https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:51:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176710 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:39:53 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 176710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was really impressed with Jacob when I went to Toronto last year, they had some lovely items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176625 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 02:55:58 +0000 Mac 176625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with those of you have stated: none! There's no line that has given me year-in, year-out high quality. </p> <p>I have to admit that now, quality is something I barely consider. It's hard enough to find things that fit, come in flattering colours, are within an acceptable price range... Also, I'm very hard on my clothes so even quality items "die young" when they have tomato soup spilled on them or get chewed on by moths : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176585 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:29:17 +0000 Lena 176585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kristen, I have only item from Target's Merona line, and yes, it seems quite tough. It's a woven shirt dress with a full skirt. It's lined (cotton, not poly), and it washes well. Doesn't wrinkle too much, but I iron it anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176583 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:19:08 +0000 Angie 176583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great, Brianna! We'll both give CM another chance. </p> <p>I always reccomend Jacob to those shopping in Vancouver. It's a great store! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176580 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:15:44 +0000 Ariadne 176580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, that makes sense. I won't write off my beloved CM yet.</p> <p>Maya--that dress looks gorgeous on you! It probably would have been in the $120 range new, so, yes, not a bad deal at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176573 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:59:55 +0000 Anonymous 176573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my thrift shopping experience, Ann Taylor items are nearly always new looking. I'd add Talbots and Nygaard at Dillards to the list of usually dependable high quality. Express seems hit or miss but my favorite knit dress that has been worn to death and goes on every trip spring through fall is from there and still going strong. It seems like knits in general don't last as long as woven pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176568 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:23:24 +0000 Maya 176568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not one to ask about quality, but wanted to ask Brianna more about Jacob! <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/ranabow/1bac480e.jpg">This dress</a> that I got from a consignment store is from Jacob. I got it for $40. Did I get a good deal? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176525 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:28:25 +0000 Lynne 176525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would add Repeat to the list for cashmere cardi's that last well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176519 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:15:53 +0000 Angie 176519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup. JCrew's tissue weight knits are a pain in my side. </p> <p>Brianna, they were three woven blouses all of which had seam slippage on the armholes after a few wears. I am small shouldered and these blouses weren't tight. I was irate. I got my money back of course, but I love CM stuff and was sad to see inferior quality. However, I will shop their again, because my wardrobe is full of CM items that have lasted superbly - knitwear included. So it may have been a bad blouse supplier. </p> <p>I've been a fashion buyer and understand how quality problems creep up. Clean slate each season :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176504 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:20:15 +0000 Ariadne 176504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, that's a bummer about CM, Angie! I haven't bought anything there within the last year, I don't think. I'll probably avoid them now. Was it one particular type of item that was poor quality (ie knits, woven) or 3 totally different things?</p> <p>Kristen, I HATE tissue weight tops, across the board. I had some from JCrew last year and they were utterly worthless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176181 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:48:33 +0000 Kristen 176181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to have to give a shout-out to Target: their designer stuff has not been that great quality-wise since Isaac Mizrahi left, but their Merona line is really quite tough. Doesn't stretch out much, doesn't pill, lasts after numerous washes. </p> <p>Loft has been terrible but I still find some good stuff there. Banana's tops look like they are made of tissue paper lately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176147 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:24:50 +0000 fathenry 176147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have Zara knits that I bought 5+ years ago that look wonderful. In contrast the Gap sweater I paid $50 for a month ago is already pilling.</p> <p>I looked in my closet and here's what I found have held up well:</p> <p>Excellent:<br /> Express Editor trousers (perfect condition 3-7 years old)<br /> Express woven shirts (good condition 4 years old)<br /> Classiques blouse (from nordstrom, 9 years old, perfect)<br /> Costco cashmere sweater (bizzare, I know. No pilling, 4 years old)<br /> Banana Republic woven shirts (good condition, 9 years old)<br /> Sweet Pea tops (good condition, 8 years old)<br /> Joes Jeans (good condition, 5 years old)<br /> Hallogen white trousers and cotton twill skirt (nordstrom, 8 years old)<br /> Banana republic woven LBD (7 years old, thrifted)<br /> BCBG tee shirts (worn to death, 2 years)<br /> French connection denim<br /> Target cardigans (one season, looks better than gap)</p> <p>Mediocre:<br /> Gap Jeans (one season)<br /> Kut from Kloth jeans (one season)</p> <p>Poor:<br /> Anne Taylor Loft Knits (trashed, 1 season)<br /> Gap knits (looks worn after 1 month)<br /> Banana Republic knits (looks worn after 1 year of moderate wear)</p> <p>So, my strategy is to replace the knits frequently and spend less on them until I can afford better quality pieces. If I'm spending more and want an item to last, I'm buying woven. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176136 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:58:57 +0000 Angie 176136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to put Club Monaco on my list, but stopped. I have been burdened by three quality problems this year so I am cross with them :0(</p> <p>Mexx is Dutch and they should have gone on my list. Good one, Brianna! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176126 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:36:58 +0000 Ariadne 176126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Club Monaco stuff seems to be consistently high quality. Same with Mexx. Jacob and RW&amp;Co are both good too, for mid-priced stuff. The clothes I have from there have held up longer than Gap stuff. Those are Canadian chains, though (except Mexx which is European in origin). For inexpensive (when on sale) stuff of decent quality, Reitmans is surprisingly good.</p> <p>For shoes--Born, Dr. Martens, Naot, Clarks and Frye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176057 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:13:06 +0000 Angie 176057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Start taking more outfit pics, agrace!</p> <p>Yup. Ann Taylor Loft quality has been awful for 2 seasons. Gap used to be better too. Express is really not that bad actually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-176051 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:07:51 +0000 Lisa 176051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the quality of some brands that used to be great (Express, NY&amp;Co, JCrew, Gap, The Limited) has really gone down over the years and now I rarely buy items from these stores. I would like to add Brooks Brothers and Lacoste to the list of still getting quality clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175837 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:54:44 +0000 crazyone 175837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like there's been a general decline of quality at most stores in the last 10 years or so. I have some knit basic v and crewneck layering tees from NY&amp;Co that I bought 10 years ago. Despite wearing them hundreds of times, they haven't pilled in the least, though at this point they have faded somewhat. They're made of a thicker more substantial cotton than what you get today. In contrast, when I buy layering tees from NY&amp;Co these days, they pill in a matter of a few wears. Ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175794 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:51:33 +0000 Mellllls 175794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be honest, I don't always look for quality in clothing because my size and tastes change so often that I don't need to hold onto clothes forever. I will say that I think everything I own from Ann Taylor has held up amazing well. I even have a hand me down Ann Taylor suit that has been worn by both me and the other person for like 10 or 20 years at this point is in great shape. I have lately been VERY disappointed with the quality of clothes from Ann Taylor Loft. I like the Alfani brand at Macys as well but haven't been wearing their clothes long enough to make a good assessment of their quality. </p> <p>Also, for the most part I think Express quality is okay, not amazing but not bad but my 6-year old Express suit is fabulous quality. It's by far my favorite suit, it's my oldest and I think it's in the best condition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175791 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:46:06 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 175791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think after a while you get used to what works from some shops and what doesn't. In terms of fantastic value for money when translated into longevity:</p> <p>- Glassons(think NZ H&amp;M) for fine knit merino tops. I have two that have lasted at least 2 wears every week for the last 4 winters. The cost of each was about NZ$30.</p> <p>- T M Lewin (UK) - for shirts</p> <p>- Jones the Bootmaker (UK) - for shoes</p> <p>- Jigsaw (UK) for dresses</p> <p>- Uniqlo for cotton tanks and denim skirts.</p> <p>- Zara for men's clothing - comparing the items that I have bought from Zara to those that my husband has bought, I think that Zara for Men is better than their women's lines. Same for Top Shop and Top Man. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175750 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:30:22 +0000 agrace 175750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I am truly flattered beyond words to hear that you have liked some of my style - Thank you! </p> <p>Sarah B- I think your thrift store test is a really good way to discern quality. I love thrifting, I've found some wonderful treasures that way. </p> <p>Annagybe and Angie - I have heard a lot of people say that about BR but I just don't notice it *as much* - I wonder if it is because I tend to buy only shirts and dresses there, and pretty much never jackets, outerwear, pants and only the rare sweater. The one thing I have noticed is their sweaters - they pill a lot more than I think they used to. </p> <p>Angie - I forgot about BCBG - one of my very favorite brands. They do have tremendous quality. I bought a dress full price there several years go - and it has amazed me with how new it still looks and feels despite being worn 30 + times. I'm not familiar with several of the stores you listed but you can be sure I am copying this list to keep. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175695 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:52:40 +0000 Angie 175695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I hear you. BR is on shakier ground than they used to be and don't get me started on J. Crew. Many of their $49.99 T's stretch out after a few washes. It makes me so angry!</p> <p>Agrace, I hope we see more of your style because I dig it. But back to your question. Over the years, the following clothing retailers have delivered the most consistently good quality from my own experiences – in no particular order: </p> <p>o Hugo Boss<br /> o Karen Millen<br /> o Burberry<br /> o Ann Taylor<br /> o Whistles<br /> o BCBG<br /> o Boden<br /> o Hobbs<br /> o Reiss<br /> o Michael Kors<br /> o Marks and Spencer</p> <p>Don’t think I don’t also love H&amp;M and Zara because I absolutely do – even if the stuff falls apart sometimes. It’s good for a season. Although I have some H&amp;M and Zara gems that are 6 years old and still going strong. Still love wearing them too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175665 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:14:19 +0000 annagybe 175665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Angie. I've had expensive things fall apart. For example I had a Lanvin purse, that the hardware literally fell apart after less than year. Luckily Nordstrom was able to fix it, but that was an ordeal within itself.<br /> I think Banana Republic has gone down in quality.<br /> Also I seriously think Jcrew quality has seriously taken a turn for the worse. I bought a boyfriend blazer last year that wasn't even fully lined. Their sweaters pill like crazy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175656 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:38:50 +0000 Sarah Baker 175656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do most of my shopping at thrift stores. I would say that, judging by the condition of clothing I find at secondhand shops (they've obviously been through the wash a few times and either held up well or didn't), the following brands impress me:</p> <p>Ann Taylor<br /> Banana Republic<br /> Lands End<br /> Gap<br /> Liz Claiborne<br /> Old Navy<br /> Eddie Bauer<br /> Levis (for jeans) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175652 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:28:30 +0000 agrace 175652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Lands End is awesome. And I really like their new 'Canvas' line - I have a couple things from there and they are holding up quite well. </p> <p>Angie, I agree. I ordered a piece from the Norma Kamali/ Walmart line and was amazed. And I have a coat from Old Navy that is better than I've seen at many other stores.<br /> And, I'd love to hear your list </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175644 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:20:54 +0000 Laura 175644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that Lands End is high quality and in my opinion they don't get enough credit for that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175643 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:19:26 +0000 Angie 175643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To put a real spanner in the works I'll say that most retailers can be inconsistant with their quality. From Chanel - right through to Old Navy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175621 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:46:55 +0000 crasdy 175621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found Lands End and Boden to be consistently high quality.</p> <p>I completely agree with you about Anthropologie. It is shockingly hit or miss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-stores-do-you-think-deliver-the-best-quality#post-175590 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:53:49 +0000 agrace 175590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I think you can find quality in surprising places, over time this is what I've come to think of the stores I have available to shop and where they rank on my 'quality meter'. . I would love to hear what the rest of you perceive as quality vs. not so great - maybe I'll be inclined to take a closer look at some other stores. </p> <p>(oh, and I don't have the ever popular Nordstroms, Zara or H&amp; M so I unfortunately cannot include those on my list </p> <p>High quality:<br /> Banana Republic<br /> Ann Taylor<br /> Dillards </p> <p>Medium:<br /> Gap<br /> Macy's<br /> New York &amp; Co.<br /> The Limited<br /> Express<br /> Loft</p> <p>Low:<br /> Old Navy<br /> Target</p> <p>Completely unpredictable:<br /> Anthropologie<br /> TJ Maxx<br /> Marshalls</p> <p>What about you? </p>