https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1268161 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:54:33 +0000 Janet 1268161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have some surprises in this category. One that comes to mind is a Lululemon jacket I bought in SF about 7 years ago. It has been worn and washed countless times and still looks perfect. In fact, I have a newer jacket from them that I don't like nearly as well -- it's about 3 years old and the fabric is pilling a bit.</p> <p>I have a Max Studio silk shirt that is at least 15 years old -- still looks like new. Ditto to a silk Lafayette 128 shirt. </p> <p>My jeans are all winners in this department -- Paige jeans that are 3-4 years old and frequently worn still look good. 5-6 year old David Kahn jeans that were long ago retired into cutoffs or relegated to grungy wear were downgrade because I shrunk in size, but the jeans are still totally wearable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1268155 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:41:53 +0000 Mel 1268155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've gotten a lot of use from my Eddie Bauer Travex skorts. I stumbled upon them when looking for something to wear on a vacation to Mexico in February (uh, the day before we were leaving... yes, need a keeper.) These are great! I can hand wash them and they are dry and ready to wear again in a very short time. They are in their third year with no visible wear or fading. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267840 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:50:54 +0000 DonnaF 1267840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>REI gear.&nbsp; The tops are faded, but no holes.&nbsp; The cargo style hiking pants with the zip-off bottoms are still going strong.&nbsp; It's been eight or maybe even twelve years of weekly wear for the tops and half-weekly wear for the pants.&nbsp; I am afraid that any replacements won't be as hardy and practical so I'm spending my money elsewhere.&nbsp; In two years when DD graduates from college and we aren't making college payments, I'll look into replacements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267698 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:40:50 +0000 DonnaF 1267698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>REI gear.&nbsp; The tops are faded, but no holes.&nbsp; The cargo style hiking pants with the zip-off bottoms are still going strong.&nbsp; It's been eight or maybe even twelve years of weekly wear for the tops and half-weekly wear for the pants.&nbsp; I am afraid that any replacements won't be as hardy and practical so I'm spending my money elsewhere.&nbsp; In two years when DD graduates from college and we aren't making college payments, I'll look into replacements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267531 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 22:02:51 +0000 Laurinda 1267531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for a Lands' End Squall Parka. I had worn mine pretty much every day between November and March/April from 2003 to 2011, until I just got so tired of the color&nbsp;I bought another (LE!) puffer jacket to alternate with it. Every year I check to see if that year's&nbsp;model is as good as the one I have (same insulation, zippers, pockets)&nbsp;but I'm not having any luck finding a replacement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267423 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:03:45 +0000 salt-sea 1267423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My tall Born boots from about 9 years ago&nbsp;have held up wonderfully - cost per wear at this point is &lt;$0.50. I have a pair of Hunter Wellies from 10-ish years ago&nbsp;that have held up nicely too, but I wear those less frequently.<br />Surprisingly, I have several items from H&amp;M - cotton sweater, linen pants, linen shirt, cotton jacket, a few T-shirts, even a couple of camis&nbsp;- that have held up really really well. Their labels often suggest cold water wash and&nbsp;line dry, which I do, and they are holding up nicely.<br />For running/gym gear; I've been very happy with the things I've purchased from Athleta (both before and after they were acquired by Gap - I like their colors and cuts better now and the quality seems to have been maintained). For outdoors gear I like Prana, Mountain Hardwear and Marmot.&nbsp;<br />I should also add, although I had low expectations, I've been impressed with the utility and durability of my black North Face Resolve Rain Jacket.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267373 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:57:15 +0000 rachylou 1267373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A blue plaid, wool Forever 21 coat from about 20 years ago! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267256 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 14:16:54 +0000 Isabel 1267256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fun thread ! &nbsp;In the past, I have had many, many things. &nbsp;But the winner, to this day, is a pair of tall, waterproof leather boots that I bought when I was 26 . &nbsp;I am 50, now.&nbsp;&nbsp; Step back !!! &nbsp;I had just started my corporate job in November and I really needed good looking decent boots to trek around meeting customers on site. &nbsp;It was a huge amount of money back then : &nbsp;$125.00. &nbsp;I took very good care of them. Those boots have been through sleet, rain, snow, travel, sub zero temps, you name it. &nbsp;They still look awesome. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance/page/2#post-1267247 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 14:02:41 +0000 Mo 1267247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It would be interesting to see which of this year's purchases are going strong seasons from now. &nbsp;I tend to view knit tops as the least durable of all my clothing categories. &nbsp;Didn't even consider jeans, to be honest. &nbsp;But I know exactly what everyone is describing with the Lucky denim. &nbsp;I had one of those softer, velvety pair that I gave to a coworker, since they were just too low on me. &nbsp;The fabric was great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1267230 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 13:50:56 +0000 texstyle 1267230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have about 5 pair of various chino shorts from jcrew that I've had for 5-6 years and have worn and washed to death but they still look good (though I prefer a longer length for going out these days). I have a few knit tops from Talbots that I've owned for about the same period and the black one in particular gets worn at least twice a month and still looks great. Some Clarks shoes that I'm just tired of after 8 years or more, but still have life in them. Oh and one long sleeved white button down from the Gap I've owned for over 20 years now and it's STILL in good shape and still bright white! I use it as a swim cover up because it's still oversized since that was the style of the time. I guess I could include my 30 year old London Fog trench but it doesn't get worn much at all so it's not like a workhorse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1267020 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 03:43:23 +0000 Neel 1267020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking about this the other day and I couldn't think of anything that I own that has gotten enough wear and not showed signs of tear. Then yesterday I pulled out my basic pink crew neck tee from M&amp;S and realized that this is it! Along with another navy crew neck tee from M&amp;S. I have worn them weekly once (lounge wear, hence takes a lot of beating) in the past 4 years and they still look the same! I could wear them out if I wanted to. Each one was about 10$ :). I love such items! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266919 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:33:42 +0000 Kristin L 1266919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've sworn by my Old Navy camis. (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=99087&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=898620002">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=898620002</a></p> <p>Like Diana and Laura said, Lucky Brand use to make thicker jeans that wore well, but not anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266844 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:25:50 +0000 doubleh 1266844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not really clothing, but I am amazed that an Eddie Bauer backpack I got in high school (and used daily in high school and college) is still going strong 25+ years later. &nbsp;I spent $40 on it and thought it was sooo expensive. &nbsp;Best CPW ever. &nbsp; I've used it as a diaper bag, book bag, drag around on every type of trip bag and still...cockroaches will live in it after the apocalypse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266821 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 23:55:43 +0000 Thistle 1266821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black trousers from Talbots. Wear vey, very well. Most of my Talbots items, really. I buy a lot from them, and 90% or more I part with because my tastes have changed or my size has.</p> <p>House brand ponte pants from Nordies.</p> <p>Lands End jackets. I have has less luck with other pieces from there, but their Squall jacket has worn like iron and is machine washable and warm! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266809 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 23:45:40 +0000 Peri 1266809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't shopped there in a few years because I just haven't liked anything. I think they have gotten more conservative while I have gotten less and we are just parting ways. Also, they have gotten more expensive and I don't think quality compares to the old days either.&nbsp;But everything I ever bought from Talbots 5-10 years ago&nbsp;looked as good as new for a long time after I had grown sick of it. I'm talking pants worn several times a week barely showing wear 5 years later. A lot of items that went out in the huge purges this year were old Talbots things, but all were purged for style reasons...not a single one for wearing out.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266805 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 23:38:53 +0000 Anonymous 1266805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have anything really old, but every summer I'm surprised that my Uni-Qlo white denim clams are still in perfect shape. I bought them from Savers, so they were already used, and I've had them for three summers now. They have been worn and worn and worn and washed with almost the same frequency. I even tried to dye them cream with tea and when they came out a dirty brown, I bleached the heck out of them and they looked as good as new again.&nbsp;<br />Two other items are my sleeveless silk animal print sweater (Coldwater Creek via thrift store) and my 3/4 sleeve snake print sweater (Chicos via thrift store). both at least 3 years old. The 3/4 sleeve sweater never gets a break, as it works in summer or winter. It goes with everything, can be dressed up and down and is not showing any signs of wear at all. Who'da thunk it?&nbsp;</p> <p>ETA: That ON white T is your version of the "essential" white button front shirt Mo. ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266755 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 22:37:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 1266755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread :)</p> <p>Low end:<br />Target linen tees. Two years old &amp; not a hole in sight.&nbsp;<br />Some costume jewellery.<br />Mid-range: cashmere hoodies that have outlasted every other knit I've ever had - Hunter brand, which I think was taken over by Brora.<br />Rundholz shirt. Still pure white after about six years, it's an&nbsp;amazing cotton which is soft &amp; crisp at the same time.&nbsp;<br />High end:&nbsp;<br />My Burberry coat - I sort of wish it would wear out so I could buy something lighter :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Also have individual pieces of clothing that are vintage now which still look new like &amp; are thirty years old ++ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266539 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:25:52 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1266539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've got some older Lucky Brand jeans that I originally got from the thrift store and they are the heavier denim like Diana describes. I have no doubt they could outlast this decade. In more recent purchases, my Old Navy jeans have been very durable. Their vintage v neck tees are also surprisingly long lasting considering the price.</p> <p>I think that a lot depends on the fiber content too. Most lightweight knits (I.e. not sweaters) will pill sooner or later, but I've got a surplice wrap top in that stretchy nylon mesh (from three dots, maybe?) that would probably survive the apocalypse. </p> <p>My shoes are pretty durable in general. I must not be that hard on them somehow because all of them last multiple years, even when bought at DSW prices. I tend to get bored of them before they wear out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266321 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:04:32 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1266321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Max Studio ponte pants and leggings. &nbsp; My two original pairs - bought several years ago - have been recently downgraded for dance/exercise wear - one pair because it started pilling after three years of regular wear, and the other, because it had a split seam that I clumsily mended - again, after several years of wear. &nbsp; But the fabric itself is still strong, supple, and holding its shape beautifully. &nbsp; &nbsp;I have another 3-4 pairs in my closet, and anticipate years of use from these.</p> <p>And my Forever XXI camis and tanks - we use these a lot as costume foundations under other tops and accessories for flamenco shows - and I wear them probably 2-3 days a week under toppers, or for gear. &nbsp; Some of these tops are going strong, with no real visible wear, for 3 years now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266309 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:26:27 +0000 Suja 1266309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Items from the Lands End starfish collection. &nbsp;The leggings, tunics and cardigans have been washed every week for 2.5 years. &nbsp;Sometimes multiple times a week in the case of baby spit-up or messy breastfeeding. &nbsp;I wore the leggings while pregnant too. &nbsp;The best value ever, especially if you get them on sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266306 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:17:09 +0000 Anonymous 1266306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Leather goods give me the most value. &nbsp;I have Coach purses and briefcases that have to be more than 20 years old and still look good. &nbsp;I have some athletic wear from Landsend and Eddie Bauer&nbsp;that may also be about 20 years old and still looks new. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266285 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 12:42:35 +0000 kkards 1266285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i guess i'm pretty light on my clothing and shoes, as most of it lasts a long time. its easier for me to name what hasn't. &nbsp;i've had 3 items bought in the last year that really disappointed me, a pair of sam edelman shoes that are literally coming apart at the seams (and unfortunately in a place that my shoe guy can't get to), and 2 sweaters from anthro that stretch out at the bottom.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266237 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 10:39:33 +0000 crutcher 1266237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a Leith vest...from Nordstrom that I have worn and worn and worn...I have had it two years...and it is so my favorite piece of clothing...I can throw it over skinnies, a skirt, jeans, etc...It always looks wonderful...light military green, sleeveless, tunic length... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266185 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:37:08 +0000 lyn* 1266185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. My Coach wristlet I've been using daily for about two years now; I bought it at the outlet. The corners are a bit darker in colour, but aside from that, it's in excellent shape!</p> <p>2. My Smart Set stripy top I wear it with EVERYTHING. One of my favourite tops ever - I wish I bought more!!! Or something like that!</p> <p>3. My ModCloth Ikebana for All skirt - yellow; travels easily, no problems; I've washed it in the machine at least 10x and it looks fabulous. Bought it on a whim about 2 or 3 years ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266182 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:35:05 +0000 Adelfa 1266182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All time prize goes to two cashmere sweaters, both over 30 years old and not a pill on them. One is Lands End and the other is some specialty brand from Nordy.</p> <p>My BR Sloan pants are wearing really well so far--they still look new after a couple of years. I don't think I've had a problem yet with H&amp;M tees, blouses, or jeans.</p> <p>Things that didn't last include J Crew cashmere, AT cashmere,&nbsp;J Crew linen tee, Pleione baseball shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266181 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:33:30 +0000 deb 1266181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just look in my closet for my oldest pieces.</p> <ol> <li>Eddie Bauer Favorite tees - 6 years old</li> <li>Talbot silk tanks - 5 years old</li> <li>Lauren&nbsp;Ralph Lauren jeans - 7 hyears old</li> </ol> <p>All are going strong. Washed and dried over and over.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266176 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:26:31 +0000 catgirl 1266176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the pricy side, my Gidigio boots and Brahmin bags wear like iron and seem like they will last forever. My Marmot rain jacket is also a player.</p> <p>On the cheap side, several Gap denim shorts and jeans have hung in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266147 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 04:11:01 +0000 rabbit 1266147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Often the things I have that last forever were originally thrifted, so there may be something to the idea of better fabrications a couple of years ago. &nbsp; I have two GAP gray sweaters, both mostly wool that have been going strong for years, also a GAP linen shirt that I think I acquired in college?! &nbsp;it's a neutral collarless button up, but not the best color on me most of the time so I'm donating it now. &nbsp;</p> <p>The older Dr. Scholls Jennie sneakers I used to just wear then wash when they got grubby and they still are my continual lounge wear shoe after a few years of wear.</p> <p>I have some DKNY straight leg jeans that have been around for maybe 6 years? Until this year they were getting worn all the time too, and they are still looking good.</p> <p>I have gear of course that has been around for decades.</p> <p>The most expensive thing that didn't last 5 minutes? &nbsp;Spanx. One with attached hose developed runs right away, and another ripped in part of the seat after wearing them for one day just walking and sitting.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266112 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:50:19 +0000 Diana 1266112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I definitely think that quality of some brands has gone down. lucky is a good example. My old jeans that I mentioned above were from when they were still selling jeans at more premium prices (now they are more midrange priced) and I think the quality reflects that. The fabric on the old Luckys is that substantial, not too stretchy, feels like velvet denim, and the new stuff feels flimsier and not nearly so soft or nice. That's one reason I was determined to find the old ones on eBay! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/items-that-go-the-distance#post-1266102 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:42:24 +0000 Gigi 1266102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my wardrobe is only a year old, so I don't really know what's going to hold up or not.</p> <p>I will say that I bought some very finely textured sweaters from VS last fall that did not hold up well at all. However, to VS' credit, I took them back to the store about a month ago to complain (I felt that they had stretched out quite a bit, and I had another item I'd bought at the same time&nbsp;that was pilling after only maybe 6 washes). They refunded all my money! So that was a very good experience.</p> <p>As for my pre-YLF days, I have to say that *anything* I have bought from J. Jill has held up like iron. I have skirts and tops that I have worn multiple times a week for three years before they started to die. I remember one linen top that I loved to death and wore tons. On its third year, I took it out of the washer one day and noticed a hole on the back of one of the shoulders; interestingly, the hole was&nbsp;not at a seam. I repaired it with a little iron-on stuff (can't remember what it's called) and continued to wear it. A couple of washes later, *another* hole appeared! Same thing, not at a seam. It turned out that the shirt was literally disintegrating from use, as it began springing multiple holes. Had to toss it.</p> <p>After these items were made, J. Jill upped their sizes (size inflation), and now I am sized out. I lament that often, because their clothes are excellent, excellent quality. Highly recommended! </p>