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Original poster

Have you noticed how expensive clothes are now?

204 replies

higgyhog · 28/03/2019 12:01

I don't have a bad income but recently everything from Council Tax to pension contributions has increased a lot. Browsing the shops for some summer clothes now and I'm thinking there have been massive price rises since last year. I used to buy Whistles and jigsaw, they are unaffordable now. I splashed out on some Mohedra clogs ( the green ones, they are lovely) and two T shirts at Toast last week, and that was £179! I used to buy two or three pairs of sandals each year but I think the old ones are going to have to last a bit longer. Has anyone else noticed that the things they like to buy are now unaffordable?

OP posts:
justasking111 · 01/04/2019 12:31

DS is a student, he sent me a picture of a t shirt. £368.00 in Harvey Nichols, no he will not be buying it.

user1457017537 · 01/04/2019 12:32

I’m with you on Primark I think it is priced at what it’s worth.

Springisallaround · 01/04/2019 12:39

I haven't paid full price for anything in years, mainly charity shop for myself, have a good eye so usually get mid-price clothes in good condition, buy jeans and leather boots new.

Everything is going up, clothes, food, council tax, everything. I honestly wonder how most of the shops on the high street survive. I am on a professional mid-range wage and if me and my children balk at the prices in the average shop, then who is paying it?

Hiddenaspie1973 · 01/04/2019 12:42

I use quidco. I got 15.95 off my Primark shop. I had to buy for my 12 y.o as she's grown out of her clothing. I don't find it pricey. But I know that there is a hidden cost.
We buy food shopping on the Debenhams card, and wait until we've got vouchers before buying clothing we need. I only buy from debs or m&s when reduced by 50% or more.
Mid range shops are dearer, but I'm happy with their quality.
Primark is obviously a different quality.

ooooohbetty · 01/04/2019 12:52

My council tax has gone up £4 a month. Not a lot. Why not try shopping at cheaper shops then you won't spend more money.

Thestral · 01/04/2019 15:10

I think another way to do it is to buy out of season - some of my absolute best buys on eBay have been at random times of the year.

My favourite ever coat is 100% wool from Topshop Boutique with the labels still attached, for £5 delivered in the middle of the August 2014 heatwave. I felt so sorry for the seller, parting with it for that price, but it's an absolute bargain and looks immaculate years on.

I also buy summer stuff in the depths of winter - I've a navy cotton maxi dress waiting for lovely weather here that I bought in January.

Redorangeyellowgreen · 01/04/2019 15:22

I’m with you on Primark I think it is priced at what it’s worth.

What does this mean though? How do you judge what clothes are worth?

I don't know how much it costs to make clothes. If they're very cheap, is it because someone somewhere along the line is being exploited (I genuinely don't know but this worries me).

user1457017537 · 01/04/2019 16:43

I think we all know that women and children are being exploited at the cheaper end of the market. It’s not like it’s a secret. There was the factory collapse in India and other incidents. I personally think Primark is priced right because of the fabrics used and the finish on the garments. I went into a large new Primark at the weekend and it reminded me very much of the old C&A.

millythepink · 01/04/2019 16:44

@poppysball, virtually all of the clothes I buy from eBay are preloved but are in beautiful condition. I don't buy anything that isn't described as being immaculate or at least in very good condition. Also I know what size I am in the brands I prefer to buy, but if it's a bit big my friend alters it for me.

Redorangeyellowgreen · 01/04/2019 17:03

I think we all know that women and children are being exploited at the cheaper end of the market. It’s not like it’s a secret.

Shock

Should we not count the human cost when it comes to evaluating what things are worth though?

I'm not trying to be sanctimonious about it because believe me I have plenty of cheaper clothes in my wardrobe. Just all makes me feel very uncomfortable.

user1457017537 · 01/04/2019 17:22

Of course we should count the human cost. However, people want cheap clothes. I’m not defending child labour but I don’t think society is ethical or even bothered it is down to the individual to make an assessment of whether or not they are comfortable.

Floisme · 01/04/2019 17:28

I’m not defending child labour
That's how it sounds.

user1457017537 · 01/04/2019 17:39

Floisme how on Earth do you make that assumption? I am not going to bother engaging because you really couldn’t be further from the truth.

Floisme · 01/04/2019 17:51

Apologies if I misunderstood your post user. It was the 'people want cheap clothes' that jarred. If you read this thread all the way through there are lots of posters saying they would be happy to pay more for clothes, but object to paying more for poor quality. Many people would like to find a solution to this.

user1457017537 · 01/04/2019 19:43

Floisme I’m sorry Flowers

Floisme · 01/04/2019 19:46

Wot no cake? Grin No probs.

XingMing · 01/04/2019 20:22

I spend money on items that I know are going to be worn year round, indoors in winter and outdoors in summer. I spend (a lot) on winter outdoor clothes because in the rural UK, the weather can be wet or chilly at any time, and I am still out everyday. But more now, I tend to buy clothes for activity, so I have a pull on skirt or a pair of ancient shorts that make my exercise wear suitable to go to the supermarket after or before. My life isn't filled with celebrity parties and I'm unlikely to get papped, but I like fashion so I refresh my regular requirements with something newer, more fashionable, or a different colour. Odd items, randomly bought, and I never buy outfits. However, I'm a lot older than most of MN and am not looking for stuff to make me look hot. My aim is edgy old biddy, in good health and decent shape. No skin, except on holiday, in my bikini, in warm water. I don't change the clothes much, but the accessories are constantly updated.

OhTheRoses · 01/04/2019 20:34

Cost per wear. I try not to buy in sales (never like it much any way). I buy up to date classics and think they last well.

Blankscreen · 01/04/2019 20:49

Unfortunately I don't think an inflated price tag necessarily means that the employees making the products get any better paid.

I think the factory that collapsed made clothes for lots of retailers. The other big issue is how the UK staff are treated. Primark are actually rated one of the best employers unlike Next Sports direct etc

Wasn't there a scandal a few years back with Nike trainers and the workers earning pennies to make £100 + trainers

Mominatrix · 01/04/2019 21:35

There are ethical companies out there making good quality basics at reasonable prices. They need to be promoted more. Everlane is one such company.

GeorgeTheBleeder · 02/04/2019 07:49

Mominatrix your link has suggested to me another reason for the relative expense of different brands of clothes. I had a look on the site and the things clearly are as you describe. But - as with a million other clothes shops - there was not a single thing that excited me. So now I'm wondering if the places I do shop from are rather forced into high prices because they know their weird offerings will have very limited appeal. I'm not sure this has ever occurred to me before.

IdaBWells · 02/04/2019 08:12

I always go for quality and have a good look around for bargains. I buy Ralph Lauren dresses and J.Crew in the sale and just buy less of everything but quality clothes that can be worn together. You can get quality natural fabrics in charity shops or online. I agree that prices of everything are going up while wages in the U.K. are stagnant. Uniqlo have high quality cotton that lasts.

My teens shop in H & M and Forever 21 (a US store similar to Top Shop).

Treefloof · 03/04/2019 12:45

Ok said I would update on eko stuff. Its arrived today.
The skirt fits really beautifully. I got the paler one, sort of teal coloured. I am impressed for the sale price of £12.
The towels feel like silk they are so soft (line dry only) so I will wash today and use as soon as they are dry and get back to you.

So far so good, really have my fingers crossed with the towels. I want to be greener and wanted to try bamboo items for ages but couldn't justify the cost when the reviews were so bad.

RedRiverShore · 03/04/2019 16:11

I buy a lot from Seasalt but only in the sale as I like the quality but can’t really afford to pay the full price but have had some good buys, I also buy brands like Seasalt and Fatface from Next sale

Rua13 · 03/04/2019 16:32

I've really enjoyed reading through this thread and I too am trying to buy better quality clothing that will last.
I live in Turkey which has a huge textile industry.Minimum wage here is less than £300 per month.Many companies like Cos and Zara manufacture their clothes here.A lot of organic clothing is manufactured in the West of the country.Seasalt is one of those companies and I have bought lots of their Breton tops very cheaply and they do wash well and last.
Monsoon make their clothes in Rajasthan in India and I've spotted Desiguel, Antik Batik and Zadig and Voltaire on market stalls in the country