Which brands do you think still make quality clothes?

[BoogleMcGroogle]

Inspired a little by the British (un)style thread. It's really hard to look stylish when you have paid sixty quid for what is essentially hankie fabric with holes (I'm looking at you Hush) or an item that gives a mild static shock if you move too much (Next, and doubly sad when I compare it with the lovely cashmere cardi I got there seventeen years ago, still going strong).

Pottering along the high street of an unremarkable French provincial town was a very different story. I expensively updated my knicker collection and the quality and level of service were a joy!

Are there any UK (or available in the UK) brands that you think still make quality clothes? I am sure that there are lots of us who would rather wear classic, stylish clothes, even if they are not the height of fashion

I think that Hobbs is still pretty reliable for quality, although I'm sure it's very un-cool. I've also been impressed with Cos and got some nice cotton summer clothes (shorts, pima cotton t-shirts) from Fat Face this year. I also have some nice items by Jigsaw, including a lovely coat.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Miaow - I’ll keep a look out for their sales!

I used to buy loads from Baukjen but can not justify full price for man-made fabrics.

@FabulousTomatoes I'm late 40s so maybe I am an older lady to you (I don't dress 'old' though if that's not offensive)
Plumo is a weird one because they just sell lots of random brands. Got a fantastic play suit in the sales once, and a Ganni skirt. Again worth it for sales (same with Baukjen).
I don't think I buy anything full price - except Sezane (not sure they do sales).

Bannana republic is no online only but really good quality.

*now

Nomad
Thought
Mudd and Water
Brora

All in the sales mind

Ergggghh I'm trying to buy a new coat for winter as my old wool/cashmere Karen Millen one has been hanging on by a thread for about three winters. I've had it relined twice and it cost as much as it did when I bought it.

I WANT A 100% WOOL /CASHMERE COAT THAT IS LINED AND FUNCTIONAL. I HAVE MONEY TO SPEND. BUT I AM NOT SPENDING IT ON UNLINED POLYESTER. YES KAREN MILLEN I AM DISAPPOINTED IN YOUR CURRENT COATS!

Plumo are a total rip off, they get a lot of their stuff elsewhere and mark it up..

Two Danes being one example of clothes they sell for huge mark up and also Scottish knitwear company .Eribe

They were so rude too when I emailed them as I did having received a dress that I then found that they were selling for £50 more than i you could buy it from the actual designers . Also non existent actual customer service .

Never again will I buy from them .. but I still get their ruddy catalogues also despite unsubscribing.. !

Yes, I was jumping on to say banana republic. Sadly Bath branch closed (did they all?). Love my merino washable jumpers from there and a good quality plain tshirt. Some of it is a bit too "work wear" for me though.

I still find Monsoon well made although I have to buy in the sale

Musicforsnorks
'.....if you shop at Zara, most of their £100+ coats are unlined...'
I have a Jigsaw coat a lot more expensive than £100 and its unlined- I hate it unlined - it kinda sticks to my jumper / blouse.

TBH, lots of `French high street brands I used to love also have really deteriorated quickly in quality whilst increasing in price. Maje, Claudie Pierlot, the Kooples, Sandro, and even Zadig are full of rough poly heavy clothes. Zara quality at extortionate prices.

I rely on J Crew, Madewell, Cos, Uniqlo, and Scandinavia designers like Ganni for everyday clothes. I find myself seeking small labels like Rico for dresses which are cute and made of silk for decent prices, and suck it up for nicer clothes and pay dearly for natural fabrics in classic styles and well made.

Oh, there’s a few brands on here I’ve not tried before. Loved Banana Republic in the US but didn’t have time to buy anything. Think I’ll give it a go. And J Crew. The clothes in ‘nice’ shops in the States seem to be decent quality, with more natural fabrics than the UK.

Arket looks cool, immensely Scandi. In Holland, I (re)discovered Marco Polo. Wasn’t cheap but the designs were lovely. Not sure where to get it in the UK though. I now regret not having a splurge.

Which French brands would people recommend? I’m going to try Sezanne. Is Agnes B still about? I used to just after their clothes in Cosmo when I was 17. Could possibly just about afford them now.

Rixo, not rico (autocorrect!)

Another great US store which, unfortunately, is not here is Club Monaco.

...but they now deliver to here!

Max Mara do lovely coats.....but they have the price to go with it
They do have good sales though...only ever buy in the sale
My younger son moved house recently and the town he now lives in has a Toast shop. That’s my current favourite..but again, only in the sale

Joules clothes (buy not wellies) last forever. Shame its so ugly. Toast is fabulous. Seasalt is ok lasting, good value for money. Hobbs professional stuff is good quality but the casual wear is made from cheaper fabrics these days.

I don't know if it's representative of the brand as a whole, but I picked up a top by Crew Clothing Company recently in TK Maxx. Very nice quality, well cut, stitched & finished, thick 100% cotton. I'd definitely look for any more items from their brand again.

Racecardriver you are right about Joules lasting forever. I have three tops in various degrees of stripe that, despite being naftastic, simply refuse to die.

A friend buys loads from Forever Unique and I have to say, it's all really good quality. It's predominantly a bit Cheshire housewives stylee but some of the dresses are beautiful.

For the money, I don't think you can beat Tu at Sainsbury's.

Place marking. 😀

I have a Joules 20% code if anyone wants it . (and Hush also )

I despair of clothing quality increasingly too and would happily pay more if it actually equated to longer lasting and better cut! Lands end is supposed to be quite good and they've got a good sale on at the moment too. I've got a tunic top from mudd and water and it's nice thick material which is washing well. Bought it in tk Maxx but hate rummaging in there.

I've rediscovered Primark recently and figured I may as well pay accordingly for the quality of clothing. Hopefully their ethics have slightly improved... used to like TU but I think the quality has tanked recently too.

Hi Mominatrix Club Monaco is actually on the Kings Rd, v close to Sloane Square

Thanks for the info - must get myself there soon! I love their things.