CLOTHES! Help :)

**MissWinter** · 21-09-2011 09:42

Hi

I have a question: Where do you LADIES get cheap (I.e. under $25-$30 for a top) that actually last? I just washed (cold machine wash & hung on the line to dry) my new shorts and shirt from Big W and they've warped/stretched already. I'm so upset!
I don't really want to buy online as I'm a very in-between size 14-16 and don't own a tape measure, and I don't want to pay more than $15-$20 per item of clothing, I can't justify it really... Help?

**tb2** · 21-09-2011 09:46

I find the clearance racks at Target are great. Better quality than Big W and because it's clearance, there's always a bargain to be found.

**Bluest Blue Box** · 21-09-2011 09:49

Maybe k-mart? It's a bit hit and miss though. My maternity t-shirts from there lasted really well and I wore them constantly.
If they have stretched I would return them and ask for a refund. I did with a pair of pants from target shrunk after one wash and had no probs.

I'll be watching this thread, I need some new clothes but can't spend heaps because i keep losing my pregnancy weight so they don't last very long.

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**Stretched** · 21-09-2011 09:51

Unfortuntely I find it is a bit of a matter of you get what you pay for (within limits). I keep forgetting this rule and getting something from K-Mart/BigW/Best&Less for $15 only to get to wear it 3 times before it becomes a gardening shirt!

I like to wait until Target or Katies have a sale on. That way you're paying $18-$25 (so a bit more, but not WAY more) for a top. Still, you won't get 3 years wear out of it, but at least it lasts the whole season!

Another tip: Lots of clothes at the moment are made with viscose in the fabric (check the label). This fibre loses its shape when washed and you need to iron it to get it to stretch back out - I freaked out the first time this happened, thought my top had shrunk 2 sizes too small, but it ironed back to how it looked when I bought it. Unfortunately I hate ironing but it's unavoidable at the moment!

**Boobycino** · 21-09-2011 09:52

Target is good I find & yeah better on sale

Kmart I find wear out and warp sooner, but still not always and not too bad especially for the price.

**BornToBe** · 21-09-2011 10:21

Clothes are so crappily made these days, aren't they! I know you said you don't want to buy online; but that's the easiest way I've found to buy semi-quality stuff. I go with a company that sells fair trade stuff; it's a better standard and 100% cotton which seems to last longer. I bought half a dozen shirts, around $15-$20 each a year ago and they're all like new. Let me know if you want me to pm you the site, I don't think I can share it on the board here...

**Azurial** · 21-09-2011 10:28

I find Crossroads to be ok for basics.

**Anyanka** · 21-09-2011 10:31

unfortunately sometimes you get what you pay for. I don't shop in Big W for clothes due to poor quality. I shop in target and Myers. $40 isn't that much to pay for stuff in target but you can wait for the sales and get a bargain. A skirt and shirt I brought from Myers (skirt $80 and shirt $60) are still going strong 6 yrs!!!

I have brought maternity shirts from Kmart that were on sale for $5 and they are going strong still.

Its a bit hit and miss these days. But if I want quality I go to target and myers

**Boobycino** · 21-09-2011 10:32

Also if your weight is reasonably stable buying brand names at the end of season is a good way to go too IMO.

or go to any DFO or factory clearancey type places?

I LOVE bargain shopping. End of season, even in places like myer, you can get things 75-90% off because they need the floor space, so you can get good quality lasting clothes for the price of kmart clothes that last pretty much one season.

But that also only works if you can plan ahead - same with kids clothes buying the next size up a season ahead.,

**FluffyDucks** · 21-09-2011 10:54

Also think about the type of material that you buy. If its the cheap thin cotton is t-shirts then yes they will warp and shrink and wont retain their shape. If you buy the t-shirts that have some elastaine (the stretchy stuff) then you find that the material will bounce back.

Perfect example I have bought heaps of materity tees from KMart which are cotton/elastaine blend and they have lasted beautifully. They retain their shape, havent lost any colour and fit over my bump

Buying online is great....I know you can get some good bargains (I actually have an eBay store

) but if you can get your hands on a tape measure that would probably help.