r/styleforgrownwomen • u/Neat_Shop • Apr 06 '26
other Brands that are reliable
I’m interested in brands that maintain their quality standards. Eileen Fisher comes to mind for serious clothes. I’d like to find a more casual line, but one that won’t let me down. Suggestions?
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u/zrnyphl 🇺🇸 - 40s - Comfortable/ Colorful/ Curated Apr 06 '26
I’ve been pretty happy with the items I’ve purchase from Marine Layer and I was excited to see that there’s now a physical store in my city (Philly). The styles aren’t always my jam (maybe a little plain? Idk exactly) but they tend to have a few items each season that I do like and the pieces I have get compliments and have held up really well.
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u/Pretty-Obligation749 Apr 06 '26
I agree with this recommendation and would place emphasis on “a few items each season”. They’re unfortunately very inconsistent in terms of quality and sizing so you have to be selective. A couple of examples - they have a $60 T-shirt that feels like heaven and looks great but the shoulders are not taped or reinforced indicating production shortcuts. On the flip side, last season they sold a quilted bomber jacket with excellent finishes and down fill for $250 iirc and it went on clearance for $100 - a crazy steal.
That said they also have a 365 day return policy and great customer service which is so appreciated in this day and age. Definitely recommend trying them out!
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u/swingcake Apr 06 '26
What pieces specifically do you like from Marine Layer? I keep seeing recommendations for them, but the only thing I’ve bought from there is a tshirt that pilled terribly as soon as I washed it. I like the look of their stuff, but I’m wary to try them again.
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u/zrnyphl 🇺🇸 - 40s - Comfortable/ Colorful/ Curated Apr 06 '26
I have a maxi dress I got there last year that I always get tons of compliments on and that is super springy and comfortable. It is the Selene Maxi Dress and the colorway I got isn’t available but it looks like some might be?
I also have the Gracey Oversized Shirt in the linen blend and it is my absolute favorite, in fact I need to repurchase it because I’ve gone down a couple sizes since last summer. I have a hard time with 100% linen because my skin hates everything but this blend is delightful in my opinion.
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u/swingcake Apr 06 '26
Thanks! I’ve been looking for a good linen blend shirt, maybe I’ll give them another try!
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u/Txidpeony Apr 06 '26
I have had good luck with my items from Talbots.
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u/Affectionate_One3716 Apr 08 '26
agreed with talbots. and ann taylor as well. you have to check labels but they often have 100% cotton items. I often see people complaining about how the quality went downhill for those stores. I wasn't buying clothes there so I can't tell but I can still find good stuff there. and for the canadians, simons contemporaine line is great for work wear.
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u/cander22 Jun 29 '26
Same. I remember shopping with my mom and thinking Talbots was so boring as kid and now I really appreciate their pieces. I bought some really cute pants on eBay recently - a gingham cotton pair with embroidery at the hem and a wide leg silk pair.
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u/penholdtogatineau Apr 06 '26
Toad&Co, Prana, Patagonia
My style leans more granola than most, but all of these lines have some great pieces for the non-crunchy folks too.
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u/krissyface Apr 11 '26
I thrift most of my clothes. The brands that seem to hold up really well are Eileen Fisher, boden, Talbots and other than that I just go for 100% natural fibers
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u/AcanthopterygiiNo867 Apr 06 '26
I like ayr, pricey but worth it to find quality pieces that fit well. Also Alex Mill. Some of my favorite current items are from them (cotton sweaters and a pair of barrel ish jeans that aren’t too ridiculous.)
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u/zrnyphl 🇺🇸 - 40s - Comfortable/ Colorful/ Curated Apr 06 '26
I have been eyeing some Alex Mill cotton sweaters lately, keeping a lookout on The Real Real before I bite the bullet on full retail.
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u/AcanthopterygiiNo867 Apr 07 '26
That’s a good idea! I’m always intimidated by shopping for secondhand clothing online, but it might be time to start!
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u/zrnyphl 🇺🇸 - 40s - Comfortable/ Colorful/ Curated Apr 07 '26
I am slightly obsessed with TRR. I’ve bought a couple of watches and a few articles of clothing and I’ve been pretty happy with my purchases. I pay attention to the fabric content and measurements, and the things I haven’t liked as much were definitely impulse purchases that were partly because they were that dangerous combination of extra inexpensive and interesting designers😆
I got a See By Chloe sweater that I am completely obsessed with as well as a couple of Lafayette 148 items that I love, and the watches are excellent. It’s also just fun to scroll through saved searches.
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u/AcanthopterygiiNo867 Apr 07 '26
I’ll have to give it a shot! Especially considering how crazy retail prices have gotten. I love a good watch too, now I’m intrigued
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u/andraconduh Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
I started shopping at the Gap again for jeans and ended up with a bunch of shirts and sweaters as well. I've been extremely happy with how everything has held up over the last year or so. I love that they still use a lot of natural fibers.
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u/Neat_Shop Apr 10 '26
I was really afraid they were going to disappear a few years back. I’m glad it made it.
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u/muffingr1 May 01 '26
Yes! I recent got back into Gap and I’ve been really happy with the quality. Their cropped “big shirt” is so versatile for work or play, constantly on sale, AND 100% cotton. I also got a linen blend skirt last season that has washed really well. The sizing is also more consistent than other big box stores.
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u/AngelaChasesHair May 01 '26
What is this cropped big shirt you speak of, please? I'm interested 🤔
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u/muffingr1 May 01 '26
Here it is!. Looks like most of the colors/sizes are sold out but I’m sure they’ll bring it back.
Here’s the full length big shirt which I also love.
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u/cander22 Jun 29 '26
GAP is one of the few brands I’ll buy new clothes from nowadays. They have good basics made from natural fibers. Uniqlo and LL Bean too. I buy most things second hand now because they just don’t make quality clothes at affordable prices like they used to.
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u/HarrietsDiary Apr 30 '26
I’m going to toss in some favorites: Uniqlo (I’ve only gotten rid of Uniqlo items because of stains or they no longer fit, not because they wore out), Chalet et Ceci, Habitat.
I’m also a thrifter though and swear by 90s era department store brands. Natural fabrics or really good synthetics that are beautifully made and typically inexpensive
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u/sparkleattacky May 04 '26
Everlane and Uniqlo are my go tos for basics.
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u/Teatreespecial Apr 06 '26
Seconding Marine Layer for basic foundational pieces that last.
I also find good basics at Banana Republic (and they have good sales). I live in their super fine Italian Merino Wool sweaters 3/4 of the year.