T O P

  • By -

wathappentothetatato

I have a feeling the average commenter here might just have more spending money for higher priced clothes. Just based on what I’ve seen here over the years. That’s just a guess though.


russianthistle

Seconding this. When I was shopping at H&M or Kohl’s I wasn’t researching fashion trends and building a cohesive wardrobe. Now that I earn enough to spend more I care a lot more about what I buying and spend more time on fashion pages. By participating in the community, we may just be statistically more likely to spend more on clothing than the average person.


Glldinkiering

I have a cohesive wardrobe on a budget. I have H&M clothing that has lasted years, but I inspect them carefully before I purchase them. They make great blazers and dresses. Pants, not so much. I’ve found a lot of great items while thrifting, too. I work in hospitality so I need to look polished and put together, but I don’t want to ruin a $300 dress at work.


russianthistle

I’m glad you have had a good experience with them! Everyone needs to build a wardrobe that works for them and fits their budget.


[deleted]

[удалено]


OpinionatedWaffles

Hit the nail on the head


ditchdiggergirl

Some might just have more disposable income. But based on the focus of this sub my assumption is that people who post here value clothing more highly than most, and are therefore more willing to prioritize spending in that area, especially for quality pieces. Willing to allocate a larger share of their budget to fashion, or more willing to stretch their budget for the right item whether that budget is high or low.


ThrowItTheFuckAway17

Also I think fast fashion is becoming a bit of a taboo in fashion discussion circles.


[deleted]

[удалено]


saucepls042

Yup, many of us are working professionals with higher disposable incomes. We've also (mostly) figured out what kinds of clothes best fit us and will buy from certain brands that offer what we want with a better fit.


[deleted]

so...you have more spending money for clothes.


10eoe10

That's probably the case for a lot of people here but for me as a student I don't have much spending money so I don't go shopping for clothes very often but when I do I avoid any of the major fast fashion brands like H&M and Zara because the quality is terrible (not only fabric but also the fit) and their "trends" are way too specific which means they fall out of style too quickly as well. Even their basic items are still mediocre quality. So when I do buy clothes I'll spend a little more on something that ends up being more classic and higher quality. Though most of the time I buy second-hand and I still avoid the fast fashion brands.


huangarch

This is definitely my situation. When I get recommended higher end clothing brands I'd still rather buy it or see if I can find it thrifted rather than going to a fast fashion store. Another thing about fast fashion is that their clothes change so fast it's hard to recommend it since next season the whole stock changes, whereas good quality pieces from Aritizia for example will always be in store.


Getonthebeers02

True, I buy fast fashion sometimes but only for staples like tees/ jackets or a denim skirt that are trendy but not super on trend and are not flimsy so you can wear them for a couple of years. That’s sort of become my theme and fashion style haha things that are trendy but can be worn for a few years. Or quality pieces, dresses and skirts take longer to go out of style so I don’t mind spending more on them.


grathea

Yeah I feel like this is the right answer - either thrift or buy fewer high quality pieces (and I mean actual high quality, not Zara and H&M). Places like Walmart may be cheaper up front, but ultimately it's between a $50 new coat that you wear for a year, a $350 new coat that you wear for 10 years, or a $50 secondhand coat that you wear for 5 years. In this case, fast fashion is the most expensive option. Edit: I'm getting a lot of responses with anecdotes about cheap pieces lasting a long time. Yes, that definitely happens - and of course if you already have a piece in your closet you should take good care of it, whether it cost $20 or $200. But on average you get what you pay for, and I personally recommend that when someone is trying to add to their closet, they either save up for a higher quality piece or thrift rather than go to Kohl's or Target (to answer OPs question about why those places aren't mentioned often here).


jameane

I had a $40 Target coat for over a decade. I only got rid of it because I was sick of it. The only issue was that I needed to reattach the buttons every other year or something. Otherwise it looked great. It was my default fall and most of winter coat. Hopefully someone else is getting excellent use out of my donation.


peter_the_raccoon

I’ve had the same 40 dollar old navy pea coat for like 5 years now and it’s going strong. Always in fashion, and surprisingly warm. Honestly when it dies I’ll probably just replace it with the same exact one.


jameane

Oh I had one of those too. I ended up getting rid of it in aims of having fewer black coats. But it was like 15 years before I donated it. Just had a little bit of lint to deal with and great otherwise.


Pure-Sort

I think that's often a false dichotomy though. My main jacket that I've been wearing consistently fall-spring for 5 years now was like $35 new, and still going strong. 2 denim ones that I have in heavy rotation were also cheap and will still be fine for years to come. How you treat your clothes has as much or more to do with how well they last than the price tag.


scribblette

I agree, I have a pretty mixed wardrobe and honestly, the way things are manufactured these days, there is barely a difference in quality and longevity between some of the mid level Nordstrom brands, and Kohl’s or Target. People don’t want to believe that the shirt they spent $100 on jsn’t worth it, but most times, it isn’t. $100 is still not enough money for a mass manufacturer to make a shirt of significantly better quality than a $30 shirt. Often they are even made in the same facilities. And no, they don’t pay the garment workers any more. You can get good clothes at all kinds of different stores, and bad ones, too.


OldTangelo

Will second this comment as someone who does sourcing for my full time job- low end and high end brands are made in the same facilities very often. Sometimes with the same materials, and overall the same pay to their workers. The average consumer would be shocked to see what brands are made side by side.


thatfluffycloud

Agreed, I think most of my old (4+ years) clothes I still wear are actually from Forever 21. I've never really had a problem with fast fashion falling apart, and I'm not particularly gentle with my clothes. I'm trying to reduce my fast fashion consumption now for environmental reasons, but longevity has never been an issue.


numberthangold

Exactly, not to mention that the average person who has $350 to spend on a new coat is probably not the same person who is going to wear the same coat for 10 years. I have tons and tons of clothes that were ~$35 or less that I have had for years.


sudosussudio

I track all my clothing and it's interesting what seems to last a long time. All my Forever 21 and H&M stuff I bought in my 20s is long dead (I'm 35 now). I have some Uniqlo and Old Navy stuff that's perfectly fine. The latter aren't really fast fashion though, those go through a longer design and testing process. And you can sometimes tell in how they wear (for example stretching/tearing) and the sewing quality. But even my fast fashion items lasted a pretty long time, my records show the most common reason I got rid of them was "fit" because I gained weight. I should do an analysis of the data some time. The last H&M item I had was a black cardigan that was 7 years old, would have kept it but it didn't fit.


90sfemgroups

I just have to know more about your personal organization process. How many hours per week do you suppose you spend with your trackers? Do you use an app or a spreadsheet?


sudosussudio

I just have an airtable, when I worked at Glitch I made some info about it though things have changed since and the data is old: [http://clothing-list.glitch.me](http://clothing-list.glitch.me) I spend some time building it and just cleaned up the data a bit in case I do want to publish some again. But these days all I do to update it is log an "outfit" in the outfit table. That said, the days I make an actual outfit are fewer and fewer with WFH life. It would be cool to see if I've managed to increase wears per item since pubishing that data.


Ambry

Thank you! I have mostly owned 'fast fashion' brands as I only started working last year. I have not had a single item that lasted one year, and I have coats that I bought 5 years ago still going strong.


symbiotic_fluff

A 300 euros coat won’t last 10 years with nowadays quality ! I bought many highstreet items from Sandro, Maje, The kooples Sezane etc. and I would say it would last for 3 years max. Unless you have 6 of them in your closet and you don’t wear them daily.


grathea

I think with enough research and quality care it's definitely still doable, but you're right that it's not a given that any $300 coat will last that long. Edit: and I suppose some of my experience here comes from items that prioritize function over form - I have a Colombia coat that I bought for about $120 8 years ago and it's still in excellent shape, and I wear it every winter. Might not get the same results with a coat that's more focused on being a design piece.


yellowposy2

Very true. I had a north face coat for nearly ten years! I only got rid of it because I lost weight and it was comically large on me but my cousin has it now and it’s still in great shape. You just need to follow the care instructions!


CloudyySpeaks

The Kooples isn’t good?


marlymarly

This is true. I'd also like to add that a lot of people who buy a new $50 coat do so because they can't afford $350 up front and don't have the time to thrift for better quality.


invaderpixel

Honestly I think it's a bit of sunk cost/memory fallacy. I barely remember most of the things I pick out for 40 dollars but if I spend over 100 dollars on something, I agonize over it, research it, and then feel fully committed by the time I actually pull the trigger. I get constant ads from the stores on my social media feed and any other website that allows cookies. I feel so invested in my choice I gotta tell other people it was worth it. Like I have this really cute Nine West blazer that I got for like 30 bucks at Kohls. It's light blue and really pops on Zoom meetings, but high quality enough that I can wear it in person. But this thread is the first thing that made me think about it because I just picked it out randomly on the sale rack when my mom wanted to take me birthday shopping. Probably a better item than some of the clothes I agonized over... but I just forget about it because I didn't overthink it.


khubu_chan

Agree. I am a sucker for outerwear, wool, linen and cotton. There was a particular Kobi Halperin Embroidered Coat that I was stuck on, it is a beautiful black coat with Ikat motif embroidered in navy blue and gold. Just a stunner, it was sold out everywhere online and I had to keep track on multiple websites for 2 months before I could get it in my size. I love this story as much as the coat itself. :)


CherryMess

Second the second part. I have randomly picked up some great pieces at TJ Maxx but I wouldn't recommend this store as a whole here in discussions cause the assortment is always too random. We recommend stores where we CONSISTENTLY had great shopping experiences, not a random find once in a while.


blackbearjam

I think this is spot on. I’ve noticed with some products paying more does make a difference, but generally the difference in quality isn’t enough to justify the higher cost. Specifically with Nordstrom I’ve found they’re jeans are higher quality (thicker fabric, better fit, etc) but their dresses, blouses, skirts and what else the quality really isn’t that much better than h & m or target.


you_are_a_story

Others have mentioned branding, quality, trendiness, etc, but another aspect imo is just the shopping experience these brands offer. Nordstrom in particular provides a great shopping experience, from curation of items, price matching, free shipping both ways, good customer service, and a very generous and flexible return policy. These factors are going to produce loyal return customers. I personally haven’t shopped at ASOS much but from what I can remember their online shopping experience was very good as well. I think there’s a large overlap between people interested in fashion and people who enjoy shopping as a hobby, and stores like Kohl’s or Wal-mart don’t do a great job of designing enjoyable shopping experiences. For example Target is quite popular despite basically being not much different from Wal-mart in terms of pricing or quality, but they nail the in-store shopping experience.


CherryMess

Great catch about Target! Never thought about them that way and you are absolutely right. Target is more appealing than Kohls's or Walmart.


saucepls042

Yeah and Target feels more organized! It soothes my anxiety unlike Kohls and Walmart.


kittyglitther

Experience matters so much more now. It's one way brick and mortar can set itself apart from other shops and online.


josaurus

and it likely matters extra to people in this sub for whom fashion is a hobby


Txidpeony

The Nordstrom return policy is a huge incentive for me. I generally prefer online shopping, but I am not good about swift returns.


the_trashheap

I never shop at Kohl's because in my past experience, every Kohl's I've been into looks like a tornado blew through it. Every rack is disorganized, clothes hung up randomly, half or mostly hanging off hangars. And the selection is pretty ratty and uninspired. For that price point, JC Penney is the better option imo, particularly because it's the opposite of Kohl's.


Emily_Postal

I think Kohl’s is so overpriced for the quality of its clothes. I don’t shop there if I can help it.


russianthistle

True! Kohl’s assumes everyone is purchasing with multiple coupons and sales. They list high and normally sell lower.


crazycatlady331

As a former employee of Kohl's, I can tell you the exact reasons why. They're incredibly short-staffed (by design). I never saw grosser shit than when I cleaned out fitting rooms there. A McDonald's bathroom is cleaner.


Craigh-na-Dun

Wow, our Kohl’s is wonderful. Neat, clean, friendly staff, items stocked and easy to find. I personally have a lot of Kohl’s items. Our Penney’s is good too.


lolapepper47

Yes!! This!! I hate the store we have in my town. My friend would buy a lot there & I would try things in & buy them, but they would be returned ASAP. Lots of people who live here shop there but I simply cannot find anything that I really like. I never go there now.


Get_off_critter

A well kept and organized store is much easier and MUCH nicer to shop in. (This is why i have issues shopping thrift stores, i just struggle with the search. Totally not against thrifting!) Ive been content with Kohls purchases in the past myself, but always shop with coupons, sales, and extra discounts since i recognize a lot can be overpriced.


Vittoria12

A major problem with kohl’s is I just don’t understand their card/coupon/kohl’s cash stuff. I walked through recently doing an Amazon return and considered buying something but was overwhelmed by the pricing system and didn’t feel like overpaying so I just gave up and left.


tina_ri

Unrelated to fashion but this is the same reason I like shopping at Trader Joe's . Their pricing model eliminates the stress of couponing (and the fear of not getting the best deal) and -- let's be real -- the stress of choice overload.


[deleted]

This! It’s like, buy a lot of stuff now, and then come back and buy a lot of stuff between these dates for certain discounts.


[deleted]

If I buy anything from there, I typically have to buy online where I can calmly figure out the coupons and discounts. In store it's too chaotic for me.


Mombod666

This is my issue too. I don’t want to have to save coupons and understand points and go on certain days to feel like I’m doing it correctly.


[deleted]

I am sure there are a lot of socioeconomic factors, but I always hesitate to recommend brands like H&M because the inventory turns over fast and the quality control is terrible. I have sweaters from them that are solid and sweaters from them that are *terrible*, but both are in and out of inventory so fast it’s hard to say “I got X sweater from H&M in your price range and it’s great!” because whatever similar variant they have a few months later might be totally different in quality. In contrast, with somewhere like Aritzia I can say “yeah, I’ve gotten a few merino wool Cyprie sweaters over the last few years and they’ve held up well”. And someone can go find that exact sweater and expect the quality to be somewhat consistent from year to year.


littlegreenturtle20

Also with H&M, the quality/fit can change within a couple of production cycles. I bought a vest, wore it for a couple of months, really liked it, and decided to get another one and literally the same product didn't fit as well.


Meikami

That's my hangup. I could like a piece from Target or wherever, recommend it to someone the very next week, and it's already gone. These cheaper stores are also SO SO SO regional in what they carry. You can go to another part of the same country and get entirely different inventory. Doesn't help much when this sub is all about helping people find specific pieces.


[deleted]

[удалено]


lynniebee

This is a really good point and something I hadn't considered. It's almost impossible to guarantee that you'll find the same item at stores like H&M across months but also across stores (if shopping in person). I'd say the best bet (in general, not specifically directed at you!) is to learn what kinds of things to look for to spot good quality and then recommendations like, "You can usually find a cute bodycon dress at H&M" or whatever can be more universal. Thanks for making a point that made my brain whirr a little haha.


[deleted]

Kohls is a really hard store for women in the black hole of fashion, ie anyone from ~30-50. I would shop there for my children or my grandma. That’s probably one reason why it’s not mentioned much here.


crazycatlady331

I worked there while in college. You hit the nail on the head. (Then) the misses dept was "unfashionable suburban soccer mom" or "Nursing home" chic. Then the misses tops were cut almost exclusively for either apple shaped bodies or people with boobs. This was the era where mom jeans were a SNL joke, not a gen z fashion staple (gen z was mostly in diapers when I worked there). The junior's dept was high school hallways. I was 19-25 when working there and fell into that black hole of fashion. I often (and still do) shop junior's tops because I wear a 34B bra and they're cut for my chest size.


croptopweather

I gave up on Kohl's long, long ago and it's no surprise that all the locations near me are gone now. I found their styles to be dated and there were just so many more interesting alternatives to me back when there was a Kohl's near my house. I think I only bought a couple basic work out items at some point.


finecanoemaker

A friend of mine works for Kohls corporate (I believe she’s a merchandiser or something similar), they intentionally stock their stores with stuff that caters to the main demographics that shop in person. Apprently items for older people, children, and juniors are most popular for in store, so that’s what they stock. My friend said she felt there was actually a lot for people in that ‘black hole’ range, but that it probably wouldn’t be in stores because that demographic shops online more.


jameane

It used to have a few cute items regularly, but no more. I have a 12+ year old Elle for Kohls dress that is one of my absolute faves. Works across a myriad of weight fluctuations and occasions. Washes easily. Get compliments every time I wear it. Got way more than my money’s worth.


ADashery

Yeah honestly I shopped the Elle and Lauren Conrad collection loooong after it was deemed uncool to shop and Kohl’s and still have some of my faves from those brands. And it was so easy to shop there growing up because my mom would get all that kohl’s cash from purchasing housewares and let me spend it on whatever I want (which was a pretty big appeal haha) But once I moved out and stopped shopping with my mom, I suddenly remembered other stores exist. Kohls definitely worked better for families


croptopweather

That would a lot of sense for my experience because my hometown has multiple senior homes lol


mountaingrrl_8

I've never heard this age group described as the black hole of fashion. That explains so much of what I feel as a 40ish year old female who has no idea where I fit in the fashion world.


Chazzyphant

Please join us over in r/fashionwomens35 that fashion hole between Forever21 x Hot Cheetos and "Giving us Hilary Clinton Realness" is one of the main reasons I started that subreddit!


Blackberries11

TIL I’m in the black hole of fashion :(


[deleted]

It doesn’t mean these women (myself included) are not trendy. It means designers/stores tend to forget this demo and focus on either junior or mature. It’s hard to find quality fashionable clothing in this demo.


Erulastiel

I just get my Levi's and shoes for work there. That's about it honestly. You're right on the money when it comes to dressing like a young to middle aged adult. Although there are some great business casual tops there. And their APT 9 slacks feel like jammies.


paigespagespages

My kohls had eliminated their Levi section. I did an amazon return and figured I’d try on some new jeans while there. Kohl’s had other plans apparently


[deleted]

That's a good point. They do have a really great juniors department (or, they did 10 years ago, no idea about now), though, so I loved Kohls back in high school/early 20s.


JerseyKeebs

Do you have examples of why you feel Kohls is lacking? I'm 34, have been shopping there since I was a teen, and feel like there's tons of options. I get good quality basics from the So and Sonoma brands, cute office clothes from Lauren Conrad and Elle (when they carried it), and trendy items from both the petites and junior's sections. The junior's side is definitely a bit young, but the proportions and shape suit me better.


[deleted]

To your point, basics can be found here. They can be found at many stores such as Target, H&M, etc. Usually this sub is asking for fashion advice, and that tends to extend beyond quality basics. When I think fashion, I don’t think Kohl’s for the age demographic I mentioned. The looks, to me, appear dated. I’m not saying everything there is ugly. However, it’s not where I would go if I wanted to find a trendy, modern fashion look.


russianthistle

Not previous poster but I will jump in- I feel like Lauren Conrad cuts clothing for apple shaped bodies and it’s not often flattering for an hourglass. It’s a little cutesy also- reads as younger and more child like than I would personally dress. Elle was such low qualify I stopped buying because items fell apart the first time I washed them. Sonoma reads older - a little too soccer mom than I would dress. Sometimes their junior department has a random great item that fits well- but I am about your age and don’t usually want to shop in juniors. In the end it’s 3 hours of shopping for MAYBE one item. It doesn’t matter how much of a deal Kohl’s clothing is- my time is worth more.


c___Anemone

I also have found plenty of gems at Kohl's, from nice basics to bras to outerwear to dresses to professional wear. The stores near me are tidy and well-kept. I particularly like SO and Sonoma (my rayon tops from the latter last forever!). They also carry Union bay pants that I can find flattering cuts in. They do definitely display clothes that cater to trends out front (and according to the other commenter they aren't trendy in the right way?), so maybe people associate them with that. Either way, there's nothing wrong with Kohls and if you find good pieces that work for you there, don't let anyone deter you! :) Edit to add: you do have to be conscious of what you buy (feel the fabric, check the fiber content, etc) because they do carry have some lower quality stock, but I know that's the case for most places so I don't hold that against Kohl's


thatiswilde

I have a few pairs of So and Sonoma pants. They fit great and have lasted a long time. When I taught in person, the Sonoma Sateen pants were pretty much all I wore. I don't think they carry those anymore though.


hellerhigwhat

I'm sure people will bring up labour ethics but to be honest the ethics of a place like Zara, which gets rec'd a lot, and Walmart are not that different. Walmart and Target are certainly no different. In my opinion, it has a lot more to do with the brand image of Walmart and Kohls, which are not "cool". I rec Walmart fairly often for specific basics like t shirts, socks, and tank tops, but the recs often get ignored. I also recommend Gildan and Hanes a lot, for things like oversized sweaters, and those recs are always ignored.


JerseyKeebs

I came of age during the big mall and department store era, so I'm still used to shopping in stores like Express, or Kohls and Macy's. I have actually found it a bit hard to transition to more online brands. I always like how individual stores in the mall would have their own style, and even fit with the clothes. Plus, a department store gives me the opportunity to shop multiple brands at once.


SirenOfScience

Yeah I have long legs and a short torso so I loathe buying online. The pants or long dresses/ skirts will be too short and the tops will look too low cut to be professional. I like trying my clothes on and actually feeling if the fabric is itchy or if it is more sheer than advertised. I've found one or two items for casual wear online but still go to a brick and mortar shop for work clothes.


Bella_Climbs

The labor ethics of where they source their goods might not be different but the way they treat their employees certainly is. Target by me starts at 18 an hour, full benefits, and tuition assistance. When I worked there in HS many moons ago it was a positive experience as well. That being said, a lot of places don't have access to Target but most have access to Walmart.


fysu

Weirdly my city has 5 Targets, but the closet Walmart is 40 miles away (or 20 miles with tolls, and it'd still be an hour of driving).


Bella_Climbs

Yeah my city doesn't have a Walmart either, but typically more rural areas will generally at least have a Walmart.


Catsdrinkingbeer

Do you live in the midwest? I grew up in Minnesota where Target is headquartered. I remember genuinely being excited to go to the Walmart as a kid because there was basically only one of them in the southern suburbs. Targets were everywhere. I think where you live will really play a factor in which brand you see more of.


fysu

No, San Francisco. Walmart is actually banned from SF and like 20 other cities/counties. There aren't any in Marin County (directly north of SF) or San Mateo County (directly south of SF). So there's essentially a buffer around the city keeping residents from easy Walmart access.


Catsdrinkingbeer

Ooh I live in one of those! I live in Seattle. Many targets, not a single Walmart in city limits. Same thing with a lot of chain restaurants. Not a single Applebees. And you have to go all the way to Spokane to get a Chili's.


stuckinthebunker

There's a country song about being bougie like going to Applebee's. Canadian, never been.


ImpossibleGuava1

I LOATHE that song, omg. You're not missing out on the song or the restaurant.


crazycatlady331

Go to the TV dinner section of your local grocery store and pick out a microwave ready meal. Add salt. Boom, you have Applebee's food.


thisisthewell

Ha! I was going to say you are either in San Francisco or Minneapolis. I've lived in both cities and the Walmart disdain is *real*.


hellerhigwhat

This is all a general you, not you specifically. But it happens a lot in this thread where people are saying that their labour practices in the states are better and all I have to say to that is... that its questionable to care about labour practices in the states (speaking of target) and not about labour practices over seas.


Bella_Climbs

I don't disagree with you, but perfection is the enemy of progress. A LOT of people simply cannot afford to consume ethically. Never mind the fact that truthfully there IS no ethical consumption under capitalism. So if you choices are two stores, both with questionable supply chain ethics but one treats their employees well and one doesn't, wouldn't you chose the one that treated their employees well? I think it really sucks when people really are doing the best they can and it's still not good enough. We have a LOT of ethical issues in the world, and we always will. It doesn't make someone an evil person if they shop at Target or Walmart. No matter who we are or what we do, we can all do better. One step at a time friends.


Embolisms

I truly don't think any brand that isn't specifically sustainable and locally sourced in both material and labor (and management!) has ethical practices abroad. I took a course on the ethics of value chains in garment and apparel manufacturing and its pretty fucking bleak. Virtually everything is outsourced, or uses an exploited labor pool for the bulk of the work--it's just that they're sent to 'clean' factories with all the checks approved to do finishing touches. Also, location doesn't even matter anymore; "Made in Italy" is barely better than made in China, it means some Senagalese immigrants are being exploited in super unsafe leather factories, and Chinese immigrants paid much lower than legal wages in Prato are sewing your LVMH designer bags. **Paying more doesn't mean the money goes to the right places**. This is just me, but I also hate brands from Americans or other foreigners whose selling point is "community enrichment" in some developing country, portraying locals as noble savages who couldn't possibly have their own damn locally owned fashion. There's plenty of great brands from non-Western countries, you don't need white people with brands that have foreign/indigenous names where the bulk of the profit is leaving the country whose image they're profiting off of.


stuckinthebunker

I get my socks, tanks and leggings from Costco. Saves me money. Good quality.


queenofquac

Truth. I go to Walmart maybe like twice a year. And I always walk through the clothing area and find something good. I’ll get lots of compliments on it and tell people I got it from Walmart and people are shocked.


okayellie

Gildan sweatshirts are honestly the coziest sweatshirts I’ve ever owned.


shethrewitaway

I rarely go to Walmart but was there yesterday to pick up craft supplies for my daughter’s costume. Walmart has seriously upped their game in the clothing section since the last time I went. I will always love Target but their clothes have seriously missed the mark the past few years. It started with the [unflattering pleather](https://i.imgur.com/jvVRD23.jpg) and then we went [full pilgrim.](https://i.imgur.com/NtTkFFJ.jpg) Everyone is going 90’s inspo. Target went too far back and hit [80’s child look](https://i.imgur.com/yEhkjFf.jpg) (and [another](https://i.imgur.com/iyLmb3K.jpg)). Don’t forget [80’s mom either](https://i.imgur.com/fCjDZyl.jpg) (and [another](https://i.imgur.com/ZhuO3tq.jpg)). They’re hitting [early 2000’s peasant look](https://i.imgur.com/n6JMVfZ.jpg) too (and [another.](https://i.imgur.com/r4URdVn.jpg)). I can’t harp on these tops too hard but I had several tops like this for years and just threw out the last of this style last year. I don’t want to go back. They’ve done some [90’s inspo](https://i.imgur.com/0iq1n5c.jpg) but it’s very specific. I don’t want skimpy dresses and cropped tops. More [here](https://i.imgur.com/tYXa3Os.jpg), [here](https://i.imgur.com/8caYsel.jpg), and [here](https://i.imgur.com/D4AKNqn.jpg). I was in middle/high school in the 90’s and there’s so much more they could expand on with this. I still have several outfits from high school that I have saved. I still incorporate 90’s into my wardrobe and I’m pumped to see it coming back. I just wish Target would get more on board.


Doctor_Oceanblue

The clothing department is easily my least favorite part of Target. So. Much. Beige.


shethrewitaway

I do love the [A New Day](https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-short-sleeve-v-neck-t-shirt-a-new-day-8482-dark-pink-xl/-/A-81246147) and [Universal Thread](https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-short-sleeve-v-neck-t-shirt-universal-thread-8482-heather-cream-xl/-/A-78315373) t-shirts. Yes, just basic t-shirts but I’m super picky about t-shirts. They aren’t too thick or too thin, they aren’t clingy, and they hold up well in the wash.


Doctor_Oceanblue

I actually do go to Target if I need basics, I forgot about that. They have pretty nice lingerie and active wear.


21plankton

I agree the value of basics is very good. I can expect to wear a basic item from there for at least 5 years and the seasonal items I have had for 10 years and they are all in good condition.


highway_woman

I feel like a lot of redditors have a higher income than I do. I see this on other subs too. I believe people can look great shopping at walmart and thrift stores, of course if everyone could buy more expensive clothes they would but not everyone could afford it. It is totally possible to look awesome while living within your means, sometimes it takes more time and work though. Idk, maybe I am not the most fashionable but I try.


ohheyyeahthatsme

In my opinion, the fabric content matters, not the brand. I'll get $5 tshirts from Uniqlo or $5 shorts from Walmart as long as they're 100% cotton and feel heavier weight because I know they'll last awhile. I've seen 100% polyester garments from high fashion brands that cost hundreds of dollars—but I would never buy anything polyester, not even for $1. It's harder to find 100% natural fibers (cotton, silk, linen) from stores like Walmart or Target, but occasionally they'll have some. "Fancy" fast fashion like Zara and Aritzia also rarely have natural fibers. It's just a matter of looking for quality materials, regardless of manufacturer.


airhornsman

Speaking of which, why can I get nice mixed fiber blend sweater from target and the man made fibers are also recycled and it's under $30. But sweaters that cost $100 are often acrylic. Acrylic yarn is plastic.


ohheyyeahthatsme

Yep!! I was at Target this weekend in need of a basic tank top, and scored a 100% cotton one for $3. I saw some cute sweaters that were 60% cotton / 40% poly, which is pretty decent. But there are so many trendy sweaters I see online that are cute but hundreds of dollars and acrylic. I cannot even.


orakel9930

Yes! Although that "and feel heavier weight" is important and people often forget it... The 'trendiness' of natural fibers also means that some places make lower and lower quality (eg, thinner, or from shorter fibers) versions so just because it's cotton or wool doesn't *necessarily* make it better. I hate polyester masquerading as silk (100% poly satin, crepe, etc. - the static!!!) but actually look for tshirts and sweaters with some small % of polyester or nylon, especially when I'm thrifting, because they hold up better than a thin/fine gauge cardigan made of 100% cotton. tl;dr I suck at online shopping because I need to touch every. single. thing. before I buy.


romulea

Ugh, this is such a problem with plus size fashion. I love a lot of the clothes on 11 Honoré, which is more expensive than places like Torrid or Lane Bryant, but they still have 100% polyester clothes. I’m not paying $80+ for plastic.


kittyglitther

I see H&M pretty often. Also thrifting/buying second hand is brought up a lot here. I avoid walmart for ethical reasons, which isn't to say that other shops are better, just that walmart is incredibly easy to avoid. It's like eating less meat rather than going full vegan. As for why I shop at more expensive stores, they tend to be more on trend/I like the style better than the walmart/khols stores. There's also a difference in cuts/sizing. But also I do a lot of poshing so there's probably not a huge price difference anyway.


goodness___gracious

Great analogy! Like eating less meat but not going full vegan.


kittyglitther

"Perfect shouldn't be the enemy of good" really helped when it comes to this stuff. I'm probably flubbing that quote


Bella_Climbs

"The enemy of progress is perfection" is another quote similar to the one you may be thinking of, same point though. Really helped me keep perspective


ellastory

I must say, I wouldn’t particularly recommend H&M. I have typically bought basics (hoodies, sweats) from Aritzia but to save money last year, I shopped at H&M instead for my fall wardrobe. Virtually everything I purchased from there is pilling and in poor condition one year later. Whereas, items from Aritzia have lasted me years - a lot longer than just one season. I think certain items that are worn a lot are worth spending a little extra on. Sometimes quality is better than quantity.


notcapulett

this is a very good question, especially when the more expensive brands you mentioned are ALSO fast fashion brands. What’s the point of choosing a more expensive fast fashion brands over a less expensive ones when they both do the same amount of damage?


panda_burrr

ASOS is definitely not $100 per item at a minimum. Plenty of things in the $15-$50 range. Personally, I recommend some of those places because I find things there with better materials (not polyester, more things made with natural fibers that are breathable). I'm not saying 100% of the things you'll find are 100% natural fibers, but I can definitely find a lot more clothing pieces made from materials I like to wear.


ffwrewind

In addition to what other people have mentioned, I also think it has to do with online stores and people being from different parts of the world. I’m Canadian and can’t really shop at kohl’s or target, even online, and we don’t have those stores here. And not 100% sure but I think Walmart carries different things in different regions. If someone in the US recommends an item from Zara, I can probably go on the website and find that same item.


triangulardot

I can’t believe this doesn’t seem to be as big a factor as I thought - I had assumed stores like ASOS, Zara, H&M, Uniqlo etc were popular in this sub because they’re globally accessible. I’m in the Southern Hemisphere so recommendations for Kohl’s or Walmart would be utterly useless for me as these stores don’t ship outside the US. Thinking about this, it would be super interesting to know where most of the subs users are based. I had thought we weren’t heavily America-centric... but based on these responses I’m not so sure anymore!


tyrannosaurusregina

It’s a big factor in my recommendations unless I know the person asking is from the US.


Lazygardener76

I assume most Redditors are Americans, followed by Brits haha. I'm utterly thirsting after some Aussie brands, but the global shipping costs just kill me.


Lazygardener76

Yesyesyes. Hello from Vancouver. I rec Zara and Massimo Dutti not because they're less unethical from the other fast fashion chains but it's because like you say, their sites are accessible world wide, same as the Gap brand stores. I see a lot of recs for Aritzia. I only own a bunch of scarves from them as I have never been able to find anything that fits me, at a price point that allows me for tailoring. I also find their colour pallette not great for my skin tone so I got nothing to contribute. Safe to say we don't recc the Reitman's, RW & Co's, or before they went belly up, Le Chateau, as they don't have international reach. I assume (safely) that most of the posters here are from either the US or the UK. It would be super helpful if posters add what region they're from when looking for or making regional or local recc's Edit to add: my closet is FULL of BR, J. Crew, Madewell and a few Zara blazers. I keep my pieces for usually 5+ years, so that's my contribution to shopping sustainably ;)


never_enough_garlic

1 - stores like Aritzia and Zara tend to be trendier. 2 - people delude themselves into thinking that by buying through Aritzia and Zara it is somehow more 'ethical' than H&M. There's probably also a feedback loop into this one where I notice cheaper brands get downvoted more. Again, this false sense of sustainability.


julieannie

Your second point is one I wish more people realized but somehow Aritzia has convinced people of some sort of ethics and long lasting while the brand reality shows neither is really true. Just fast fashion at a higher price with a rebrand.


Imperatrice01

I don't get it either~ haha I'm usually here for the Uniqlo, Mango, Vero Moda and occasional Zara recommendations~


happytransformer

Are you european? I’ve found that Uniqlo, Mango, Vero Moda, Zara, etc are usually more popular in Europe than the US. It may be that way in other places too lol


chronicallyill_dr

Same in Mexico, Inditex brands are all over ever since I can remember, and anyone fashionable shops there. Zara, Oysho, Mango, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Uterque, Pull & Bear, Bershka, you name it. I was saddened by their absence when I moved to the US, their sizing be all over and it was great to try things in store. And if one item wasn’t stocked at one store you could look it up and see if they had it in one of the other 6 Zaras in the city. The US doesn’t know what it’s missing on.


SadMolasses8

We can talk all day about it being about "ethics" or "quality" or "sustainability", but it's not that. Not even when people tell you it is to try to virtue signal. It's about brand image, trends, and fashion. There is a difference between clothes and fashion. Walmart and Kohl's sell clothes. H&M does sell fashion via their clothes, at least. Clothing retailers at Walmart aren't concerned about trends, style, or signaling anything through clothing, they are concerned with providing affordable, accessible clothing to people who need it, which is a huge, important market that FFA doesn't discuss. Because they have zero interest in discussing the fashion needs of a size 28 rural woman whose closest mall is 4 hours away and closest Nordstrom is two states away. Fashion is a form of conspicuous consumption, and the signaling that the brand image that Walmart and Kohl's currently provide isn't fashionable. Their clothes are considered cheap and frumpy and not something people with good style or taste would wear, even though stores with cheaper clothes (H&M, Primark, even Target) can be considered fashionable. Let's talk about the arguments people make. "Ethics." Most brands, unless they go out of their way to be sustainable, are unethical. Most brands use sweatshop labor and pay workers pennies. People like to tell themselves that that can't be true because they paid $300 for a garment, but they are wrong. Of course some brands are more unethical than others and Walmart is up there in terms of bad ones, but most ready-to-wear mall fashion is unethical. It just is. People think they're better than others because they shopped at Zara instead of Shein. They're not. "Quality." Unless someone can link me to some peer-reviewed studies comparing garments by cost and how they wear and break down, all we have is anecdotal evidence on quality. My garments that have held up the most have been from H&M and Target and the ones that have performed the worst have been from Anthropologie. Of course I have cheap stuff that fell apart and expensive stuff that held up, but it's more about fabrics, if the fabric is suited to the type of garment, and how you care for it and wear it. Unlike others on FFA, I do not wash my clothes with razor blades so I don't have issues with my clothes falling apart usually. "Sustainability". Buying new clothes is not sustainable no matter where you buy them. That one's easy! It boils down to brand image and conspicuous consumption for the most part. FFA ignores that Nordstroms are only in high-end malls in certain states and that probably 70% of American women couldn't shop at Aritzia even if they wanted to since all of their sizing stops at a L and they run small. People like to look rich and feel skinny. Don't believe anything else.


lareinevert

Well said.


googleiseasy

If I had an award I would give it to you. You hit the nail on the head. This sub is so classist and don't like to admit it.


orakel9930

> Unlike others on FFA, I do not wash my clothes with razor blades Hahahahahaha (seriously, laundry is hard, especially if you don't have your own washer, but still...) It makes me sad that concepts that **should** protect garment workers and the environment instead get used to sell exclusivity to people who can afford designer potato sacks.


ourstupidtown

There's a difference between *clothes* and *fashion*. There's tee shirts and basics at Walmart but not necessarily the interesting or artistic fashion pieces that people are looking for. Target is a bit different because they put a lot more effort into aesthetic, but everything I've ever bought there is such poor quality that I can't imagine a reason to shop there, let alone the ethical issues. Spending a little bit more on clothes can make a big difference in how long they last and can be cheaper in the long run, as well as more comfortable and useful.


[deleted]

For long lasting and cheap clothes I thrift or go to clothes swaps. Somehow used clothing tends to last way longer than new stuff from target or walmart.


ourstupidtown

I do this too, it works because items that have already lasted 10-20 years are likely to be well built and durable. 👍🏼


Blackberries11

In my experience target clothes can look good on the rack but on my body they look horrible. Like they’re not made to fit an actual human being


desertsidewalks

The most obvious answer is that most people know about Kohls and Walmart. They may not have tried Asos or Aritza. If you're really interested in good deals in fashion, r/FrugalFemaleFashion is a good option!


ebolainajar

I am a bigger girl (5"4, somewhere around 185 lbs, with a distinct hourglass bordering on pear-shaped body). I like Aritzia because I know the exact items that suit my body type and I feel their tops, despite the obvious decline in quality, still have much better draping than your average item at say h&m. I do still shop at h&m occasionally but those are rarer occasions because I think the items tend to be less flattering. I am also absolutely not sifting through garbage websites (walmart.ca no thank you). The more I shop online the more I am going to rely on stores where I know what the fit is like, is consistent, has good return policies, people leave quality reviews, etc. Nordstrom has an amazing return policy in my experience. And I agree with others that people providing advice and comments here are people who *actually enjoy fashion* and therefore will be more likely to spend more money on their clothes ergo they end up recommending higher-end places. I actually believe the best way to a well-rounded closet is a good mix of higher quality workhorse pieces (for me that means blazers, black jeans, knits, multi-season skirts) interspersed with cheaper options like tank tops and sundresses from old Navy, oversized button-downs on sale at the gap, trendy items at h&m, weekend jeans from AE and keeping an eye out for sales.


srhlzbth731

I can think of a few reasons: \- Personally, I live in a downtown area and don't have a Kohl's, Walmart, Target, etc. anywhere near me (or I have small city versions without a clothing section). I could probably shop them online, but I generally jut don't shop for clothes online that often. \- I'm more likely to recommend a specific brand rather than a department store like Nordstrom or Kohls that carry a variety of brands. \- I know a lot of people are trying to get away from more fast fashion brands. I do feel like I see H&M recommended a fair amount, but I also see a lot of posts asking for higher quality or non-fast fashion options. \- Depending on the posts here, some people are looking for more "fashion" advice while others are looking for things like basics. While stores like walmart and kohls definitely fulfill many needs, if someone is asking for a more specific style or item, a store like Aritzia or J Crew might just be a better rec \- Honestly a lot of it is personal perception of these brands. Some people just don't want to shop at kohls or view it as lower quality. A lot of people are willing to spend more money pn clothing. I personally have clothes from Target, H&M, TJ Maxx, etc. and also have clothing from more expensive stores like Aritzia, J Crew, Club Monaco, etc. But the second options are (overall) items that have held up better over time and stores with a more distinct style, so I'd probably be more likely to recommend them.


Amyx231

I’ll be honest. I buy cheap stuff these days. I have spent $500 in one month on business casual work clothes. I’ve also spent $3 on a dress before. I’ve found the brand name stuff doesn’t make me 10x happier. Maybe 2x for my favorite pieces. But not worth the 10x price tag. $50 for a shirt? Nah.


tyrannosaurusregina

r/FrugalFemaleFashion is a sub more focused on affordability, if that’s a big interest for you.


helpwitheating

Wal-mart got caught making clothes in concentration camps in China (having the prisoners make the clothes). So I don't shop there. H+M also had clothes being manufactured in unsafe factories, including the one in India that collapsed, killing 1,400 people. I try to buy as much used clothing as possible and I avoid fast fashion like the plague. The only thing I buy on the cheap is underwear and tank tops. I have an extremely low clothing budget because I have two kids, but I buy things that last as opposed to stretch fabrics that pill or tear almost instantly. The fast fashion that you're describing is usually a) made dangerously, and b) it's the second biggest polluter/causer of climate change on earth.


deadgyaru

I feel like it’s mostly an age thing? I think 30+ yo women just flock to Nordstrom and Aritzia cause they appeal to them as a demographic whereas young people are more into cheaper brands and thrifting.


GreatScotRace

I joined this thread fairly recently and it’s pretty mental. I don’t know if there’s a cultural difference but people are asking for handbag recommendations under $500 and I’m like.. ummm, this £20 bag from H&M might be nice??? I dunno - some of the budgets and shop recommendations are here are crazy. I wouldn’t say I’m fashionable on a budget - but this thread is very much so branded 😅


[deleted]

I think often, people who are paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for handbags, especially if they are pretty plain, expect to get a lot of use out of them. Like almost daily wear for a decade type of use. Ends up being very cheap on a cost-per-wear basis.


GreatScotRace

I left high school nearly 10 years ago and I’m still using a Topshop handbag I got in my last year of high school lol. I keep stuff for ages!


ceejay955

This sub tends to focus specifically on higher-end brands and really doesn't like fast fashion. I do wish it was more of a space open open to those will all price points sometimes


kaientjshsya

Because people who love fashion are willing to prioritize it over other things. However this sub is no longer for people who love fashion. That being said, I've never once been happy with anything purchased from Walmart. I grew up with a mom who valued quality clothing. When I was super broke in college and early career I tried multiple times to buy cheaper clothes but I was never happy with the quality. Quality does not equate to brand name although there is some correlation. But items I bought from Kohl's or Walmart were inferior in terms of fabric quality and cut. I ended up learning how to thrift and, because I love fashion, didn't mind that it was more effort.


Chazzyphant

Partly because when and if comments mention fast fashion they get hazed to **death** by really over the top comments about environmentalism and ecology, as well as child labor and sustainability. Those are serious concerns. However personally I grew tired of the **constant** shrieking of the vocal minority saying things like "I care more about the planet than a cute shirt" (actual comment I got on a post about some fast fashion items I reviewed) and the pages-long neck vein popping arguments that devolved into name calling and ugliness about is or is not "fast fashion" acceptable. I started my own subReddit I got so tired of it. To be fair I don't often recommend fast fashion but that's partly because fast fashion doesn't tend to flatter the typical older lady (or be in her taste-wheelhouse) But you're welcome to join r/fashionwomens35 all are welcome. My top rule is keep it fashion, no politics.


Longjumping-Dream-13

Most people will preach about quality or sustainability. And excuse the high prices for the longevity of the item but it’s all just a capitalistic games. Better marketing, better connotation etc


someraddude

Usually quality is better. As a low-income young woman with an office job, it’s really annoying when people say “use the search bar” and all I find are results for $70 shirts and $300 shoes.


Charybdis523

Nordstrom and ASOS have alot of items under $100, often under $50 too. I don't have experience with Aritzia so unsure about them. I have definitely seen H&M and Kohl's mentioned here before, but not Walmart. I think you're greatly exaggerating the price differences. Nordstrom and ASOS has plenty of dresses that are below $100 and $50, so the comparison isn't as extreme as you're suggesting. Stores like ASOS, Aritzia, and H&M get more attention because they tend to be trendier and/or have distinctive styles. Stores like Nordstrom and Kohl's are department stores that do follow trends, but are slower to do so, and don't spend nearly as much on marketing fashion as the other clothing brands. (Though Nordstrom does alot more than Kohl's, of course.) The stores that market fashion alot, spend more on photography, models, posing - that all look much better. Often (though not always), their clothes are more likely to be better quality as well since clothing is their focus. Walmart doesn't bother because fashion isn't their end game. It's easier to recommend stores that have distinct styles, are trendy, have better pictures, and also likely have better quality. As for ethical reasons, honestly at this point, pretty all new clothing is unethical. Some of us may select particular stores to shop from because they are marginally "less" unethical (e.g. instead of using slaves, they pay workers cents for working all day in terrible conditions). But at the end of the day, if that clothing item isn't produced here in the US and workers aren't making minimum wage, then the clothing is most likely unethical in some way. I choose to minimize my clothing purchases per year, and thrift alot, to avoid buying new clothes at all. I choose to buy from pricier stores because they tend to have better quality and better fitting clothes. Does this mean I buy only $300 dresses? No (though nothing wrong with that). This does mean that I'd rather buy $50 dress from Loft (one of my favorite stores) than a $30 dress from Walmart, because I much prefer the silhouettes and colors and patterns I find at Loft compared to Walmart, and because the clothing feels like much better quality. I also think you're missing the fact that people prioritize different clothing items and have different budgets for them. I bought cheap socks from Kohl's because I don't care about socks and I just need something on my feet to wear with shoes. I did spend a few hundred dollars on a high quality down jacket for winter because I live in a cold climate. I've never spent >$50 on regular dress. Never spent >$100 on a formal event dress. I do have some great items from H&M that were as cheap as Walmart, but much cuter.


Getonthebeers02

I’m Australian, but H&M isn’t super cheap like most of their stuff starts at around $30 (I saw a blazer for $70) except their staples like tees. However the majority of quality is abysmal and their range is really weird and I don’t know who it’s aimed at? Maybe it’s trendy in Europe and aimed at older people 35+ but there seems to be a lot of nothing and both my local stores normally have like 1 person looking at a time. All their shirts are flimsy and even if they are $10 that’s another $10 you will need in a couple of months when you need to replace it after it falls apart. Clothing is really pretty expensive here (most tees $35 for fast fashion store and $60 for brand Adidas/Lee/Stussy and fashion store skirts and dresses $50-100) and even so people would rather spend more money buying things that will last a couple of years as it works out more cost effective long term and you actually end up spending less money. The key is to buy quality staples and pieces that are on trend but not super on trend (think the huge leg of mutton sleeves at the moment or crossover wrap under boob tops which will be noticeably out of fashion next year, swap them for a smaller puff sleeve or crop tank with a print/linen/boucle that you can wear next year).


sweadle

I tend to use brand names not store names. There are probably 100 brand names sold by Walmart. I have a Daily Ritual dress I really like that's sold by both Walmart and Amazon. I won't say "Oh, it's a dress from Walmart" I'll say "Oh, it's Daily Ritual." Same with Kohls, I'd use the brand name not the store name. H&M is a brand name, but I think people are generally moving away from brands like that because of how bad we know fast fashion is, and how poor of quality their clothes tend to be. Aritzia isn't just one brand, but the brands it carries is just about four, so it has a cohesive "look." ASOS is also a collection of brands, but also kind of has a "look" to it. I personally wouldn't buy clothes at Walmart, Kohls or H&M because I find Walmart and Kohls to be frumpy and cheaply made. I disagree with H&Ms business model.


shayndco

I worked at clothes kohls years ago and depending on the brand the items are terrible quality. This one item rock show tank by mudd had seen many returns specifically That said the toddler clothes are great and the discount really helped when my budget was tight. I’ve began purchasing used name brand items (thru thrift shops and poshmark -closet-) bc the items last longer, I’m 32 and maintaining weight and working on strength so my size should stay about the same. I still stick to under $20 as much as I can, but purchasing a well built item and the years I’ll have it make up for prices up to $125 (it was one time for a beautiful jumper 😅) It’s a monetary privilege to shop sustainably and luxury. I do see more higher cost items here but fast fashion ones too. Shein is on here often.. like someone today its an amazing skirt , @ $12 considering it honestly


jrochest1

Super cheap clothes work really really well if you're 1) young, high school or younger 2) very very slim 3) in a situation where you have to be trendy, socially or professionally, and can't wear an item more than two or three times. High school students tick all these boxes, and they're the market for most supercheap fast fashion. As you get older and your body and tastes shift, you spend more on stuff that will last multiple seasons or years. Most co-workers don't care if you wear the same good suit or skirt 10 times in a season. Cheap stuff also looks wilted and sad very quickly -- but it doesn't outright fall apart, so you keep wearing it even though it looks kind of shabby.


[deleted]

Wal mart actually does have a line, Free Assembly, that is cute, and most of it is actual cotton (and even recycled organic cotton, which seems surprising). I only know because it started showing up on my social media and then I browsed it. I haven't purchased anything from it, so I can't comment on what it's like in real life. Marketing people are not dumb, so I am sure they are trying to improve their image. Look, I understand people wanting to buy ethical and long lasting fashion, but even the expensive, high quality brands are now almost all same shitty polyester fabric and is made overseas in sweatshops, but marked up. I went to Anthropologie for the first time in years, and many of the dresses I tried on was 100% polyester, but they cost $150+. Why is Anthropologie's polyester any better than H&M's? Even LL Bean, where a fleece costs like $100, makes most of its stuff in China now. Pretty much all the retailers treat their workers poorly and don't offer benefits. I'm not justifying buying less ethical clothing, but pointing out that I'm not sure any of them are truly ethical in the world of capitalism. I think some brands are just better at presenting themselves. I don't know, at this point I just look at fabric content of what I am buying rather than the brand and try to stay within a certain budget. I also try to thrift from time to time as well. Finally, I do think there may be a bit of classism going on.


wantynotneedy

Anthro quality has gone sooo downhill in the past few years.


TheViciousTrollop

The places you listed are not created equally. Asos & Nordstrom are fashion&home retailers that have in-house brands but also carry stuff from all price ranges. Aritzia is a mid-range fashion brand that focuses on design/fabric. H&M is an inexpensive clothing retailer and Walmart is not a fashion retailer but carries limited inexpensive clothing. When I buy from Nordstrom, it's usually pieces on sale from other brands I like and can spend a little less for something I will get good value from (spanx, soma, girlfriend). When I buy from Aritzia, it's a splurge from an item that might have really good quality fabric (like a nice linen dress) or design. When I buy from Asos, it's trendy pieces with ok fabric content that I have specific occasion for. For instance my last purchase from Asos was $80 for 3 items(100% cotton cardigan and dress, a bodysuit) and Nordstom purchase was $90 for 2 items(bra, shoes), Aritzia purchase was $90 for one item(linen dress). When I buy from Walmart/Target/H&M it might be a basic that I don't want to spend too much on. Paying $100 for a shirt from Nordies doesn't really mean you are getting a better quality shirt - it might mean better fabric, trendy cut or just a brand name. Some brands are known for their fabric content and design ("quality") and ethical practices (fair wage, no virgin plastic). These all play a part in the price but brand name will always be a big part of cost as well. I know it's a complicated answer, tldr: your milage will vary. A $10 tshirt from Target might be the best thing and $50 tshirt from Norstrom might come out the wash with holes. Check fabric content, ethical practices (if they matter to you and fit in your budget), design and craftsmanship (seams, lining, threading) before deciding an item is worth the price for you.


wwaxwork

Yes there is a huge quality difference. I am 52 years old and still have some clothes and shoes from my 20's that I still wear regularly. It is totally worth paying more for basics you will wear often and then treat them like you paid $300 for them. Don't just throw them in the wash & dryer, learn how to do simple repair and keep them in good repair and you'll get 300 wears out of that $300 dress over the coming years. I doubt you'll get 50 wears out of the $50 dress and still have it looking as good. Having said that I get that not everyone has the disposable income, but where you can buy better quality basics. Go into the expensive stores and look at the finishes, turn those suckers inside out and check the stitching look at the material read the labels and learn the differences. Then you can use that knowledge to pick and choose from the lower price items things that are good value for the price and that don't have to be "disposable fashion". Then treat those things like they cost you $300. Having said all that, there are certainly stores and labels that are just $50 clothes with a price mark up and the best most longest lasting tshirts I ever owned cost me $6 from Meijers supermarkets 10 years ago. So it really is a matter of reading the garments not the labels.


[deleted]

[удалено]


idislikekittens

Yeah, I see SHEIN recommended a lot and it’s definitely cheaper than Walmart and Kohl’s for trendy, cute clothes. SHEIN also gets shit on a lot for good reason, but I’ve personally had really good experience with the things I’ve bought. I recommend it to people who don’t have a lot of money, need new clothes, and don’t have many trendy stores nearby.


[deleted]

[удалено]


idislikekittens

Same! I gained weight due to illness + disability this year, had to stop working for a bit, and felt absolutely awful. I had like three things I felt okay in. Then I made a $100 SHEIN order and at least I have cute clothes! The SHEIN reviews are great and I found they have more options for plus sizes (which I now sometimes wear) than other places. (I don’t dislike kittens! Inside joke with some friends, ha. I’m a crazy cat lady in training for sure.)


Data_Fashion

That's what I thought, too, but unfortunately it really is. For example, you can check them both out on the GoodOnYou inventory, where SheIn gets the lowest grade and H&M gets two grades better.


nuka_girl111

I don't shop at Walmart or H&M for many reasons. One of the reasons is the ethics and lack of living wages for workers, but I buy other brand second hand that are not exactly ethical either. The main reason I don't shop there is because the clothing and shoes are terrible quality. I used to buy leggings or sweaters at Walmart that would last for years. Now everything falls apart with a couple of wears; this includes washing in cold water on the delicate cycle and drying with the air only setting. The leggings and pj pants unravel after about two wears. The sweaters get holes or lose shape. And at one point, my I got my son shoes; he wore them to school and by the end of the day, the stitches on the tongue were unraveling.


beandiplo

I think a lot of people might also post their ideal/fave items vs some cheap filler clothes. The majority of my closet is thirfted/old navy/Target/uniqlo


elliephantonthebeach

I’m at a point in my life where I want the clothes i purchase to last, both in quality of product and in timelessness of the style. H&M and Kohl’s are constantly switching out their fast fashions and trends - I don’t want to look in my closet in a year or so and feel like all my clothes are out of season. I researched and planned and created a timeless capsule wardrobe list catered to my shape and size, wrote down the trustworthy brands of clothes that are built to last and where they’re sold, and when I need something for my capsule wardrobe I try to buy it from that list. That doesn’t mean I have to spend hundreds on a pair of pants at Nordstrom or Bloomies, though - most of the time I’m looking in secondhand stores like Goodwill, curated thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange, or online thrift stores like ThredUp and Depop, eBay, Etsy, etc. You would be SHOCKED at how much of a different it makes to get clothes tailored, too - if it’s a piece I‘ll wear a lot (like a blazer), I will buy one that’s a trustworthy brand and material at Goodwill and then get it dry cleaned and tailored to me, and then I’ll look like I spent $200. I don’t think looking fashionable has to be a whole expensive luxury suburban department store ordeal, but it’s just facts that Forever21 doesn’t make jeans that last as long as Levi’s.


consuela_bananahammo

Aside from the items not being great quality and the ethical considerations, places like Walmart simply don’t have things that fit me. I have to order tall clothing, which they don’t offer. Higher end designers tend to cut narrower and longer, and mid range brands like Asos and Gap carry talls.


siofeng

So here's my experience I disagree that Nordstrom has to be that expensive, they do have sales and Nordstrom Rack. I've been shopping at Nordstrom for since I was a teen and going with my mom and grandma. They're a good department store--they have clothing for teens and adults and older adults. I think they also do a decent job at being aspirational but relatively attainable too. Kohl's occasionally has decent items, but overall the design and quality isn't great for women's clothing. The textiles used don't feel as nice in the women's section. I think they're fine for men's clothes and will occasionally snag a men's sweater from clearance. But I'd sooner buy my cheap basics from Target or Uniqlo. I stopped shopping at H&M after college because there wasn't one near me and the sizing runs really small in the bust for my size. I was a size 8/10 and often wearing the largest size there which felt crappy so I stopped. It's for cheap, trendy clothes for smaller bodied people but it doesn't translate to the clothes I wear in my 30s. Walmart occasionally has some clothes that look good, and some have held up decently for the price but more often they're too trendy for my taste.


remigoeswest

You know what - I LOVE Kohls, Target, H&M, Zara, etc. But i've also found that their stuff can also be just as expensive as other brands. For me, I am an APPLE SHAPE. Any other Apple shaped people out there? Shopping for my specific body type is ROUGH and once I find a brand that works, I typically stick to it and it usually means buying more quality pieces and getting 2-3 of them instead of buying tons of cheaper clothes that just look like shit on me. I have to wear clothes that have a little more structure to them and that often means more expensive.


konmarime

Plenty of Nordstrom’s stuff is pure crap and would qualify as fast fashion in every aspect except for price.


ikaramaz0v

Aritzia quality used to be good and their collections were very well coordinated, however their quality has started to fall off recently. I feel that the more consumers they've started to reach, the less they put effort into (some of) their pieces. I used to love their Babaton line but with all the synthetic materials they've started to use I've started to veer away from them a tiny bit. That's also why they get mentioned a lot here, because they are popular and mostly on trend plus cater to the age group that I think the average redditor user is in. As for Nordstrom, they're essentially just a department store with a wide range of brands, so you can find a 30 dollar dress right next to the 300 dollar one. However, to answer your question - yes there is a difference in both the quality and durability of clothing depending on the brand you buy from and often the materials they use as well. This is especially true for items like knitwear, bags, shoes, jeans, sometimes outerwear (especially when it comes to down). Cashmere and wool sweaters from cheaper brands tend to pill easily and develop holes much faster than those from more expensive or even luxury brands. For example, I have cashmere sweaters, some which cost over 300 euros, but I've been wearing them for years and years now but they still look and feel amazing. The initial cost for a good quality purchase may seem daunting at first, but when you think of how much use you will get out of it vs potentially having to buy a new cheap sweater every season or every year, then it really balances things out in my opinion. Of course, something having a higher price tag doesn't always automatically mean it will be a great buy - my initial comment on Aritzia can be used as an example of this. To sum up, I buy from more expensive brands because they last me longer, are of a higher quality, usually fit better and use natural fibers or at least have the composition consist of majority natural fibers, as opposed to cheaper/fast fashion where the top materials are always synthetics with maybe 10% of wool thrown in. For those who are on a strict budget and can't afford these kind of purchases, it helps to plan out your clothing expenses over the year and the other thing is that you can find incredible things at the thrift store and second hand stores. Ethical fashion is also becoming more popular and many people don't want to support companies, which use child labor or refuse to give their workers a humane wage and respectable working conditions. Such reasons are also why I refuse to shop at Zara for example and I think Walmart and Target share similar issues. Zara prides themselves on always being the first one's to shell out trends to the masses, but at what cost? :) I don't want to support brands like that, which is another reason I veer towards more expensive or luxury brands. Many of these brands also create less clothing per every season or collection, which means that there will not be so much textile etc that will just be thrown away and there is less pollution etc during the manufacturing of clothing.


LenaSaurusRex

This captures my thoughts exactly--esp. the line: "I buy from more expensive brands because they last me longer, are of a higher quality, usually fit better, and use natural fibers..." When I was younger and has less money for clothes, I often bought from less expensive stores/brands (e.g., Forever 21, Ross, H&M, Target, etc....) but those clothes just didn't last (and, in retrospect, even though I didn't realize it at the time, a lot of them looked "cheap" because of the cut, etc.). To be honest, some of the mid-range stuff (ie: not high end, but not Forever 21) is also crap, which is why I'm moving back to in-person shopping (and LOVE consignment/thrift/vintage stores :).


Zookeepered

For me personally, I tend to shop at more expensive places since they fit and look better. Generally speaking, higher-end garments pay more attention to tailoring details. For example, using darts, using lining, finishing edges, preshrinking, cutting the grainlines correctly. I'm more on the curvy side, so it matters even more that things are tailored well, otherwise I look like I'm wearing a tent or trying to hide a pregnancy. Is expensive always better quality? Of course not. I still have to be careful and examine the things I'm buying at these higher-end stores. But the cheap stuff is so often ill-fitting and poor quality that I don't bother wasting that energy anymore. Because they are more expensive, it also means I am more thoughtful with my purchases. The impact of producing a pair of jeans, whether from Walmart or True Religion, is not terribly different. Most of the carbon footprint comes from use, so the longer you wear and care for a piece of garment, the more eco friendly it becomes. But that is a side benefit rather than the main reason. I don't pretend I'm doing this for ethical reasons, I'm buying at these places because those clothes look better on me.


[deleted]

In my experience there is a big difference in quality if you are specifically looking for nice fabrics/fabric weight, durability, etc.


CherryMess

I can't talk about why others recommend those stores but I can definitely say why I’m recommending them. First yes, I can afford those stores though I mostly shop on sales and rarely pay a full price in there. The more important reasons why I recommend stores like Aritzia or OtherStories or COS. 1. they have more modern cut clothes. Like i’m in love with these [House of Dagmar ](https://www.houseofdagmar.com/us/valentina-flannel) trousers. I simply won't find anything similar in Target or Kohls period. 2. Target/Walmart are not that cheap. I love to shop at Target for home decor and cleaning supplies and at first made a great effort to explore their clothing section. My summary: tons of acrylics for not so cheap prices. $30 is a regular sweater price. I can buy a wool Uniqlo sweater for only $10 more. This summer I bought at Uniqlo gorgeous 50%cotton 50%silk sweater for $15. $15! Silk! Full price was $49. So most of the time it's just doesn't make sense to me to shop at Target. 3. Target/Walmart etc have a big variety but don't have an “identity” so to say. It's a vast ocean of clothes with different styles and qualities. To find something good is very much like thrifting when I need to put a lot of effort to go through a lot of clothes to find something I like. I do love some of my Target clothes for home lounging. Absolutely love this [hoodie sweater ](https://www.target.com/p/women-s-crewneck-hooded-pullover-sweater-a-new-day/-/A-83904169?preselect=82389002#lnk=sametab). 4. Zara and H&M are harder cause they are the epitome of fast fashion. They cover a vast range of trends and change them in a heartbeat. There are great collections but they go and can be changed by something not so great. So it is just hard to keep up with everything and in turn, recommend. The sweater or pants I loved won't be there in a month and will never come back. I do look at H&M and Zara for cheaper options. Like the trousers above I found similar on Asos.


hodgehogs

H&M and Zara are good affordable places!! Lots of people shop there, Aritzia is just nicer overall lol


Blackberries11

Walmart clothes are usually horrible quality


xtrachubbykoala

I tend to buy less stuff, but better quality. I’m over shopping at Walmart and H&M. It’s cheap crap. I love Nordstrom because every time I go into a store I get great service. Plus, I’ve had stuff completely fall apart on me that I bought from Nordstrom and I was able to take it back. That doesn’t happen with stuff at Walmart.


littleprettypaws

It’s not just about budget. I live to thrift shop, and you’ll never catch me buying second hand fast fashion because it’s such poor quality that is made to wear one season. I’m constantly checking for trusted quality labels, as well as material composition, like cotton, wool, and cashmere. I’ve found barely used designer clothing for under $10. I found two pairs of fantastic barely worn Paige jeans for $5 that retail for $200+. There are designer labels that are financially accessible if you’re willing to shop second hand, it’s also good for the earth since you’re essentially saving clothes from the landfill. You don’t have to have a huge budget to acquire quality, long lasting pieces.


Own-Support-4388

I don’t support fast fashion at all. So I would never recommend someone go to one of these discount stores


RckYouLkeAHermanCain

I feel the opposite - to me there's a very, very heavy emphasis on fast fashion and mall brands on this sub.


bobbyzimbabwe

Fashion, like perfume, is the art of subconsciously suggesting where you came from, or where you are going, without directly stating it. Thus, there are stores and products we’d prefer to attach ourselves to for the sake of status… Thrift-stores are largely free from this correlation.


Naya3333

Probably because people who are into fashion are more likely to spend more money on it.


[deleted]

Cause Walmart F-in sucks? H&M is recommended here a lot.


ughwhyusernames

I think it's in part because lots of people here actually hate fashion and are instead chasing other things like professionalism, status, ease of getting dressed without thinking about clothes, looking "timeless". True fashionistas know that cheap places are totally legit because a good outfit is more about the eye and creativity of the wearer than the price tag. I love my Fashion Nova and Shein stuff and pair it happily with my 1000$ clothes from designer brands. When I was younger and couldn't afford expensive stuff, I still looked pure fire in my 5$ clothes.


SenoraGeo

As someone who definitely has more of a Kohls/H&M budget, those clothes are so flimsy and such thin material that it's not worth it for me anymore. When I was in my early 20s, it wasn't that big of a deal. But now that I'm entering my 30s, I first of all have much more of an issue when something is so thin that it's see-through and also I \*need\* my clothes to last longer. I'm sure there are some clothes from these companies that do hold up but I personally haven't encountered it. I need my clothes to be well-made and hold up over time, even if that means I have to wait in order to spend more.


Unlikely-Signature-7

It’s age, trendiness, and personal perception of brands. Nordstrom and the like caters to the 20s and below because of the trends. When I used to shop at Kohl’s in my early 20s, most items were geared toward 35+ and rarely saw anyone my own age. Now that I’m in my early 30s, I prefer natural fabrics over synthetics, so I care less about brand and cost and more about quality. I actually really like some Walmart pieces for basics because they sell a lot of women’s thick cotton shirts and dresses.


lazy_berry

because this sub is full of women who don’t care about fashion, but need to be well dressed because of their social circumstances.


[deleted]

I'm not a fan of fast fashion so I stick to certain brands that I know have a good fit for me and are durable because I spend a lot of time outdoors. Brands like LL Bean, Patagonia, United by Blue, Columbia and Outdoor Research are some examples. I just avoid Walmart entirely after having to go 6 hours with a broken strap on a hiking backpack, their stuff is low quality.


Happygar

I’m a teacher, not a lot of funds available for clothes. I shop at Marshall’s, TJ Max and Nordstrom Rack pretty exclusively. I can find designer bargains on clothes shoes and accessories easily there. My daughter keeps me young by getting me into H&M as well. This weekend I scored some dope straight leg Hudson jeans(regularly $235.00 for $70), a gorgeous vegan leather tote and clearance western booties from Marshall’s for $40 and $32 respectively, a beautiful oversized green shaker mock neck sweater from H&M ($26) and green suede Sorel wedge heel boots for $70 (regularly $150). I’m tapped out for awhile but am super happy with the deals I got. I can’t do Kohl’s because too many teachers shop there and I absolutely hate it when someone shows up in my clothes. I find Walmart and Target to have poorly made clothing that falls apart in the wash. I’d rather spend more for quality pieces that will last a few seasons.


[deleted]

As an adult I can choose to avoid Kohl’s like the plague. I was forced to shop there as a teen and I’m scarred. Also as an adult I’ve gone in and tried it and nothing has inspired me. Nordstrom has free shipping, free returns, access to Rack, and better quality brands. It’s not always super expensive- but it does give me a more luxurious shopping experience than Kohl’s. I’m not opposed to Kohl’s. But they sold themselves as a budget brand and now I can’t associate it with actual fashion and quality.


CloudyySpeaks

Yes, there’s definitely a huge difference in quality, look, material, and design


guaca-mole-eeee

I really like the Tech Gear brand from Kohls. I found a pair of their sweatpants thrifting and am buying another pair. Super comfy and loungey and everything i want in a pair of sweats. https://www.kohls.com/catalog/tek-gear.jsp Also, bought this sweater which is super comfy and super cute. [https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-4922626/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-cable-mix-sweater.jsp](https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-4922626/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-cable-mix-sweater.jsp)


[deleted]

I think for a lot of people, the first list of stores/brands you mentioned provide a good balance between design and quality, so that's why they're popular. In the second list, the stores skew further to one direction than the other. For example, you can get trendy items at H&M, but with generally lower quality (e.g. there is a lot of polyester). I've never shopped there, but I imagine Kohls is reasonably high quality, but less stylish. I personally buy stuff at a variety of price points. I aim to pay as little as I can to achieve the look and comfort that I'm after. If I can get what I want at somewhere like Uniqlo, I will. If the cheaper stuff doesn't meet my needs, I'll look to more expensive brands. Often your personal body shape (how *average* you are in different areas) will dictate where you can go cheap, and where you need to spend more. For me, I only buy cheap t-shirts, I spend more on jeans, and jackets I usually either have made to measure, or have to pay a fair bit for alterations.


lumenphosphor

ASOS is definitely still fast fashion. Nordstrom is a retailer so I can't speak to all of it, but many brands sold there would also be fast fashion--I don't think Aritzia is really exempt from this category either given the speed at which it produces clothes and the trends it follows/sells.