I have just discovered Matalan...

[ellesabe]

Today I bought a pair of white flip flops with metallic detail, a bright yellow jumper (both of which Id been looking for for AGES) and an enormous beach bag which was a perfect match to some pumps I was wearing.

All for £15...Why have I never been there before???

This could be dangerous!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

It is very cheap but for me that raises questions about how the goods are produced especially in light of what happened in Bangladesh.

I'm sorry to be a killjoy and feel free to ignore me totoally.

[Juniperdewdropofbrandy]

We shop there out of necessity sometimes but I agree with MrsCB their ethics are questionable? Especially after the collapsed building.

But you did get some bargains and it's nice you're happy. Are you going anywhere nice?

[noisytoys]

Matalan is rubbish one wash of the clothes and you will wish you hadn't bothered. The clothes go bobbly, out of shape etc not good quality at all

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I feel bad now for raining on your parade so to speak.

And what is 'totoally' - I meant totally of course.

[Megsdaughter]

See I have bought from Matalan and some of the stuff has neen brilliant.

I am still wearing a summer top I bought 6 years ago, and its still going strong.

A blazer that is probably older than that :)

[JollyGolightly]

It's so hard when life is expensive and cheap fashion jumps up shouting "over here, buy me". I just took back a load of freshly purchased, much needed basics to primark after the factory collapse, but I still reeealy need leggings and vests, can't exactly get those from charity shops, and have very very little to spend, so where do I go?

[MrsCampbellBlack]

New Look seem to be one of the better retailers from reading the thread on here about buying more ethically.

[noisytoys]

I bought vests from new look this week. They were a very good fit but were £6.99 each which is quite a lot for basic vests. Worth it though for the amount of wear you get from it

[landofsoapandglory]

I buy loads of stuff from Matalan and it lasts far longer than one wash! My kids are wearing their chino shorts I bought from there 2 summers ago (men's sizes). DH rates their socks because they actually go up to size 14. Their bras are fab for the money, my Mum is large of nork and can often pick up a J cup in there for a lot less than anywhere else.

I bought this style skirt a couple of weeks back, but it is cream with thin black stripes. It hangs so well and is so, so comfy I am going to buy the grey and black as I am so pleased with it.

[itsnothingoriginal]

I don't shop there regularly but do like Matalan - especially Falmer jeans as they seem to fit me really well.

Don't go for their kids clothes much though - especially the older kids ranges.

[NotTreadingGrapes]

I have some cropped jumpers (totally acrylic obv) which look and feel like Nigella's cashmere jobbies.

I got them for £3 each in the Christmas sales and have 6 of differing colours. I look fab in them.

Dp always fills his suitcase full of their cargo trousers for work when we are over.

[newgirl]

I got nice shorts and jeans for kids there - some naff stuff but hey so has m and s

Good for kitchen stuff too

[threepiecesuite]

They have some lovely plain jersey dresses in atm. Also the nightwear is very good and cheap, the selection of bras is great and the slippers are fab. I got a great bikini for £8 which looks very flattering on.
I got some plastic bow flip flops for on hol which look cute on.

[sarahthesolicitor]

Matalan is great and always worth a look.

I love their multipack socks - 5 for £4. Really comfortable and wash well.

[sarahthesolicitor]

Pyjamas are good too.

[Fairylea]

I love matalan. Dc stuff is great too :) brought my 11month old ds a whole new summer wardrobe for about twenty quid! Brilliant :)

I find it better quality than primark .. cotton seems better quality and everything washes and wears well!

[Back2Two]

Matalan have been involved with and were recently supplied by New Wave, the Bangladeshi company whose factory collapsed last week. Doesn't mean don't shop there, but we need to be aware and have a conscience.

[TollgateDebs]

I've a number of items from Matalan and some a few years old and they have all performed very well and are often mistaken for much more expensive brands. I'd certainly rate their clothing way above M&S and Next for instance, which seem to metamorph into dusters whilst in the washing machine!