https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:50:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2175338 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:19:34 +0000 Jules 2175338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes sense for you Gryffin! Nice collection.</p> <p>Personally I have learned almost the opposite lesson due to the fact my style and shape do change. I'm not even sure that alterations beyond hemming make sense for me, except for occasion wear, not that I have occasions I do "stock up" on some inexpensive things when I see that what I like is having a moment. For example there was a summer or two when I needed but couldn't find many woven, 100% cotton pajama pants in my price range. I think cotton must have been expensive that year; there were a lot of "hang to dry" rayon knits. When cotton came back and coincided with the pretty botanical prints that I happen to love trending, I bought more than I necessarily needed because I know they are a long term basic for me and can take a little weight fluctuation. Then I had a nice new summer PJ capsule that should last me several years.</p> <p>In general I would say if I stock up it's because I love something, not because I'm afraid it's going to disappear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2175201 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:38:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2175201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin said “Not as a financial investment. That I don’t get”. I think it’s pretty clear, if you read the article completely, that the reason you don’t get that is because the author isn’t talking about a financial investment, which is why she refers to it as an imperfect comparison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2175085 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:42:28 +0000 gryffin 2175085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree whole heartedly Jenni. Stockpiling would be wrong for most people. Same size, same taste, same needs, are probably very uncommon. But I understand the perspective on a real visceral level. As all things, one size does not fit all. I’m just one of the anomalies that it works for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2175075 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 23:24:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 2175075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes a lot of sense for you Gryffin. For me doing what you are doing would be a special kind of torture! Because my style does evolve. However, I do note that I was able to buy a particular sort of scoop neck top from the same retailer as over 6 years earlier, as of all the scoop neck tops of different brands I had bought that one fit the best, and so I did the rare thing for me of getting two the same. And I was lucky that they seem the same quality that many years later. But I don’t know how common it is for brands to keep a style fairly standard. I guess they must have sales data as to whether whatever-it-is keeps selling well! And this company makes in China perhaps using the same factory time after time.<br /> Usually, as in my earlier reply to this thread, I can easily find enough items that appeal, it is being PPP that I need to watch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2175068 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 22:31:00 +0000 gryffin 2175068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting discussion. I think duplication has more resonance to those of us with “trade Mark” styles, who’s wardrobe depends on certain essentials. Also I’m super lucky that at 61 and I’m pretty much the same size and weight I was in my early 20’s. So barring something catastrophic situation I don’t worry about things fitting. Danskin legging have been harder to source and quality is less over the past 10 yr. I wish I had 10 extra pair not 2 more. The merrell ice clogs new version are much inferior to the old. I have 3 prs of the original that I tracked down waiting. The Paige transcend jeans and COH Emerson slim boyfriend blue ridge - I could have been the fit model. I have two prs in reserve each. The EF scoop neck tunic and skirted legging. Who knows how long they will be available. I have back up. The Everlane blazers the herringbone and Glen plaid - perfect and so reasonable. The coach drifter bag is the mother of all hewi’s. Beyond perfect in every way. The original is down to $0.50 on cost/wear. I have 2 in reserve. Same with my glasses frames. I have a very small face. I’m difficult to fit. Why switch perfect for different. Shop my closet has a completely different meaning for me. I don’t think this would work for most people. I’m not suggesting it. But for those of us who rely heavily on certain essential pieces to make our wardrobes work, for us the duplication makes perfect sense. Not as a financial investment. That I don’t get that, But as an investment in our security that we don’t need to ration wears of essentials or be too precious because we have the peace of mind that we have back ups. So yes I bought back ups to the EF booties this pandemic because I wear them weekly for 1/2 the year. I’ll continue to evaluate if other key pieces require duplication if they are still available. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174886 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:02:52 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2174886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are a lot of interesting points - but honestly, I feel that the lower quality has been an ongoing issues for <u>years</u>.&nbsp; &nbsp;The pandemic didn't cause this - it just brought it to the surface, at a time where we can't/don't shop as much, and we have time to look around and take stock of everything.</p> <p>My example is Macy's.&nbsp; &nbsp;I've visited Macy's regularly for the past 6-7 years, and the fabric has been increasingly more polyester, nylon and spandex, in uninspired cuts and with (my opinion) silly-looking, juvenile, or half-baked details, such as weird little ruffles, randomly placed tiny pockets, or cuts that don't really seem to realistically fit a human body well.&nbsp; Spaghetti straps, strapless, and/or cutouts.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seriously, for every teenage girl or woman I actually know, who can wear these, I know about 29 more who cannot or will not.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I've also been asking, for at least 7 or 8 years now:&nbsp; when did cows become endangered, that leather shoes or bags usually top well over $100+ now at retail, and fake leather can run almost as high?</p> <p>I think what is happening, has been slowly happening for nearly a decade.&nbsp; Cheap materials, cheap workmanship, and a flood of things that nobody wants, and people aren't willing to buy, even on clearance.&nbsp; &nbsp;The pandemic just accelated it.</p> <p>I'm not planning to 'stock up', although I think I am going to replace my favorite, 10-year old skirt and 6-year old jacket-blazer (I have new ones bookmarked on a resale site).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I believe that there is enough cloth and clothing already made on this planet, via secondhand clothing, that if it came to it, we could refashion into wonderful new things.&nbsp; &nbsp;Reuse, repurpose, recycle, and take care of what we've got.&nbsp; &nbsp;That's definitely my wardrobe future.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174620 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 18:49:39 +0000 Angie 2174620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting, <b>MsMaven.</b> Lots of interesting&nbsp;thoughts!</p> <p>I nodded along with<b> Sal, Staysfit,</b><i> <b></b></i><b>Helena, Shevia, Lisa P,</b><i><b></b></i> and <b>Nemosmom. </b>W<b></b>ell expressed, and high fiving <i></i><b>S</b><b>u<i></i>z.&nbsp;</b></p> <p><b><br /> </b></p> <p><b></b>I keep quite a close eye on the industry, and my perceptions are actually the opposite! </p> <p>Quality has generally been less good than it used to be for the past six years. It's very inconsistent. I write about that in blog posts a lot! But it's been slowly but surely&nbsp;<i>improving</i> because retailers HAVE TO become more sustainable and ethical in their practices. This means better fabrics and quality workmanship in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for buying up stock now, I don't think you need to have FOMO. There is a fab wardrobe item around every corner. Patience, and I choose to stay optimistic :)<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174459 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:16:50 +0000 MsMaven 2174459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Lots of great discussions here. I need to go back through them again. I've been outside working--a reasonably warm day and there's a lot of garden maintenance to be done while I can.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be back later to share thoughts with you. Thank you all for these ideas.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174434 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:24:38 +0000 Barbara Diane 2174434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are some useful ideas in the article AND some very problematic sentiments. Quite tone blind (mixed metaphor, I’m aware). </p> <p>Yes, quality has been going downhill for a long time and I appreciate the advice to consider stocking up on items I rely on, or love. Some aspects of my style are quite consistent but my size is not, so I will do this cautiously. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174414 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:31:53 +0000 Suz 2174414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting article and discussion! Thanks for posting, <b>MsMaven,</b> and I really enjoyed everyone's thoughts here. <b>Staysfit, Nemosmom, Shevia</b>, and <b>TorontoGirl</b> -- nodding especially with your beautifully expressed thoughts. <br /><b><br />LisaP</b> is right -- clothes are not an "investment," so I can't see myself "stocking up." I guess I am with those who say they are finding it difficult to think ahead. While I have a pretty good handle on my signature style, I honestly don't know what the world is going to look like in a few months, and as a practical dresser, I want to dress for my real -- not my imagined -- needs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline/page/2#post-2174390 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:43:27 +0000 rachylou 2174390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>‘If I am going to prepare for uncertainty, high quality fashion items are not on the list. ‘</p> <p>...This made me laugh, Staysfit, because that was my thought as well. I am busy taking inventory of my candle supply and examining the terracotta pots in the backyard to make make-shift room heaters </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174373 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:34:52 +0000 Anonymous 2174373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought the seemingly endless cropped pants trend was related to cost cutting too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174370 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:30:40 +0000 LaPed 2174370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very thought-provoking article. Thank you for sharing!</p> <p>I try hard to be on Team Slow Shop, though I feel like my purchase/churn rate ends up being more in the moderate range. Quality was by and large already in a state of decline prior to the pandemic, with lots of higher end brands adopting fast fashion practices. My response has been twofold: 1) keep buying secondhand and vintage and 2) support small makers. </p> <p>The price difference between mall brands and "slow fashion" brands is not always as large as it seems, and small brands with a cult following hold their value and can be resold for closer to retail prices than mainstream items can. I don't hold to the "investment" mentality regarding my closet, but I do feel confident, when I buy a high-quality item made domestically by a small operation, that I'll be able to recoup a good part of what I paid if I wear it a few times and it doesn't work out. And I feel very class-aware doing so. Paying $100 for a skirt and reselling it for $80 is a very privileged thing to be able to do.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can't see myself "stocking up" on clothes the way the blog post suggests, as I want my wardrobe to have the flexibility to evolve over time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Staysfit -- reading about your "Genuine Composed" moniker through the lens of class and access to resources makes perfect sense and sheds a whole new light on how you chose those descriptors for yourself. I love what you've written in your second paragraph.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174368 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:17:16 +0000 Helena 2174368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ms. Maven, thanks for sharing this article and starting this really thought-provoking thread!</p> <p>A few thoughts, which I'm really just echoing other's comments, but they expressed my thoughts so well: <ul> <li>I agree with <b>Lisa </b>- I think my main issue is this blogger's fundamental premise is flawed. Clothing is not an investment; it just isn't. The Warren Buffet comparison doesn't work - when you buy stocks low, there is an excellent chance they will increase in value - there is virtually no chance of that happening with a piece of clothing purchased by a normal person, no matter what you spend on it.</li> <li>I also agree with <b>nemosmom </b>- although I get the concept of quality over quantity, there is a bothersome snobbery that <i>can sometimes&nbsp;</i>come through in the 'buy better' mentality (a bit like Leo lecturing us - why don't we all fly private to Ibiza and then buy carbon offsets to justify it??? Oh, and let them eat cake, while we're at it!) - for example, buying RW&amp;Co at full price (one of the 'mall brands' she mentions) IS expensive <i>to me and for my budget and priorities</i>. And hence I will actually wear a sweater with some pills on it; that's the sartorial sacrifice I make to live within my means. Her assumption that people are disposing of mall brand clothing the moment it looks less than perfect is a little out of touch with most people's reality. And again, to nemosmom's point, higher price does not always mean higher quality - I do agree that spending more time identifying indicators of quality is useful, but it's as useful at H&amp;M as it is at Holt Renfrew.</li> <li><b></b>Finally, <b>Sal </b>said it best:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Most of my fashionable friends are going back to "the old ways". Repeating more, remixing and consuming less." I think this is the most realistic way forward. Buying more in the name of buying less ??? just makes no sense.&nbsp;<b></b></li> <li><b>That being said, Ms. Maven</b>, it <i>does </i>strike me as sensible, if there are basics you know you will wear the heck out of, and you have the budget and the confidence you will use them in a year or two's time, to buy a back-up while the quality is higher. I have done that, say with BR which has been notorious for bringing staple items back in season 2 at lower quality than they were in season 1 - so I might buy an extra if it really strikes me as a useful piece that will get wear. You are a very classic dresser, so there may be a really useful way to do this for your wardrobe!</li> </ul> Ok, that was long, sorry! I guess I had opinions x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174362 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:51:49 +0000 cindysmith 2174362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the secondhand market will continue to provide us with good options to choose from, and that small labels/indie designers will continue to produce decent quality while also being more sustainable and ethical. Quality of so many mall/mainstream brands has slipped so much since I 1st got into fashion/style in the 90s that I haven't bought much from most of them for decades anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174358 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:13:31 +0000 unfrumped 2174358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in again re: Staysfit’s comments— having spent my career in medicine, I dressed “ professionally” but was always aware of the “financial gap” for many of my patients and what kind of message clothing might send.<br /> Fortunately I was not really into the very high- priced items and avoided visible labeling. The other saving grace was the white coat. Yes, one could still look “ expensive “ with enough of such items if you wanted to, , but the lab coat was kind of of the great equalizer ( of course had its own status concept) and that, plus the practical limitations imposed by working closely with sick people, actually prevented, somewhat, achieving the full- on, 3rd- piece/ accessorized look . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174357 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:10:46 +0000 nemosmom 2174357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Interesting article, MsMaven!&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I found myself nodding with <b>Staysfit</b>, <b>Shevia</b>, and <b>Sal</b>. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have to politely disagree with the blogger's opinion.&nbsp; I don't feel like manufacturers cutting corners is a new thing - wasn't that part of the birth of fast fashion years (decades?) ago?&nbsp; And higher prices don't necessarily indicate higher quality. I've seen poorly-sewn designer jeans, and well-constructed Zara jackets.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Her quote, "Women who buy fast fashion are unconcerned, because they never expected longevity", is also rubbish. Not all women who buy fast fashion pieces are influensters who pride themselves on never repeating outfits or flaunting their latest hauls all over social media.&nbsp; And, telling people to "take the long position" for <i>just in case</i> feels like the fashion version of hoarding toilet paper...&nbsp; I'll stop my rant here :D<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174349 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:42:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2174349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What if it’s not simply higher quality clothing, but also clothing made by better paid workers that does less damage to the environment that other people live and farm in? Having seen the influence of nearby, new-ish cotton factory on my then-finace’s relatives’ farm in Ethiopia, I strongly prefer any new cotton I purchase be produced in as environmentally-friendly/water-conserving way as possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174348 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:37:57 +0000 Anonymous 2174348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with unfrumped. I can't predict what my body or life will look like 2 months from now, let alone years. Agreeing with Staysfit too about wanting to dress enough "for my side of the desk" without coming across as inaccessible to my clients that are often worse off financially. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174347 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:20:47 +0000 Staysfit 2174347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am unlikely to adopt this strategy. &nbsp;My body changes when I exercise, or don’t, and if the women in my family are a model of my future, my body will also change now that I have reached menopause. &nbsp;In the past I have purchased items due to having a fantasy of how they would be used, but most of those very items were never used before I gave them away.</p> <p>&nbsp;Beyond issues involved with body changes, fast fashion, and wanting more sustainable fashion, I believe this topic raises the concern of clothing as a measure of status. &nbsp;If it’s hard for everyone to get good quality clothing, than should we ask ourselves if we want to wear clothing that is of much better quality than everyone else? &nbsp;If we have the means, should we purchase and hoard the better quality clothing due to our uncertainty? &nbsp;Among other things, the first question has been central to my entire style persona. &nbsp;Should I, as a professional, purchase and wear clothing that is nicer than that which the population I serve can afford? &nbsp;If the answer is yes, than how much nicer should it be before it risks raising feelings of jealousy, envy, or resentment, and distracts from my role as a professional instead of adding to that role? &nbsp;My answer to this has been the creation of a delicate balance between Genuine and Composed (my two style statement words). &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>My response to the second question about hoarding clothes due to uncertainty seems obvious to me. &nbsp;If I am going to prepare for uncertainty, high quality fashion items are not on the list. &nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174346 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:02:00 +0000 kkards 2174346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m sure that there will be changes made and some compromises made to produce clothing that allows companies/brands/designers to make a profit, but well...<br />from 1974<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1974/12/10/99196858.html?pageNumber=52">https://timesmachine.nytimes.c.....eNumber=52</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/1974/12/10/archives/declining-quality-in-clothes-the-makers-and-sellers-tell-why.html">https://www.nytimes.com/1974/1.....llers-tell</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174343 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 08:39:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2174343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“Buy and hold” sounds like my SOP, lol. </p> <p>I don’t know this blogger, assume her audience is individual fashionistas. I’m sorry to see that all of her suggestions are for an individual’s own closet; not leveraging the power that we have when we all move towards a common goal. Stockpiling doesn’t make sense to me, but I guess for those people who always have an x in their wardrobe, getting an extra might make sense. Unfortunately, that’s likely to stimulate the overproduction. </p> <p>Sal, I had the same reaction to Lisa’s lulu and Jag story—first “good! Production needs to slow down and companies need to wisen up” followed quickly by “ooof—so many workers in this global industry losing their livelihoods”. When I was teaching in the aughts, the topic of globalization always brought up the question of whether workers who had been peasants were indeed better off, if their factory wages and working conditions were so far below workers’ in already-industrialized countries. But in economies that have already made the transition, that question is a moot point—they depend on the income. </p> <p>The US is losing its middle class. I can totally see markets there becoming even more bifurcated with what this article describes on one side and better made products on the other side, as a response to consumer demand. She says pricier labels might lower quality and raise their prices even more, because their consumers are not price-conscious. I hope (but doubt) that she’s wrong and that upper middle class (UMC) shoppers will insist on more sustainably and equitably produced goods for those higher prices. That would surprise me, but I can dream. Of course, the US economy isn’t the only one in the world. I wonder how the growing middle classes in China, India and Brazil will affect the balance. Bolsonaro and Modi may have changed things there. I expect Europe will keep up its middle class. German voters value environmental initiatives; I hope that translates into their role as consumers, and that it’s true across Europe, but I can’t speak to that, or to other places. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174328 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:57:05 +0000 Bijou 2174328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ms Maven, thank you for posting this article. I am saddened to think that the quality of clothing is falling in response to the challenges faced by manufacturers and retailers in the clothing industry. My HOPE was that we would be more quality focused and sustainable coming out of the pandemic. I know I am prepared to spend more on fewer well made and sustainable purchases. I can understand the economic requirement to cut costs to stay afloat, but this is not good news.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174327 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:46:39 +0000 rachylou 2174327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haven’t read the link yet... but I didn’t do any purging in 2020 of note. I don’t know about buy and hold, but at this moment I am definitely holding. I’m not willing to take bets on anything at the moment... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174321 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:02:51 +0000 slim cat 2174321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The styles changed so much over last 2 years at some of my fav brands that I'm not sure shopping for the future use will work for me ( plus current limited budget ). I hope there will be innovative fabrics and some new interesting brands and styles to discover in a near future <br />( may not happened in 2021 though ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174302 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:53:51 +0000 Sloper 2174302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Unfrumped about the pitfalls of "buying ahead." It usually hasn't worked for me. I've gone through several health and lifestyle changes over the past few years - not even counting Covid - and don't know what is next for me. Also, I've realized how easy it is for me to enable myself - and thus end up with too much too expensive stuff due to "maybe it might...." reasoning.</p> <p>It IS tragic for the many workers who will have to find other jobs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174296 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:24:52 +0000 Jaime 2174296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I skimmed the article and will read more carefully later. I did notice she mentioned re-sale sites. We are far, far away from running out of higher quality vintage and second hand clothing. I would not assume that a broken supply chain and struggling fast fashion today means no quality clothes in the future. I think smaller more sustainably minded brands will emerge to fill the vacuum.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174294 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:15:45 +0000 MsMaven 2174294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I've been thinking how my buying habits have changed or not changed over this last year. Just like unfrumped wrote, I have body uncertainty. I can't control every aspect of my body changes as I get older. I've had friends and family members go through some drastic changes this last couple of years. (and nothing to do with Covid.) A fall, a diagnosis of some unexpected ailment or disease, and just wear and tear. Even my feet are changing! So I'm wary about buying something I hope to wear for years and years.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I agree with Sal, based on what we've learned in the last couple of years, manufacturers do need to change their practices and consumers change their expectations. We've learned so much about how wasteful the clothing industry is and how wasteful we consumers can be.</p> <p>Right now I can't think too far ahead. It would be different if I were going to go back to work at an office, or stand in a classroom or a courtroom. In my experiments with color this last year, while still mostly staying at home, I find still like to dress reasonably well, wear different colors, and have lots of variety in my wardrobe--not in styles so much as color and fabric. In other words, I dress for me and my audience of one man and two cats. Also, it's hard for me to resist a bargain.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174285 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:59:53 +0000 cat2 2174285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did a bunch of bankruptcy shopping at retailers I liked for just this reason, that after a bankruptcy a new management team is in place, the design team has likely moved on, and they are under a lot of pressure to cut costs. I found great deals so I don’t feel bad about the spend, and if I have a category well-stocked in my closet I am good about not buying more until those pieces wear out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-clothing-to-decline#post-2174271 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:49:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 2174271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ms Maven. I don’t think it will affect me. I usually manage to get enough to refresh my clothing stocks without much trouble. Last year I only bought 12 items because I was still trying to wear everything I had and reduce my overall numbers. I did realise that the overall age of my wardrobe will thus increase, but if I have (say) a 2011 dress- which I do- which has only been worn 13 times, which it has, then so long as it is not deteriorating from having hung in the wardrobe 10 years, then that doesn’t matter. I appreciate that I am lucky to still fit it and still like it. What I have realised is I don’t wear summer dresses a lot, and I own 9 of them. None bought last year and only one in 2019, for my daughter’s wedding.<br /> I do see the sense of what is said in the post, but maybe only if one is leaning or not leaning towards buying an extra pair of something perhaps. Otherwise buying less probably wouldn’t hurt any of us much! Maybe only those with a much smaller wardrobe, who really do wear things out more quickly. </p>