Where do you buy clothes?

[spinbaby]

Since I’ve retired, I’ve bought very few clothes, and those mainly at thrift shops with a few shoes ordered online. But recently I’ve decided that I’m feeling a bit too casual and scruffy and would like to buy some new clothes. A trip to the mall has revealed that, overall, women’s clothing seems flimsy, trendy, and overpriced for what you get. Where does one buy classic clothing that doesn’t fall apart on the first wash? I really want an actual storefront where I can try things on rather than online.

[comradebillyboy]

1. Try Orvis or Land's End.

[spinbaby]

2. Orvis is an idea

I think there’s one within striking distance. I don’t think we’ve had brick-and-mortar Lands End since the Sears shut down.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. The quality of Land's End stuff has deteriorated somewhat in recent years,

but you can still find some fairly decent things if you stay away from the flimsy knits. Since I retired I've been buying $5 t-shirts at Walgreens, but I should head out to Land's End to find some khaki pants - the ones I wear all the time have become raggedy at the cuffs and I'm starting to look like a bag lady. Not that anybody cares anymore.

[Aristus]

3. The Men's Wearhouse and Nordstrom.

Expensive clothes are one of my vices.

When you look like me, dressing well can make up for a lack in the looks department.

[OregonBlue]

42. When Nordstoms has a sale, its a real sale and you

Can get some super bargains on designer brands.

[Phoenix61]

4. JCPenny and Kohl's

If you have a Kohl’s credit card they mail coupons anywhere 15-30% off, even on sale merchandise.

[underpants]

8. You can also ask at the register

The last I bought something there they had scratch off coupons but you have to ask for them.

[spinbaby]

11. JCPenny maybe

But not Kohl’s. I was in there looking and they have a lot of really cheap-looking clothing. If it’s wrinkled on the hanger in the store, lord knows what it will look like on me after I’ve washed it once.

[True Blue American]

15. I have one brand

That I know fits in slacks and tops. You can find much more online at Penneys. You have to buy so much to get free shipping.I have worn one dress, to a wedding in years. I chose a classic out of my closet.

One brand of dress shoes, another in sneakers so I just go online.

The really good brands have no consistency in size.. Amazon is great for returns. Penneys has one customer service to return online merchandise.

[customerserviceguy]

60. I agree on Kohl's

About all I buy there are slippers and kitchen accessories.

[Zoonart]

5. Find a brand or style of clothing you like and make certain you know your size...

then look for those styles by designer on Ebay. Lots of bargains from folks who have purchased something that does not suit them, and they they sell it with tags intact, and others who wear something once and the never wear it again.

For several years I have been buyng designer clothes new and used on Ebay for a fraction of the cost and I feel that I am not adding to the the huge garbage clothing market that produces massive amounts of unwanted and unuseable clothing every year.

Also...the added benefit is that if you purchase speial occaision clothes for a wedding or something and only intend on wearing it once, you can then pass it on by re-selling it on Ebay.

[True Blue American]

17. So many of the Designers clothes

Have really deteriorated in size.

[Zoonart]

20. Agreed...

that's why you have to go to retail and try them on the find your size in the designer fit. Then you can hunt down the values on Ebay.

[MontanaMama]

6. I buy most of my clothes at REI.

The big reason is that they're stuff is great quality and their return policy is excellent. Since I live in a place where casual is the way to go - even upscale casual is appropriate at work. REI's type of clothing has smart styling but also works well for outdoor recreation - we're an outdoorsy bunch up here. I'm not sure where you live or what kinds of activities you do so maybe this kind of thing isn't at all what you're looking for. My criteria for buying clothes is comfort and quality. Have fun!

[spinbaby]

12. I'm adding REI to my list

My style is rather outdoorsy and casual, so they’re a likely fit. 30 miles away, but I’ll travel.

[MontanaMama]

21. REI also has a discount website

where they close out certain items. I’ve gotten some GREAT deals there. If something arrives and doesn’t fit, the store takes it back no questions asked. Also, REI is known for treating their employees very well. Cheers!

[Sanity Claws]

7. J Crew

They have a lot of classics mixed in with trendier things. The quality is good, IMHO.

[Mike 03]

14. J. Crew

is what popped into my head too.

[spinbaby]

16. I have a J Crew outlet nearby

Was not impressed.

[Sanity Claws]

18. The outlet does not have the same quality as the main store.

Check them out online and see whether there is anything you like there.

[smirkymonkey]

73. I buy a lot from J. Crew as well, but the quality has really gone down hill in

recent years and the prices have gone up. I mostly buy on sale unless it's something I really love and don't want to risk them selling out of. I love their bohemian style tunics and their shorts and pants. I really liked their older things as well, like the silk/linen/cotton sweaters and velvet overcoats. Some of their things are just too flimsy.

I also buy from Boden UK, thrift or vintage stores, occasionally Banana Republic/Gap and I found this great store that is really inexpensive but has great batik/Indian print type tunics called Rock Flower Paper that has amazing sales! They are so cheap on sale and pretty decent quality. https://rockflowerpaper.com/collections/sale-summer-clothing.

Other than that, I will shop the occasional department store if I need something dressy. My office is business casual so I don't have to wear suits or dresses anymore, thank god! In the winter, I like to buy the cashmere sweaters at Uni-qlo, a Japanese store that is starting to take off in this country. They have really inexpensive cashmere sweaters and other nice things as well. They are mostly in the bigger cities but you can also order online. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/home/

[Sanity Claws]

74. What do you think of Boden's sizing?

I like Boden styles and earlier this year I ordered two things online. They were so off in sizing that I returned both and decided not to try them again.
I found J. Crew to be accurate in their sizing. At least I could predict what size I should order.

I swore off Banana Republi and a couple of years ago because of sizing and quality.

Uniqlo is fine. Quality is commensurate with the price.
I never heard of rockflowerpaper but will check them out.

[smirkymonkey]

78. They seemed to run pretty true to size, but you have to take into account the difference

between US and UK sizing. I have a lot of their dresses and tunics, but didn't really buy pants or anything else from them. Some of their things have a weird fit - the waist would be off or they just didn't fit right - so I did return quite a few things. It's hard when you can't try things on.

Banana Republic has really gone downhill and the styling is hit or miss. I only buy there when they have their end of season sales because otherwise I think they are way too overpriced for the quality. However I got some nice sweaters there at the Holiday sale.

Uniqlo used to have a lot more variety in their cashmere sweaters as far as style and color and their sales were great. The sweaters held up pretty well too. I sent them an email asking them to bring back their v-neck cardigans, which were my favorites.

I found rockflowerpaper as a fluke. In the summer I love lightweight cotton tunics and they have some really nice patterns and the sales are amazing. I was just googling what I was looking for and stumbled upon them. I was able to stock up on summer shirts for roughly $150.00 and got 7 shirts! It was a bargain!

[ret5hd]

10. I would look to the nicer small individually owned consignment shops.

I know my wife gets almost all her business/professional attire from them and always looks like a million bucks. Truly. High end stuff for dirt cheap prices.

Kinda off topic, but she can really make a buck stretch far, and does so in ways that you never realize that you are "scrimping".

[spinbaby]

13. I love consignment and thrift shops

However, they’re generally not good for stocking up on basics.

[yellowdogintexas]

68. these are a good place to look.

Look for consignment shops that are run by ritzy private schools. They have some of the best stuff you will find anywhere.

If you have a Dillard's outlet in your area, check that out. Right now they are featuring cool/cold season clothes and should be going to deep discount soon. The summer items will be showing up in the fall.

The regular stores have serious markdowns before items go to the outlets, and I have scored some classy clothes there.

Macy's has special once a month sale days too I've scored some sweet deals with those too.

Get on the email lists for the various stores to get their sales ahead of time.

I keep up with Kohl's, Dillard's, Macys and JCPenney

[The empressof all]

19. J Jill

I have an outlet store nearby me but now that I am comfortable with their sizing I order mostly on line. I shop their sales and the prices come down quite a bit. Their wearever line of clothing in particular lasts forever. Their clothing is classic yet not stuffy and goes from casual to dressy depending on accessories. No kidding. I have a pair of black pants from them that I have had for 5 years and wear several times a week. They still look great.

They can be pricey but if you shop the sales you will find the costs can be very reasonable for good quality products. They also have a wide range of sizes from petite to 4X

[MuseRider]

31. Agreed. Their sales are wonderful.

They are not trendy trendy so good for those of us who have aged out of trendy or just do not care to dress that way. They are classic and fresh and their sizes are stable I have found.

I almost never buy anything that is not on sale there. It can be pretty pricey, at least for my taste. They usually have nice and dependable people who will work with you but I mostly just buy sales from their online store.

I have been able to get pants that were $125.00 for $40.00. Nice blouses that were also around $100.00 for $15.00. I see no reason to go elsewhere at this point in my life.

They do sell good quality clothing.

[spinbaby]

37. I'll add jjill to my field trip

I’m going to make a loop around Pittsburgh hitting stores that look like they might work.

[RobinA]

69. Another Vote

for J.Jill. My entire closet is from them at this point. I buy everything at a percent off the reduced price online. The selection is much better than in the stores, although until you get the sizing you have to use the store. The sizing is pretty consistent and the clothes are a decent quality. The only problem is that too much of their stuff is that horrible stretch nowadays, but that's everywhere you buy. I'm hoping that trend goes away some time soon.

I might also suggest Duluth Trading Co. for the outdoorsy stuff. They do have retail outlets and everything I've ever gotten from them is good quality. There's also LLBean if you live near a store. I don't shop for clothing there because it doesn't suit my body type, but that's not the fault of the clothing.

[Sanity Claws]

75. I second this recommendation

Their sizes run large. Keep that in mind when ordering.

[greatauntoftriplets]

81. I love J. Jill's sales!

They have terrific clothes and they fit me perfectly.

[madaboutharry]

84. JJill has fine quality clothing as well.

They often have 30% sales on new items. They have great sales. Right now they are running a sale with an extra 40% off already marked downs.

They quality is excellent. I have things from JJill that I bought several years ago, have washed a ton of times, and still look great. The sizing is very consistent.

[wishstar]

22. Since Sears/KMart closed in my area, I have only Penney's left

I can find some good quality reasonably priced items at Penney's for both myself and spouse. They had amazing bargains this spring on name brand coats and jackets left from last winter. I always buy us a couple of pairs of new PJ's every Christmas season on sale there. Kohl's though has best selection of bras and I found an excellent denim jacket on sale there last winter.

In my area of NC/SC we have Hamrick's that is an excellent place to find name brand discounted clothes and shoes that are good quality.

[OregonBlue]

41. My choice is also limited but Penneys carries some very

Good brands. I also do REI and Levis if you have a Levis outlet store.

[True Blue American]

43. Elder Beerman closed here

Leaving a huge void for customers.

Penneys, Macy’s and Kohl are left. Outlets , Meijer and Walmart.

[Tech]

23. Duluth Trading Company

Had gotten a bit spendy, but lasts a long time. I am photosensitive, and most of their clothes are spf rated, also good for those who have concerns about skin cancer.

[mia]

24. Marshall's

Good prices and quality. I buy clothes for myself and my mother there. My 13
year-old granddaughter likes it, too.

https://www.marshalls.com/store-finder/by-state

The majority of products we sell are brand name merchandise generally offered at prices 20%-60% below full-price retailers’ (including department, specialty, and major online retailers) regular prices on comparable product. Most of our merchandise is fashionable, current season styles. A small percentage is past season, or timeless classics, which we also offer at amazing savings to you.

[Skittles]

38. I like Marshall's

good finds there, and in Ross stores too

[True Blue American]

44. I never have any luck at Marshalls

But others do.

[Loge23]

25. For Floridians...

...it's Bealls - they always have warm weather clothing out, unlike the departments stores which are currently trotting out the winter lines, even in South Florida.
I do however like Dillards - they have good quality clothing.

[spooky3]

26. Talbot's and LL Bean's quality is good, but you may not like a lot of their styles.

Talbot's also has a lot of promotions (e.g., 30% off of something they are pushing).

LL Bean has brick-and-mortar stores in some cities but may not in yours.

[Sanity Claws]

76. Talbot's quality has gone down in the last 2 or 3 years.

[TygrBright]

27. Lands End catalog, occasionally Chicos. n/t

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

28. I have bought almost all my clothes at Kohl's for

several years now. I don't find that their things are lacking in quality. I likewise no longer work and all I need are casual things.

When I want something a bit nicer I try Dillard's.

And I am absolutely someone who needs to try on clothes, because the same size doesn't always fit me.

A niece of mine has taken to getting clothes from one of those on-line places where you send them your measurements and they send you outfits. In my opinion nothing fits her quite right, but if she's happy who am I to say anything negative?

[Ohiogal]

29. I am retired as well

and don't need a lot of new clothes. I like consignment shops. If I need something brand new I go to Kohl's, if I need something really nice I would go to Dillard's. But even those stores have some flimsy cheap things. You really have to take the time to look and shop and try things on (something I hate to do).

One of the best buys I ever made was a beautiful designer-label dress at a yard sale .... $1.50! I have worn it to two weddings and a funeral.

I swim laps twice a week for exercise, and the only place that sells swimsuits that last beyond 6 months is Lands' End.

[True Blue American]

46. Swimsuits

Chlorine resistant. Swim N Sweats. Suits made for swimming and exercise. I exercise and their suits are great! I have 4, love them.

[dameatball]

30. Mostly L. L. Bean and Duluth Trading. They both also seem to pop up on E-Bay now and then.

[LeftInTX]

32. Penney's (look for sales), Bealls, Cato

are where I've had the best luck.
Always look for sales.

However, I buy a lot of dresses. Blouses these days are kinda flimsy..lol, but I guess a camie can help.

A few of my friends shop at Ross, but I haven't had luck there.

[pandr32]

33. Most lines are now made of plastics

Polymer fiber is cheap for manufacturers to use so they tend to favor them in all the versions over natural fiber. I hunt for clothing that is well made and natural and it is getting hard to find. High-end lines are guilty of using petroleum-based products as well. Ditto for sheets, blankets, pajamas and way too many household items.

The problem isn't just that they have been substituted into everything because of corporate greed, but that micro-plastics are an increasing problem. The fibers are too small to be caught in water treatment systems and slough off every time an item is laundered--eventually winding up in our oceans and waterways. These fibers do not break down. It also isn't healthy to wear these ultra-processed polymers because they can interfere with the endocrine system, but even our bras and workout wear are made from plastics. Babies are now wrapped in these dangerous products from head to toe and so are the rest of the family.

Watch labels for fabric content just like we need to watch ingredient labels on all our food products. We are being poisoned and killing the planet in one huge swoop. Nothing will change until we stop buying crap. All of us.


Good luck finding decent clothing! Kudos to those who have sewing skills and to companies that still make products with natural fibers.

[dixiegrrrrl]

36. My favorite place to buy "real" sheets, towels, etc

is Etsy, using code word "vintage"

Most often you can find pre-1990 white goods, often still wrapped.
I get sheets, pillow cases, and kitchen towels, occasionally can find table cloths,
for pretty good prices.

Used to be I could find good kitchenware, like Pyrex, the real stuff, not the newer exploding stuff, on Etsy but shipping costs have risen so much now.

Vermont Country Store still makes cotton, wool, clothes and white goods, but some of the quality is not as good as it used to be, and prices are too high. their women's dresses are not too bad, and traditionally designed.

[pandr32]

45. Good suggestions!

I often search for vintage items as well. Often something amazing pops up in deadstock or as new condition.
As for sheets be careful. Many sellers are claiming their sheets to be genuine Egyptian cotton with a high thread count and they aren't, but totally get away with it. Somehow they manage to give themselves plenty of good reviews. The trick is to check the weight. If they aren't heavy they aren't high thread count cotton. I am willing to pay more money for the real McCoy. I remember my Dad telling us when we were starting to shop for ourselves to always by quality because it lasts longer and winds up saving money in the long run. Of course, back then there were shoe repair shops and repair shops for pretty much everything. Now our economy is based on over-consumption. We are so screwed.

[EveHammond13]

52. this is cool

[spinbaby]

39. I stay away from polyester

It’s impossible to wear in summer—may as well wear a plastic bag—and I find it retains smells. It’s marginally acceptable in the cooler months, but I’d rather have natural fibers. I love linen in the summer and I have some linen pants that have held up though countless washes and still look presentable.

[True Blue American]

47. I dislike polyester.

But Permanent Press it is now.

I actually found a 100% cotton towel at Walmart. Thick and fluffy.

[pandr32]

49. That's a score!

When I find the real deal I usually buy a few. That's what linen closets are for!

[Kali]

64. except they are almost as nonabsorbant as plastic

I keep washing them hoping they will get better but so far, nope. And I hang in the sun, no dryer or fabric coating products. nice fluffy cotton towels - just smear water around and barely soak it up!

[True Blue American]

65. I use mine every

Day at the Y pool. So far, so good. I really like it after years of towels that do not absorb.

[pandr32]

48. It's hard to get away from that stuff!

Even jeans are starting to be a mix of cotton and poly. You are so right about the smells, too.
A trip around any department store shows how that nasty stuff has been introduced into all clothing and bedding.
What a scam. Even if we go green Big Oil has tentacles in almost everything we use. They are set and our planet and health are toast.

[RobinA]

70. God, I Hate This S*it

My otherwise great go-to clothing store has pretty much gone off the deep end with this crap. I call it clothing made from recycled plastic bags. It's hot, it pills, it doesn't look good on my no-longer-20 body... Plus, it weighs a ton when you go to travel with it. I HATE it.

[LuvNewcastle]

34. Where I buy everything else -- Amazon.

[cpamomfromtexas]

35. Soft Surroundings

[spinbaby]

40. I looked them up

Nice stuff, but a bit more feminine than I tend to wear. I think I’ll probably wind up at someplace like REI for sportier stuff.

[RobinA]

71. You Know,

I love their clothes, but they all have plunging necklines. Every time I see something I like in their catalog I look and there's a neckline down too...well, deeper than I wear at 61.

[CottonBear]

50. TJMaxx, Steinmart & Academy Sports. N/T

[EveHammond13]

51. often used from thredup.com

[Cary]

53. Made in China is crap

I have taken to quality, heritage clothing. You can find great stuff on the internet. You get what you pay for.

This is a local store, by me.


https://mildblend.com

[katmondoo]

54. Fresh Produce, but you may not have one in your area. Look it up on Google

[dlk]

55. Costco

They have low prices and decent quality. For a step up, Dillard’s has great sales, many items 40% & 65% off. With a little effort, you can find great buys.

[whistler162]

56. Last 3 pairs from

Sierra Trading post for $30 total for the 3 pairs.

[UniteFightBack]

57. Macy's, Penny's, and for some on trend stuff go to Old Navy. nt

[Kilgore]

58. Amazon

Order a variety of items, try them on, keep what I like, send back the rest.

[Delmette2.0]

59. Try Coldwater Creek.

They are on line and I think they still have stores in Montana and Idaho.

The items I have bought a classic and durable.

[ProudLib72]

61. There are a few tricks I have

1. I needed dress clothes for work, so I went to the outlet mall nearby. They hooked me up, but it was still too much in my opinion.

2. Find a good consignment store. I used to live near two that were fabulous. One was for more outdoorsy clothes, and the other was for everyday casual clothes. At the latter, I bought some Prana shirts (around $80 new) for $15 apiece. It's not Goodwill pricing, but the quality is soooo much better! You can also do exchanges. The place I bought those Prana shirts gave good money for unwanted clothes.

3. I have several online outlet places I browse every few months. Again, it depends on what kind of clothes you are looking for. If you want casual or outdoorsy, then you can try one of the ones I visit: Steep and Cheap (new) and Gear Trade (mix of new and used).

[kacekwl]

62. Garage sales and

second hand stores. Very rarely new at store if on clearance .

[mnhtnbb]

63. I recently went clothes shopping.

Bought at Nordstrom, JJill, and Talbot's. Got very well made classic items at seriously reduced prices at Talbot's. Full price at Nordstrom, and nice sale at JJill.

In the past ,I've found Kohl's to be great for basics--like jeans-- that last for years. I also occasionally find excellent values at SteinMart.

[WestLosAngelesGal]

66. I know the feeling about fast fashion falling apart.

I buy some of my favorite brands at thrift stores. For jeans, I always look for Gloria Vanderbilt "Amanda" stretch denim jeans because they are comfortable and last for years -- I hardly ever pay more than $6 for them used. I know my size and I hunt for blue denim or black denim, although the available colors are many. If you have dollar day at your Goodwill, find out what day that is and what color tags will be on sale and go when the doors open on that day. This is where I get dresses and my fave jeans GV jeans (see above). I just got a gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer print stretchy dress on dollar day and it is spectacular. It was originally over $200 new. And had barely been worn. Because the store is crowded on dollar day, it is easier for me to just buy something and try it on later than to wait for a fitting room, and also, I like to wash thrifted clothing before I even try it on. Also on dollar day, I bought an Ann Taylor leather handbag made in Italy. For a buck.

For underwear, I buy Jockey panties, which are about $9.00 a pair on the Jockey web site or $11 a pair on Amazon with free shipping for Prime members, but they last for 2-3 years. I love Jockey Women's No Panty Line Promise Tactel Hip Briefs. Summer or winter, they are comfy for me and they don't ride up.

I used to wear nothing but Bali bras from department stores, but they shortened the shoulder strap, and I can't wear the new ones. Now, I get my bras at Walmart in person, the Hanes G542 model, which is wireless and has what I would call medium support. I tried ordering them from Amazon, but they switched the size tag and sent the wrong one, so I don't trust them to mail me the right one.

If you like higher-end clothing, Nordstrom Rack has nice clearance sales and I shop online rather than in the store. I have gotten ridiculous smoking deals at https://www.nordstromrack.com/clearance?sort=best_value

[femmedem]

67. I buy all my clothes at an online consignment shop.

I like ThredUp; I can search by color, brand, size, clothing material, skirt length, sleeve length. And their return policy is decent, too. I'm able to buy brands I could never afford to buy new. Some of their clothes are still too pricey for me, but you can mark something you like as a favorite and then wait for a sale.

[llmart]

72. I can relate.

I retired a year ago and rarely go anywhere that I need a suit or a fancy dress/outfit, etc. Looking back at the past year I realize that I live in long sleeved t-shirts and jeans/cords in the fall/winter and short sleeved t-shirts and capris/shorts in the spring/summer. I am the world's worst shopper when it comes to clothes, especially now that I'm seventy. I can eliminate about 9/10ths of what passes for fashionable these days. I've never been one to buy the latest trends anyway. I tend towards sporty for casual and classic styles for dress. I have one dressy outfit I save for the occasional wedding.

Sometimes I feel like I should make an attempt to replenish my closet, but then the mood never strikes me and believe me, I need to be in the mood to clothes shop.

Some of the classic styles for older women I like but are way more than I would ever spend on clothing. I'm talking Eileen Fisher type stuff. I occasionally go into the LL Bean store, but their prices are outrageous.

Don't get me started on shoes for these old feet.

[kimbutgar]

77. Costco, Ross, Marshall's, JCPenney

Sometimes secondhand clothes at the flea market.

I have too many clothes and my closets are stuffed. Inherited trait. My Mother left this world with major closets bursting with clothes. My sister and I are cursed that way.

[underthematrix]

79. When I buy which is rare. I only shop at Thirft stores

Goodwill, salvation Army, and the Junior league have great stuff.

[stonecutter357]

80. Carhartt !

[jberryhill]

82. Forget the others go with lovehoney.com

I’ve been dressed exclusively in items from Lovehoney.com for years.

[jmowreader]

83. I buy work pants at thrift stores

I know this sounds terrible, but we have two printing plate processors at work. The developer in these machines is this blue glop that seeks out your pants and never comes out of them. Since I know I'm going to destroy any pants I wear to work within two weeks of getting them, I pay six bucks a pair.

For nicer stuff, I tend to go to Macy's.

[akraven]

85. If we can't buy online?

Big Ray's for jeans/casual shirts (local store downtown); Macy's is long gone, as is J.C. Penney, Sears, Nordstrom, and believe me, do NOT hit the local mall. Stuff falls apart before you get to the parking lot.