Update: So disappointed with BR top - YouLookFab Forum

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Update: So disappointed with BR top

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

I purchased this white top in the Spring to refresh my whites. I was in need of a white top with short sleeves and wanted to try a new trend (bell sleeve). I have worn the top a handful of times and always wash on cold/delicate/hand wash. To my disappointment the top is already pilling on both sides of the bust. Its odd and frustrating. The location is just to the side of both my breasts and NOT under my arms. I have never experienced pilling in this location and am saddened because I have no other white tops to fill the gap. Now I will need to try and find a replacement before fall hits and feel like white will be scarce this late in the season. I had been a faithful BR customer for over 12 years. I have shopped there less and less over the past 3 or so years because their quality has significantly fallen in my opinion. Any others having the same or similar experience with them?

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Anonymous

I am so sorry to hear this. I personally have not bought from Banana Republic in a while so I can't help you.

Thistle

Veteran

I gave up on them years ago over quality and fit issues, so I have no recent experience.

Zibbets

Veteran

I haven't had to use it recently, but BR used to have excellent customer service and a generous return policy. I would try to return or exchange it. The garment should hold up better than that.

Anonymous

BR is falling out of favor with me, too, mainly because of size discrepancies that make it impossible to order online. Also, one of the pairs of dress pants that my DD bought is already in need of mending, and she has only worn them a couple of times.

ClaraT

Veteran

I think their quality is quite variable. I have an amazing coat and purse from BR (years old; look new); on the other hand, I got a camisol that fell apart (they refunded me but still annoying). I agree with Zibbets in that I've had good experiences with their customer service.

Scarlet

Veteran

I would go ahead and complain straight to them. Sorry to hear this.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

How frustrating! I have no advice on Banana Republic, but perhaps a de-pilling device of some sort could work. I have a sweater stone, and I've seen some other things that are made for removing pills from sweaters. I've used my sweater stone with some success on the hem of a knit fabric garment that had pilled, where it rubs against boots.

SWEATER STONE Pill & Lint Removing Sweater Stone

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Joy

Veteran

How disappointing and frustrating. I would talk to them directly. They need to know to up their quality control.if they want to stay in business.

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

Zibbets, ClaraT, Scarlet, and Joy, thanks for the suggestion and encouragement to take the top back. It had not occurred to me to do this since so many months have passed. But heck I have nothing to loose. Also realize I forgot to post a pic of the top.

Banana Republic

Crepe Boat Neck Flounce Sleeve Top

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Such a pretty top! Yes I would be very annoyed. I hate it when stuff pills quickly. Taking it back and complaining is a good idea.

Gigi

Veteran

Definitely try to get some kind of compensation from BR on this. The worst they can say is no.

I haven't bought BR in quite a while. I have some older items that have held up well, but I have also heard a lot of complaints. I think the quality is hit or miss. I think like many retailers, BR has a difficult time overseeing quality control in their overseas operations. The only way they will know what is going on is if customers complain.

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

I am going to give it a try today. Gigi ditto I have many items, some dating back to 2005 that I have and still love from BR. I just have to retrain myself to be more cautious and restrained and remember the quality has dropped significantly.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

How frustrating. A razor works to depill fabric, for a temp fix (til the fabric's too thin). Does this work as replacement? It's from another store with huge variation in quality, but maybe it'll be ok. https://www.anthropologie.com/.....;color=010

Scarlet

Veteran

You might even have better luck calling or emailing rather than going to a store. If you email I would include pictures of what's bothering you. Good luck!

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

Walked into the store and spoke with the manager. She did not hesitate to give me a store credit and apologized. I have to give it to BR for their customer service. That has always been consistent. And thanks to everyone for your input and suggestions. One of the many reasons I love YLF ......fantastic group of supportive and helpful people!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

That's a good result! Now you have to choose really carefully what to spend the store credit on! And still mourn that pretty top

Scarlet

Veteran

Hurray! Good to hear. I am more likely to buy from a store that stands behind their product.

Gigi

Veteran

Yippee! So glad to hear this.