Some Realizations

Thistle

My outfit today gave me a few interesting insights.

My Chicos cami has been worn a lot this winter, its CPW is already less than $2. Yet, it still looks vibrant and new. I need to revisit that store or at least their hard wearing camis.

The Banana Republic sweater I wore today is most likely being donated at the end of spring. It is pilling all under the arms and down the sides of my body where my arms touch. The piIls are small and rough, so I am not sure a sweater comb will help, and the sweater is not wool but a soft cotton blend. I bought this in Janaury 2013 and this is my fourth time of wearing it. I don't reach for it often because it felt "shabby" after the first or second wear. I am terribly disappointed in the quality and am hoping this doesn't happen with my other BR purchases.

I am surprised how much I love my Converse. This is the first pair I have ever owned.

13 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Nicole D

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's funny, isn't it -- how sometimes the inexpensive items we buy almost as "throwaways" turn out to be durable and hard-wearing (and wardrobe workhorses). Whereas items we'd had higher hopes from disappoint.

Pilling and knits -- it is a perennial problem. In general, the softer the knit, the more it will pill (alas) and fine cotton knits can really stretch or pill quite a lot.

I have a lot of stuff from Banana Republic. Mostly because I can get it (i.e. it is possible for me to shop there online without paying the exorbitant fees for duty etc.) On the whole, the quality has been surprisingly good and I have been pleased, with some items shining far more than I'd expected (like your Chicos camisoles), others being about average, and one or two being quite a disappointment.

I'd say it is pretty safe to continue ordering there, but in general, expect the worst from all knits, wherever they come from!

13 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

Thistle I'd try returning the sweater. It shouldn't look shabby after so few wearings.

13 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have had a similar experience with a sweater from BR. That said, there are many items I own from there that have been perfectly fine. My sweater was a silk/cotton blend and I loved it so much (at first) that I bought 2 of the same one. I still have the "new" one but the first one got about 6 wears before it really started pilling and even got a hole under one of the arms for no apparent reason. I did use a razor on it once and that helped but it became an "around the house" sweater way before it's time. I hand washed it every time and laid it flat to dry as instructed but it just couldn't hold up.

I just bought a linen sweater from jcrew and I'm hoping the same won't happen. I really like the light feeling of it and the relaxed dolman sleeve but I wonder about it's longevity.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm feeling the same way about the cashmere sweaters I bought at Nordstrom. Pilly after just a few wears. And my Gap sweaters are also starting to pill. I think I'm turning off sweaters in general (I think Angie is smart about avoiding knits). I agree about inexpensive camis being smart buys--I wear my black Gap maternity tank all the time. And I love Cons for MOTG too!

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I wish I could walk away from knits! It is just that they are about the only tops I can wear that fit at the bust without devouring my waist.

I need to learn to sew.

13 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

You can totally sew! You are an accountant... sewing requires being precise and a bit patient along with being detail oriented. I bet you have these qualities in spades

sorry to hear the sweaters arent holding up

13 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Great insights, Thistle, and this proves again that even if we love an outfit in the store and when we first bring it home, it doesn't always work out in the end. But then there are those fab pieces that become real workhorses, sometimes when we didn't even expect them to. Fashion is full of surprises, and that keeps it interesting;-)

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have one of those battery operated shavers for removing piling - they do work:)

13 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I've learned that all knits pill! I bought a Theory sweater (at consignment) and it pills like nobody's business. I can shave the pills and it's still good. I do find that Gap knitwear sometimes does not refresh with the depilling.

I did return a Nordstrom Cashmere that pilled more than any other sweater ever after one wearing.

I too have a Chico's cami that I have worn and washed 1,000 times (probalby 15+ years now so you just never know what will last.

13 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

I buy a lot of Banana Republic items and there are definitely occasional misses in there. Sweaters seem to be the worst. I'm also not so much a fan of items with much modal in them, since they seem to pill and fade and look shabby too quickly, while I'm still otherwise in love with them! Banana has a pretty lousy return policy after you've worn items. I just live with it, knowing some items are going to disappoint, because most items are great and a good value. Wouldn't it be nice if stores were 100% dependable. (Gotta love that Nordstrom is 100% dependable in that if it doesn't hold up, they will take it back without batting an eyelash. Love!)

13 years ago

pil

Veteran

My Gap oversized sweaters and Lands End cashmere sweaters have all pilled. It won't deter me from future knits though, I so prefer them to woven shirts in cold weather.

13 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

I like your reflections Thistle. Glad you love your cons. I have a smelly foot reaction to them lately. I have been lucky in the pilling sweater department, no horror stories to share. Maybe because I walk around with my arms out to the sides at all times (hahaha!).

13 years ago

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