Cotton Traders - for what age group?

[Trinkopl]

I'm 39 and ended up buying a few tshirts and jumpers from Cotton Traders recently. Just basics in the sale, in colours that I know suit me.

Was commenting to a friend a few years younger than me and she seemed horrified, saying that's clothing for over 50s.

I'm not really into fashion or fancy brands and am quite practical about clothing. CT just seemed like a good choice for wardrobe basics for running errands or working from home.

Are they going to make me look like I'm in my 50s? Have I committed a terrible fashion faux pas?

Late 30s is hard with clothing. I can't really do the PLT and Fashion Nova stuff I was wearing 10 years ago so I just default to simple basic jeans and tshirts.

I've worked there, I'd say 55+ The towels are OK but majority of the clothes are definitely for the retiree.

Nailed it. It is for people who simply do not want to be naked.

Early 50s here. Anticipating I’m a good 40 years off having anything with a Cotton Traders label.

FFs a plain white t-shirt is a bloody plain white t-shirt. Surely the quality is more important than the name on the lablel ? I thought we had grown out of that shit by the time we left school.

That's not what that post quoted says.

The poster s saying it's for anyone who doesn't want to be fashionable.

I don't know anyone retired who buys there.

What have you got against it? It’s no different to many other women’s clothes sites.

I shop online from them and don't get paper brochures from them ever. I don't buy their fashion because I don't like the fabrics but their T shirts, sweatshirts and what they call their "base layers" are great everyday items.

The trouble with ‘fashion’ is it’s mostly made of shit material. I don’t want body odour and thrush from wearing recycled coke bottles. If you want natural fibres you generally have to look at brands aimed at 50+. If anyone can recommend any natural fibre brands, please do!

I 'm 60 and I shop for my 87 year old Mum in Cotton Traders and Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Both at my local garden centre so free parking. Occasionally I see the odd dress or top in there that reminds me of Fatface or Seasalt. But haven't been tempted yet.

But if you find something you like/need and it's good quality and fits your budget, just buy it, wear it and get on with life!

I am in my 50s and bought a couple of things from there a few years ago. Recently, the quality is poorer. I am short and overweight, and dress more for comfort than style. I don't think I would have gone there at 39, but if you just want some basics, why not? One thing I noticed was the clothes had an odd smell that persisted after washing.

I have only ever ordered online, but I still kept getting all the brochures!

If it’s generic stripe Breton style top or jeans who’d know ?
I once bought jeans from them , they lasted ages , were just a plain slim leg which was in all the shops anyway back then .
I think I also had a navy stripe long sleeve too

I have some chinos and some cord bootcut trousers from there which I got in charity shops, the cord trousers have this kind of elasticated waste that is hidden from the front, really comfy to wear but they just look like any bootcut cords tbh.

There's a scarlet letter that you have to wear on purchase 😉

very odd.

My 74 year old mum likes it, I’m not a fan

Isn't it the fashion equivalent of buying a bungalow? Definitely associated with retirees and close to death wear.

🤣🤣

I’m 53 and don’t feel old enough

I definitely would agree with the posters that say it’s down to lack of interest in fashion rather than an age thing.

i think as well even if I saw something I liked there just knowing it was from cotton traders would ruin it for me every time I’d get it out the wardrobe.

like buying a bungalow, I see it more as a "fuck this shit I will do what I like" thing

What an odd thing to say!

I've never looked at them before and I'm mid fifties. . It Def seems skewed towards an older demograph.
But the basics look fine and I'd probably wear some of the plainer/active wear stuff for at home days.

It's like most shops though, you can usually find one or two wearable things even if it's not your usual thing.

These “little old ladies” in their 70s were the first in their youth to wear miniskirts, maxi skirts, crop tops, platform shoes, punk fashion, boho …. When I was young I loved Liberty prints. Fashion is personal, not everything suits every body. It has certainly taken a dive since Covid with the rise of “lounge wear”. For the record I’m old but I’ve been amazed when Gen Z and millennial colleagues have complimented me on some of my Seasalt clothes and asked where they are from. I bought a CT denim-style cotton jacket in pink a couple of years ago. You wouldn’t have a clue where it was from.

Fully comprehend that the poster is saying that. As am I; ie people who simply wear clothes from a functional perspective.