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. 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.

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 interview with the CCO of a company that does supply-chain verification.

And I second Angie - we need some luck!

I don’t have much to add except commiserations on the expensive and sub-par items. And I think Liz asks a some great questions. I wish we had answers.

Like Sal 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

I use a combination of three strategies for dealing with this:

1) complain to like-minded people.

2) be an insufferable fiber snob (point taken about a small amount of synthetic fiber lending durability though)

3) shop mostly secondhand, which itself works in several ways--
a) in some cases, the garment has already demonstrated its durability, having been worn before showing up in reasonable condition on the secondhand market
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
c) in some cases the garment is from several years or go or more and thus likely to be of better quality

Idiosyncratic strategy and I know (3) in particular isn't for everyone.

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...

I sympathize, Lisa.

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.

When I used to buy all over the board, I had more problems.

When I do stray outside my usual stores, I read labels carefully, and save receipts.

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.

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.

I’m purchasing less, buying repeats of things that work, and always read labels. I’ve almost completely abandoned synthetics for summer in favour of linen and cotton. 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. Everything very basic. I get the ‘fun stuff’ when thrifting. 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. You may, however, get less wear opportunities, since it may have been a well loved item before you picked it up. 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!

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.

Interestingly enough - Spanx replied to my email, and has asked me to send in photos. We'll see how it goes...

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. 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.

Lisa, I wish I had something to respond to your pertinent question.
I buy natural fibers and I have garments that I still wear that are 30 years old and do not show their age.
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 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.
I appreciate your keen eye to detail and quality and your commitment to fiber integrity/environmental considerations.
I do think this is an important issue...I guess we vote with our spending.