Just where are these beautifully cut natural fabric clothes?

[Badgergrey]

I'm using lockdown as a chance to overhaul my style and wardrobe and have been following the 'how to look expensive threads.

They all talk about buying well cut and tailored clothes in natural fabrics.

That's all well and good, but where do you buy those? Especially online and if your lifestyle doesn't usually demand being dressy?

I am handy with a sewing machine and can alter clothes (but wouldn't attempt tailoring), so any suggestions for buying lovely fabrics to make my own would also be great.

Thank you

Daisy thanks for the Merchant and Mills info. They look like a really nice company but it's good to have the quality confirmed.
This is a case of trying to run before I can even crawl, but did you use a domestic or an industrial machine in the jeans making course?

I also went on a jeans-making course at Merchant and Mills (maybe it was even the same one that @DaisyBD went on!) . It was great. I learned so much. The workshop was a lovely space and the tutor was incredibly patient and helpful. We used domestic sewing machines but fairly heavyweight ones - Bernina 1008, which is what I have at home. But their jeans pattern is designed for a domestic sewing machine so should be doable on most machines. I loved the pattern, which is high waisted and straight leg, designed for non-stretch denim. It fitted without any alterations and is extremely flattering. Their patterns are excellent, really well drafted and with excellent instructions. The first thing I ever made was their Top64, and since then I've made it several times and altered it into a dress.

@badgergrey I keep meaning to try eshakti. They do made to measure clothing. Some of it is natural but it is all about the fit. I've been recommended them and I'm tempted as I am small, with a larger bust and smaller waist, and a short body.

This thread is so helpful, thank you! I'm so sick of the crap quality of fabrics and cuts on the high street. @lonelySam That website has some gorgeous dresses, thanks for sharing x

I'd love to find clothing patterns for toast style trousers. Does anyone know what might be similar?

@dudsville
Try The Maker's Atelier

Japanese patterns too
Nani Iro and Yoshiri Tsukiori and similar

Uniqlo has some good linen pieces.

It's currently closed but this shop has gorgeous natural fabrics.

merchantandmills.com/product-category/cloth/linen/

Gudren Sjoden has clothes made from beautiful fabrics. Also Seasalt. You can pick up good basics on both sites if you look past all the bright stuff.

Uniqlo pull on pants are good.

Thanks Mike, I'll have a look!

Thanks @lonelySam what excellent service you are providing! They look gorgeous, like a cheaper version of Mara Hoffman dresses.

@Niminy if it was the course in April last year I was the one going really slowly and took home a pair of jeans absolutely covered in yellow threads

The only issue I have with Merchant and Mills is their gigantic sizing - think Toast - and their patterns are also better for people with curvier bodies than mine; I'm a bit straight up and down. I usually have to go down a size and take things in at the hips. I also love the jeans pattern and while I probably wouldn't attempt it again it was achievable for a practised beginner. I can't wait for their online shop to open again - I think they are opening it every now and again when on lockdown so if you're on the mailing list they'll let you know.

I do like that kind of Toast vibe that Merchant and Mills have. I sent for the eve trouser pattern and also the 101s last time they were open. The 101s are classed as beginner so probably more realistic, especially as they have no zip which always inspired tears and doom in my teens.

Niminy are you the same poster of Ye Olden Times? Not seen you in ages but I'm sure you were on that sewing thread I was talking about!

Just realised, I was talking about the sewing thread somewhere else - sorry for confusion!

@winterisstillcoming I wondered about eshakti too.
The clothes which look amazing on all the links seem to be quite simple to make, though, so I am inclined to find good patterns and stick with those. I am way too old for high fashion, and good patterns can always be made relevant by choice of fabric and suitable embellishments or accessories if needed. Fit, fabric and colour seem to be the most important things.

NB if you aren't able to shop at M&M itself, you can get some of their fabrics at other fabric shops. Try Draper's Daughter and Ray Stitch.

Love and confuse is an eastern european company which has lovely linen. I am very tempted but unsure of how postage is working atm.

Really useful thread, I too, am always on the lookout for natural fibres. The problem I find, especially with ethical brands, is they are all very boxy shapes, which do absolutely nothing for me. I guess they have to keep the price down somehow and that means tailoring/darts etc. are
what is sacrificed.

Hello Floisme! I am indeed the same poster of olden times. Good to see you are still here.

If you want more tailored clothes, how about thing like Liberty fabrics.
Not an MN favourite ( buying for my mum), but House of Bruar has some, and they also sell Two Danes, which is a bit like Toast. John Lewis Kin might be worth a try, as might be Arket, Cos, &Other Stories.
Sahara is worth a try.
Zara sometimes has good things in cotton.
M&S usually has cotton and linen.
Uniqlo is good for basics and the quality is good, but check the lengths - I find them short and quite small. Their sizing guide is good.
Muji is another where you need to check the size carefully.I like the balloon skirt.

@habibihabibi I got a couple of love and confuse pieces off eBay last summer and they’re lovely quality

Definitely agree about expensive linen and the difference in quality. Also some cotton is beautiful. I had a Margaret Howell dress that was so sheeny and wonderful. Just wanted to stroke it all the time.

If you sew, I suggest Merchant and Mills or The Maker's Atelier patterns might be worth a look.

Oops, just realised I skipped to the last page by mistake, I see lots of other people suggested these first .
Lovely patterns, though.