YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:37:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php qfbrenda on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100240 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:34:00 +0000 qfbrenda 1100240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm glad to hear so many good things about J.Crew cashmere.  Now if they would start carrying petite cashmere so I could try them out... Gigi on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100237 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:11:24 +0000 Gigi 1100237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too would complain to the company. Send them pictures too, if you can. The worst they can say is, "We apologize for the inconvenience." But maybe they will offer you some kind of compensation. Maybe other customers have complained about the same problems. What I have read about pilling is that it is more of a problem with synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are not generally as strong as synthetic, so when natural fibers pill, the pills break off pretty easily, usually in the washing machine. So you never even really notice them. But with synthetic fibers, the strength of the fiber prevents the pill from breaking off. Therefore, they just multiply like rabbits and get all twisted and knotted up in themselves. I have also read that clothing made from a mix of fibers is more likely to pill due to the different lengths of the fibers involved--the varying lengths lead to more loose ends, which creates more twisting and pilling.  I switched to predominantly natural fibers some years ago (I do allow some rayon, which I think is actually made from wood pulp, and spandex, since it's in everything!), and I have had very little problems with pilling since then. My biggest piller is an old cardigan that is 100% acrylic.  Marmee on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100206 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 04:12:49 +0000 Marmee 1100206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have never shopped at Bloomingdale's, and don't know anything about their customer service, but if I had bought that charcoal circle cardigan at Nordstrom, I would have returned it (and called customer service to speak with the about it if I couldn't return at the store).  If a return isn't an easy option, I think Texstyle's idea about photographing the pilling evidence and sending a receipt with your letter is a great idea.  And, of course, writing Vince is an excellent idea.  <div>This thread makes me think about the power of the YLF forum!  I'm guessing that everyone who reads this will think twice about buying vince knitwear (or any vince for that matter).</div> Mia on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100182 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:29:52 +0000 Mia 1100182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I share your frustration with quality levels these days even when one pays a relatively high price. I had heard less than great things about Vince so I bought a 'Line' cashmere cardigan instead  and it is pilling and looking kind of "thin".  For the price I expected better.   Virtually none of the knitwear I've purchased in the past year or so has held up regardless of price point.   catgirl on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100179 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:23:14 +0000 catgirl 1100179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I went and studied my Vince sweater.  The purple 100% cashmere is not pilling.  The wool/cashmere is pilling a bit where my necklace rubbed.  My others were from consignment and are in good shape.  The Joie is holding up okay so far.  I think a science project is in order! CocoLion on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100126 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 02:35:35 +0000 CocoLion 1100126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for so many thoughtful replies. I am on the road (don't worry, not driving) and as soon as I land I'll respond! karymk on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100071 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:40:34 +0000 karymk 1100071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cocolion I am sorry for your disappointment with Vince.  I think you should call them and tell them what you told us! And tell them why you won't be buying their stock or recommending it! These corporations need to LISTEN to their consumers.  It makes you feel just totally taken for granted when you dish out good $ on a hip brand, only to have it FAIL you.  Vince sweaters should not be "disposable" garments! Especially at that ridiculous price point. Lisa on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1100065 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:32:36 +0000 Lisa 1100065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am so sorry to hear about your sweaters.  I would be (and have been) miffed too.  If I am spending good money I expect stuff to last.  And it's always a gamble, unfortunately.  Often my sweaters do well, until they are dry cleaned.  Then they always seem to shrink a little.  And I've tried many dry cleaners to no avail.  The only success with no pilling that I've had with brands in the past few years have been JCrew cashmere, Lord and Taylor Cashmere and Theory wool sweaters.  None are easy on the budget but at least I get multiple seasons out of them.  All my other sweaters seem to be one season wonders no matter the price point lately. karymk on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099989 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:08:42 +0000 karymk 1099989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cocolion I am sorry for your disappointment with Vince.  I think you should call them and tell them what you told us! And tell them why you won't be buying their stock or recommending it! These corporations need to LISTEN to their consumers.  It makes you feel just totally taken for granted when you dish out good $ on a hip brand, only to have it FAIL you.  Vince sweaters should not be "disposable" garments! Especially at that ridiculous price point. K. Period. on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099891 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:57:05 +0000 K. Period. 1099891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Denise, I'm posting to sympathize too.  Sweaters are challenging.  I think Diana is right on about the issue with softness although I see it more as a problem with softness + fluffiness.  Soft, fluffy yarns, even ones that are extremely expensive, are just generally more prone to pilling. Very frustrating! Pilling is frustrating, but I feel like I can do something about it.  I run a sweater comb over my sweaters to refresh them.  My Vince ombre sweater from this Fall is holding up okay, but I have had to run a sweater comb over it.  I just see that as maintenance with a soft, fluffy sweater.  What drives me crazy? Tencel/lyocell.  I find it almost impossible to invest in anything with it.  It always seems to pill and just look shabby too quickly.  So distressing because it drapes so beautifully and feels so soft.  Sadness.      Alexandra on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099758 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:36:42 +0000 Alexandra 1099758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very sorry to hear about the pilling issue. That really sucks. I went with LLBean this year because their old stuff stood the test of time and also because they have their famous unconditional guarantee. So if my new sweaters don't wear well, they'll go back for a refund. qfbrenda on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099756 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:32:09 +0000 qfbrenda 1099756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think your expectations are too high... it's the quality that's too low.  I have what is to-me an expensive cashmere sweater, and I have to say that if it pills quickly I'll be very hesitant to try it again.  The $140 I'm spending is big money for us and it really needs to last.  If all knits are going to pill quickly, I might as well save my money and buy the cheap stuff. DonnaF on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099744 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:24:58 +0000 DonnaF 1099744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would be steamed and more had I had the same experience, esp. at that price point.  The only thing I can say if you venture into Vince or similarly priced knits is to buy them at Nordstrom.  I'm sure they would give you a refund if the pilling were horrible after two wears; I would be hesitant to ask after a year.  That still begs the question of having a cool looking unpilled sweater.  :(  I hate rayon knits due to their instant pilliness; they are nice and soft and drape well but start pilling in the store! gryffin on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099701 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:43:10 +0000 gryffin 1099701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Denise - so sorry to hear about the pilling.  We were talking about this issue on another thread in reference to AT.  I bought the James Perse sweater shirt dress twice (and that's not even wool) because of pilling but I loved it.  Now I limit belts and shave it regularly.  But it's across the board and erratic.  I do not thing clothing compares in quality to the 90's.  I have Lord and Taylor and Bloomies cashmere that looks almost new and a JCrew cardi was pilled in two wears.  I can only tell you that the sweaters you bought all look stunning stylewise on you.  If you can handle major shaving hopefully you can get enough wear out of them to minimize the damage.  I do agree with IC that the "rub" test is a fabulous idea before buying and that a letter to Vince and the store might get you some satisfaction.  Big cyber hugs to you but if it makes it one drop better we are all in the same "pillly" boat!! judy on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099698 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:41:39 +0000 judy 1099698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sympathies here too on the pilling dilemma!  And also on the disappointment in some of the expensive brands.  Anything with cashmere these days seems to pill horribly.  I've been very disappointed in some of the Inhabit one's I have bought.  Even though I bought them on their 70 percent off sale, still, they are an expensive brand.  I did not write to them, but I did stop buying them.  (having said that, their overpriced all cotton tanks are some of my favorites).   The best wearing wearing sweater I have had is a men's, from a Scottish brand, I'd give you the name but it doesn't have the tag in it any more….that's how much I've worn it.   I've heard good things about Scottish cashmere.  I'm often tempted by beautiful knits too but have found they are an unpredictable investment.  :( Isabel on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high/page/2#post-1099673 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:13:12 +0000 Isabel 1099673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Denise, coincidentally, I just saw a business interview on something that eluded to your issue.  It isn't YOU or your expectations.  It is a business model that more companies are adopting.  I saw this piece on "fast fashion" and how Zara is the crowning glory of it.  Apparently, Zara turns over clothing every 4 weeks.  They are doing monthly "lookbooks" and other retailers can't keep up. It puts pressure on people to buy because the product will be gone the following month.   Hang in there, I am getting to your observation.  LOL.  It comes down to mass sales and profit margins.  The Vince brand was suppose to go public this past Summer. Which put it under immense profit margin pressure.  They are using many of the same factories as the Gap and other brands now.  (  I am a bit of finance geek. )  They don't have the ability to sell a ton of product, so the only way to go was to lower quality. It is unfortunate.  ironkurtin on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099656 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:55:58 +0000 ironkurtin 1099656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. unfrumped on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099638 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:33:56 +0000 unfrumped 1099638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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). annagybe on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099635 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:30:42 +0000 annagybe 1099635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Anonymous on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099601 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:58:23 +0000 Anonymous 1099601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.  Amy on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099599 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:56:20 +0000 Amy 1099599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So frustrating! Sveta on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099566 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:20:19 +0000 Sveta 1099566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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... rae on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099553 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:08:05 +0000 rae 1099553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Suz on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099550 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:05:10 +0000 Suz 1099550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.  Gaylene on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099547 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:01:33 +0000 Gaylene 1099547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. texstyle on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099516 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:18:03 +0000 texstyle 1099516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Angie on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099506 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:05:14 +0000 Angie 1099506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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 Adelfa on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099499 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:58:05 +0000 Adelfa 1099499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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 Anonymous on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099482 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:46:48 +0000 Anonymous 1099482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. tammyw on "My Expectations for Quality Brands Must Be Too High" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-expectations-for-quality-brands-must-be-too-high#post-1099481 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:46:37 +0000 tammyw 1099481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.