Poor quality clothing

I like Sahara, but I always go down a size, they have some nice stuff in this year.
I like Hush, but the last couple of skirts I’ve bought have been poor quality.
I’m jest sending a top back to East, ordered two in the same size, but there is a massive difference in them.
I dabble about a bit, the odd thing in Anthropology, and independent stores, but I admit the choice isn’t great, it would probably be better if I lost a couple of stone.

I don`t think we can blame Brexit for everything..
poor quality clothes were here long before that.

I haven’t bought a single item of clothing since August 2022. There is hardly anywhere in my opinion catering for the mid sixties woman. I buy sometimes from QVC and Ideal World shopping channels. I also like individual brands independent ladies clothes shops. There is a lovely one in Exmouth Devon. However I know what I like and what suits me. I’ve just bought cut offs and tops from aforementioned shopping channels this week.

Thanks for the Bella di Notte suggestion Mayisay. Just looked on line and they are rather too floral for me. I shall try Forgotten Tribes .

i always liked my jogging trousers, now i have to wear them all the time, even on special occasions as i have lymphedema and now have to wear something that is soft against my skin, the inside of my thighs are swollen and my legs are constantly bandaged, because of this i try to buy nice tops, i am also a size 22/24, shopping outside also means using a wheelchair so i try to buy online, i use bonmarche, studio and damart but even these are not as good quality as they used to be and can be very expensive. i have also found some since good quality items in charity shops, ebay and on vinted, i don't mind second hand items, i have also googled something like ladies cardigans and it has come up with a list and some are shops that i can go to and try the item on. i think us older ladies just have to shop around to find something that does not make use mutton dressed as lamb, although in saying that my mum who is 78 still buys some nice things from primark.

Try The Slow Wardrobe - linen expertly made - but the quality is reflected in the price. It’s a one garment a season and look after it choice. I haven’t worn anything out yet and have been buying about 7 years.
Gudrun Sjöden is another, but still made abroad.

BlueBelle

It’s all very well to quote all these shops but we don’t have any of them in our good sized town in fact I can only think of two in the nearby city and they are expensive shops
I do have to buy online but much prefer trying things on looking in a mirror etc and sending back is expensive
We used to have Italian styles at a market when it came to town but not any more

Totally agree - Debenhams and all the concession stores inside have closed. Hotter has gone. Joules gone. Jaeger gone ( tho I noted recently some seem to be turning up in M & S.) T K Maxx are still here but I used to be able to find some nice discounted quality items there, but not now… preference given to online now I think and the ‘rest’ ending up in store?. House of Fraser gone… etc etc… I nowadays tend to rely on Cotton Traders and Lands End online which overall imo are pretty good and value for money. For the Special item tho I’d be stuck finding anything here now ( South West Wales) !

My go tos are Roman and Mint Velvet

I think M&S have some lovely clothing,

They also do half sizes in shoes.

MOnica
I agree about knowing your body shape. I’m 5’0” with narrow shoulders and a 38F bust. 🙄 I am short-waisted, so dresses are difficult to find. I could spend a small fortune buying online and returning items! I need to be able to try on without paying for delivery!! Boundary Mill at Colne used to have a reasonable choice in petites, but last time I visited there was one rail!!
I’d like to see more ‘real’ models. QVC are very good for that, but there’s still a charge for delivery to consider.

I love the style of Joe Brown clothes, but I’ve never ordered anything because I suspect they’re designed for tall women. Does anyone have experience of ordering from Joe Brown?

suelld. We are in SWWales and our nearest big shopping town is Swansea and then Cardiff. Bit of a treck. Good Toast in Llandeilo, but not much in Carmarthen. I tend to buy online , companies who offer free returns.

I buy from Mint Velvet, Monsoon and Phase Eight. I find the quality reasonable p, although , I don’t know why, but all my cardigans, unless cotton, go bally almost immediately.

Foxygloves

Madwoman11

Buying online is a nightmare believe me! Items look lovely but when they arrive are awful and nothing like the photos

PS I successfully buy White Stuff, Seasalt, Joules, Pure, Hotter, and others online and even M&S and it is absolutely fine, but I would not touch the Chinese companies like Shein with a barge pole.

👍🏻

I, like Janeea find Roman is my go to. Can always find a few outfits there for any occasion.

I like next and TU other than that socks, undies has to be Asda yes they don’t last but there’s not much choice. I’m a recycling, reusing fanatic. Charity shops are the best, if you root carefully you can find lovely expensive clothes they just need a wash. I like to alter things, a tuck here and there. I’m currently making a denim skirt from another and a pair of jeans. There are lots of sites online that give instructions for dressmaking and restyling clothes. After all our grannies made everything. Rant over (my hobbyhorse)

TiggyW

I love the style of Joe Brown clothes, but I’ve never ordered anything because I suspect they’re designed for tall women. Does anyone have experience of ordering from Joe Brown?

I have a friend who buys lots from Joe Browns, she is 5’4” and a size 16.

I must be a real cheapskate, because I couldn't even think of buying from most of the names mentioned on here. I very rarely buy new clothes. I wear the same leggings and top (probably from Primark or at the very most, a supermarket) all week. Can't remember the last time I bought anything new. When you're as short and round as I am, there's not really much point.

Jaeger has just arrived back in Boundary Mill.
I hope it is as good as it used to be.
Near me is a lovely shop where the assistants will recommend something which suits and fits and will co-ordinate an outfit for a special occasion.

Aspiga clothes, Poetry, Ro & Zo. A little expensive but lovely and differant .

Check out charity shops, I often find Fatface, Seasalt, White Stuff and Next. For my daughter's wedding I bought the perfect dress Lauren by Ralph Lauren and for a funeral a knitted White Stuff dress.
I don't mind if they are not current designs

It's nothing to do with Brexit and, personally, I'm glad the age of cheap 'fashion' clothing has ended. The environment and workers everywhere were suffering for it.

It's best to buy less - but good quality clothes. Expect to pay more or explore the 'best' rails in charity shops, where you'll find good brands, often unworn.

I really don't buy much these days (I've got enough to last me out) except for special occasions, when I'll wear dresses a few times, then donate them.

I find a lot of good brands in charity shops. I have made a couple of bad buys, but I have just bought a next dress for £7. I have a charity shop near me where everything costs £1. It is hit and miss as to whether you find anything of use, but I found a sweater for my granddaughter which was over £300 when new. I have found some nice things in Bonmarche, and also in Choice, which sells past lines and one-offs from Next and some other brands. I only buy Clarks shoes though, but often in the sale or online. I do miss Debenhams concessions when I need a special occasion dress though.

Unless you know and trust the brand, IMO it’s very iffy buying online. In shops at least you can give the fabric the ‘feel’ test.
Two brands I trust are Seasalt and Poetry - the latter is very pricey but I do keep things I like for ages.

I used tolike Joules until it seemed to go overboard with flowery pink - not my thing at all.

slow wardrobe, their prices!!! However I have added that site to my favs, I can make those styles for a fraction using the best linen, which I have in my stash. I might copy one to make from an indie pattern that I have. They are very easy designs to make. No zips by the look of them, even a beginner could make a similar tulip summer dress with basic sewing skills

I never buy clothes these days, last was an outdoor non-wax barbour which will last me for very many years, bought 6 years ago