Buy It For Life
When it comes to buying clothes, lots of people fall into the trap of fast fashion. This includes buying poor-quality clothes for cheap and constantly throwing them out and replacing them. Alternatively, you can buy higher-quality brands that claim to last longer, but exactly how long do these brands last and which ones to trust? Well, this list breaks down iconic fashion brands that will probably outlive you!
1. L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean manufactures its outdoor clothing and gear to endure years of hard wear. Its classic styles, like the original Bean Boots, are always in style and built to last for generations. Most customers inherit their L.L. Bean goods through multiple generations.
2. Levi Strauss and Co
Levi Strauss & Co. has been in the business of rugged fashion for more than a century. Levi's signature garment is a tough pair of denim jeans. Known for their high quality and classic styles, Levi's last a long time if you care for them properly. However, the newer jeans aren’t as sturdy as the older ones, so be mindful of the date of your jeans.
3. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Corporation is known for producing classic, high-quality clothing that is both timeless and durable. From polo shirts to suits, Ralph Lauren's pieces are made to last and stay fashionable for years to come. Many customers consider Ralph Lauren clothing to be investment pieces that can be worn repeatedly without becoming outdated.
4. Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens are a brand of sturdy leather boots and shoes designed to last for years of intensive wear. Characterized by their yellow stitching and air-cushioned soles, Dr. Martens have come to be regarded as both a fashion staple and a hardwearing style icon. However, you’ll want to get older editions, as the newer ones aren’t made of the same high-quality materials.
5. Birkenstock
Birkenstock is known for its quality sandals with contoured cork footbeds that conform to the wearer's feet. Made with durable materials and classic styles, they can last for decades with proper care. Their comfort, support, and durability have made them a wardrobe essential.
6. Wrangler
Wrangler specializes in tough, reliable denim that's built to last for years. From jeans to shirts to jackets, their apparel is made to be comfortable and practical, as well as durable in the harshest environments. Wrangler is built on a legacy of Western and workwear style.
Maude Frédérique Lavoie on Unsplash
7. Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch is an ethical menswear company dedicated to making garments that last. Crafting their clothes out of organic and recycled materials in small batches, they repair and recycle any items that wear out and offer a lifetime guarantee. Rugged yet refined, their shirts, jackets, and boots are built to last and are equally at home on a trail or a city street.
8. Carhartt WIP
Carhartt WIP fuses the brand's long-standing history of hard-wearing garments with a cool, street-smart aesthetic. Designed to withstand years of wear and tear, its jackets, chore coats, jeans, and cargo pants are a winning combination of functionality and urban style. If you're looking for clothes that effortlessly combine workwear-inspired durability with a modern edge, Carhartt WIP won't disappoint.
9. Dickies
Dickies has been making hardwearing workwear since 1922. The brand is synonymous with durable clothing that will last for years, even under intense use. The Heritage Collection is a modern take on classic, utility-focused designs, making the brand popular with tradespeople and smart-casual enthusiasts alike.
10. Edwin
Edwin was founded in 1947 in Japan. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and selvedge denim. Edwin's raw denim is made to age with the wearer, becoming softer and developing a distinct character and fit over time. If you are looking for classic, long-lasting denim that combines traditional methods with a sense of style, Edwin is a standard to which others are compared.
11. APC
APC has been known for its minimalistic designs and dedication to quality. Their raw denim jeans and jackets are some of the best examples of garments that are made to last in a classic style that denim lovers can always appreciate. If you're looking for minimalist, long-lasting, and elegant clothing, then APC is a great example of that.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
12. The North Face
The North Face has a reputation for manufacturing durable, quality outdoor apparel. The clothing is often worn for its rugged style, although it is also often used for its intended purpose to combat inclement outdoor conditions. The North Face has many items that are guaranteed for life against defects in materials and workmanship.
13. Darn Tough Socks
Darn Tough Socks are the most comfortable and durable socks on the planet, and this lifetime guarantee is 100% true. If there is any problem with the quality or performance of your Darn Tough Socks and they don't last a lifetime of wear, they can be returned for an exchange or refund. This policy ensures they’re in it for the long haul.
14. Jansport
JanSport is famous for their sturdy backpacks and other outdoor equipment, designed to last for many years of hard, everyday wear and tear. With their iconic style, reinforced seams, and use of quality materials, JanSport bags are a dependable product for students, travelers, and adventurers of all kinds. Many JanSport backpacks and bags are still going strong after years, even decades, of use.
15. Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research specializes in high-quality apparel and equipment. The brand's gear is designed for the harshest of environments and toughest of conditions, and all of their products are backed by the Infinite Guarantee, a lifetime warranty. That’s pretty hard to beat.
Gantumur Delgerdalai on Unsplash
16. Duluth Trading
Duluth Trading is the creator of a wide variety of clothing and gear, which includes underwear, outerwear, hats, belts, gloves, bags, and more. Each item they make is designed to be long lasting, and Duluth Trading backs up all of their products with their strong guarantees. This promise gives assurance that any of their products can be replaced or returned for your satisfaction.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States on Wikimedia
17. Uniqlo
A signature of Uniqlo is their simple, well-constructed clothing that lasts for years. Shirts bought from them twenty years ago can still be worn and washed frequently with very little fading or signs of age. This makes them a great brand to go with.
18. Charles and Keith
Charles & Keith make shoes that are fashionable, comfortable, and last a long time. Even shoes that are worn quite a bit, such as their platform boots, can be worn for years and still look good and support the feet well. Charles & Keith make nice dressy shoes that are also dependable.
19. Patagonia
Patagonia is best known for their rugged, long-lasting, high-quality clothing. Patagonia is the only brand that makes secondhand sales through an in-house secondhand platform. This process prolongs each garment's life and lessens costs, furthering the sustainable and long-lasting values of the brand.
20. Columbia Sportswear
Clothing from Columbia Sportswear appears to be able to stand up to years of heavy use. Columbia makes UV shirts for fishing in the sun, such as in Florida, that have proven functional and long-wearing. They make clothing well worth the price for people who want clothes they can count on when outside.
