High quality but affordable basics-where to buy?

Arket is great for classy, simple basics like plain turtlenecks, shirts, jeans etc. It’s not “cheap” compared to some places, but isn’t that a good thing? If an item is cheap, there’s a sacrifice somewhere down the line in the form of poor quality, exploitation or overpriced delivery, for example. Arket is affordable, but not “throw all your money at several items you don’t need because you can” affordable. Might be UK only though.
 
I recently started using Depop to find new basics as its wayy cheaper than retail price and obviously better for the planet than fast fashion! Plus it’s much easier to go through all the clothes and select your style compared to op shops where it takes hours to find one thing you kinda like. Also I find that cotton on is pretty good for basics and all the clothes I’ve got from there have lasted years (despite being cheap) but definitely not the classiest place to shop
 
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I recently started using Depop to find new basics as its wayy cheaper than retail price and obviously better for the planet than fast fashion! Plus it’s much easier to go through all the clothes and select your style compared to op shops where it takes hours to find one thing you kinda like. Also I find that cotton on is pretty good for basics and all the clothes I’ve got from there have lasted years (despite being cheap) but definitely not the classiest place to shop

All my Cotton On clothes are pretty shabby quality - I find their T-shirts go transparent after three washes. Also their sizes usually don't go below a 6-8, which is a bit of a minus for me at least. Maybe it depends on the item.
 
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Does anyone have any experience with Frank and Oak? There’s a suit I like the look of but I’m unsure how the quality and fit will be.
 
I like Muji sometimes but mainly male clothing. They have some nice linen shirts and trousers sometimes that I steal from my man.
 
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I like to thrift all of my basics! I have a couple pairs of jeans and some t shirts from Acne that I thrifted for a fraction of the retail price, and I love how some of them have already been broken in. Thrifting where I live right now isn't a big thing, so recently I've been shopping on Taobao. There are some serious gems on there.
 
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Hi ladies,
Haven't seen a similar thread, feel free to chastise me if there is one, etc.

I am currently looking to revamp and downsize my wardrobe, rebuild it with timeless classic pieces, then add on some beautiful designer pieces as time goes on.

I have been having trouble finding truly high quality items that aren't ridiculously overpriced though. And the ever overturning fads and quick, disposable fashion trends really aren't my style. I would rather own simple, timeless pieces that I wear for years to come.

Uniqlo seems to have the concept I am looking for but their quality is dreadful. Same goes for most other stores.

Wondering where you ladies get your basics from: the plain but well-fitting tops, simple trousers, tee shirts, cardigans, cashmere sweaters, scarves, etc,etc. Even underwear and intimates.

I realize that peoples' ideas of "affordable" differs, but hopefully we can get lots of input from members with varied budgets in order to be helpful to everyone on these forums!

I always find good quality basics at Scandinavian brands like "Filippa K.", "Samsoe Samsoe" and sometimes even COS However I wouldn't buy at COS online, their sizing is often too large or ill fitting... You have to try the things on in store, if you can.. The other ones do ship worldwide, I guess?
 
I like Muji sometimes but mainly male clothing. They have some nice linen shirts and trousers sometimes that I steal from my man.

I am absolutely obsessed with Muji (especially their tshirts that come inside little shrink-wrapped cubes. If you like the branding of Everlane, you’ll love the minimalist quality (not to mention affordable) pieces that Muji has.

I also keep an eye out for Reformation’s sales, because I always manage to walk away with some timeless quality LBDs/tops/jeans that last FOREVER. Plus, their dedication to sustainability is pretty admirable with every other brand misleading their buyers into believing they’re sustainable (i.e. making the tags with recycled paper and stating “this was made with recycled material” as if it was referring to the whole garment”).
 
All my Cotton On clothes are pretty shabby quality - I find their T-shirts go transparent after three washes. Also their sizes usually don't go below a 6-8, which is a bit of a minus for me at least. Maybe it depends on the item.
As someone who has worked there - out of the 7 Cotton On brands, surprisingly Supre and Factorie are probably the best. Supre goes down to a size 4 (and their sizes run a bit small too) and the quality is okay for the price that you’re paying. Factorie also has some cute slightly edgier clothes - their pleated skirts are a staple for me even if they’re not amazing quality.
Body’s core tights and sports crops are usually okay (and they do go down to a 2XS (4-6) at some stores and online now) but in general, it’s best to avoid their fad tights especially the ones with the stretchier fabric because they get MASSIVE.
I never really shopped much at regular Cotton On since the clothes don’t appeal to me much, but some of the men’s hoodies and sweatshirts can be pretty nice.
And yep, every person that has worked for the company loves to talk shit about the quality because it’s such a hit or miss haha.
 
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As someone who has worked there - out of the 7 Cotton On brands, surprisingly Supre and Factorie are probably the best. Supre goes down to a size 4 (and their sizes run a bit small too) and the quality is okay for the price that you’re paying.

Supre still exists? I had no idea. When I was a teen, Supre was the place to go if you wanted to dress like a slut. Lots of tight crop tops and super short skirts. I shopped there all the time lol.
 
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Digging up a relatively inactive thread, but Uniqlo is great for basics, and they're very affordable - especially their HeatTech line that's great for layering in the winter. And they're Japanese, so you know their sizes run small.
 
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Does anyone have any experience with Frank and Oak? There’s a suit I like the look of but I’m unsure how the quality and fit will be.
I know this is a year old but in case you or anyone else is curious still, Frank and Oak has great quality stuff and their sales are pretty good. I'd say it's the same as higher end Aritzia stuff. Also, side note- the men's section is significantly better in both selection and markdowns. My partner got an incredible blazer that was originally $300 for $75 just last month.
 
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