Have we had a slag off M&S thread lately?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Because I went today and it was shit.

I wanted a bra. Found six that I liked. Not one available in my size.

Plain black jersey midi skirt. Would’ve been perfect but they had ONE in the entire store- size 18.

Denim maxi- they had a size 8 and a size 22.

Everything else was either a horrible colour, shape, fabric or all 3.

Why do they make it so hard to spend money there?

I get most of my clothes from there and have done for years. They are the only place to have trousers the right shape for me. They always have a variety of shapes, not just what is 'in'.

I love their cashmere cardigans, non wired bras and on-your-waist jeans. I've just bought some navy cropped linen trousers and a ribbed white vest.

The quality isn't what it was 20 years ago but I've found the same with Boden, Seasalt and John Lewis.

I find them much better now. I often see things I like now. My main gripe is that things sell out quickly. The trousers at regular length are often too long for average height people.

People who are finding lots to like there at the moment. What do you like? I just find that so many things are not quite right, even if nearly there.

I just bought ankle grazer boyfriend jeans. Nice colour, nice fit.
Really happy with them.

I’ve found a few nice things in M&S this year. Only shop online though- the stores are awful, disorganised and scrappy.

Their jeans are one of the few things that are still really good imo.

I've bought some good things from there lately. A lovely 100% cotton dress and a raincoat that I love.

For basic knickers, John Lewis anyday are my go to, now. Much heavier cotton lycra and the elastic doesn't shred after 3 washes.

I wish they'd do nude colour, cotton knickers in high leg or midi.

Well I still love the food - clothes a bit hit and miss but partly because I don't like the fashions this year- I did buy a long white over shirt and 2 simple round necked jersey t shirt dresses before my hols and they were good , underwear - I buy sloggis - so buy online

The Nonna Look! Is this a thing now? 🤔

Until this year I'd agree with you, but early on I bought a cotton /linen trouser suit, a great coat and a couple of dresses, alongside some real bargains in their sale of merrino jumpers. All have worn, washed well and all are low in manmade fibre content. In store is problematic depending on what store and I am lucky that Camberley is one of their larger stores, so bought early from a better selection than I've seen in a good few years. Underwear is still a big failure for me and shoes a poor reflection on the quality of yesteryear. I am hoping their improvement continues but I have learnt to shop for a season early and think this is a trend that will continue across all fashion retailers with stock, as they realistically don't want to discount and would rather sell out.

I don't necessarily think M&S are the only ones with stock issues. Anytime I go out shopping I find the same whether it's Tesco, New Look, Fatface etc. I just figured it was all part of the Brexit/Ukraine situation. It is frustrating as you literally can't go out for a day's shopping anymore and come home with lots of bits. You either have to identify stuff online then go a hunting (two seconds to check quality, fabric, cut versus order, pay, wait, return, refund) or as PPs say treat the shop as a showroom.

Stock availability is a different thing to the actual clothes and it sounded like there were a couple of bits that might have suited if they'd been in stock. I personally think they have improved and there is a lot of choice. The stores are so variable though, as is what particular lines are stocked in each. It has a split personality, M&S.

When oh when is their sale going to start.

The cotton midi knickers are so comfortable but have disappeared in the lingerie range

Yes, there were a couple of bits if they had been in stock - but it was just a couple of bits in a sea of horrors.

Agree re the merino jumpers - I got a lot of wear out of a few in Autumn and Spring.

I definitely don't agree. My local M&S has recently closed and I am shocked by how much I miss it. I actually feel sad when I walk past it. I can go to another but it's further away and not as big.
I've always loved the food and recently got some lovely basics. I still think the quality is better than most of the high street.

I forgot the Goodmove line. I bought a running jacket from there 3 years ago. It is fantastic quality, better than my Sweaty Betty jacket. I have had so many compliments about it and people asking where I got it from. Absolutely brilliant.

I'm lucky I live near Westfield White City which had great stock levels, but I also shop online a lot.

Multi packs of knickers very poor, I agree the trim and elastics only last a few washes. John Lewis multipack of knickers are far superior and the cotton is thicker. I find them a bit on the large side so I size down. I tried on some non wired bras last week and they were a dreadful fit. I have a few cotton summer dresses that have served me well so far this year, even though it hasn’t really been summer! I love their food hall. A mixed bag for me at M&S.

Bugger. I bought a multipack of knickers today, as I needed some non-black ones to wear under a white dress. Ah well, lesson learned...

I still love their knickers! Their thermals, merino jumpers and cashmere are also much better than John Lewis and cheaper. I also rate M&S jeans

I’ve had some nice cotton dresses from there this year (except it’s too bloody cold to wear them). Their jeans are ok and I like their flexifit stuff. I thought they seemed better this year than they have for a while.

There’s virtually nowhere else near me except M&S or supermarkets nowadays so can’t really compare them.

I like the Flexifit knickers. Supremely comfortable!

The last cashmere jumper I got from them was awful.

I’ve got a merino jumper on order, glad to hear they are good. The online ordering for collections in store has been great lately - everything arrives the next day.

I have always found their underwear horrible, with poor quality knickers that fall apart and badly fitting bras. I do like their ribbed summer vest tops though. As good as Boden and a fraction of the price. I also rate their Good Move fitness clothing - great quality and prices. I have a dress and a coat from last year which are very good, but I make most if my own clothes now, so I mostly just buy underwear, swimwear (I find Boden the best for the latter) and vest tops.

I’ve got some Good Move running trousers which I like, but the running jacket that I tried on was so tight on the wrists. I like sleeves rolled or pushed up but that was impossible.