What are the best-quality clothes you've found?

[LavenderHills]

Inspired by the British brands thread. I notice we all talk about declining quality in popular clothing brands, and how we'd be prepared to pay more for really well-made clothing that lasts.

I want to know, are there brands that you think DO make great quality stuff? Not just British, it can be from anywhere. I've recently vowed to spend more money on fewer items of better quality, and I need some inspiration!

Oooh looking at cos now and it looks lush..
I bought a cardigan from there once which was super comfy, but lost it on the train and have been looking for a replacement!
Anyone know what the sizing is like in cos?

I really like dvf dresses, but I tend to buy them second hand from eBay because I'm cheap

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere (Scottish I believe), any feedback on that as it's a new brand to me but appeared promising?

I only have vintage ( and not cashmere), but very good quality. They used to have a mending service, maybe even still do.

Thanks Callar, in my so far limited research I did see there's a bit of a vintage trade in their men's wool jackets (which look great for women going by the fit).

chewie, COS comes up large. Size down one or two if you're petite and it's not a very fitted style at the waist. There's always a bit of a shouty match around COS about whom it does and doesn't suit, IME it has the most diverse audience in age with a huge range of body types it'd just a matter of finding what works for you, I don't find it a singular place for the titless waifs as it's sometimes made out to be. It does help to go in store to get a feel for it rather than shop online due to their very ehm 'conceptual' presentation style and non-traditional fit.

Remembered a few more worth mentioning, Joseph, always forget them but very good. Recently came across Enlist in TKMaxx, quite a new brand, previously only did menswear but they've carried that same ethos of functional basics in high-quality fabrics with them to the women's wear line which looks promising. Another new found brand that left me impressed is Totême (Swedish via NYC), luxe basics with an easy feel. The Mango Premium line has also impressed me in the past, the price is really in the fabric and contemporary cuts, never seen it in store though, I usually order it from their outlet at a great discount. Zara also used to have a more spendy Studio Line but I think it's gone and disappeared without a word.

One brand that hasn't been mentioned is me + em. I bought 3 ruched dresses about 4 years ago. Pretty much lived in them each a/w and still look brand new. I would also say Zara suits. I have jackets that are 10 years old from there and one of them I pretty much wear for continuously. It outlasted the Armani jacket I bought.

Interesting about Zara tailoring. I've had other stuff of theirs literally fall to pieces so I'd written them off but I recently bought one of their jersey jackets in a charity shop and I'm impressed. It's about 90% cotton, feels substantial and really keeps its shape well. Maybe they subcontract the tailoring to people who know their stuff?

I know exactly what you mean Floisme. I wouldn't recommend their longevity for anything else, but definitely have proof that their tailoring is pretty good. Or at least it has been!

I've never bought Zara tailoring (no real need for tailoring in general) but have always admired the skill level of them for the price point, though I suspect there is a bit of buying the right fabric involved.

I would add that the highest priced winter coats are worth getting there. Have had a few over the years and they remained in great condition throughout the years, would recommend keeping an eye on the buttons though or preventatively redoing them yourself. Have always thought that on the high street Cos and Zara do the best value for money long lasting winter wool coats.

Botemp - I like Johnston's of Elgin knitwear. It is a little pricey for me but good quality. Can I ask which department store is selling it? I'd like to check to see if it is more affordable.

I've bought a few scarves from Johnston's the quality is excellent. They used to have an EBay shop not sure if they still do.

I'm in the Netherlands so the department store is de Bijenkorf, they only deliver in the Benelux AFAIK but they're owned by the Selfridges group so they may be selling it too? I fell in love with a Cashmere beret of theirs but unfortunately it's for larger heads than mine but it seemed so lovely and soft I felt it warranted looking into more and thanks to all your responses here it seems to be

Cos and jaeger and both good quality.

Thanks. I was hoping you were going to say House of Fraser, Debenhams etc. The beret sounds lovely.

Can I put in a mention for Scott & Scott Cashmere.I've just ordered 3 pieces on Brand Alley and they were so thick and soft I've ordered 3 more items.I think it's the best quality cashmere I've bought in years as I really can't afford Brora prices.I'm more of a Tk Maxx cashmere aficionado.

Out of brands - Zara, Gap, Primark, Mango are the best. Then Hobbs.

Out of everything I own - the clothes sewn by local Indian tailors using local Indian fabrics have lasted the longest. I have silk sarees that I inherited from my gran that I’ve lasted 80 years and I’m still wearing!

Jaeger
Maxmara
Pure
East
Hobbs
Jigsaw
Massimo Dutti
Some of tkmaxx own brand types have good quality lines - I've just been replenishing my knitwear from their pure merino ranges

Hobbs and Madison ditto are the sort of brands that I feel 'should' be good quality but the work wear I have bought there recently has been rubbish. Seams faking apart after a few washes. Not good! Whereas I have only been accumulating proper workwear for a year or so (when I got a proper job!) and j crew is my absolute favourite. Amazing knits, tailoring, and work - appropriate jewellery.

Falling apart obviously.

And a max Mara coat is on my Christmas wish list

Another vote for the Maxmara group of labels. I have two Marella coats that still look as good as new. One is in double faced lined wool, whilst the other is unlined wool. I've also got some great bits from Sportmax and Maxmara mainline.

J Crew are pretty good, and use some excellent fabrics.

I've never been disappointed in anything I've bought from Winser London.

Finally, some Autograph (M&S) garments are beautiful quality. You just have to seek them out. I have a white top, this summer's range, in lovely white cotton with a proper french seam at the front.

But I'm a bit lukewarm about Pure. Their cashmere bobbles very quickly.

When Autograph first launched at M&S, their stuff was pretty pricey but amazingly good quality - I had a long straight skirt made of very supple and pretty tweed that lasted for years - wish I'd held on to it but sent it to Oxfam in a fit of minimalism!

Don't like COS stuff for me, but can see that it's good quality on the whole. One of my most stylish friends practically lives in their stuff.

I’m going to repeat many names mentioned already, but it is a testament to those brands.

High street: Cos, Uniqlo for basic cashmere, lightweight down, and Heattech. Whistles has worn well for me through many seasons. J Crew basics. Massimo Dutti - everything is good.

Better High street: zadig and Voltaire for blazers and trousers. Jumpers there are ok, but T-shirt s are not good. Ganni for casual dresses. Joseph - love their jumpers, shirts, and trousers, as well as coats. Rag and bone for blazers and ankle boots. J brand for jeans. James Perse t shirts.

Deisgner: Max Mara coats. Hermes for silks, leather goods, stoles. Lori piana for coats and cashmere. Alaia for skirts and dresses - he is a genius.

I bought a St Micheal cotton shirt from a charity shop the other day. SO GOOD QUALITY. It will stand the test of time. They just dont make stuff like that anymore.

On the high street the places I most frequent are Cos, Massimo Dutti and Uniqlo. Zara I also love, but you have to be careful as there is a lot of polyester. I really like their tailoring - most of my jackets are from there, and I've got one of their jersey ones that I've been wearing for years without any bobbling.

&Other Stories - good dresses and jumpers.

Mint Velvet is usually one of my go-to's as well, but have been underwhelmed by the colours, shapes and surfeit of polyester of late.

One of the independents near me stocks Emily and Fin. Really good quality cotton dresses and tops.

Also a mention for Comptoir des Cotonniers. I have only recently retired my cotton mac from there - fabulous quality. I've also got a lightweight navy cardi that I have had for ever and which is only now starting to show its age and fade a bit. I can't bring myself to retire it as it is a fabulous weight and shape and goes with everything. I keep checking to see if they've had anything similar but they haven't sadly. Brilliant styles and quality all round I think.

My last Pure cashmere jumper and bobbled on first wear.

I have had mixed experiences with Bowen cashmere--darker colours lasting better. Ditto Uniglo.

Agree about Jigsaw fine knits being disappointing sometimes, although the wool and silk blends seem better.

I agree re Pure. It bobbled so quickly.