Are clothing manufacturers skimping on quality? Or is this just the current trend (color, product)

[gosling]

It seems the trend for the last couple of years is very thin material for blouses and tops. Everything is so thin and revealing and requires a tank top or something worn underneath. However, prices for these items are still very high. Retailers like this because they can sell two items instead of one. First the blouse, and then whatever is sold to go underneath. I find this in every major retailer in which I shop. Is this just the current fashion trend or is manufacturers skimping on quality?

[ConeyGirl52]

I guess a little of both.

I wear a lot of Calvin Klein tops. As long as they are a darker color or pattern its fine, but its very hard to find a white or blush color that doesnt reveal a rather detailed representation of the bra beneath it. In fact, I have yet to find a white shirt that doesnt have this problem, regardless of brand. In some cases you can see right down to the hardwear joining the straps to the bra. The roll-up sleeve shirts are a whole 'nother animal. They are mostly sheer. Too sheer for my comfort anyway, regardless of light or dark colors.

On another note, I like to wear machine washable clothes. My issue with dry cleaning is that Im sitting there for 8 to 10 hours with dry cleaning chemicals leeching into my skin. Ew! Dont want that!

Although they say they need to be dry cleaned, the sleeveless pleated neck CK tops can be washed on the gentle cycle. I learned this by accident, reading the instructions after I had washed one.

Same with blazers and jackets. I find LRL to be better quality than Tommy Hilfiger consistently. I recently bought a TH blazer that was machine washable. I didnt notice before I washed it, but the lining is a total mess. Its like it was intended for a much larger jacket, and the jacket did not shrink at all. The sleeves end off at a weird angle, and Im not sure if that's style, or just another aspect of the poor craftsmenship in the product.

This is not the first time Ive been disapointed by the quality of TH. The overall style is decent and many times classic, and although I have a couple pieces I have enjoyed for years, I dont think I will be going out of my way to purchase more of his stuff.

As for problems with contruction, I think that has happened mostly since the bulk of clothing manufacture has been jobed-out overseas. They just dont care and are working on production numbers.

If the sheerness is style, I cant wait for that style to change.

[cb at sea]

Yes..it's cost cutting. I hate the new stuff!!!

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by ConeyGirl52

On another note, I like to wear machine washable clothes. My issue with dry cleaning is that Im sitting there for 8 to 10 hours with dry cleaning chemicals leeching into my skin. Ew! Dont want that!

Look for dry cleaners that advertise that they use environmentally-friendly chemicals. There are "alternative" dry cleaners that get the job done, but without the toxicity.

[jade408]

100% agreeed. I do not even try on white or light colored tops anymore. It is like a free show!

I am excited when I find something that seems well made.

[RoseLikeAnyOther]

Yep I remember talking to someone about this. I'm not sure if it's because of the hit our economy took years ago, but the quality of clothes has gone down hill because they are using cheaper materials. Such a shame!