My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High - YouLookFab Forum

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My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Another way to title this thread might be: Vince, I am done with your sweaters.

Warning: Rant Ahead!

I have purchased three so far. One last year, and two this year. I have posted pictures below.
1) First sweater (last year) -- which I considered heavily pilled and therefore a failure. But I really liked the style so I thought I would give this cool brand another go.
2) Charcoal circle cardigan -- New level of pilling previously thought impossible reached! I have worn twice -- yes only twice. Once to the De Young museum in SF, the second time on my drive home. (Not like I'm pitching hay or anything.) Up close it looks like a shabby grandpa sweater! I just spent an hour shaving it so it would look half way decent tomorrow for our car trip to the "in laws" for Thanksgiving. (Yes it is cozy for driving.)
3) Light grey cashmere cardigan -- Purchased this year. Success! Worn multiple times, still looks neat.
4) Navy Free People -- Purchased this year. Posted picture for "control" purposes because this cost less than 1/3 of the price of #2 and has held up better than both 1 and 2. Oh yeah and I stuck it in the machine with no problems. So yay for low cost care.

I am not a wealthy person. But I love clothes, and spend a very high proportion of my income on them; I can because I have an ancient car and low living expenses. The circle cardigan was paid for in cash and represented over a weeks income. (Even after getting it for 20% off at the Bloomie's F&F promo.)

My conclusion is, I have overly high expectations for things that are not "value" priced. For prestige brands. I believe the hype but then I want the garment to live up to the hype! (Now I feel like a fool for believing the hype. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice ... and all that.) I think I am going back to cheap sweaters, not sweaters that retail for $395-495. And I need to stop thinking that if I spend a lot, I am getting something that is of good quality. Worthwhile lesson learned by this brand-conscious farm fashionista.

(Good news: I do love my Vince coat and it does not look shabby after 4 wears already! But needless to say it's going to be a while before I recover my faith in this recent IPO issue -- yeah they went public -- and not rushing to buy their stock.)

If you have read this far, I thank you! If you have any wisdom to impart, I welcome it!

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45 replies

Latest reply was from qfbrenda

Deborah

Veteran

No real wisdom to offer but I do think each item we buy has to be judged on it's own merits. It's funny you should post this today because I was wearing a pair of non leather, patent look shoes today that cost me $10.00. I was struck by how well they have worn (Im into their third year) and how great they still look... and they are a 'cheap' shoe. Of course not everything this cheap is as successful a purchase, but then not everything that is pricey is either.

If you have the inclination, I think it would be worth writing to Vince and share your experience with them. I am not familiar with the brand, other than here on YLF but I would be surprised if the feedback wasn't appreciated.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

That is a good idea Deborah, maybe after I've calmed down in a few months I will do that. I know that an angry tone gets you a defensive response.

I agree on the inexpensive surprises! I recently demoted an orphan lined knit blazer from H&M that cost me under $50. I decided to wear it serving, as it provides warmth and a little extra polish as it looks neat yet has the flexibility I need in my line of work (reaching, constant working with my hands). It got a few spots on it, so I threw it in the machine, pulled it out and hung it to dry and it looks like new again!

catgirl

Veteran

Argh, I just splurged on two Vince sweaters that I hope to wear a lot (the purple one today and the black ombre). I am so sorry to hear this and feel your pain - I expect more for my money too. Who wouldn't?!

RunswithDolphins

Oh I am so sorry these sweaters have not lived up to your expectations. This is a very timely post because I have a red cashmere Vince sweater in my cart at Shopbop. I am now going to reconsider this purchase. Thank you!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Ah, sympathies, so frustrating. What is the fabric content of the charcoal circle cardigan, it may be more to do with that than the brand?

Anonymous

I have wondered about the quality of this brand as well. I have not had good luck and decided it was all advertising. I avoid it now.

Raisin

Veteran

I have a lot of expectations of any $300-$400 garment too. I have gone the way you're going somewhat too. I think some things are just too overpriced, and I am finding that I can find a lot of similar quality items for much less. I do indulge once in a while, on pieces I realllllly love, and they are usually items where I can see the difference in quality a lot better. Like shoes, and jackets.

VernieJane

I've been noticing over the past couple of years that the quality of designer brands that cost a bit more than "low cost" clothes has gone downhill. For example, if anyone has bought any UGGs last season, I know several people who had very bad expériences, even faulty shoes and had to return them after one wearing. I think the idea that expensive = quality is no longer relevant in today's market. Everything, cheap or expensive, is made in Asian countries at the lowest cost possible, and the quality has taken a toll... the name brand, however, still sells at the same price. :/

pil

Veteran

How frustrating for you. I recently picked up a Vince sweater at TJ Maxx that is going back for other reasons, but maybe that is just as well.

I hope a letter receives a response.

Anonymous

Sympathies, Denise. I think I remember Angie once saying years ago when I was a YLF newbie that it wasn't worth investing money in knits because they just don't hold up in spite of price, although she was probably talking about layering pieces. That has become a rule for me although I do love non-itchy cashmere.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Sweaters are so tricky, I honestly do not know what makes one sweater pill faster than another. Maybe it's the percentage of polyester, I don't know. I have an expensive sweater that I bought around 1987 and the beautiful garment was still pill-free a decade later (I still have it but it lives in my cedar chest right now - it's so pretty I can't bear to part with it, even if it's not really in style anymore). And I practically lived in it, wore it all the time.
On the other hand, I've also had expensive sweaters that pill ridiculously after the first washing - go figure

Diana

Veteran

Gah! I'm sorry about the sweaters, Denise. I agree that you should contact Vince, particularly about the new sweater.

The only Vince I own is denim (which I love). I have looked at some of their knits and was not super impressed. I think there is consumer demand that sweaters be super soft, and unfortunately much of the time softness equates to pilling potential. There are exceptions but mostly these will be very tightly knit or multi ply cashmeres, which are pricy to produce. Anyway I avoid anything that looks like it might already be fuzzing in the store. I also avoid featherweight knits in general unless they have a good proportion of silk. They're just too prone to sprouting random holes otherwise.

Parsley

Veteran

Darn, Denise! That's so disappointing about your sweaters!
I have quite a few VInce sweaters and I've been very happy with them. They've had some pilling, but I've always thought that a certain amount of pilling was to be expected in knits no matter what the price. Is that not true?

It does sound like your cardigan has pilled an extraordinary amount.
Can you return it and tell them that you are unhappy with the quality?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well that just stinks Denise! Like you, I would have expected better "wear and tear" based on the brand and the price point. I agree with letting Vince know - once you've calmed down of course.

I went through a phase where I was firmly convinced that price dictated quality - the higher the price, the better the quality. I have come to realize that this is not necessarily the case. I have some Nygard knits that are years old and have been washed to death, although always in cold and laid flat to dry, that still look new with no pilling for example.

I do agree with Deborah that each item needs to be judged individually and I guess we cannot make a sweeping assessment for an entire brand.

Diana

Veteran

Marcy, yes all knits will probably pill a little. But IMO the "normal" pilling should be concentrated in areas where there is friction. I.e. where your purse rubs, under the arms, or where you sit on it.

tammyw

This is so disappointing to hear! I've just this year fallen in love with Vince sweaters. I bought three this years - A variegated cardigan, a fabulous cashmere pullover, and a thinner wide sweater that was last year's version (from Nordstrom Rack). Now I'm hoping they will hold up, since I love them so much.

One interesting thing - that grey sweater (#3) - I saw it in store and fell in love. I decided I might buy it if it goes on sale. Glad to hear that it's at least holding up so far

I really think quality sweaters should hold up. I'd be furious.

Anonymous

Boy you never can tell- I bought a knit zip-up sweater in Italy for 15 euro back in 2007 (the store was a mini-mart like 7-11!) and it is still soft and no pilling despite lots of rough use. At the time my friend and I (we both got the same sweaters) thought at that price that they would fall apart after the first wear. So you never can tell.

Adelfa

Veteran

Denise, my heart is breaking about that circle cardigan. I seriously considered getting it myself.

I think sweaters have gone downhill. Several cashmere sweaters I bought in the 80's never pilled to this day. While I saw DD in one I bought for her last Christmas and it's so pilled--I was mortified.

I hope my new elephant sweater holds up!

Based on my and DD's recent experience, and the Angie advice Joy mentioned, I think sweaters should be considered one-season items (it hurts me to type this) and we should pay accordingly. The problem being that a lot of these don't even make it through one season looking decent

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Knitwear is sooooo unpredictable, Denise. You have my empathy. I have been there too.

I'm having an opposite reaction over the last few years, actually. My expensive knitwear is holding out extremely well - Vince, J.Crew Cashmere, Karen Millen, Club Monaco and Designer brands. That said, my Zara knitwear is doing really well too. I guess I'm a little luckier at the moment. I'm sending high quality knitwear vibes your way. xo

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Denise, I wouldn't put off the letter but I think I'd send it not to just Vince, but to the store where you purchased it as well. Include a photo and a copy of your receipt.

Once I wrote a long and rather amusing letter to Coach because a purse I had purchased for $400 from them had started losing the edge piping after about a year of just regular use. They promptly sent me a $400 gift certificate to use at any coach store. And we had an outlet Coach store close by so I got a new bag AND a belt and a wallet for DH. I've shared this story of great customer service for so many years I know it's paid them back many, many times over.

Gaylene

Veteran

Ouch, Denise, it's never a good feeling when we invest in an item because we trust the brand and then get let down so badly. If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone.

Your story reminded me of the time I spent serious cash on a designer cotton top only to have the seams twist and fray so badly after the first cleaning that the item was unwearable--and this was after I actually followed the directions and dry cleaned that stupid cotton top! It made me feel ill when I looked at my $8 JoeFresh cotton tops which chugged along for a whole season after being thrown into the washer and dryer every week. When I took the disgusting rag back to the boutique, the owner just shrugged and said "it happens" and would l like a store credit for 50% of the original cost...nice of her, I suppose, but still frustrating given the huge dent in my wallet.

The whole experience did make me re-think my attitude towards buying something because of the luster we sometimes attach to "designer" labels. As much as possible, if I'm spending serious cash, I now try to buy from brands which really seemed concerned if I have problems with an item. The worst offenders seem to be with some of the entry-level luxury lines--higher than average prices, but a deaf ear when it comes to customer dissatisfaction. I get the best response from companies who have been in business for decades and who still seem anxious to make amends if there are problems with their merchandise.

Knitwear that costs several hundred dollars shouldn't look like a rag after one season. Some pilling on a soft cashmere knit is normal, but my Bompard and Brora sweaters last me for decades. I also know, from personal experience, that both companies take swift action if there are any issues or concerns.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Denise, I sympathize. Knits are so, so tricky. I think with a brand like this you are paying not only for the quality of the fabric but also for the design, which tends to be unique and a step ahead of whatever else is out there. So...you might be getting longevity or harder wear from another brand. But then you would have to settle for a less fashion forward design.

However, at that price point, I think you should be able to get both!

I do think all knits pill and softer ones will pill more (acrylic and soft cotton and lower quality merino and cashmere). But you are right -- there is pilling and pilling.

I left a gorgeous Angie-recommended Theory sweater in the fitting room at the NAS because I could see that it was already pilling in the store -- and it arrived still in a bag!! Just think how it would look after a wear or two. It almost broke my heart to leave it -- it was one of my favourite items that I tried.

I have pretty much decided that knits are a one-to-two season purchase for me except if they are silk blends or really good merino. I have not purchased super high quality cashmere yet so I can't really speak to that.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm so sorry, Denise! I know firsthand how it is to spend most of your income on clothes and not have a high income... ugh. Especially when you are drawn to brands that charge for an unusual design aesthetic and great fabrics... it doesn't always include great craftsmanship. I tried to replace my citron cashmere sweater with some Scottish cashmere (the only knit I've seen at the swap meet looking totally new... made in the 70s), but the price was super-high and most designs very classic. The modern ones were beyond my purchasing abilities.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Silly me but I would expect quality and longevity from expensive items (and $400 knitwear does fall into the expensive category for me). So yes, I would be very sore too if this happens to me, Denise.
I think this is the reason I don't want to spend much on knitwear and take a chance with it...

Amy

(website)

Veteran

So frustrating!

Anonymous

That's terrible. I would be extremely, err, put out! I think with a lot of these knits, you're paying for the design, which is worth the money, but then there is no quality to back it up. I wonder who is in charge of choosing the materials and factories to make them up? I remember seeing a bunch of bright blue, cropped, cashmere Vince sweaters at the Rack. They were pilled up something fierce, and they hadn't even been sold yet! Who cares if they had been marked down to $9.97 or whatever, they weren't even worth that. I hope you can get some compensation for all the money you invested in these.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Yeah Vince isn't what is used to be. Alexander Wang's quality does NOT match the price. Helmut Lang I'm very iffy on right now.

unfrumped

Veteran

I am so sorry, and really sympathize.

I agree that knits can be the worst to try to judge, and somehow you need either lots of testimonials as to the company's quality, or personal experience. I've been feeling that way about cashmere sweaters--should I try to find one holy grail essential sweater from the highest-rated maker,
or should I treat the sweaters as shorter-lived/replaceable and not "investments", or should I buy fabrics that are less tricky?

Other items may be easier to judge by looking at seams, finish work, buttonholes and so on.

These issues are important because of trying to achieve quality in purchases, and so often that's expressed as , "I'm planning to spend MORE to get the QUALITY I want."

But, we all know that good quality can be at lots of price points, and that "labels" don't guarantee, and I do think that there's a huge amount of high-priced poor quality stuff out there. I'm wondering if Vince, Theory and similar sweaters for $300-400 are 3 times as good as a lower-priced brand. Although, it's not always about some inherent "quality" aspect, but just that the item's fit, color, look and so on is JUST what you want that season.

Still, I really would like to learn which brands/labels make their mark by their quality and reliability (or prompt refund for any reason).

ironkurtin

Veteran

If it helps, I have developed a rub test for knits to see how they will wear. I take hold of the hem or or a more hidden area and rub the fabric briskly. If it pills or otherwise looks strange, I pass.

Many expensive sweaters fail this test.

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