Primark - what do I need?

[SheStoodInTheStorm]

I'm off to the big Primark tomorrow and wondering if there is anything I should be looking out for?!

Big snuggly hoody (my local is always running out so I try to check whenever I'm in as I'd like a few more!) I'm size 8-10 and buy a large and it's the perfect snuggly comfortable size. I have several of them

Agreed re towels, very nice and fluffy

Absolutely nothing.Save your money and buy from a company that doesn't exploit poor workers in poor countries.

This! I won't set foot in Primark for exactly this reason. And let's not even get into sustainability....

Their ‘posh’ perfumes are great. Long lasting and I always get compliments.

Why are people on MN so sniffy about Primark?

Slave labour, throw away fashion that is poor quality and poorly fitting and ends up in landfill after a couple of wears.

Yes to pjs and opaque tights.

Everything that sorry said.

Primark actually generally do well on workers rights etc for the people who make their clothes. Probably because there’s a lot of scrutiny on them, but even so, they still do well. It’s so cheap sustainability has to be an issue though.

Korean sheet masks, socks, their glow foundation is a dupe for Armani silk, furry lined leggings for watching kids play football in November!

Some Valium

I actually got knickers there recently. I usually go to m and s. The primark ones are very good quality for about a third of the price. The sizes are big though. I'm a 12 and got medium. They are much bigger than my m and s knickers.

Don’t the clothes in topshop and various other places that people are less snooty about come from the same factories?

I buy socks, cotton t-shirt from men department, plain knickers and slippers. Everything is worn until the very end. Pjs and night dresses do look good. I’ve bought one for DD around Xmas and it’s still in good condition.

Bedding definitely
Vests tee's
Jeans
Opaque tights
Fleece blankets

Pj’s , underwear, I buy shoes from there.

I buy

Stretchy and slouchy T shirts - Long and short sleeved
Hoodies

They don't last forever but last as long as clothing I've had from any other budget clothing retailer

Unless you are buying clothing which is certified fair trade or very upmarket British made, then most clothing manufacturers use poorly paid overseas labour.

I think the kids clothes are fab. Have had lots for DD that have been better quality than much more expensive shops.

Yes the clothes from Primark are made in same factories as other much more expensive shops.

I try not to buy new at all, if I do I try to buy good quality that will last, but sometimes that is not possible so I go to Primark.

It would be more beneficial if those saying they wouldn't shop in Primark because of exploitation of poor work could say which shops don't.

I find it confusing really. I hear so many people saying Primark are bad but read this:

Companies with ethical supply chains
Companies that score Ethical Consumer’s best rating for Supply Chain Management in the ethical and high street clothing guides:

Alternative clothing shops:

Know the Origin, Earthmonk, Beyond Retro, MUD, Greenfibres, Where does it come from?, Kuyichi, People Tree, Thought, Cock and Bull, Fashion-Conscience.com, Living Crafts Clothing, Outsider, Rapanui, Nudie, Annie, Greenabelle, Komodo, Nomads, Brothers We Stand

High street clothing shop:

ASOS, H&M, Uniqlo, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Outfit, Topshop, Topman, Wallis, Pull & Bear, Whistles, Zara, Marks & Spencer, New Look, Next, Primark

From www.ethicalconsumer.org/fashion-clothing/what-supply-chain

and I genuinely dont know what the story is.

I used to be able to rely on Primark for accessories, a couple of pairs of seasonal cheapie shoes and maybe a few tops/cardis/jackets and some undies and pjs. Every season there was something.

But I haven’t found a single thing I’d buy there for almost two years now. Went to the Tottenham Court Rd one a few weeks ago and the one in Brighton this week and it was utter shit both times. Came away empty handed. I think Primark is over.

Fleecy blankets
Cotton wool pads

It's Penneys here in Ireland. I buy:

Loungewear
The slippers with the rubber sole you can wear going to the bin if needed!
Slipper socks
Tea towels and dish cloths
Rugs/throws
Some on trend footwear that I can throw out at the end of the season
Cotton wool
Hair bobbins
Hair brushes
Catrice foundation, eye primer and Essence liquid eyeliner (as good as premium brands imo)
Tights especially the slimming opaque ones for work
V neck cotton mens tshirts for lounge wear/sleeping
Some toiletries - body lotion etc as they are always better value
I avoid their clothes because they tend to be polyester or acrylic, sizing is random and they're poorly made. Watch Justin Leconte for info on how material is cut etc in cheaper brands.

That said I'm a minimalist and go for quality over quantity, and I'm too old to slavishly follow trends, so I expect my clothes to last for years.

There was controversy about the factory that collapsed, but most factories are churning out products for multiple shops, both budget and high end. I don't think Primark/Penneys should be singled out as unethical and they did publicly improve things after that story broke. Happy shopping!

Incidentally the founder, Arthur Ryan, died last month.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Ryan

Trainer socks

Kids clothes

The odd brilliant quick fashion find. I got two brilliant jumpsuits and a gorgeous t shirt all of which I still wear.

Cheap fun belts.

Don’t bother with the scarves they look as cheap as they are in my experience.

Here's another article about them being a "green rated brand" (as they protect workers rights):

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/ethical-fashion-brands-high-street/

There's no denying they are "fast fashion" though, but that's more the shoppers poor ethical.attitude.

Primark certain still have factories in Bangladesh, Indian and other place known for poor workers' rights, along with many, many other brands.

They were also once using factories where workers were exploited. Again along with many, many other brands (including Armani), as highlighted by the tragedy in 2013 in Bangladesh. But Primark are noted as now having transparency.

It'll be I interesting to know where the previous poster quoting only exploration of workers as a reason to avoid it, I'd be interested to know where they suggest we shop.

Won't deny I agree with the problem of unnecessary landfill. It is the attitude of the shopper, throwing items out after a few wears. I certainly would discourage my teens from this throwaway attitude. Thankfully they don't have it.

I mostly second hand clothes myself - but not everyone can do that as they.would be no second-hand clothes to buy. Items I get are rarely Primark.

Bedding is cheap and decent quality. Duvet covers are button fastening rather than those awful poppers.
Towels.

Pyjamas are great and last longer than M&S whose quality has gone down the drain.
DD loves the underwear, leggings, tshirts and make up. She also rates the gym wear.