H&M is inconsistent tending to the side of falling apart (but their kid's clothes last much better), while Zara is hit and miss but more on the hit side in my experience. My two topshops toppers have held up better than expected after frequent wear. The rest of my clothes are too scattered brand wise to generalize.

What a fascinating thread. What amazes me is that the same company that wins praise from some for its high quality can be called out by others for its poor quality! Is this the result of different expectations? Different wear habits? Different soap or water quality? Different specific garments? Probably some combination.

I concur with those who have complained about the Loft. I have never bought much there to begin with, but I won't be shopping there again, except to get rid of a credit I have for a return I made. I've been in the store a couple of times since and could never find anything worth bringing home to add to my wardrobe. I hope I find a way to use that credit!

I've had almost entirely good luck with BR so far and I buy a lot from them due to limited options. So I was surprised at kkards' experience. On the other hand, I guess I should edit that to state that I've had entirely good luck with what I KEEP. Because after all, I've ordered lots of things online and on examining them have sent them right back. Jeans, sweaters, tops -- all. So, the ones I keep are good.

GAP is way less reliable -- all my sweaters from them either stretch or pill, or itch. Or all of the above. The jeans are notoriously inconsistent in sizing. So I haven't been buying from them this year.

For the rest, it's mostly a case by case investigation. Like Angie, I buy from Zara (for all her reasons) but my expectations are low. Sometimes I am very pleasantly surprised. The jacquard jacket I got in the fall seems surprisingly durable, as do those ink booties Angie and Shevia and Susie and I own. I agree with Shevia on H&M -- mostly miss, with the occasional hit.

This post really resonates with me. I am 70ish and have both bought and sewn my own clothes for most of my life. Now I mostly sew because of the poor retail quality you have all noted.

A few thoughts. Avoid any "slubbed" description in Tshirts. This means that it is made from a short staple polyester fiber - think of little short hairs making up the yarn as opposed to long ones. Pilling and lack of strength in the yarn guaranteed.

Try to find pure wool in tailored garments if you can. Clothing companies love to mix what appears on the hangar to be wool, but actually has acrylic and/or polyester mixed in. Again pilling and poor wear. (It is getting harder and harder for me to find pure wool fabric by the yard, too.)

If you can find Ponte with nylon in the mix instead of polyester, I think you will find it holds it shape better and does't pill as much.

Look at stitch length in the serged seams of Tshirts. Long, loose stitches are a giveaway to poor quality. See if the neckbinding starts and ends with a big bunched up seam at one shoulder. A cheap, shortcut technique.

I so remember when both Ann Taylor and Talbots made really fine cothing. But no more.

Wearing aprons in the kitchen helps with those little holes by the belt line in knitwear. I've nagged DH (the cook) and DD 'til I'm hoarse. But since I bought DH a chef's jacket, he's more diligent about wearing it than an apron!

I don't completely avoid any brands because of quality issues, but I am definitely more careful about purchasing certain brands. For instance, if I see a shirt I like on the Loft site, I won't buy it unless it's on sale, I will assume I need to wear some kind of underlayer if the top is white, and I will assume I should keep the top for warmer weather due to the expected thinness of fabric.

My BR stuff has held up quite well, like Suz has experienced. But I have bought things that are only natural fibers from them. There are a couple of tops that had maybe 20% nylon added into the mix, but that's it. I have too bad of luck with synthetics pilling to add many of them to my closet. I have come very close to relaxing my standards, because it is very tough to find natural fibers, but every time I think about doing so a thread like this pops up on the forum, and I am reaffirmed in sticking to my guns.

Thanks, barbaraq, for the tips. I have gravitated toward nylon instead of polyester in a mix when necessary because I had a cardigan from J. Jill that held up very well and used nylon. So I will continue to prefer nylon over poly.

Shevia - glad to know that your Topshop purchases are holding up well. H&M is another brand I have not bought from but that's encouraging that they put more quality into the kids clothing since they get so much hard wear
Suz - that's an interesting point you bring up that we have to factore our own care into the equation. I tend to be on the careful end, washer bags, gentle cycle, dry clean for lots and sparingly and I am good about tending to my things. Which is why it really irks me when they don't do well. But I am sure water, types of washers, detergents, etc and amount of cleaning should be factored in to get a true idea (although we'd have a great sense of indestructable!!) Another negative vote for Loft - I think they are the biggest loser on this thread. Glad you are doing well with your BR and Zara purchases!!
Barbaraq - thank you so much for chiming in!! Those are great tips. I think we need you to give us a tutorial on easy and obvious problems to watch for that might tip us off that an item was not a good purchase. So hard for those of us who don't sew and are unaware of how things should look when they are properly made.
DonnaF - that is good advise about the apron. I tend to actually change out my outfit if I am doing major leagure kitchen time, but stying clean and protected is key. Do you think those holes are from rubbing around the counters? or cleaning off spills? I've never had problems with holes in that area. Just curious.
Gigi - glad you BR items are doing well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the nylon/poly issue. that looks like it's going to be a very helpful tip. But now that you both have said that I am wondering about elastane. I find they now add elastane to almost everything. My L148 jacket is 98% wool with 2% elastane I am guessing for stretch and shape which seems to be huge in fabrics now. I wonder if it's the elastane that is messing with the shiny elbows? I think we will now all be on the lookout for nylon over poly. The tough part is it's hard enough actually finding something you love that is flattering then to have to judge it on the quality issues - well shopping just got a lot trickier!!

I could be imagining this, but it seems like in the lower-end stores, it's easier to find a surprisingly high-quality woven piece than a surprisingly high-quality piece of knitwear.

In H&M, for example, I have sometimes seen jackets that appear well made (fully lined, good seams, substantial fabrics) but well-made sweaters? Nope.

If anyone has had a different experience, I'd love to know because I've stopped even looking at lower-end knitwear and I could be missing out.

With high street shops like Topshop and Zara, I don't expect to be able to wear their stuff for long, and when I can I think of it as a bonus. I definitely don't think it's built to last.

I have a few items by Alexander Wang and have found them to be excellent quality, especially the t shirts and bags, but the studded bag was just too heavy for me to use day to day.

I think All Saints is overpriced for the quality and how long their items stay looking good, although I'm well past my university years now so wouldn't wear their stuff any longer anyway.

April - that's a great point about wovens vs knits. I think Angie has mentioned that to us on multiple occasions but I tend to forget about that. Knits are so much more fragile to start with. Point well taken!!
Halo - another good point about fast fashion - as you point out it is what it is. Let the buyer beware. Good to know you are having good luck with AW. Lots of nice things and love his aesthetic. I don't own anything by All Saints but I have been pining for that quilted leather sleeve jacket that Una bought (in black of course!!) but their merchandise cost does run quite high!!

Kristin, I'm not sure I can describe the difference! But when I think of bad rayon, I think of some otherwise very cute Splendid woven tops - they look a crumpled mess and the colors, especially in white, have a weird blue-grey tinge to them. I don't mean to pick on SPlendid in particular though, I see this with lots of thin, woven rayon.

When I think of good rayon, I think of a heavy, drapey knit fabric. I haven't tried Everlane but am curious - does their stuff hold up?

Thanks CF - I do prefer heavier knits (they are more forgiving) but an so uneducated on fabric. Thanks for the help!

Gryffin, part of me believes that if this whole style thing was simple - we wouldn't enjoy it as much. Or have as much to yak about. xo

I rarely experience issues with poor quality, and think it has a lot to do with being educated about fabric. Also, I read reviews. That said, some people don't read the item description closely enough, and then don't launder properly. This accounts for many "quality" problems I've seen complaints about. I don't know that any particular brand or store is better or worse than another. You have to be an informed buyer, and be able to return things easily to a merchant with excellent customer service.

On the knits: hand up, hand up!!!!

I have a $20 linen sweater from H&M that has been a workhorse for transitional weather for me over 3 seasons and is still going strong. (One spring and two autumns, with occasional summer wear as well). And it looks as good as lots of more expensive ones, IMO. It SHOCKED me, I admit. But hey - I'll take it!

Contrariwise, remember Denise's laments about the poor quality of her very expensive Vince knitwear?

So especially with knits I think we need to take it on a case by case basis. Typically, at any price point, they are not going to last as long or as well as wovens. (Linen might actually be an exception since it is very strong, so as long as you don't get pulls in it, it will last). But some of them are definitely less durable and hard-wearing than others, even others of the same (supposed) fabrication. I.e. not all cashmere or merino is created equal.

I'm avoiding Vince Camuto -- I bought three tops last Spring, and although the designs were lovely, the fabric was definitely sub-par and started showing wear right away with pilling and elastic breaking and sticking out of the fabric. Also, one top shrunk significantly after the first wash. I followed the care instructions to a tee. I ended up trashing all three after just a few wears.

Angie - agree totally about the yakking!! But it's so hard to find and create any kind of cohesive wardrobe, totally unfair when those hard won treasures don't last!!
Ruth - very true point about informed consumers making better decisions. I do follow laundering instructions carefully but I am woefully ignorant about fabric and construction. Definitely an area I need to research. That is very good advice.
Suz - lovely sweater!! Human nature to keep it simple. If we can trust a brand we don't have to think. Seems there is no help for it, we are all going to have to do our homework on knits and fabric!!
Neatnic- bummer, especially since you were do careful on laundering. Such a waste. Sorry you had a bad experience with VC.

It's the inconsistency at every price point that drives me bonkers and in general quality at all levels is going down as near as I can tell. I just purchased a new pair of white jeans at BR and they are so poorly made compared to jeans purchased there a couple of years ago or even J Crew Factory ones from a couple of seasons back.

I spent $$ on a Line brand cashmere cardigan and it is horribly pilled and has developed a hole after less than a year of (gentle) wear. I could go on and on....

I give gentle feedback to SA's but not sure if that does any good.

I feel like I've had both good and bad quality all over the price spectrum. Even from Target and Old Navy, I have things that have held up fine for 4 or 5 years.

One specific thing I've been disappointed in though, has been the Halogen merino cardigans at Nordstrom. I have a bunch from different years, and most of them have worn through the elbow by now, including one from this year, and a few even have other holes near the neckline. I've certainly given them lots of wear, but, still, no other sweaters I've ever had have gotten holes quite like this.

Hearing about all the problems in higher-end brands really disappoints me -- it seems like extra $$$ should at least mean you can count on something that won't wear out before you're sick of it!

Aubergine, so agree with you!

I too am appalled at the inconsistency in terms of quality, especially in brands where you would expect some for the price.

I don't "avoid" any place now, but proceed with caution in Talbots, Tommy, Gap and Guess. I also ventured into a shop called Cleo lately where I found great discrepancies in quality. Some items were not bad, others terrible.

The first name that came to mind with your question was Zara, but I agree with others, over there you almost have to expect clothing to be cheap and to not last. So I do avoid the place when shopping for staples, which is what I tend to go for in the Winter. It's in the Spring and Summer that I tend to waste money at Zara, for "fun" clothing pieces.

For the moment I am still very happy with the quality from my favourite shop, Marciano... hope it lasts.

April, I definitely agree that wovens are easier to tell the quality than knits are, whether you're talking about sweaters or tshirt knit.

I find that fiber content makes a big difference in how something lasts after being laundered. Natural fibers are great for certain things but sometimes a little synthetic mixed in will keep it looking newer for longer. I love cotton sweaters with a little nylon mixed in; they don't bag out or pill nearly as badly as 100% cotton. And one of the reasons I tend to avoid wool sweaters is that the quality of wool I can afford seems to pill sooner or later whereas some of my cotton, rayon, and linen sweaters I've had for years and still look new.

gryffin -- from WAY up thread: I DO think belly holes in knits are from kitchen counters, esp. stone counters. That seems to be the consensus from ths.gardenweb's Laundry Forum. Both DD and DH wear a lot of knits, mostly thin tshirts, and they get holes at the level where the knit touches the counter when doing dishes or anything else at the counter. I wear an apron almost all the time at home so I've mostly escaped the holes except for those rare times when I've gotten careless and gone without an apron. I don't recall whether we had a problem with tiled counters; we have had soapstone ones since about 2005.

Mia - you've hit the nail on the head. There is no rhyme or reason to the poor quality. If we can't count on price point to guide us (and for those of us who really can't evaluate fabrication) and if brand loyality does not guarantee a good purchase what are we to do? So frustrating!!
Aubergine- so disapointing about those Halogen sweaters!! I have several merino cardigans from EF (she consistently puts out tunic length) and I've had good luck with them. 2 years and looking good. I so get a few pills but nothing much and certainly no holes. I've been happy with the quality. Her price point is high but you can often get her stuff on good sale if you are not in a rush.
Krishnidoux - glad you actually have a favorite shop that you are happy with!! I think most of us are still searching for that!! I have had good luck with certain Zara items - I bought a cropped quilted leather jacket (other than a small ding that they repaired but I did not notice (not nice Zara!!) I've been happy with it and and oversized leather vest. But I bought several sweaters and returned them due to quality. Since I have to buy online I've been trying not to visit their site, since their aesthetic is divine, so I won't be tempted. I did but a coat, which I love but the fabric pills horribly!! Must replace!!
Laura - those are great tips and thoughts. Nylon seems to be the fiber of choice in the mix. I did not know that she I am grateful for everyone who chimed in about that. I do find on tee's a little synthetic does help them hold their shape and wear better. Thanks so much for the intell!!
Donna F - that is really interesting. I had no idea. I am the princess of dishes in my house. Honestly, I usually come home and change into "lounge wear" - (tunic sweatshirt and leggings) so I don't use an apron although I should!! But I never noticed that it caused any damage. Thanks for sharing that tip Donna - I will certainly be on my guard and wear an apron if I am wearing anything more fragile!!

Thanks Gryffin, that's exactly it. I purchased some tops from "Velvet" today.
Made in USA and from a small boutique where I have liked things I bought in the past. Fingers crossed.

Good luck Mia!! Hope it works out. I've heard good things about velvet so fingers and toes crossed too!!

griffin-so disappointed that you are throwing in the towel on Lafayette 148...love their suiting and have zillions of their slim trousers sold exclusively at Nordstrom...BUT I tend to agree with you (sadly) For me this is an expensive line which I have been loyal too. I have found their suiting gets shiny far too easily. My cleaners steam but they don't press their stuff and yet...SHINY! I just can't afford this and their sizing is getting weird very much caters to vanity sizing when I wear an 8 vs. a 12 something is off kilter.

In addition Michaels Kors seems cheap and sizing is weird. Almost everything carried at Macy's...what is their stuff made of anyway???

Carrie - I can see why you love Lafayette 148 because they are one of the few companies that makes nice suits. I am a brand loyal girl and I was so happy when I thought I finally found a good one. I have not even pressed that jacket or steamed it and the elbows are shiny. Their clothing is just too expensive to show that kind of wear after a couple of outtiings. They also seem to cut more for an hourglass shape. I'm usually a size 4 and total rectangle and I ordered a dress and pants and needed to return. But they are one of the few companies that makes some long jackets and this was a major bummer. Sorry to hear that you are having "shiny" problems too. I was hoping it was just me and that jacket. I've don't think I own anything by MK but sorry to hear that you are not having luck. Our Macy's quality has really declined in the last 10 yrs. I rarely surf it other than the men's stuff which still seems to be fine. Good luck on the hunt!!