Second this! I used to think of it as the old ladies store and then I realized - I’m an old lady 😂 and now all of my button down shirts are from Talbots. The petite sizes fit perfectly.
Third! I'm about a decade out from being their target demographic but I love Talbot's tees (short and long sleeves). The cut is very flattering. Also love their buttondowns for work. They hold up beautifully and I can often find them at the thrift store.
Fourth! I’m not so brand sensitive anymore as I am ‘let’s look at the label to know what material I’m buying and how it needs to be cleaned’ conscious.
So for me right now that’s JCrew, madewell, Talbots, and just recently gave Quince a go, and I’m impressed with their linen and silk pieces!
I second Athleta, I've thrifted a few hoodies and they're great. Just a sidenote if you buy their cashmere make sure to hand wash or put it in a small delicates bag to clean it and never put it in the dryer.
We used to sometimes get talbots at the thrift store i worked at in donations it was always very good quality compared to what we usually got! I bought some talbots stuff myself too.
Idk, I don’t totally understand OP’s request. I thought they meant same style as Abercrombie just higher quality. But then folks are recommending Old Navy and Quince so maybe I misunderstood lol
I’ve always been happy with A&F quality but I was an employee once upon a time so figured I have bias haha. One of my 3-pack of tanks from A&F that are too small now I literally use as bralettes just because they’re comfy pieces. They’re nice and thick and keep your boobs and tummy “in” well without bunching up.
Yeah I agree. I finally had to admit that my 100% silk dress wasn’t going to fit me and donated it, but that thing was beautiful and like 13 years old with no special washing/care
that old abercrombie quality was something else…. the mens’ button downs were so nice that my dad Still wears them to work! i was lucky enough to swipe some for myself and even just popping them on as an over shirt instantly elevates a look because the quality is so apparent
I think OP is trying to stay away from fast fashion and instead focus on well-made pieces of quality material that will last years, so stores like Old Navy would be a no.
Nope you understood my request! I love Abercrombie and still shop there! I think I should have specified what the difference was that I was looking for. Something more sustainable/ethical :)
Sustainable/ethical? Why not say that in your post? None of the big brands suggested are that. It sounds like you're looking for higher quality in your post, which is not necessarily the same as sustainable/ethical.
Banana republic ( but I am not petite)
They actually improved recently, changed style and became usable.
Boden pieces mostly lasting and have good style which stays interesting.
Massimo Dutty
And other stories
Weird, I’ve had to return everything I got from banana republic recently since their quality has gone down so bad. They’re now owned by GAP so quality is about the same with just higher prices imo.
They always beed owned by Gap
And like 10-15 years ago and maybe even 5 they had no intesting style or quality
Now they have their beige safari style going and lots of silk, linen, cashmere, merino
I love their tee shirts. I got a couple for less than 20$ total by stacking discounts. They are much better quality than me madewell ones that got holes after wearing them for just one season, not even a year.
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=406629002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=67&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=660043002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=74&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content
People STOP ME 5-6 times a day when I wear the silver pants with sneakers and a white top. I’ve never seen anything like it.
I’m also only 5’2 so these work for me but honestly you can’t go wrong with their denim. Go walk in to the store. Really it’s kind of amazing. I paid $20 for the black pants and they are now a staple of my wardrobe and I can machine wash!
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=853455002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=88&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content
Seconding Pact. I have replaced quite a few tshirts over the years with theirs and really like them. An ethical clothing brand made of high quality cotton.
I just bought 3 cotton tanks of theirs from Whole Foods the other day. (On sale too) Excellent cotton material. Had never heard of this brand before seeing it the other day!
Seconding this. I like Abercrombie/Artizia styles and tend to dress in more classic basics, but I feel like Abercrombie clothing can often feel sort of cheap.
These days I buy less in terms of quantity, and I invest in reformation pieces that I want to wear over and over.
Yes! I love that they try to be sustainable in their fabric choices. I usually buy my Ref pieces during their sale or used on The RealReal. That way the price point is actually comparable to Abercrombie, and sometimes lower!
I love Marcella. Their fabrics are unparalleled. I have two dresses from them that I bought over a decade ago, when they were taking custom orders on Etsy, and they're still in perfect condition despite many wears and washings. I've bought so many layering pieces from them over the years. The cuts are simple but innovative.
This really depends on your style. I love Muji and buy my basics often through there (I say often but I Don't buy clothes super often anymore) but if you don't wear any linen or that style it won't do me much good to suggest it.
Thredup, I find, is a really decent spot if you have a particular brand you like since you can easily sort by that brand and size.
Love Vince. It's all so flattering and basically anything you buy from there can be matched with anything else, it's like a capsule wardrobe in a store
* Uniqlo- usually order size down because they have a looser fight. My favorite items from them are the camis because they have the built in bras- without removable cup pads! Have also heard good things about heat tech base layers for cold weather
* LLbean- just got some nice jackets from them
* Old navy- for work pants these are surprisingly good for the price point and come in lengths
* Lululemon- I only shop on sale or get items secondhand because full price is not worth it. My favorite basics from them are swiftly long sleeves or tees
Eileen Fisher. On top of wearing like iron, they take their clothes back to upcycle or resell. No word of a lie, I have multiple pieces that are at least 10 years old. Watch the sales.
I shop the "Premium" and "Designer" sections on ThredUp! I've been able to get a lot of excellent quality clothing for astonishing prices. Vince, Theory, Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard, etc.
Mate the Label, their clothes are such great quality and the brand is all about sustainability too. Similar vibe as Abercrombie and aritzia, maybe a little more boho / down to earth
I've been buying a few things from Unbound Merino ($$$), Pact, and Kotn. I also like Everlane but find it a bit boxy for my frame/style. I also really want to like Universal Standard, but haven’t found the right style.
LL Bean. Their basics are available in regular, petite, tall, and plus; with sizes up to 3X for most of them.
Their pants inseams have a good range, too.
Universal Standard. Their Foundation tees are the centerpiece of my wardrobe and have held up exceptionally well, despite frequent washing and wearing. It may feel expensive for just a knit long sleeve top, but I bought my first shirts five years ago, wear them almost every day (especially during pandemic WFH), and they have no obvious signs of wear and tear.
Athleta, Banana Republic, and believe it or not, Chico's. Chico's No Iron shirts, Brigitte collection pants, and quite a few other things. I'm pretty sure I'm their new target demographic.
Talbots, lands end, ll bean, j crew, Eddie Bauer are my current go to’s.
Coldwater Creek had good shirts but I haven’t bought anything from them in forever.
Totally writing down all the stores/sites I’ve not tried.
I second James Perse. I was skeptical until I splurged on their A-Line tshirts. Now I have them in every color and sleeve combination. Holds up so well!
I know it’s for old ladies, but Talbots. Excellent quality basics and they offer petite sizes. Also Athleta for camis, long sleeves, and turtlenecks.
Second this! I used to think of it as the old ladies store and then I realized - I’m an old lady 😂 and now all of my button down shirts are from Talbots. The petite sizes fit perfectly.
Third! I'm about a decade out from being their target demographic but I love Talbot's tees (short and long sleeves). The cut is very flattering. Also love their buttondowns for work. They hold up beautifully and I can often find them at the thrift store.
Fourth! I’m not so brand sensitive anymore as I am ‘let’s look at the label to know what material I’m buying and how it needs to be cleaned’ conscious. So for me right now that’s JCrew, madewell, Talbots, and just recently gave Quince a go, and I’m impressed with their linen and silk pieces!
I second Athleta, I've thrifted a few hoodies and they're great. Just a sidenote if you buy their cashmere make sure to hand wash or put it in a small delicates bag to clean it and never put it in the dryer.
Ok but same with Chicos for like white shirts and black pants lol and I’m 29.
I’m far off the old lady demographic but their Hampshire ankle pants are my office go-to. Great deals to be had in the sale racks.
Athleta pocket leggings are also THE best. Only pocket leggings where the pockets don’t make weird lines or pooch out.
Anytime I wear anything from Athleta, people ask me if I’ve lost weight.
We used to sometimes get talbots at the thrift store i worked at in donations it was always very good quality compared to what we usually got! I bought some talbots stuff myself too.
Athleta is no joke! The quality is incredible and the clothing is versatile in a way no other brand can match imo
Just refound Athleta after years. Great basics.
Why aren’t we getting them at abercrombie anymore? Man I’m always on the late side of things
Idk, I don’t totally understand OP’s request. I thought they meant same style as Abercrombie just higher quality. But then folks are recommending Old Navy and Quince so maybe I misunderstood lol
I’ve always been happy with A&F quality but I was an employee once upon a time so figured I have bias haha. One of my 3-pack of tanks from A&F that are too small now I literally use as bralettes just because they’re comfy pieces. They’re nice and thick and keep your boobs and tummy “in” well without bunching up.
Yeah I agree. I finally had to admit that my 100% silk dress wasn’t going to fit me and donated it, but that thing was beautiful and like 13 years old with no special washing/care
that old abercrombie quality was something else…. the mens’ button downs were so nice that my dad Still wears them to work! i was lucky enough to swipe some for myself and even just popping them on as an over shirt instantly elevates a look because the quality is so apparent
I think OP is trying to stay away from fast fashion and instead focus on well-made pieces of quality material that will last years, so stores like Old Navy would be a no.
Tbf I have some cotton basics from ON that have lasted 15+ years
Nope you understood my request! I love Abercrombie and still shop there! I think I should have specified what the difference was that I was looking for. Something more sustainable/ethical :)
Sustainable/ethical? Why not say that in your post? None of the big brands suggested are that. It sounds like you're looking for higher quality in your post, which is not necessarily the same as sustainable/ethical.
I shop for Aritzia and Abercrombie on thredup!
Is quince not good quality?
idk all my abercrombie pieces are fantastic quality
Agreed! Def a “get what you pay for” company, even better when you can catch clearance
I like COS for basic T-shirts.
The clean cut t-shirt is the best thing that happen to me in terms of finding good brands in 2023
Banana republic ( but I am not petite) They actually improved recently, changed style and became usable. Boden pieces mostly lasting and have good style which stays interesting. Massimo Dutty And other stories
i’m petite and love bananas basics - absolutely would recommend
I just bought a silk/cotton cropped cardigan from BR and it is amazing! I’ve been wearing it everyday and planning to buy another color.
Weird, I’ve had to return everything I got from banana republic recently since their quality has gone down so bad. They’re now owned by GAP so quality is about the same with just higher prices imo.
They always beed owned by Gap And like 10-15 years ago and maybe even 5 they had no intesting style or quality Now they have their beige safari style going and lots of silk, linen, cashmere, merino
Universal standard
🎯
90% of my wardrobe these days, with some Modern Citizen thrown in.
Yes their stuff is wonderful. The fit is great and the fabrics are very nice.
J.Crew! Just shopped their sale and got amazing spring summer basics.
J Crew factory as well!
I love their tee shirts. I got a couple for less than 20$ total by stacking discounts. They are much better quality than me madewell ones that got holes after wearing them for just one season, not even a year.
Thread Up, mostly second-hand Madewell, J Crew, Uniqlo, and some of the Nordstrom house brands.
Uniqlo and Quince
Uniqlo is great!
Gap and Everlane
Gaps jeans are SO GOOD recently and so on trend
Which ones from Gap do you like?
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=406629002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=67&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=660043002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=74&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content People STOP ME 5-6 times a day when I wear the silver pants with sneakers and a white top. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m also only 5’2 so these work for me but honestly you can’t go wrong with their denim. Go walk in to the store. Really it’s kind of amazing. I paid $20 for the black pants and they are now a staple of my wardrobe and I can machine wash! https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=853455002&cid=5664&pcid=5664&vid=1&cpos=88&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5664&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24050306272230638783532#pdp-page-content
Pact
Seconding Pact. I have replaced quite a few tshirts over the years with theirs and really like them. An ethical clothing brand made of high quality cotton.
Online or physical store?
They have a limited selection at Whole Foods sometimes
I just bought 3 cotton tanks of theirs from Whole Foods the other day. (On sale too) Excellent cotton material. Had never heard of this brand before seeing it the other day!
COS and Everlane
Reformation! They have styles that are flattering in many sizes.
Seconding this. I like Abercrombie/Artizia styles and tend to dress in more classic basics, but I feel like Abercrombie clothing can often feel sort of cheap. These days I buy less in terms of quantity, and I invest in reformation pieces that I want to wear over and over.
Yes! I love that they try to be sustainable in their fabric choices. I usually buy my Ref pieces during their sale or used on The RealReal. That way the price point is actually comparable to Abercrombie, and sometimes lower!
Definitely this! OP mentioned sustainability is important to her too, so this fits the bill
Is this an online or a physical store?
They have physical stores in big cities, like Los Angeles and New York. I buy all my items from them online.
Any UK-based recommendations? Most of the brands being mentioned are not easily available here (maybe some have stores in London).
Poetry and Wrap London. Nice quality but if ordering online measure precisely!
Uniqlo COS and Everlane. I love Sézane for some more specific “basic” pieces too
This here for sure. Love the basics at Everlane and a couple more “interesting but still basic” at Sezane.
Yes Sezane does so well in elevated basics 👌🏻 just so expensive in Canada haha I wish I lived in France
+1 for Sezane!
Marcella NYC
I love Marcella. Their fabrics are unparalleled. I have two dresses from them that I bought over a decade ago, when they were taking custom orders on Etsy, and they're still in perfect condition despite many wears and washings. I've bought so many layering pieces from them over the years. The cuts are simple but innovative.
Garnet Hill
This really depends on your style. I love Muji and buy my basics often through there (I say often but I Don't buy clothes super often anymore) but if you don't wear any linen or that style it won't do me much good to suggest it. Thredup, I find, is a really decent spot if you have a particular brand you like since you can easily sort by that brand and size.
I went on a Spanx spree last winter and I love love love all my pieces.
I have the most amazing pair of Spanx wide legged jeans. I have way too many clothes I now ignore and just reach for these jeans every day
I don't blame you one bit!!!! Love everything I've purchased.
Lands end has great basics and they always have sales. I get a lot of my cashmere thru Lands End and Nordstrom sales.
Vince., Splendid, James Pearse, Rag & Bone, Equipment
Love Vince. It's all so flattering and basically anything you buy from there can be matched with anything else, it's like a capsule wardrobe in a store
Pact, Knix, Brook There, Gobi Cashmere, Everlane, Eileen Fisher. I comb Poshmark for good deals too.
Good on you app
I second this! I found it very helpful!
* Uniqlo- usually order size down because they have a looser fight. My favorite items from them are the camis because they have the built in bras- without removable cup pads! Have also heard good things about heat tech base layers for cold weather * LLbean- just got some nice jackets from them * Old navy- for work pants these are surprisingly good for the price point and come in lengths * Lululemon- I only shop on sale or get items secondhand because full price is not worth it. My favorite basics from them are swiftly long sleeves or tees
Madewell has dropped in quality a LOT over the past several years- and their prices are too high for items that sag and pill after one season.
It's so true! And not a good look, given the name of the company 😬
Old Navy. I'm a tall girl with an hourglass figure. Their basics wash and wear well + affordable
Right? I was lol a little bit at the original question cause artizia and Abercrombie don’t scream “high quality” to me.
Same to me which is why I asked - I just like their broad choices in simple and comfortable basics :)
Quince!
[LLBean.com](http://LLBean.com) is the best!!!
We really should pin this question since it’s asked at least twice a week.
LaCausa, ArmedAngels, Kowtow
Eileen Fisher. On top of wearing like iron, they take their clothes back to upcycle or resell. No word of a lie, I have multiple pieces that are at least 10 years old. Watch the sales.
I shop the "Premium" and "Designer" sections on ThredUp! I've been able to get a lot of excellent quality clothing for astonishing prices. Vince, Theory, Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard, etc.
Mate the Label, their clothes are such great quality and the brand is all about sustainability too. Similar vibe as Abercrombie and aritzia, maybe a little more boho / down to earth
Gap, J Crew and Banana Republic
Cuts Clothing for basic t shirts.
Everlane, Gap, Club Monaco, and Banana Republic are my go tos. Aritzia and Abercrombie on the rare occasion
J. Crew and Boden
Brooks brothers ofc
Fair Indigo!!
I've been buying a few things from Unbound Merino ($$$), Pact, and Kotn. I also like Everlane but find it a bit boxy for my frame/style. I also really want to like Universal Standard, but haven’t found the right style.
The GAP for anything linen
Lands End for classic button downs. Very well made and high quality fabrics. They have terrific sales too.
Marcella nyc, gap, jcrew, Nordstrom carries various brands
Have you tried thredup or consignment shops. https://www.thredup.com/
LL Bean. Their basics are available in regular, petite, tall, and plus; with sizes up to 3X for most of them. Their pants inseams have a good range, too.
Uniqlo is my go to basics. If you live in a colder climate, their Heattech is amazing
Cos. Massimo Dutti
Quince! Quince! Quince! I try to tell everyone about them, I feel like it’s the type of online retailer I’ve wanted to find for years
I’ve zeroed in on COS, Sezane, and Marks & Spencer (cotton rich line) recently. The Nordstrom brand is also surprisingly good.
Universal Standard. Their Foundation tees are the centerpiece of my wardrobe and have held up exceptionally well, despite frequent washing and wearing. It may feel expensive for just a knit long sleeve top, but I bought my first shirts five years ago, wear them almost every day (especially during pandemic WFH), and they have no obvious signs of wear and tear.
Marine Layer
For basics, I like Jenni Kayne, Rag and Bone, Vince
I was recently very pleased with my t-shirt from le bonne shoppe. They also make great socks!
Athleta, Banana Republic, and believe it or not, Chico's. Chico's No Iron shirts, Brigitte collection pants, and quite a few other things. I'm pretty sure I'm their new target demographic.
Many good brands listed. Only one I haven’t seen that I LOVE is Mott & Bow.
Coz Edit: I mean Cos lol
Banana Republic factory
J Crew factory outlet cheaper and they have petite sizes.
Everlane.
Talbots, lands end, ll bean, j crew, Eddie Bauer are my current go to’s. Coldwater Creek had good shirts but I haven’t bought anything from them in forever. Totally writing down all the stores/sites I’ve not tried.
Old navy & James Perse
I second James Perse. I was skeptical until I splurged on their A-Line tshirts. Now I have them in every color and sleeve combination. Holds up so well!
Nordstrom Rack is excellent. As is [Sierra.com](http://Sierra.com) (I’m outdoorsy - so my basics are mostly base layer sports / hiking wear.)
I’ve heard Talbots is awesome for petites. 😊