https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 18:09:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2411039 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:32:17 +0000 Indigoprint 2411039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I wish I had something to respond to your pertinent question.<br />I buy natural fibers and I have garments that I still wear that are 30 years old and do not show their age.<br />Interestingly my active wear, is thrifted which I only wear at home. I have a pair of Velocity leggings, that are 90% polyester and they look like new. I have a Pact pair that are wonderful but a smidgen small so I only wear them on certain days. I also just purchase a pair of Henriette Steffensen (claim to be environmentally responsible) joggers from&nbsp; ebay that I love. I have several other garments from that brand that I have purchased from a local boutique that I have shopped for years.&nbsp;<br />I appreciate your keen eye to detail and quality and your commitment to fiber integrity/environmental considerations.<br />I do think this is an important issue...I guess we vote with our spending. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410933 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:12:00 +0000 LJP 2410933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thrifting to ensure a garment has a longevity of wear is great ------for those who have the time , local re/sources, and wherewithal to do so. &nbsp;</p> <p>Interestingly enough - Spanx replied to my email, and has asked me to send in photos. We'll see how it goes...</p> <p>And as to sticking to proven labels/retailers, I do that too - all but one of the items I described were bought from labels I have a history with - with the exception of Spanx. &nbsp;I think it must be tough to be a small retailer (selling from multiple brands bought at wholesale) who has to answer to quality complaints - when there often isn't a recourse for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410925 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:12:43 +0000 Carla 2410925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m purchasing less, buying repeats of things that work, and <i>always </i>read<i>&nbsp;</i>labels. &nbsp;I’ve almost completely abandoned synthetics for summer in favour of linen and cotton. &nbsp;A different kind of maintenance (ironing - which I don’t mind) but I get better wear, and the backbone of my winter rotation are my Uniqlo merino sweaters and Levii’s denim. &nbsp;Everything very basic. &nbsp;I get the ‘fun stuff’ when thrifting. &nbsp;Similar to most who post about thrift - there’s a good chance you won’t be surprised by a thrifted item, since it’s usually already been put through its paces. &nbsp;You may, however, get less wear opportunities, since it may have been a well loved item before you picked it up. &nbsp;I’ve had a beautiful, but ancient sweater ladder on the sleeves after 18 wears, but I’ve got a t-shirt I’ve worn 65 times! &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410924 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:11:04 +0000 Kate 2410924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sympathize, Lisa.</p> <p>For myself, it helps a lot that I only buy from a couple of stores, COS and Uniqlo, so I'm very familiar with fits, quality, and fabrics of those makers, and choose accordingly.</p> <p>When I used to buy all over the board, I had more problems.</p> <p>When I do stray outside my usual stores, I read labels carefully, and save receipts.</p> <p>If an expensive garment fails, I document my issues and complain. Fortunately, I've had few complaints over the years, and my issues have been successfully resolved.</p> <p>If a cheap garment fails, that's on me, since I took the chance. Cheap cottons, some current rayons and modals, all have been culprits.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410923 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:44:58 +0000 SarahD8 2410923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a combination of three strategies for dealing with this:</p> <p>1) complain to like-minded people. :-)</p> <p>2) be an insufferable fiber snob (point taken about a small amount of synthetic fiber lending durability though)</p> <p>3) shop mostly secondhand, which itself works in several ways--<br />a) in some cases, the garment has already demonstrated its durability, having been worn before showing up in reasonable condition on the secondhand market<br />b) the amount of actual previous wear is unknown to me, so if it wears out faster than expected I can just think: "oh well, it was already used anyway" rather than getting mad at it for its lack of durability&nbsp;<br />c) in some cases the garment is from several years or go or more and thus likely to be of better quality</p> <p>Idiosyncratic strategy and I know (3) in particular isn't for everyone.</p> <p>I feel like we need some kind of social media campaign, like #Didn'tLast30Wears or something, so that people can name and shame manufacturers/retailers of disappointing garments and other shoppers can gather info... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410917 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:22:59 +0000 Vicki 2410917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the detail you provided about this ongoing saga with knitwear. Thanks for your very well-written piece, and also sorry to hear about all longevity hassles. I try to avoid polyester, but there are times that I buy something with a blend of it. My Splendid tees that I like are 50% Supima cotton and 50% Micro modal. So far, so good with no pilling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410914 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:34:53 +0000 Suz 2410914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have much to add except commiserations on the expensive and sub-par items. And I think <b>Liz</b> asks a some great questions. I wish we had answers. </p> <p>Like <b>Sal </b>and others, the items that tend to wear out, fade, pill, or shrink too fast in my closet are knits. I try to go with trusted brands and/ or buy on sale so that I don’t feel as disappointed when they wear out quicker than I might wish. Fabric composition plays a role — cotton knits can stretch or fade, cashmere can and does pill, merino sometimes shrinks even with careful washing. </p> <p>For the rest, it is hit or miss. It does not seem to matter whether the item is high end or low. I have 10 year old items from Zara that still look new and items a year or two old that wrinkle like crazy or won’t stay hemmed. Same is true for some things at much higher price points. </p> <p>I will return items ordered online that look or feel cheap in person. Pronto. I rarely write a complaining review but I have called customer service at various times and usually get a satisfactory result. </p> <p>Mr Suz is a pro at that. He will always call and ensures he isn’t charged for returns if the item is sub par. He could turn this into a side business, he is so good at it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing/page/2#post-2410913 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:57:10 +0000 Roberta 2410913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't add much, except to say that THIS FORUM (and others) are fantastic resources to help us find decent clothing. I continue to recommend Title Nine, Lucky Brand, Lands End swimsuits, etc., and am warned off garments that failed our personal quality check.&nbsp;As long time shoppers, we have the experience to help us judge clothing. A lot of yonger people don't have that, but hopefully are finding the online community to help them evaluate purchases.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking of gear, I just read a very interesting Stack on how gear brands like Patagonia and North Face led the movement towards sustainability. It's an <a rel="nofollow" href="https://maurabrannigan.substack.com/p/what-sustainably-made-actually-means">interview with the CCO of a company that does supply-chain verification</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I second Angie - we need some luck!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410904 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:03:52 +0000 unfrumped 2410904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had bad pilling experience with T shirts — like clean-cut SS &amp; LS staples for casual wear &amp; layering— that used to be 100% cotton and now are cotton-poly blends. The cotton ones stayed smooth but the blends pilled. Also the poly blends feel hotter in warm weather. Eddie Bauer is my most known example but other brands have done similarly. I try to look for Pima cotton. So I don’t buy any more poly- cotton blend T’s.<br /> I have modal and cotton- modal that will pill also but my experience has been that they lasted longer before looking tired. I need some of my tops to have the dressier fit and drape that modal provides, and I do need to take more care with laundering ( mostly dryer time), so try to focus on a few specific ones that “ make” the outfits and not just collect them for general casual wear.<br /> I haven’t been aggressive at all with returning something that is disappointing after I’ve laundered, or worn a couple of times , and not sure anyone Nordstrom or maybe LLBEAN would step up. But I agree that there’s merit to not keeping something unworn/ unused for a long time and then finding out it’s a problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410901 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:43:30 +0000 RobinF 2410901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is almost like they are making clothes to be disposable these days. Very annoying and bad for the environment. I don't usually spend a lot on my clothes so I am not out a lot of money when they don't last, but it is still annoying, especially when it is something I love.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410897 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:23:52 +0000 Staysfit 2410897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I agree with you and think the only way to address this is to contact the companies with our complaints and to purchase from the stores at which we have had the best luck. &nbsp;Sadly, my experience is hit or miss with new items, making it hard to say I would completely avoid a specific retailer for new items. Unlike you, I had good luck with a long sleeve basic ribbed tee made of 50% modal 50% cotton, from Splendid. It looks like new after multiple wears and washes this past winter. &nbsp;The same is true of a Nordstrom brand 70% tencil and 30% wool top. However a Nordstrom brand 93% tencil and 3% spandex top purchased at the same time as the other two has stretched out and pilled. &nbsp;After reading everyone’s responses I am also going to be even more wary of the fiber content of what I buy and admit I know very little about the properties of various fibers other than wool, because I knit. &nbsp;I think Angie reviewed the properties once in a blog post?? &nbsp; &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>A 100% mulberry silk tee from Lily silk snagged and ran the first time I wore it despite my care not to wear jewelry when putting it on or taking it off. It caught on a hangnail, so it didn’t take much… &nbsp;I am undecided if I should return it and request a refund, although should a tiny flap of rough skin cause this type of run? &nbsp;This reminds me that one of my mesh bags has a zipper and I believe I have had things snag on that zipper in the wash. I also have a tie shut mesh bag which does not always stay shut and items spill out into the main wash tub. So neither option has worked perfectly. &nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>A cashmere top from Ravella, new this year, has no pilling but the quince cashmere vest I purchased this year has terrible pilling, &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>I’m particularly hard on athletic gear, wash it after each wear and I have tended to keep it a long time. &nbsp;One top style from Athleta, made of 56% poly,37% modal and 7% spandex, is pilling and the fabric feels bumpy after less than one year of wear. &nbsp; Another Athleta top made from 100% nylon is wearing like iron. &nbsp;The zipper on a recently purchased Athleta jacket gets stuck when zipping/unzipping and the teeth on one edge periodically pull away from the teeth on the other edge. &nbsp;It’s been washed once. &nbsp;Very disappointing! &nbsp;I haven’t had previous issues with Athleta zippers….or tops…..<br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410885 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:33:56 +0000 Angie 2410885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>URGH! Sooo annoying,&nbsp;<b>LJP</b> :(</p> <p>100% agree with you that a bit of manmade fibre remixed with natural fibre is beneficial for fibre stability and colour retention. It also brings down the price. It's not a bad thing!&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, apart from the big Spanx Air Essentials issue - I'm having a great run with the quality of my items.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>To answer your question:</u> </p> <ul> <li>If the quality issue is from an item bought at&nbsp;Nordstrom&nbsp;- I return it and get a refund.</li> <li>If it's a big problem like Spanx - I write to the company.&nbsp;</li> <li>Boden stuck behind the quality issue I had with one of their items years ago. Full refund. Same with Banana Republic. No issues since then.</li> <li>I am very particular about the longevity of my knitwear. I stick to Boden, Ralph Lauren, COS, Talbots, Bella Freud, Marks &amp; Spencer for ongoing great quality. Have a few Frame and BR and Anthro items that have been good too. I don't venture further, usually.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p> <div>Knits are generally soooooo&nbsp;much more problematic than wovens. It's unfortunate because knits are very comfy and forgiving. To <b>Sal's</b> point.</p> <p>My 100% manmade fibre mesh tops - of which I have four - wear like iron. They are several years old, and look perfect!&nbsp;</p> <p>100% natural fibres are not always best: </p> <ul> <li>100% linen can be scratchy (and crease uncontrollably)&nbsp;</li> <li>100% slik is fragile and delicate</li> <li>100% cotton CAN crease as much as linen! You have to choose cotton carefully. It's hard!&nbsp;</li> <li>100% wool can be very scratchy and pill. People are allergic to wool too.&nbsp;</li> <li>100% viscose and 100% rayon can shrink terribly after laundry. They can also crease with the best of them.</li> </ul> <p>We need a dose of luck with our purchases!&nbsp;</p> <p> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410883 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:25:42 +0000 bj1111 2410883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Troublesome. The list of brands I purchase new from is short these days. </p> <p>Disappointing to hear about Spanx. Not sure I agree with its direction for expansion and definitely their quality control. I still get lace boy shirts my go to underwear from them. I suppose them rarely going on sale is a good thing?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410881 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:21:13 +0000 LJP 2410881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Liz - my formal education ( albeit too long ago now to be current ) was in textile science and marketing. I even worked in a textile testing lab for awhile as a grad student . I once knew the answers to these questions but no longer do . You’re right - it would be cool to have current experience and info to share . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410875 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:35:00 +0000 elpgal 2410875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, wow that’s great they listened to your feedback! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410869 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:44:28 +0000 JAileen 2410869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve noticed the lower quality of fabric, too. &nbsp;The amount of wool in a “wool” coat, is sometimes only 30 percent wool. &nbsp;100 percent wool coats on Nordstrom would be $900, at least. &nbsp;They were unavailable from Macy’s, at all.</p> <div><br /></div><div>As for reviews, I rarely write them, but I left one last year. &nbsp;I bought shorts from Macy’s that I had liked in the past. &nbsp;Unlike previous ones, these had no pockets, so I reamed them in a review. &nbsp;I was in Macy’s a couple weeks ago and saw the shorts, with pockets! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410865 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:38:47 +0000 Liz 2410865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like fabric quality has gone down in general, in the past decade&nbsp; -- knits feel almost entirely a gamble now. I'd LOVE to hear from someone in the textile industry who understands the factors involved in this -- what has happened at mills -- is quality fabric mostly no longer being made or is it no longer affordable for most clothing lines? Is fabric now purchased almost entirely from mills where it's impossible for clothing lines to verify fabric quality? Do even expensive clothing lines simply no longer care -- or has quality fabric become prohibitively expensive even for them, or too difficult to source? I'm curious!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410864 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:36:38 +0000 Sal 2410864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s very tricky! I too had two shrinkage incidents with pricy small brands last year.</p> <p>I don’t have any special advice but I do share your frustration. So disappointing.</p> <p>Knit fabrics are where I have the most problems so I am trying to buy those in person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410855 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:29:34 +0000 judy 2410855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So frustrating.&nbsp; I have experienced this very recently too with sweatpants that appeared one way unwashed and then on first wash, turned into very poor quality looking.&nbsp; (75 percent cotton, 25 poly) OH, and I had to repair a hole in the crotch! Unlike you, <b>LJP</b>, it wasn't such a big cash outlay, this was only a $16.00&nbsp; purchase at TJ MAAX and I wear them at home only.&nbsp; But STILL...it's a shame.&nbsp; </p> <p>Contrast that with a pair of Norma Kamali lounge pants I bought on sale at Nordstrom at least 15 years ago (probably all cotton, tag is worn off) and yes, it was more money&nbsp;but the fabric is still amazing (it's worn out on the stretchy hip hugging top, which I have repaired the holes in). Of course there is still quality out there now if we know what to look for, but it annoys me that we have to be so vigilant. While I have a few go to Japanese brands that make very good quality items, I have even experienced disappointment with some of their all cotton on occasion. And I never ever put any of my clothes in the dryer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As <b>Val MN</b> said, this does seem to be a bigger problem than us. The fabric quality being sourced seems to be going down.&nbsp; Janet, your Prana pant is perfect example.&nbsp; Same brand, same pant, but where are they getting their fabric now vs five years ago?&nbsp; While writing reviews and comments are important, I do feel that protesting with our dollars or lack there of is probably the only thing that is noticed, as <b>Ophelia</b> mentions.&nbsp; The trouble is, I don't know I am contributing to poor quality brands until after I have spent the money!&nbsp; But having said that, when I DO spend money on those go to good brands and find them lacking...and it's usually after many months...I could do more to communicate with the seller (often small boutiques) just to let them know.&nbsp; Not for a refund, but just FYI,&nbsp; I found this t shirt didn't age or hold up as well as I think it should have for the price.&nbsp; And they in turn communicate with the manufacturer.&nbsp; So this thread is making me wonder if my silence is contributing to the problem.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410853 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:43:55 +0000 elpgal 2410853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LJP, clothes hit the stands and disappear so quickly nowadays. US return periods have also been reduced significantly. So it doesn’t seem worthwhile to complain. The only ones who take complains seriously are the gear brands and a handful of retailers like LLBean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410849 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:05:30 +0000 Janet 2410849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A frustration that seems to be getting more common! </p> <p>Like Karie, I’ve noticed this with athletic gear a lot. I have a pair of black hiking pants from Prana purchased about 5 years ago that are workhorses. Light and comfortable. I decided to look for an extra pair of that same pant for my Camino hike, and bought some in the same model just in grey. Those pants pilled badly around the pockets in just a couple of months while the old black ones look fine after years. Sigh.</p> <p>I also got a cute sweatshirt from ZSupply last year at a local boutique, and it pulled badly after the first wear. I was so disgusted I put it straight in the donate bag. I’m also disappointed in the cashmere sweater I bought from BR last year for the same reason, but at least that can be shaved. The sweatshirt was one of those fabrications that just defied any easy depilling. </p> <p>Other gripes I have: seams that seem to come loose, wonky stitching that wobbles along a hem, buttons that fall off before a second wear… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410847 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:23:58 +0000 ophelia 2410847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So aggravating, especially considering the incredible spike in cost.<br /> I hate to say this here, it's not the solution anyone wants, and I know it's untenable much of the time, but there is only ONE way companies will stop this.<br /> Ann Taylor once sold quality. Then in the mid/late 2000s, they absolutely tanked (and everything pilled). Well, after some delay, so did their sales.<br /> They're much better now. Not near where they were, but better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410837 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:46:15 +0000 LJP 2410837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm curious how many of us write reviews and/or &nbsp;write to companies directly . &nbsp;I feel like I'm turning into a bit of consumer quality hawk lately with all the writing I've been doing. &nbsp;It hasn't returned any discernible results .</p> <p>I know I <b>need to be better at reading labels</b> and maybe wearing and washing things sooner after I buy them. &nbsp;I don't wash my clothing any more than necessary though , as that's where most "wear and tear " occurs. &nbsp;I use the typical 14 day return window (30 days is not common in Canada) when I've simply changed my mind, and not to cover performance issues which would never arise in that short a time period.</p> <p>Val MN - your comment about avoiding really high priced items is interesting. &nbsp;I could say the same. &nbsp;My level of purchase success is not high enough to risk spending a lot of money on something that may or may not hold up. &nbsp; &nbsp;I do pay attention to 90% of the labels on things I'm considering - but it's these few recent buys that have slipped by me . None of these are what I consider high prices - but it still stings just the same as it's money lost and enough that I really cringed when I saw the total. Who can afford that?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410831 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:29:12 +0000 Val MN 2410831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This feels like a problem that is bigger than me. Somehow it has become most profitable for companies to make clothing that looks like the real thing but doesn't hold up. There is no brand that I trust for quality.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I use my own judgment about quality. (Like <b>Dee </b>and <b>Jaime</b>&nbsp;mentioned, I've learned those skills through years of shopping secondhand, and I've even gotten pretty good at predicting pilling.) I inspect items carefully inside and out, feeling the fabric, reading the labels, checking the stitching. If shopping in person, I inspect before deciding to buy. If shopping online, I inspect before wearing or washing, and return it if I feel doubt.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I am cautious about prices. Since I don't really trust any brand, I avoid paying high-for-me prices that would make me really upset if the item didn't hold up. I also avoid super low prices unless I can inspect the item and it seems okay.</div><br /><div>3. I repair my clothing. It always feels like I'm getting away with something when I can keep a fast-fashion item going for longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pragmatically, like <b>Lisa </b>said, I do have to buy replacements sooner than if the items were higher quality to begin with. What's the alternative?</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410830 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:36:23 +0000 Karie 2410830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s so frustrating! I just bought a pair of Eddie Bauer hiking pants and they are thinner and not the quality as the same pair purchased several years ago. Athleta seems to be better quality but their clothes don’t fit me as well. I’m just trying to hand on to what I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410828 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:05:55 +0000 kkards 2410828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a tough one. &nbsp;Personally, and this sounds like of counter intuitive, but I tend to stay away from clothing that feels “soft”. My experience is that that “soft” feeling leads to earlier demise. &nbsp;I think that they must be treating the fabrics with something. &nbsp;I also personally have had really bad experiences with modal so it’s on my list of fabrics to skip.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410822 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:44 +0000 slim cat 2410822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I live in warm place I only need limited amount of sweaters - 2 old ones made from 100% cotton ( 10 years ), 3 old ones -100% cashmere ( between 8 and 13 years old ), couple mixed fabrication - no polyester - 5 years old. None of my sweaters have polyester, one has some modal/rayon in it. No pilling - however infrequent use, except for 100% cotton ones - from Nordstrom junior department -lol .<br />It's difficult to predict how the sweaters with mixed fabrication will behave - I'm sorry yours were such a disappointment ( especially with that pricing ).<br />I think rayon/viscose is not the culprit here - my cotton/modal pants or cotton/viscose sweater are decent quality and still without pilling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410820 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 05:07:07 +0000 Star (Lise) 2410820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ELPGAL the two brand new items I purchased recently were made in India.&nbsp; Super soft cotton that feels like the real thing.&nbsp; I love clothing made in India. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410819 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:38:31 +0000 elpgal 2410819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know who doesn’t have this issue? My mother who lives in India and wears mostly cottons and silks. A little polyester sure, but no spandex. Most of the stretch she wears is in the form of elastic. But I know her dressing style is neither accessible or comfortable for me in the US. Like Lise, I too thought it was rayon that was responsible for pilling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-aboutpoor-quality-clothing#post-2410818 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:31:41 +0000 Star (Lise) 2410818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is one of the reasons I shop second hand but my situation is different as we have a huge supply constantly from western Europe. The old stuff holds up better!</p> <p>I'm surprised that polyester is the culprit. Like you I don't like it, in the heat especially, but I know it to be a great stabiliser and shape keeper. I have always thought the pill maker is viscose. In general I believe most fabrics now days are woven too loosely, all types. The manufacturer is cutting costs and the customer is paying more. Terrible, I empathise. </p>