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Original poster

Why is the quality of everything so shit?

364 replies

Notcontent · 05/04/2021 09:34

So tired of this. For example, recently bought sine flannel pyjamas from Hush. They arrived and looked lovely and cosy - great, these will last me for years, I thought... I look after my clothes - wash at low temperature, low spin and air dry. I have washed these 3 or 4 times and the fabric has become really rough and slightly bobbled - they look like I have washed and tumble dried them about 100 times.... Same with a jumper I bought in uniqlo.

This did not happen with clothes I bought 20 years ago. I know it’s the quality of the fabric. Grrr...

OP posts:
Shannith · 14/04/2021 19:47

Post some photos. Not knots. I could tie some knots and post photos of them if you'd prefer.

AnnieSnap · 14/04/2021 19:50

At the risk of being pelted with Tomatoes by Boden haters. I find their clothes wash and wear really well.

AnnieSnap · 14/04/2021 20:12

@Toomuchleopard

I totally agree. My office is freezing due to windows/doors being open for covid reasons. I realised most of my jumpers made of man made fabrics were not warm enough so I decided to get some new wool ones. It’s actually really hard to get hold of good quality wool jumpers and the price is very high. I got a couple from Celtic and Co which are lovely and very warm and wash well but we’re about £115 each which is out of reach for a lot of people.
Seasalt have lovely wool jumpers, usually £80 or £90
AnnieSnap · 14/04/2021 20:33

For day-to-day knickers, I really recommend Wirapa (available on Amazon). They are amazing fabulous quality. A thick cotton, with elastane, in a range of styles, so comfortable and last, looking new for years! I recently lost weight, so bought more (the quality is as good as a couple of years ago). Sadly, my larger ones are still like new, but have to go into landfil, or be used as dusters because charity shops don’t take knickers!

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 14/04/2021 20:37

Shannith, so many many people have blamed me for their Cos habit.😁

MyCatHatesOtherCats · 14/04/2021 20:38

I’m kind of glad it’s not just me. I think it’s gone downhill in literally just the last few years. I’m reusing baby stuff from 2015 at the moment and the quality compared with stuff I’ve bought in the last year is notable - and it’s the same brands. TU kids clothes have definitely gone downhill. No way could I pass on stuff I bought this time round if it’s been worn and washed each week, even over just a few months, whereas I have unbobbled joggers from DC1.

YukoandHiro · 14/04/2021 20:40

Totally agree. It drives me mad.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 14/04/2021 20:46

What l want to know is this:

If Cos can do it at a reasonable price why can’t anyone else?

TheBullfinch · 14/04/2021 21:11

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow

What l want to know is this:

If Cos can do it at a reasonable price why can’t anyone else?

They can, they just dont want to as it eats into the shareholder profit. They run the shop into administration, leaving their debts behind, then open another with a different name. Start off well, gain a good reputation and following selling quality goods, then slide into poor service and shit products.

Exactly like builders. It's the new way to do business.

Eyevorbig0ne · 14/04/2021 21:21

The only decent quality stuff for me is Nike, Adidas sportswear. Fits well, sewn well, lasts for years with no splitting fading shrinkage or bobbling.
But... Sportswear is not cheap. But to me, it's excellent value for money.
For normal clothes, I struggle with crappy dishrag, poorly finished, fussy details like frills on most of the clothing. I never pay full price... And rarely see anything I like.

AnnieSnap · 14/04/2021 21:29

@Berlinbabylon66

I bought 2 tops from Baukjen last year when there was a discount for NHS staff/key workers. I couldn't have afforded that normally, 1 is good quality, the other not so much. Certainly not worth £60s each ! I've had 2 decent tops from Seasalt, again discounted. Nice thick material but the patterns are a bit meh.
Baulkjen are still doing the 40% NHS discount. I bought lots of stuff from them since September last year and it’s all been good quality. Have you returned the top you felt wasn’t?
TheBullfinch · 14/04/2021 21:41

@Eyevorbig0ne I'm the same. Hardly ever see anything I like, that would suit me, i.e. v-neck, quite straight, plain colours, natural fabric etc.. It's all mustard flares or polyester tops with balloon sleeves and high necks with frills. Like the worst of 1970s fashion - anyone remember crimpolene floral nighties?

daisychain01 · 14/04/2021 21:53

I took issue with White Stuff recently, on Trust Pilot. In fairness to them, they got back to me quickly and I had a Zoom chat with their Design Director, who was very receptive to my opinion that their quality has really gone downhill.

I showed her some of my WS clothes from a few years ago which are still in good condition because the quality was great back then. She said that COVID19 has caused major supply issues with their best fabrics unavailable overnight due to manufacturers grinding to a halt.

It will be interesting to see if the remaining companies left standing post-COVID will go back to basics and focus on priorities such as quality and service when the dust settles.

FANTINE2 · 14/04/2021 21:53

People also being conned in an emperor’s
‘ new clothes kind of way by the myriad of polyester loving bloggers/ Instagramers!

daisychain01 · 14/04/2021 21:56

I told her that White Stuff won't keep their loyal customers happy offering us dungarees, ffs I wouldn't wear those ridiculous things when I was 17 so I'm sure as hell not going to wear them now. Nor blouses with stupid fussy frilly bits round the neck and cuffs in viscose, the devil's own fabric.

daisychain01 · 14/04/2021 21:57

All the cheapo fashion I see advertised on MN, urgh rubbish, wouldn't give it houseroom!

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 14/04/2021 22:02

I don’t believe White Stuff about Covid.

Cos and Arket are also dealing with Covid. It’s not affecting them.

I bet the quality doesn’t improve!

woodhill · 14/04/2021 22:06

@daisychain01

I took issue with White Stuff recently, on Trust Pilot. In fairness to them, they got back to me quickly and I had a Zoom chat with their Design Director, who was very receptive to my opinion that their quality has really gone downhill.

I showed her some of my WS clothes from a few years ago which are still in good condition because the quality was great back then. She said that COVID19 has caused major supply issues with their best fabrics unavailable overnight due to manufacturers grinding to a halt.

It will be interesting to see if the remaining companies left standing post-COVID will go back to basics and focus on priorities such as quality and service when the dust settles.

The fabrics were poor before this. Tops developed holes etc
PresentingPercy · 14/04/2021 22:10

Cos and Arket are owned by H&M. Massive retail giant! They have huge purchasing power. They are not little independent minnows!

13579db · 14/04/2021 22:12

Agree

My latest thing is to keep clear of fast fashion chains who always disappoint and instead I search online for preloved pieces in quality fabrics

So far so good & usually they're still in really good condition because they are premium natural fabrics - mohair/wool/cotton - not man made polyester etc

PresentingPercy · 14/04/2021 22:15

I would not say White Stuff has ever been decent quality. Thin fabrics and pretty boring design year after year. You know what you are getting but it’s not fashionable and it’s not high quality. Never was.

Cowbells · 14/04/2021 22:16

I search online for preloved pieces in quality fabrics

I was looking on Etsy today for vintage Indian print 1970s dresses. They looked so fresh and new. Such good quality.

PresentingPercy · 14/04/2021 22:18

My DD tells me there’s a whole new world of very expensive clothes that rich women buy but never wear. There are outlets that sell them. They are not high street but the quality is guaranteed. I don’t want to wear old pre-owned and worn but unworn is totally different. Brand new shoes too. Apparently people are ruthless - if they haven’t worn it, on sale it goes.

TawnyPippit · 14/04/2021 22:31

I was thinking about this earlier. My 17 yo DD is buying most of her stuff from Depop and Vinted. She bought a skirt recently, which was too large but I said I would be able to alter via the side seams, as it had a centre back zip, which I did this afternoon. It was just so well made. Very heavy woven check cotton (90%+ cotton). Wide seams, properly finished edges. A separate well constructed waistband, with decent interfacing. The whole thing was just made generously. The skirt had a Clockhouse at C&A label. DD paid a fiver for it.

Shannith · 14/04/2021 22:54

[quote TheBullfinch]@Eyevorbig0ne I'm the same. Hardly ever see anything I like, that would suit me, i.e. v-neck, quite straight, plain colours, natural fabric etc.. It's all mustard flares or polyester tops with balloon sleeves and high necks with frills. Like the worst of 1970s fashion - anyone remember crimpolene floral nighties?[/quote]
Cos. Just saying. Their v neck white t is excellent and £17.