YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The quality question

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The quality question https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:51:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php viva on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1416197 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 12:00:43 +0000 viva 1416197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to add one thing. I was just talking to my dad about some rag & bone lace up boots I bought on sale this holiday season. Part of the reason I bought them, apart from loving the style and fit, is that they have a welted leather sole that can be replaced when it's time. It's a mark of quality I really appreciate. And it reminded me of the old days of banana republic when the quality was so much better. I had a pair of black leather riding boots from BR from 12 or so years ago with leather soles that I had resoled twice! They were gorgeous well made boots that really lasted; I even passed them onto my sister for her to use when I was done with them. And I still have a wool turtleneck from BR from that same era that has not pilled and is one of my most worn pieces of knitwear, even now! (And Just yesterday, I washed it as I usually do, in the washing machine on gentle cycle.) Although I am sad those days of BR quality are long past, this story does illustrate that true quality can be found in the most unexpected places and not for high prices. karymk on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1416157 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 05:06:25 +0000 karymk 1416157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Torontogirl, i update my "Personal" classics all the time. For example, I just gave away a few tight cashmere sweaters and replaced them with more modern, fuller cut versions in the same colors.  I don't buy anything to 'last forever' as I know no matter how high the quality of a particular garment, the cut will ebb out of the silhouette cycle. Even if it does return, it won't be in the same way. I count on replacing my personal classics as a matter of course and budget. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1416127 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 03:20:35 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1416127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are two things that I have noticed, is that, with regards to - and regardless of - perceived 'quality'... The first is that, regardless of the brand name on the tag, if the item was made in Hong Kong, it inevitably seems to be better made (i.e., fabric is good quality, the seams are straight, and any patterns in the fabric are matched together, and the buttons are on firmly).   But I don't see Hong Kong on many tags anymore. The second - and bigger issue in having a garment last, regardless of who made it - is the laundering process.   I am very careful about my laundering.   (The BF tells me I am the Sheldon Cooper of clothes-washing).   I use the BF's front-load washer whenever possible - using a slow spin, and warm or cold water, and a minimum of detergent.   Any lingerie, delicate items, or favorites are bagged in mesh lingerie bags I get at Target.   And I hang most things on a wooden sweater rack (Wal-mart has these for around $12-13), or I put them to dry in the dryer on a stationary rack.   I used to love Woolite Dark for dark clothing items, because I noticed over the course of several years that none of my black clothes had faded.   But detergents with dyes or fragrance makes the BF itch badly, so I use the Kirkland brand detergent from Costco, and it seems to get stains out easily, and I haven't noticed any real issues with fading. I don't dry anything in the dryer on a higher temperature setting than medium. unfrumped on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415918 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 14:49:54 +0000 unfrumped 1415918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ E said it better than I did-- aside from " good quality" items that need a certain level to not be a wage of $ due to falling apart, expensive items for me may be best seen as "splurges" to keep in perspective that I don't NEED them; I could clothe myself for less. Yet they could be useful/ workhorses and often have a high fun factor. So a goal is to save room for them. Karie on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415899 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 11:41:12 +0000 Karie 1415899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good fit and good construction trumps all. So whether the clothing comes from places like F21, Macy's, Nordies, or BCBG Max Azria, if it doesn't fit and/or isn't made well it stays in the store. Higher-end clothing does tend to be made with better fabrics and with better, higher quality construction. However, those lines have been blurred in recent years, and I am finding nicely made items at places like F21. I have a few seamed pencil skirts from JCP that are fully lined, nice fabrications, and very well made. They cost me about $25 each.  If I put it on, and there just isn't anything better on planet Earth, it's coming home with me. I have two jackets from BCBG that cost, well, let's just say you could add a zero to that price above and it's still a little low - they are fully lined, gorgeous fabrications, very well made, and here's the clincher - the fit is perfect. It's like Max Azria himself came and measured me for them.  I do tend to keep my higher end clothing longer - like, a lot longer. Among other things, I still have a gorgeous wool fuschia suit that is several decades old. The skirt's a little snug, but the blazer fits beautifully and I still wear it from time to time.      Gigi on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415878 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 04:16:31 +0000 Gigi 1415878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everyone else has already given wonderful advice. What helps me is to be exceptionally choosy and to know exactly what I'm looking for. If I don't see exactly what I want, I go without. But if I find exactly what I want, I may spend quite a bit of money on that one item if I think it will see a lot of use.  I think also that I tend to put more money into classic items (which, as you pointed out, helps with the dating issue but doesn't eliminate it) and items that are unusual enough that they will never date. For instance, I have some boho clothes that are a style unto themselves and should be outside of trends. I also look for natural fibers for fabric content, as I have had much better luck with natural fibers looking good for some years. I find I get more bang for my buck that way. Oh, and I air dry my clothes, which I think helps them last. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415877 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 04:12:55 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1415877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've always disliked the investment wording for clothes as well because I i think it can be used to rationalize spending more than is appropriate, by marketers. But the investment idea can also be turned on its head in the sense that for many of us (all of us?) clothes are an investment in our own projected self image, which can influence how much money we make and how successful we are. But the influence is not a clear one to one ratio where the more you spend on clothes the more successful you are in your career or anything, either. Anonymous on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415876 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 03:49:05 +0000 Anonymous 1415876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Garments are indeed consumables, not investments. Investments yield monetary returns. That said, I still believe in dressing nicely and in wearing clothing that's appropriate for the occasion and for one's occupation and lifestyle. Obviously, some people by necessity have to spend more on their clothing than others. So be it. Others like me simply like fashion and won't ever be happy with a minimal wardrobe, though I certainly don't desire a massive one. Somewhere in the middle of the two extremes is my happy place. Some have had the impression that I spend more on my clothing than I actually do because they're unaware of how much time I spend browsing and searching for the right pieces at the right prices. I have some clothing in my closet that I've had and worn for several years. They are wardrobe basics that I paid more for. I pay much less for the trendy pieces that I tire of and replace more often. That's the way I handle it; but no matter how low the CPW, I don't kid myself into thinking that clothing is an investment. It isn't. Jaime on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question/page/2#post-1415856 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 02:01:26 +0000 Jaime 1415856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nothing really to add but I do agree with Gaylene and others that clothes are a consumables. And just as people will spend more or less on food for various reasons (taste, health, or convenience for example) people spend more or less on clothes depending on their priorities. E on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415844 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:57:00 +0000 E 1415844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I forgot to mention that I also think of good quality, pricier clothes as splurges vs investments. So if I'm going to wear it frequently enough to justify the splurge, or if it impacts my health enough (ie supportive shoes), I go for it. But it's definitely a sunk cost! Helena on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415839 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:51:43 +0000 Helena 1415839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you thank you all for great points and wisdom! Gaylene, your points really resonate ... It's a bit of the rel life vs imaginary life scenario ... And for me, the comparison issue, which I KNOW is always a stupid thing to do, but I do, of course ...its a matter of focusing on what I need for my life vs. What I perceive as expected or proper. Glad others struggle with this ... The fashion cycle is just too fast! Thistle on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415832 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:44:33 +0000 Thistle 1415832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, so much fab advice, I don't have much to add. For me, it's about CPW (cost per wear). What is an okay cost per wear varies from person to person, but based on this I am willing to spend more on something I wear a lot. Like my winter coat. I am just now starting to track CPW to start to see where I am. That said, as others note, it really is about what works for you, your lifestyle, and budget. My weekend jeans for being a mom are worn a lot, but I found what I needed in Levi's and J-Lo brand jeans. No need for more expensive ones, and frankly, I wouldn't want jeans I worried about getting muddy or sticky. My workday clothes get worn a bit less often, but more because I want to project a certain image, if that makes sense. Suz on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415823 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:17:00 +0000 Suz 1415823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ UF, there's <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.getpreloved.com">a company in Toronto</a> that re-makes clothes from old ones. Fun.  Anonymous on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415805 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:51:40 +0000 Anonymous 1415805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Already commented, in my usual useless manner  but chiming back in to say how much I appreciate this thread.  I really "get" what rabbit and gaylene have said.  Something here is nagging at the back of my holiday sugar-fogged brain....some insight into how and where I need to look at allocating my fashion $.   Like others have said, almost nothing I own has retained any real lasting power or value, other than the Fendi bag I gave myself for my 40th birthday.  Analyzing and understanding the reason for spending more money on a certain piece of clothing (and then owning that understanding )  will surely be a good use of time and brain power.  For me, anyways.  unfrumped on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415802 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:45:14 +0000 unfrumped 1415802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Turning the point around a bit, isn't it kind of sad that we can't do more with " older" items if of good quality and repair that still fit? That somehow instead of looking dated, it all went into the stewpot of style and everyone looked unique because our archeological layers would still set us apart ? That instead if Lara's 2 items, we could have maybe a third to half of wardrobe? Maybe some people are doing that if you count up boots, leather jackets, trench, overcoat, handbags, watch, some sweaters and then have a couple dozen other items that turn over. Alassë on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415795 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:23:53 +0000 Alassë 1415795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to re-read Suz's excellent explanation in light of my lifestyle needs. Great thread! Anonymous on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415787 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:59:09 +0000 Anonymous 1415787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ About the only thing in my wardrobe that I have worn for over 30 years are my Frye boots. I have had them resoled a few times, but they are timeless to me. I also have a Gap moto jacket that I bought on clearance about 15 years ago that I still get huge compliments on and that has held up incredibly well. I used to be someone who would wear my "good clothes" sparingly, but have come to the realization that clothes are meant to be worn and make you feel good instead of hidden away in a closet and eventually given away to someone who will wear it in my place. Now I try to make sure I wear everything I own as much as possible so that I reap the most enjoyment from looking my best even if I am just going for a walk with the dog. Staysfit on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415779 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:45:44 +0000 Staysfit 1415779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The only items in my wardrobe that have been investment pieces are my handbags.  I have had some of them for over 30 years and they are still beautiful and in use.  I picked classic styles, shapes and colors.  I would often spend more than I could afford at the time for my handbag, knowing that my intention was to keep it and use it for an extended period.  My practice in this regard has continued.   Perhaps some of my cashmere sweaters will turn into investment pieces as well.  I tend to prefer a simple long sleeve crew neck style.  I want to mention that my mother gave my daughter all of her cashmere sweaters from her teenage years, which were well preserved, and in perfect condition.  They fit my DD perfectly.  They were simple in style like my crew necks. I might place fine jewelry in some alternate category.  It is definitely an investment.  I intend to keep it long term, and even to pass it on to my children.  I try to pick classic pieces and simple pieces that will not become dated, however, I know that any piece can be remade into something else because I have done so with some of my mothers jewelry.   On the other hand, I have yet to have any suit, pant, skirt, coat, or shoe/boot last or have that type of staying power.  If a trend has returned there has been enough change that I could  not re-use the previous item without looking frumpy or odd.  I therefore do not purchase clothing with the idea that I am making an investment.  The quality and price point I purchase have mostly to do with the limited range of stores that carry items that fit me well.  There are certain stores and brands that do not work at all, so this forms one limit.  The next limit is of course budget.  I try not to spend so much that I cannot live the rest of my life comfortably.  Clothing is definitely a consumable in my mind, so I am in agreement with Ms. Mary and Gaylene. Angie on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415769 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:21:16 +0000 Angie 1415769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES. Rabbit and Gaylene are right. "Investment" is not the best word for what we are describing here because consumables lose their value most of the time. It's just a catch phrase that the industry uses because it makes the point clear, if you know what I mean.  You have to weigh up the price of an item with the role of it in your life. Is it worth it because of: the fit, quality, shopping experience, cut, colour, silhouette, fabric, brand, place off manufacture, or washing instructions? And then - ask yourself - how much are you prepared to pay for it? How much of your budget are you prepared to part with for this item?  These are interesting questions, that for many - will yield very different answers.  Gaylene on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415761 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:09:41 +0000 Gaylene 1415761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess I've always liked Ms. Mary's approach which is to view clothing as a CONSUMABLE, not an investment. Viewing your question through that lens, the issues become more about what kind of shelf-life do you expect from the item (for example, you might classify coats differently than knitwear), what price-point works best for your situation (are you willing to pay extra for unique, one-of-a-kind items or are you satisfied with mass-market offerings), and, most important, how do YOU define quality. Are you looking for items that will up to frequent laundering? Fine fabrics and labor-intensive construction methods? Items with high brand recognition? Unique, fashion-forward design? Durable basic designs that don't date quickly? Items that can be tailored for an impeccable fit? It seems to me once you figure out your answers to some of those questions, you are in a much better position to determine what kind of "quality" items you might want to incorporate into your wardrobe and what price makes the most sense to you. ETA: I just saw that rabbit also made the point about treating clothing as a consumable, not an investment. I actually think the whole investment idea muddies the waters when it comes to clothing budgets. Some of my priciest mistakes have come from convincing myself something was worth spending $$$ because it would be an "investment". Guilt-inducing, soon-to-be orphan, splurge would have been closer to the mark. rabbit on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415755 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:54:02 +0000 rabbit 1415755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I generally have an idea of what I'm looking for and first try second-hand and thrift stores.  If I don't find it (I'm a quick browser in a compact city), I next check Marshalls & Ross clearance sections.  If that doesn't work I expand out to other clearance racks or online options.   The hunt can be a big time commitment (although it's fun for me so it doubles as entertainment time) so I need to balance that out with the financial savings.   One great benefit of thrift/consignment is that if you find an item of the right cut and color getting durable natural materials is much more affordable than the equivalent of what is usually available at retail.  I'm thinking about winter knitwear in particular.  I have trouble with the term 'investment' applied to clothing, because as far as I can tell it's not, it doesn't increase in value (unless it's in the realm of fine art/runway prices).  It's a consumable or a necessity like a car, which loses value as soon as it leaves the lot. It has aesthetic and self-image benefits 'in the moment' but not necessarily in the far future except in rare instances.  To my mind its value is all front-loaded.  Which is great if it is enjoyed fully during that initial period of a few months or years of ownership commensurate to the expense. I agree that if you are going to wear something very frequently within a relatively short period of time (several months) a higher initial price can work out well.  Or if it makes you super happy to wear it on a few key occasions, it's like a great meal out, worth it for the memories alone. ETA:  also certain things - denim, leather etc. which just gain character as they age and distress are worth spending more to my mind if again they will be worn intensely. kkards on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415729 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 18:59:59 +0000 kkards 1415729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TG, everyone's given you great advice. As others have mentioned, price is not necessarily an indication of quality, so I recommend shopping at high and low end stores, and touch and inspect everything. Then you'll get a sense of what quality is,and you'll be better able to decide what it's worth to you. and btw, part of the reason most designer fashion is more expense is because they make less of it, if you're target, or the gap, and your making 10s of thousands of something,it's much cheaper for the factory to produce. Also, to point out the obvious,part of the reason premium denim is so expensive is because much of it's made in the US, So you may or may not be getting better quality, but you are paying for higher labor costs. Carla on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415719 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 17:45:43 +0000 Carla 1415719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for starting this thread. I'm doing some end of year pondering, and investing in quality is a goal. My issue isn't so much about spending money on quantity vs quality, but spending the money. Period. I still struggle with doubt (about my style, fit, etc.) over an item, and niggling feelings of worthiness. Being a minimalist and a budget fashionista results in pretty fast wardrobe turnover--fewer things get worn a lot, and thus worn out more quickly. Also, if I can't find the perfect thing at a price point I'm willing to pay, I go without. This can sometimes lead to frustration due to a hole in my closet. Currently I am dealing with a couple of big holes: no black pencil skirt, no trench coat. And, I never found a winter white skirt, or a bright coloured winter coat (I wanted mustard yellow.) And though I have experienced the frustration that Angie points out, of paying a high price for an item, only to have it fail me, I have also experienced the joy of the 'magical' item. To answer your question, as a budget conscious shopper I shop the sale racks at high end smaller boutiques for hidden gems, and regularly troll Winners, and Marshall's. I did very well at Winner's one year, scoring some deeply discounted designer items after a runway show. I will be following this thread, Angie on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415703 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:59:38 +0000 Angie 1415703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I echo what Suz said.  ANY item that makes you feel magical and suits your lifestyle is worth the investment.  Two more points: <ul> <li>These pieces NEEDN'T be modern classics. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Budgets are relative. Investing means $100 for some, and $1000 for others.</li> </ul> It is unfortunate also these days, that a higher price point is no longer a guarantee for superior quality. It does muddy the waters and make things quite a bit trickier. But I would say though, that generally, a higher price point is better-end quality.  <ul> <li></li> </ul> E on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415670 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:42:24 +0000 E 1415670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TG, my solution to quality on a budget is to shop secondhand. B&M thrift stores are cheapest of course but more hit & miss. Ebay is a great option if you're looking for specifics: you can use all of their filters to narrow it down to just what you want and then save the search. To ensure a good fit, I ask for several key measurements and then compare those measurements to an item already in my wardrobe whose fit I love. And I mainly stick to brands I already know the fit/quality of, to lesson the risk (also I almost never buy trousers off ebay as there are so many complicated fit questions for them). If I suddenly couldn't shop secondhand, I think I'd opt for a very small collection of good quality clothes. Since I'd have so few, they'd get worn on a very frequent basis, and probably wear out by the time they felt dated, thus solving that issue in a different way. Of course, my personal style has a strong vintage aspect to it, which I suspect insulates me more from worries about dated clothing. I can understand why it's a dilemma though, with the pace that fashion moves at! I always get a bit concerned when quirky things I love suddenly become trendy (like peplums or round collars), because then they're more likely to look passe a few years down the road. But luckily my life situation doesn't require me to look sartorially up to the minute. unfrumped on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415666 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:21:58 +0000 unfrumped 1415666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What bettycrocker and gryffin said. Fit, fit, fit. The beneFIT of looking around is in part to find brands that " get you" in fit, and then in aesthetic. It give you a compass. You might target that actual item or brand, perhaps on sale or in discount store of consignmetnt, or you might find the best iteration at a good price point. In thinking about longevity, pencil skirts come to mind. It's so much about the fit that there is not as much room for trendiness. Yes, there is length, but even that has a rather enduring sweet spot ( especially if dark tights are part of seasonal wear). Then it's more the top style and footwear that depict the current " fashion". In general I have mostly gotten good bargains on skirts, because AT fits me better than most designer brands. So they have very low CPW. OTOH, Yoanna Baraschi does, too! ( fit). I splurged on a couple of those that just made me happy, even though one is actually not everday wear but I can dress up or down, and so far I think they are the type of item I can bring out from time to time and mix with cashmere or denim, loafers or heels, sweatshirt or novelty T, because hey, it's just a pencil skirt. As Suz said, this has implications for one's life- reality, because I find it harder to find actual dresses, for church, weddings, date nights, but am now learning that the morphed skirt outfit lets me get more use out of the skirts and perhaps be a sort of signature style. gryffin on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415662 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:57:15 +0000 gryffin 1415662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TG - this is such a balance and  I think it's also about finding the exact right pieces.  I was looking for black and gray jeans - loose skinnies but narrow ankles with a midrise - you know the EA look - but it's very me.  Well I found those jeans at Gap on sale for under $40 each.  Such a great price point, I've already duplicated.  OTOH I'm a blazer girl in my real life.  I bought the most expensive jacket I've ever purchased.  The HL Gala Tux jacket.  I never appreciated the difference in quality tailoring -  how the jacket fits plumb, how the neck is so craftily constructed it gives me Audrey Hepburn's swan neck.  How the seam construction, placement of the points, width of the sleeves makes me appear taller and infinityly more elegant.  Yes, it's cropped but no overly so, it's unembellished, has interesting detail on the back but don't think it screams any time period, 3.5 seasons weight and it looks great on.  Knowing myself, that will last a good 20 years maybe more.  But you have to love your investment, independent of what's "on trend."  If you want to be "in style" than honestly you are best off looking at good quality supporting pieces, a couple of good pieces/workhorses that make any outfit better - what you wear in real life be it blazers, cardis, vests, dresses, trousers - you know for the nice capsule and then some fun or statement pieces that give on the pizzaz of being on trend knowing they will be evanescent.  You need to assess, on the time and quailty line, what makes sense for your individual needs.  There is no wrong, only whats right for you!! Helena on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415657 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:37:48 +0000 Helena 1415657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a terrific thread ... Great balanced advice here. Thx so much all!! Anonymous on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415648 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 13:33:32 +0000 Anonymous 1415648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think, too, that browsing the better stores will give you a good base for comparison. For example, I purchased a few good-quality sweaters from Lands End this year. While in Target with my DDs yesterday, we briefly looked through the clothing, but there was nothing there I wanted to even think about bringing home--except the scoop neck tanks on clearance. The difference in quality is readily apparent. Determining which items you're willing to spend more on and which you don't mind spending less on is a vital step in being able to have the wardrobe you want without breaking the bank.  Beth Ann on "The quality question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-quality-question#post-1415626 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 05:39:19 +0000 Beth Ann 1415626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TGo m, I'm dealing with the reality that, even if income increases in the next few years, the family expenses are going to go up, too (with two kids at 12 and 13).  I will need to make the most of every dollar. Like several other posters, I think in terms of 3-5 year cycles on average.  Knits sometimes only last 2 years, pants and jackets may last more than 5.  As a sometimes sewer, I've learned to look at the fabric first --- how it feels and moves in the hand and on the body often (but not always) gives a clue as to how it will wear.  Construction is second -- seam allowances, hemming, buttonholes, pattern matching -- all these speak to the construction quality. I'm finding that quality is not directly linked to price -- I sometimes find better fabric and construction at Kohl's than Gap, for example, but the styling is often not as up to date.  I've learned to be wary of fibers that are too thin, or too soft -- a problem in many "boutique" quality items. I am buying less fast fashion, and am making an effort to watch for a throwaway mentality.  I'm mostly successful, except with tops and sweaters.  I seem to purchase these as "pick me ups", and I need to be more strategic.