Ditch Fast Fashion: 9 Clothing Brands That Are Guaranteed to Last, According to Redditors

Before fast fashion took over the world with cheap, environmentally destructive clothes, you could wear the same T-shirt for years before it started falling apart. But now everyone shops at stores like H&M and Shein, where some garments don’t even make it a season before they disintegrate into a pile of microplastics. 

If you’ve had enough of that, you have two main options. The first, and most ecological, is to buy secondhand clothing. But when secondhand won’t cut it (a gift, for example), you can seek out these nine buy-it-for-life brands, which Redditors say are guaranteed to last.

Related: The Ultimate Buy-It-For-Life Gift Guide, According to Redditors

On the West Coast, Patagonia has become synonymous with the riches of the Bay Area tech industry, earning the name “Patagucci” among critics. But whatever you think of the brand’s clientele, their sleek fleeces and airy puffers can last for decades. And if they don’t, the Ventura-based company will even repair your clothing free of charge. You can also shop at the brand’s “Worn Wear” store if their new gear gives you sticker shock.

Related: 51 Clothing Brands That Are Still Made in America

Before skateboarders and trendies were wearing Carhartt, the Detroit brand was a workwear company — and for many, it still is. Because of its blue-collar roots, Carhartt’s clothing is tough, with Redditors sharing that pieces will last for years under harsh conditions.

Related: 8 Thrifting Tips You Need To Know, According to Redditors

As opposed to Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and the North Face, Columbia has found its niche as a more affordable outdoor wear brand. Sure, you won’t be able to flex on your friends for buying a $500 mountaineering jacket, but consumers report that the Portland, Oregon-based company’s clothes are made to last.

Related: Got These Brands in Your Closet? Congrats — You've Hit the Resale Jackpot

Since L.L. Bean scrapped its lifetime return policy, some buy-it-for-life enthusiasts turned against the brand, with critics claiming that the quality has fallen. Nevertheless, multiple Redditors still recommended this longtime East Coast institution. Hot tip: If you ever travel to Maine, the brand’s home state, one commenter says that the thrift stores are full of L.L. Bean clothing in “fantastic shape.”

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The North Face finds itself in the same class as Patagonia. Its clothes are well-made, ready for extreme conditions, and obnoxiously expensive. Still, it’s worth paying a premium if the clothes and gear last, especially when it’s backed by a (limited) lifetime warranty.

While Quince looks suspiciously like fast fashion, its website makes every effort to convince you otherwise. According to their site, they keep prices low — $60 for a cashmere sweater — by selling directly from the factory to the consumer. Sustainability is a commitment, too, with the company “working towards” compostable packaging. To be frank, it’s hard to know whether that’s all true, or if this is a case of greenwashing, but one environmentally conscious commenter speaks highly of the brand's quality.

Darn Tough socks are a perennial recommendation on r/BuyItForLife, in part because they come with a robust warranty. “No receipt needed, just the pair in question,” the company's website reads. You will pay a premium for quality, though, with single pairs selling for upwards of $20.

The fact that there’s an entire market dedicated to vintage Levi’s jeans should tell you all you need to know about this major brand. Levi’s last — and they’re not that expensive, either. That said, some Redditors say that quality has dropped in the past few years, as the company uses less and less cotton.

If you need a blouse, skirt, or pants for the office (they only sell womenswear), then Talbots should be your go-to brand. One Redditor claims that the clothes “last forever,” with another adding that they’re “well-made” and “well-fitting.”