To think “good-quality” has become much more expensive these days?

6 replies

ByBoldHedgehog · 25/04/2026 12:05

It feels like the threshold for what counts as
"good quality" has gone up quite a lot in income terms. Clothes have become cheaper overall but I don't think the quality has kept up - if anything, it feels like it's declined. I also feel like shops that used to be known for solid, long-lasting pieces aren't quite what they were.

AIBU? Maybe I’m just looking back with rose-tinted glasses?

OP posts:

Crushed23 · 25/04/2026 12:40

Yes, that’s why headline inflation figures are meaningless.

It’s not about how much more Reiss is charging for a dress than they used to, it’s that the quality is now dogshit for the same price (actually much more, but you get my point).

dottyaboutstripes · 25/04/2026 12:27

Prices of anything decent have gone completely bonkers, we were just saying this here. I mean, I’m middle aged and have money so I’m happy to buy fewer but better quality items yet I baulk at nigh on £200 for just an ordinary summer dress from stores I prefer. Ugh

dudsville · 25/04/2026 12:23

But this isn't a new phenomenon.

dudsville · 25/04/2026 12:23

This is the reason I don't want to replace my 100 year old roof and decades old kitchen. I can't afford to replace with the equivalent in quality with today's prices so I'm holding out for as long as I can.

newornotnew · 25/04/2026 12:20

You are describing what is known! Quality is lower, prices higher.
Both retailers and consumers play a part - many consumers choose new things rather than long lasting things, and retailers want to sell more items.

If you do want good items they can be found with effort.

Sux2buthen · 25/04/2026 12:14

Shit quality is also expensive 😂 it’s tough times unfortunately

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