I often have to rehem, sew buttons back on, and demote tops to weekend jeans tops instead of professional use because they don’t hold up. I stopped shopping there after a few experiences like that.
Lisa says
LOFT used to be a lot more quality than it was. I still like their styles but the shirts are way thinner, don’t last as long, jeans are better than Walmart/Target but still not amazing…
Carrie says
I do tend to wear out their tees in 1-2 years but I wear them once a week. I think $10-$15 for a cotton shirt that fits and comes in nice colors is a good price, even if it only lasts 2 seasons. I have 2 pairs of cords that have lasted 3-4 years so far with no issues. I haven’t had any issues with buttons falling off or hems coming lose. I wore their dress slacks exclusively because they offer petites. I am now in a casual work place so I donated all my dressy stuff 3 years ago.
Stephanie says
Chaco sandals, Merrell shoes, Carhartt jeans. My most recent pants purchase was from the thrift store because I am in the process of losing my baby weight. Once it’s gone, I intend to drop $100-200 to buy a few pairs of good quality pants that will last a long time because I hate shopping for jeans!
Carrie says
I love my Chacos! I’ve had the same pair for 10 years now and where them all summer long. I bought a pair of their flips 3 years ago that also have held up great. I have a friend who’s pair was falling apart and Chaco repaired them for free.
Sarah says
I just bought Chacos this past summer. I have loved them so far. But I bought them simply because people like you said they’ve had them for years!
Lisa L says
For casual clothes, jeans, t-shirts, sweat shirts, I find L.L. Bean clothes really last a long time and hold up great! For dressier or businessy clothes, I like Caslon brand which is the house brand of Nordstrom. And Carhartt socks will last you until the end of time!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
I love the Caslon brand too. I have a few sweaters and they are my favorite.
Allison R says
The other thing to consider is how you are caring for your clothes – I find for most of the year if I hang my clothes up right away I can wear many things at least 3-4 times before washing. Most pants I wear even more than that. Of course that doesn’t work if you get sweaty or spill stuff! I think that modern washing machines are a lot harder on clothes than older ones and that may be part of why things get holes so quickly.
Carrie says
I also will rewear shirts 2-3 times if they don’t smell and will wear jeans 5 or more times before washing. I have two favorite sweaters that I wear all winter long and only wash once or twice. Line drying also extends the life of clothes.
My husband has a fancy pair of jeans (Gustin) that he doesn’t wash at all. If you get dirt on them you wipe with a damp cloth and hang outside to dry and to get rid of smells. The company actually tells you not to wash the jeans.
Marcia says
For jeans I’ve had great luck with Levi and CAbi.
Erin says
Be careful with Levi’s. They used to be reliably hardwearing, but the last few my husband bought were made with surprisingly thin denim and wore holes very quickly. Just because a brand has a reputation doesn’t mean they will continue to produce the best quality.
Emily E. says
Erin I have had the same experience with Levis. They seem to wear very thin around the back pockets and develop holes within a year. Not sure what the problem is but for Levis I would expect them to last much longer.
Jennifer says
Local second hand stores like “Plato’s Closet” here in Ohio, often have designer brands at a pretty hefty discount. I find that these types of stores will usually have a “more organized” display of product to go through as compared to the thrift store which can cut down a bit on the time factor. However, there is always that “diamond in the rough” find almost every time I visit a thrift store. Personally I buy only designer jeans that fit me perfectly – and I will pay full price if I have to – but I only buy 1 pair every year. I also don’t wash them very often. When I do, I use cold water and not much detergent at all. Shirts I usually buy a bunch at the thrift store because I feel like they have already been used and therefore I can see better how it will hold up. Plus, if I only pay $2 for it I don’t feel bad about sticking it in the donate pile if I get stains on it.
Linda Sand says
I’m short and fat. Walmart’s Just My Size short jeans fit me well and last a long time. Roamans.com brand ultimate t-shirts in both long and short sleeves also wear well.
Candice says
I try to go to our local thrift shop where all profits go to Hospice at least once a season. It is only ten minutes away and that includes parking and walking across the parking lot but the donated items are upscale brands and little wear, some even with price tags still on them, all clean on hangers and only $6 for pants, shirts, tops, dresses..anyway, it would be too tempting to purchase more than I need. Back to your question of brand, I like Gloria Vanderbilt. I go in specifically to purchase any of her jeans. They last well, wear well and I find that if I have two pair a year that is all that is needed. And I live in jeans..even to church since everyone is so casual anymore. On that thought, I think I will pack up my “church” clothes that have hung in my closet for years and print off a Goodwill label and arrange a pickup. Thanks for that post Mavis. I always dreaded the trip to Goodwill because the road to get there is either very busy or on road construction. You have saved my nerves as well as my time.
Tracy says
All Nordstrom house brands are pretty solid. And if anything rips, tears or fades, just bring it back and they’ll refund your money, with or without original receipt, no questions asked. Between Nordie’s and Eileen Fisher, that covers much of my work clothing. I second the many recommendations for LL Bean clothing, and they have a similar returns policy. They stand behind their clothes. For casual, gardening-type clothing, or, if you have a male significant other who is brutal, (BRUTAL, I tell you!!!) on his clothes, I can’t say enough about Duluth Trading Company. Many of their items, although priced very slightly more than the true super budget brands, are still very affordable, and they are just about indestructible, fit well and their selection is pretty large. They also have a kind of ‘blue collar women’s’ line, which is equally well made, although quite basic in style.
Holly says
swap.com
You will get addicted. Consider yourself warned. 😉
Angela D. says
Another vote for Duluth Trading Company! Don’t think twice about their prices–well worth the quality. I also don’t mind paying top dollar for Smartwool socks, although I don’t put them in the dryer. A previous comment noted trouble with Keen brand shoes, but I’ve been wearing mine for more than 5 years and they still look and feel good! Haflinger shoes have also been a sound investment, as have my Sorrel winter boots: 22 years on those!
Carrie says
Smartwool has started going downhill. My pairs of socks from over 10 years ago are still great. I have 3 pairs that are less than 4 years old and are wearing thin already. I bought a pair of long bottoms in August for a backpacking trip – they got holes with 3 days of wearing. Luckily, Smartwool replaced them and I was able to choose the color I wanted. The second pair has held up much better and I wore them 7 days straight when we got a cold snap.
I am testing out Farm to Feet and Darn Tough for wool socks now. So far so good!
Carrie says
I should also say I wear wool socks everyday of the year and have just started to wear them twice before washing in cold water and hanging them to dry.
Sheri says
I like Fox River socks.. Another place to look for closeouts on good names is Sierra trading post.
Emily E. says
I have also had good luck with LL Bean and the Just My Size jeans (I’m packing some extra pounds). They fit well and wear well. I second the earlier post about washing and caring for your clothes. I wash all my clothes in cold in an HE washer and generally skimp on soap. Most washing machine repair persons will tell you that you use too much soap which can shorten the life of the washer. I think thrift shops can depend on locale as far as finding really good quality items. I have really enjoyed reading these posts and find all the info very helpful!
Susan says
Also, we’ve started getting Darn Tough socks. They’re pricey at $12-$20, but have a lifetime guarantee! My Smartwool socks were so comfy, but developed holes in the soles. I got a bunch of Bomba socks for my son and they got holes in the toes after a year of wear.
Wyoming Gal says
I think you should focus some on how you care for your clothes to make them last longer. Wash items in cold water with scant detergent and hang to dry indoors – if they are only lightly soiled. Rotate clothes, shoes and boots so you share the wear among your wardrobe. I see using the dryer – especially on hot as the major way to damage clothes. I have many clothes that are 15 and 20 years old and boots and shoes that are 10 or more years old. I have a pair of Nike exercise capris that I exercise in at least 200 days a year and they are 15 years old and in good condition. I have ocasionally worn out a pair of jeans – maybe every 3 years or so – but otherwise – my clothes last forever. I have tee shirts and polo shirts, skirts, gabardine pants, shorts, blazers and many sweaters that are at least 20 years old. I don’t buy H& M or Walmart or junkity junk but I don’t buy designer clothes either. I do like LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Talbot’s, and Ann Taylor but I have lots of clothes from JC Penney, too such as Liz Claiborne and St. Johnsbay.
Ashleah says
I get the vast majority of my clothes from thrift stores. My favorite thrift store seems to always have Gloria Vanderbilt jeans in my size. They fit really well and they tend to last forever! I’ve never had a blowout with these jeans.
For fitness clothes, I swear by Fabletics. They’re the most well-made leggings that I’ve ever found in my life. They even have hidden pockets! I like their tops as well. This is basically my only clothing splurge, other than getting all of my bras at Brastop.com.
Libby says
I agree with the comments about about buying a quality brand.
However, I’m wondering about how Dara is washing the clothing. Many years back I was getting holes in my tops so I changed the way I sort laundry. Any item that has a zipper (metal or plastic) is never washed with an item that has a zipper. It made a HUGE difference and the only time I get holes now if is something is truly wearing out i.e,, we’ve had it for years and years.
Dara says
I feel like a celebrity! Thank you all for the suggestions!!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yay Dara!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Glad we could help.
Katie says
Man, I bought my first pair of Kut jeans last fall, and they’ve already ripped at the back pockets. I wear my clothes lightly too. Grr. We have a Talbot’s Clearance Center nearby, and I buy most of my basics there. It’s not an outlet, it’s the same stuff that was in the stores from the previous season. I think there are only a few in the U.S., but the deals are fantastic. I just bought a dress that was $200 retail for $10. I will check out Duluth, it’s really frustrating to see so many retailers trending toward fast fashion. I hate to shop, and I want stuff that lasts.
Carolina says
I got a bright green wool pea coat from LL Bean when we moved to New England, I still wear it every winter and it looks like new. And I got it in 1990!!! I just have it dry cleaned once a year. LL Bean stuff lasts FOREVER. Additionally, if you are ever in the state of Maine, you can shop at their flagship store in Free Port, Maine 24/7. They never, EVER close, 365 days a year. Check them out when you come east, Mavis, if you haven’t all ready. It is fun to go shop there at 3 am on a random Tuesday, and see a full parking lot with cars from all over the USA and Canada.
Rebekah U says
I have recently discovered the joy of consignment stores to really save on excellent quality clothing. My favorite store consigns clothing for a 90 day period. The first 60 days are at their “full price” and the last 30 days are at their “half-price”. On the last day of the month, they have an 85% off sale for items that have not sold at the end of their 90 days. And then on the next day, anything that is left from the 85% off sale is sold for $1. You would not believe the brand new, tag still on name brand clothing that I have been able to try. Just by shopping the sales, I have save a TON over thrift stores AND the quality is unbelievable. True Religion. Lucky. Ralph Lauren. Talbots. White House Black Market. Carhardt. Levis. LL Bean. On and On. So! If you live in the country, I would encourage you to find out if there is a consignment store within driving distance, find out about their policies and sales, and then shop their sales. You might be surprised! This could allow you to try any number of brands before buying brand new – or you might decide to rarely buy new again! The other upside of consignment – I’ve made almost $350 on selling clothes that were taking up closet space – since last October. Win. Win. PS – LL Bean has a replacement policy that cannot be beat. Our cleaners messed up a shirt. I wrote the company and explained that the cleaners ruined the shirt, and would totally understand if they would not replace it. Well, they replaced the shirt!! I’m an LL Bean customer for life!
Sarah says
I love all the great suggestions everyone has given! I’m also getting out of the fast fashion habit. It doesnt last and is ruining the planet! I will admit, looking at our clothing the stuff we’ve had for 10+ years is all Old Navy! (Which, I know, is actually considered fast fashion) We were kind of surprised by that. My husband has an “at home” tshirt that he has been wearing for literally 12 yrs. The writing on the front is worn off, but other than that, it still looks good. Crazy! I’m not a shopper and haven’t shopped there in years but we are starting to go back. I don’t know how/if the quality has changed. I’m loving all these great suggestions to try though. And congrats to all you ladies who consistently wear the same size pants! I feel like I haven’t done that in years!