High quality shops/natural fabrics for non-Swedish, non-architects

[PBJelly]

Hello!

I’d love some ideas of shops to browse.

I’m gradually been replacing my wardrobe with higher quality basics - so when something needs replacing or I need something new, I’ll try and get something that will last. I’m focusing on natural materials (cotton, wool, linen, avoiding plastics, ethically made etc).

The problem I’m having is that a lot of the stores I can find that sell good quality clothes (Toast, Cos and the like) have a certain ‘look’ - the Swedish Architect Now don’t get me wrong, I really love the look. But not on me.....

The others I can find a more utilitarian - workwear inspired staples (Carrier Company which has amazing stuff) which again looks great on many but not on me Or they’re very plain and basic (Uniqlo etc).

I’m tall (5 ft 10) so you’d think that I’d be a natural Swedish Architect. But I’m also a pretty petite build - narrow shoulders, 25 inch waist, size 8. And I feel drowned by the wider/more oversized styles. I just feel a bit awkward! And I want things that aren’t too plain (so Uniqlo etc is out although still good for some staples!) I’m early 30s.
I can get away with some of my outfit being oversized - like a slightly oversized jumper with slim trousers/jeans. I love shops like Sézane as they do seem to be geared towards tall and slim. Many shops that probably work for tall and slim people seem to be on the cheaper/high street end - Topshop etc, that are geared towards the younger market and aren’t as good quality.

So does anyone else have suggestions of places I could look for my height and shape? I don’t mind spending a bit - high end high street, independent brands etc. So something like 100/200 for a jumper or jeans.

Thanks so much for any ideas - would love to find some new brands

Massimo Dutti and Me and Em are popular on here, as is Hush although not as popular as it was.
Hiut for denim?

Joseph, A.P.C., Raey, Acne Studios, Filippa K, By Marlene Birger, although the latter two may be too large for small shoulders but BMB does do good oversized knits and Filippa K does good tall people neat trousers. You'd also have to be shopping in the sales mostly.

There's also Arket which is very boring but it works well for the tall.

Thanks both! Some brands I haven’t heard of so I’ll take a good look around. I don’t mind spending a bit more for a few items or using eBay or waiting for sales if I find particular brands that would work.
@Grimble69 I had actually looked at Hiut before. Unfortunately they only had one or two styles in the waist size/leg size I need - very few had 25/26 waist and 34 leg. This is the eternal problem - lots of brands are more geared to small size = shorter. I’ll keep an eye on Hiut though.

&Daughter for knitwear. They have a sale at the moment.

Probably you already use them or have discounted them but check out M&S and Uniqlo for basics, in particular their merino wool and linen. The basic pieces are too neutral to be Swedish Architect.

I did giggle at the thread title though!

Jigsaw have some lovely Luxe lounge pieces at the moment here
I've been really into Sweaty Betty this lockdown very nice material that suits me.

You will probaly find the right size bottoms to suit that are geared to 15/16 year old boys. Look at Next boys for instance that caters to that awkward size of small waist but tall.

*Probably

In the standard ranges, Hiut make your jeans to order if there are none in stock, and they are very quick to replace or refund if you are not pleased with them. The limited editions sell out in hours though, so if you see anything you want, don't dither.

@ZaraW thanks for the &Daughter recommendation, they have a great range of fitted jumpers as well as some oversized and love the designs, classic but not boring. So much so that I bought a cable knit jumper!

@DazzlePaintedBattlePants thank you - I do have a couple of bits from Uniqlo and agree they’re great for basics. But I’m also in need of some more interesting pieces!

@FlyingByTheSeatof I do like Sweaty Betty and will have a look at jigsaw, thank you!

@XingMing that’s a great tip thank you. I think the one style I liked was in a limited fabric but will definitely keep an eye on the website as love the ethics of it all too.

Take a look at Weekday. They are Scandi but I like them....

H and M do some good basics (cotton) and more interesting (in a good way) looking natural fibre bits in their premium quality range.

Thought (bamboo, cotton)
babaa (plain knits but the colours are so lovely!)
Gudrun & Gudrun (they also make other clothing items, a bit out there depending on your style)
Beaumont Organic

Not wishing to sound argumentative but the quality of Weekday is not that great... it’s ok for Sweatshirts / hoodies but the tailoring is not that good.

You could have a look at French company Comptoirdescotonniers.

www.comptoirdescotonniers.co.uk/womens-clothes/dresses

I also think some of the brands at John Lewis are worth a look. I just bought a knitted dress from Modern Rarity which I really like.

Also I’ve just discovered a site called Buy Me Once which features all manner of brands which they believe deliver high quality clothes. One of the brands will mend their items if they need repairing for example. It may or may not be to your taste but they feature a London jeans brand and a T shirt company etc. Really interesting. I have my eye on a pair of linen PJs by a company called Piglet.

Thanks for the ideas!

I’m trying to avoid fast fashion so I think Weekday maybe isn’t quite right for me, I don’t mind spending more but just want to get things that will last really well.

@Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree - thanks! Didn’t realise H&M did a premium range. I need to look into the ethics a bit but will do some research.

@Osquito - thank you. Those Babaa knits are gorgeous!

@Divebar some nice things on Comptoir Des Cotonniers - they’re not shipping to the UK at the mo but will keep an eye on it, hopefully over the next few weeks more European shops will be shipping as things get sorted. Buy Me Once is a great shout - thank you. I actually have PJs and linen sheets from Piglet in Bed and love them - soft linen and the sheets are going strong after many washes. Linen sheets seem to look good even if a bit crumpled too. Definitely recommend them

Wolf & Badger!

I buy lots from Free People. ASOS also stock them. Some things come up big though

Though not sure how long my free people stuff will last jigsaw have so many offers at the moment

Baukjen
Everlane

The clothes I've bought from Everlane haven't been great quality. Their shoes and handbags are great.

Great thread, thanks OP! Following with interest...

@ZaraW

The clothes I've bought from Everlane haven't been great quality. Their shoes and handbags are great.

Yes, the clothes are disappointing, and for all their espousing of being an ethical company they allegedly discriminately fired employees who were in the process unionising at the start of the pandemic.

I'd also agree that Weekday isn't the best quality, not consistently good anyhow, you have to choose carefully. Comptoir des cotonniers also isn't what is used to be since Uniqlo bought it a few years back now.

Bit more of an expensive rec, but I forgot to mention Lemaire last time.

Also, Ninety Percent, might be of interest if you're looking specifically for ethical choices.

Comptoir des cotonniers also isn't what is used to be since Uniqlo bought it a few years back now.

Ah that explains it! I used to live in France and bought from them all the time. Then I recently ordered some T-shirts in their sale and I was massively disappointed with both the cut and the fabric. Now it makes sense why. Dammit.

That’s weird because uniqlo t-shirts (specifically the uniqlo U line) are fantastic quality!