To feel so disappointed in clothes shopping now compared to what it used to be like?

[mrsgreggspastry]

AIBU to think that there used to be far more choice and just more appealing clothes than there is now? Just everything, the fabrics, not something I pay much attention to normally, but now things just seem so thin and cheap looking. The colours, styles, choice, everything. I can remember going to the shops and really struggling to choose between so many lovely things. Now it's hard to find things I like at all.

I spend my money on Vinted buying nice cotton/ linen/ silk boden/ monsoon/ east/ markies from years gone by. I never spend more than a tenner on an item, so if it’s rubbish, it’s not a big waste. Secondhand market will be tricky in ten years time.

Surf brand bikinis are better quality than high street with good stitching and thicker fabric that doesn't go see through etc. So brands like Billabong, Roxy, Rip Curl, etc, they are expensive but come up on Vinted, eBay, etc.

It all comes from the far East so how can.. Oh forget it.

There are some great independent brands out there though- like scamp & dude, disko kids etc etc. I tend to buy a couple of investment pieces from brands like that & then get a lot second hand on vinted. Monki is really nice too, And other stories also, Warehouse is still around online I am 50 and feel like there is stuff out there for me.

I do REALLY miss Top Shop though! It was the best shop ever!

Try being male...everything is slim.fit. Size 38 inch waste varies from 34 to 40 ( and that's just marks). No one isn't a teenager. Shops have 90% female 10% male. Everything looks the same. You can never buy "out of season" i e summer clothes now till July, then winter.
I'm looking for a traditional trench coat, something you would wear in the summer...yeh no chance

Another thing I will say is some online retailers will do a years next day delivery for a tenner (or similar) and that includes free returns. If you find a brand you like, it's well worth it. Warehouse is one I use a fair bit and the delivery paid for itself quite quickly.

I love clothes shopping nowadays, a lot more than 20 years ago. So much more choice, better fit and quality fabrics. You do need to change the brands you go to if you're just shopping at New Look or something similar and expect to pay a lot more than £10 for a top.

I have finally ‘met’ someone who shops at Warehouse! I thought I was keeping them going single-handed 😏.

I do find it odd that Warehouse and oasis have kept going online, but Topshop folded.

@EvriAgain ha ha you have a buddy! It's not perfect, but a good mix of trends and classic I think. Topshop can still be bought on asos, not as big a range as before, but still a decent amount.

@Lifeswhatyoumakeit73 as a 61 year old I really miss Debenhams-

I buy loads of 90s vintage stuff from vinted. I find most clothes places are crap and the sizing is massive.
I like Adanola for gym wear and use hollister or H&M for basics, because hollister sizes better and H&M is local. But yea, overall it’s crap

Exactly. People buying from fast fashion retailers and paying peanuts complaining that the quality is rubbish. I remember having to save up for clothes. If I am spending the same relative amount in clothing now, it's good quality. People used to buy something for £25, 20 years ago wanting to still spend £25 now wondering why it's shit.

Have you tried Finisterre for bikini pants? They do a few different types and some styles would go very well with a sports bra

Yes, there is a drop in quality all round, and many, complex reasons for that. I'm not saying there aren't other contributing factors, but the UK gets the worst pick of the bunch and that is exacerbated by Brexit.

I have answered this 3 or 4 times now on this thread - check back and read my previous posts if you are interested.

You are not being unreasonable.
I used to buy a lot of clothes but now it's all either really drab or weird necklines and designs. I haven't treated myself to anything new in ages.

Lady 63 nothing for us if you are not into frumpy senior clothes. I still have 2 dresses from buy these in the late 1970s the fabric is thick, does not compare to paperthin fabrics of today. Older mom here, had DD 2 months short of 40. Used to handwash her clothes so they stayed nice, the few times fast fashion went into laundry machine it was looking worn faded misshapen. I depend completely on online shops due to health issues. Need new wardrobe due to cardiac cachexia clothes became much too oversized now.
I browse also the pricey stores but that too sells polyester. Not buying that.
Finally found some sales clothes for spring and summer to wear at home because homebound only leave house for medical appointments.
At home is midi dresses, few maxi dress, skirts, cadigans and tops.

@Whatonearthisgoingonnnn

I’ve actually just bought a same dress that I bought a few years ago but in a different pattern - managed to find one on eBay brand new with tags!!

That's what I do too. Thinking about it, we've bought more from Ebay lately than from proper shops. We keep an eye on BNWT on ebay and jump in when we see things in the same or similar ranges to things we've bought years ago and were happy with!

There must be massive amounts of lost economic activity with so many people unable to spend their money. It's not just clothes, but lots of other areas too. We'd love to spend some money, we want a new car, house improvements, some new kitchen white goods, new clothes, but just can't spend it.

Cos is pretty good for these

Thanks, I'll have a look

They do look pretty good actually, thanks

If you think women’s clothing has become bad quality try shopping for men’s clothing. I’m going to have to go abroad just to find a Summer Jacket and Blazer.
Now the Levi 501 jeans in this country are all made in China so they’re obviously all counterfeit yet the shops are still charging over £45 for them. I know they’re supposed to be made in America.
Since Gap went bust I haven’t been able to find a pair of jeans to fit me and who wants to pay good money clothes cobbled together in some Far Eastern or Indian sweatshop?

I’m always surprised by the love for Uniqlo on Mumsnet. The one time I found something I actually liked they didn’t fit well so I returned them and then they denied they’d received my return despite me having the tracking details. I emailed them the details and they then wanted to see copies of my bank statements to show I hadn’t received a refund - which I sent - and then I never heard from them again, no refund, multiple chasings etc. I just gave up in the end but will never ever order from them again.

Actually use tk maxx to get nice , natural fibres and a bit more design.

Stick to more basic items, as its normally not current season. But I'm more into 'classics' nowadays