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"Several years ago" is a key word here.
Currently I am volunteering in S.A. Thrift store ( a very good store at that,) and I saw what happened to the merchandise lately, since I work specifically with clothing.
Now more and more synthetic garbage is making its way there too, which has little resale value for obvious reasons - peeling and what's not.
Yes, there are some things that were hanging for decades in people's closets, but often they look already way too out of fashion ( even though they are still of good quality.)
So even Thrift Stores are affected by this sea of garbage lately, unfortunately so.
Interesting, erasure. I had not thought much before about how thrift stores are also being affected. You are right, of course, and with you being a clothing specialist volunteer for a thrift store you surely see a lot of clothing that should have gone into the garbage instead of the thrift store donation bin. In spite of the garbage that appears on thrift store racks and shelves thrift stores in my area have noticeably increased their prices over the last couple of years. Unavoidable if they want to remain open as they, too, must pay their bills. But that's another thread.
There have been lots of threads on this topic: general opinion is that a lot clothing is made overseas, you get what you pay for, etc.
And no matter how much the paying public complains, clothing manufacturers do not listen to what their customer base has to say. Their bottom line is always.....profit, profit, profit and quality be damned.
While it's true that the quality of inexpensive clothing has declined, it's always possible to get garments that are well-made from quality fabrics if one is willing to pay for them. I think the problem is that people want to own an extensive wardrobe so they will buy lots of cheap crap that lasts a season or two, rather than own fewer high-quality garments that cost more, but last for years. For the past 3-4 years, my basic professional wardrobe has been built around the two suits and four pairs of lightweight wool trousers (navy, grey, and 2 black). Each year I add a handful of new sweaters and sleeveless silk blouses. Many people will balk at spending $200-300 for a pair of pants or $150 for a blouse, without considering that all of that cheap crap they buy and constantly have to replace also adds up. The difference is that if I can't afford to buy new clothes five years from now, no one will know that my clothes are old (as long as I take proper care of them).
Totally agree.
Everything women's is all polyester! I hate, deplore poly or all synthetics.
Even the Indian tunics this summer were made out of poly. You know what I mean? Those flowy shirts that are very Boho with tassels at the neck and bollowy arms with elastic at the wrists. Ultra thin fabric, not even wearable with a camisole plus bra underneath. It's hot out! Too hot for layers. Ick.
Yes! I won't even consider summer clothing that requires layers, and I find the majority of the "cute" things I'm attracted to in the stores are see-through. Why are they doing this?? They're not going to make any money from me if it stays on the rack in the store because it's unwearable on its own. It's frustrating.
Totally agree.
Everything women's is all polyester! I hate, deplore poly or all synthetics.
Even the Indian tunics this summer were made out of poly. You know what I mean? Those flowy shirts that are very Boho with tassels at the neck and bollowy arms with elastic at the wrists. Ultra thin fabric, not even wearable with a camisole plus bra underneath. It's hot out! Too hot for layers. Ick.
You can find cotton clothing at Lands End, LL Bean, Duluth Trading, Eddie Baur and Orvis. Not all garments will be cotton, so read the descriptions. These places also have retail stores and/or outlets around the country, so if you travel or live near one, you can try clothes on there to get an idea of fit. But all online retailers post size chart links with every garment offered, so you can check bust, waist or hip size easily.
If local stores do not carry what you want, do what so many of us do. Use the internet to find what you want.
Even when having a pretty much unlimited clothing budget I didn't pay for Eileen Fischer clothing. Markup is way high and most of her clothes were way too baggy. Agreed, btw, cotton with some poly or spandex is the best, still, if you can find it.
Even when having a pretty much unlimited clothing budget I didn't pay for Eileen Fischer clothing. Markup is way high and most of her clothes were way too baggy. Agreed, btw, cotton with some poly or spandex is the best, still, if you can find it.
I just ordered some knit shirts from Boscov's, all of which are a cotton/poly blend. Just hoping I will be satisfied with them and they will fit good. Cotton/poly is my favorite, too. It's soft, holds it shape, wears well and looks good washing after washing, if cared for properly. Only downside is it stains easily but if you pre-treat with OxyClean before washing the stains will usually come out good.
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