Is anyone else finding Boden hugely overpriced and largely unwearable now?

[OompaLumpaLabrador]

Until recently, I loved Boden clothes and bought so much from them. I know they aren’t for everyone but the plainer, more classic styles did the job at work and often at home. Advice found some unusual, beautifully designed gems too. But, oh my gosh, there is not one of the voluminous, frilly floral dresses or randomly captioned, nylon-heavy knits that I can bring myself to consider. I did get a couple of frocks delivered, but at £120 with flimsy unlined fabric I would get batter value from wearing my living room curtains. When I think of some of the gorgeous, quality clothes I bought from there ten years ago (Andy still wear), it’s really unfortunate. Luckily, I’ve discovered the clearance section on the Hobbs site so there’s life in my ‘staid with style’ look yet.

Anyone else given up on Boden, or maybe I’m just getting boring in my old age?

Yep. And I’m 34 so not due to old age! I lived in Boden after ds was born but it’s Zara quality now so I stick to Zara which is both Zara quality and price!

I’m glad it’s not just me! I’m a tad older at 43 and now I’ve discovered the Hobbs clearance section, I’ll stick with them for work and lovely coats/ jackets. And Fat Face/ John Lewis/ Uniqlo for casual.

I do think their dresses are mostly ridiculous and too far expensive. They do some stuff really well. Their swimwear is IMHO the best quality and great designs. Also I just bought this Teddy coat in blue and I love it. Admittedly, I had a NHS discount and a £10 gift voucher that made it affordable. It’s so soft and beautifully finished.

I love it, have bought so many Biden dresses this year.

*or Boden!

Yep. Ten years ago, I used to be able to source virtually my entire wardrobe from Boden (admittedly, that was partly out of laziness). There is not one thing I want to buy from there now and the fabric quality has declined massively.

@GCAcademic

Yep. Ten years ago, I used to be able to source virtually my entire wardrobe from Boden (admittedly, that was partly out of laziness). There is not one thing I want to buy from there now and the fabric quality has declined massively.

Same. ☹️

I agree. I still buy things from there but have to be very selective. The quality often isn't there and the prices are too high. Years ago it was my go-to place.

@AnnieSnap you look wonderful in that coat. What a bonny lass you are

Not sure about their other items, but I got this coat recently and it feels very good quality.

@AnnieSnap

I do think their dresses are mostly ridiculous and too far expensive. They do some stuff really well. Their swimwear is IMHO the best quality and great designs. Also I just bought this Teddy coat in blue and I love it. Admittedly, I had a NHS discount and a £10 gift voucher that made it affordable. It’s so soft and beautifully finished.

You look lovely in that

@AnnieSnap

I do think their dresses are mostly ridiculous and too far expensive. They do some stuff really well. Their swimwear is IMHO the best quality and great designs. Also I just bought this Teddy coat in blue and I love it. Admittedly, I had a NHS discount and a £10 gift voucher that made it affordable. It’s so soft and beautifully finished.

That colour really suits you, it's lovely

I agree. I have Boden items in my wardrobe that I bought over 20 years ago that are still wearable, but I think I'll be lucky to get 20 weeks out of the last top I bought.

@AnnieSnap love the sass in the first pic! You look stunning

I don't bother anymore. They cut down on the items they did in size 22 which felt like a 'do sod off dear' message and I mostly buy seasalt now. Pretty clothes around 2/3 or 1/2 the price of the Boden equivalent

I so agree. I was their biggest fan about 10 years ago - like you, not so much the twee prints but the basics. In fact, it was Boden that got me into spending a bit more on clothes, rather than just dressing myself out of discount stores and charity shops. I loved the fabrics and the quality and the attention to detail. I've still got some beautiful jackets from back then.

I look at it now, and the prices have doubled and the fabrics are synthetic. The knitwear, especially. £100+ for acrylic and nylon.

The men's knitwear has remained lambswool, cotton and cashmere, though, which I find almost offensive. Quality for the men, tat for the women? Noticed it a few years ago in the kids' ranges too - polyacrylic for the girls, lamsbwool for the boys. Why?

I still buy for the kids and some of the basics for me but agree that the prices compared to the quality are silly. Still some gems to be had but I find I have to order a lot to find them

Love your boots( and coat) @AnnieSnap

Thank you to all the posters who made lovely comments about me wearing my coat ❤️

@AnnieSnap you look wonderful!

Boden can be very hit and miss. I wouldn't say it's quality is anywhere near as bad as that of Zara though. What Boden does well is fantastic. But you have to wade through a lot of frills, ruffles, prints and hotchpotch to find it.

@GCAcademic

Yep. Ten years ago, I used to be able to source virtually my entire wardrobe from Boden (admittedly, that was partly out of laziness). There is not one thing I want to buy from there now and the fabric quality has declined massively.

Yep Totally agree

I recentjy bought 2 dresses, both the same size on the label. One was far to big, one was too tight. I can’t be doing with inconsistent sizing in mail order.

I think there are still decent plain basics to be found, I admit I only buy from the Sale section and ideally 60% off the original price. And I have to wash it all as delicate which is a bit of a faff to remember but I've got enough navy blue items to make up a wash on their own now

AnnieSnap that coat is a lovely colour and looks so cosy- it really suits you.

I got a nice boiled wool Boden coat a couple of years ago, which I’ve worn and worn. And even last year I picked up a super soft leather skirt and velvet Christmas Day dress. But this year, for me, nada.

I did flap the Boden catalogue under my 12 year old DD’s nose. I love their kids clothes. But she said if I bought her any ‘it would be a sign that you really hate me’. Luckily, DS10 is largely oblivious to the clothes he wears and still happily sports the odd novelty t-shirt.

Yup, overpriced tat now sadly. Shocking really. That said, lovely in that coat AND gorgeous poodle to boot Annie. Boden would love that shot on their 'gram.