Where to buy quality/lasting clothes...

[Willow4987]

In an effort to be more environmentally aware, I’m trying to not buy so much disposable fast fashion

I’ve got quite a classic capsule wardrobe and in my early 30’s. As and when things need replacing I’d like to replace with clothes that will last longer, even if this means spending more.

So where do people recommend getting the basics from, that will last longer and not wear out within a few months.

Things like jeans, basic t shirts, shoes, Breton tops, jumpers etc

Following as I'm trying to do the same and same age. I've also been trying to buy things second hand where possible to stop buying new things. Lots of "as new" good brands on eBay.

I've started getting my jeans from Levi when they're on sale (or in one case from eBay). They are made from "waterless" cotton and I'm hoping they'll last well. My Joules breton tops are thick and good quality, but sadly I stained one of them so it's just house wear now! I prefer 100% cotton jumpers as they don't seem to bobble like acrylic and so last longer. I got a beautiful cable knit one from Lands End last year that's still looking new and another from Gap that time will tell.

Hoping someone else will come with good advice!

Next is the only place I’ve found clothes that actually last.

I'm going to totally disagree with user06. Next is absolutely terrible quality for the cost compared to other cheaper places like Dorothy Perkins etc.

I do like their lift, slim and shape jeans though.

I'm also trying to buy less but better, and to uplevel my basics to better quality.

Successes so far have been:

Levis jeans as Elephant says below. I've got 4 pairs now and the only pair I've been disappointed with is the black skinnies, but that's more down to shape than quality.

All Saints leather jackets - I hear that they age well, and I'm delighted with the 2 I've got so far. I'll definitely be buying another one.

Jigsaw jersey tops - they are a mixture of cotton and moral and the girl who served me said they keep their shape really well, so here's hoping!

Clarks for shoes and boots.

Boden for dresses, although I only like a few of them.

Modal not moral btw. I've not yet found any clothes which have added morality woven into the fabric.

Thanks everyone! Hopefully this thread will prove a useful source of info for anyone looking to upscale basics/buy less! If I find anything I’ll add to it also

Seasalt Breton stuff lasts ages.

Any other suggestions for jeans, BTW? Levi only seem to go up to 32 waist.

woolovers for jerseys

I tout them a lot, but Gap still do good quality basics. Wait for the saies and stock up.

Uniqlo

I think Cos is the best quality on the high street by some distance, although long term fans say it's not as good as it was.

I've recently bought some Community Clothing jeans that I'm pleased with. Made in Blackburn.

Any mention of Toast starts an argument on here but there's rarely disagreement about the quality. I've bought one dud in about 10 years, which was promptly dealt with. Good sales.

John Smedley knitwear - made in the UK. Factory shop and online sales outlet.

I second Clarks for high street shoes. If you like Dr Martens then look at Solovair - made in the UK. Very good factory shop.

My absolute favourite is Margaret Howell. It's £££ and can look quite ordinary on the hangar and even when you try it on. But it stays pristine all day and you can leave it on the floor and put it straight back on the next morning.

And no I'm not rich. I buy most of my clothes second hand these days and, for the rest, I save up.

I think it’s as much to do with how you wash clothes as anything else. Hand wash delicates and wash anything but underwear And whites at 30 degrees unless They’re really filthy

Baukjen

I love Toast clothing and am gradually replacing items in my wardrobe with this brand
I only ever buy in the sale though

Uniqlo without a shadow of a doubt.

Woolovers, Landsend and Cotton Traders do a lot of items which are full cotton or wool. One of the problems with Zara - and even the mighty Cos - is that they don’t. I cannot abide bobbling.

I've had a few Cos jumpers shrink on me, even on very low temperatures. :(

I've had one Cos jumper shrink but everything else has lasted pretty well.
I agree about Landsend - good basics, not so sure about Woolovers but that's mostly based on one buy and seeing how they look in charity shops.
One thing I've realised is that cotton and linen can still be shite.
I'm not normally a Zara fan but I think their tailoring can be surprisingly good, even when there's not a natural fabric in sight.

Cos
Toast
Jigsaw
Boden
Kin

Loving the Baukjen - are there any shops?

For occasions I have some fabulous pieces from Caroline Charles.

I agree with slipperyeel, but not just washing carefully (and less often!); also hanging/storing clothes carefully, mending when the damage is minor, ironing or steaming, can all extend the life of even the cheapest garment.

I also think we have to be prepared to pay more for quality and longevity, and save up, buy second hand or quite simply, do without if the budget doesn't extend to buying new.

Following...

I just did a wardrobe clear out and the oldest item is from uniqlo - approx 2005 - cashmere mix jumper. Still going strong. It survived the cull.

I like Cos and Arket for some basics, usually knitwear. Uniqlo is good for polonecks or vest tops. James Perse is great for T-shirts. Raeburn is good for sweatshirts/hoodies/T-shirts/lightweight jackets. And for more statement pieces, I buy from Palones. Most of my wardrobe comes from Palones or Raeburn actually. I'm addicted to both!

Charity shops! Especially if you can find something vintage and well made preferably in Britain for example the old st michaels clothing range. Or Scottish knitwear. You can also find these on eBay and Oxfam online.