"Thanks!" to Casual Crew (in this post) who suggested a great post topic: "I would like to see a question about the declining quality i.e. Which item would like to see JCrew improve/upgrade the quality on?..." I think this is a great question since some of you have noticed that certain pieces (e.g. cashmere sweaters) have not stood up over the years, compared to its older counterparts.I think it would also be interesting to find out which J.Crew pieces you believe improved (in terms of quality) over the years. For me, I think it would have to be J.Crew's jackets and coats. I love that J.Crew has paid more and more attention to the small details of its jackets and coats (e.g. adding ribbon to the inside liners, elaborately designed cuffs and buttons).
Which items have you noticed a decline in quality? Which items would you like to see be improved? Which items do you think have only improved in quality over the years? What are some reasons behind your choices? ;)
yeah, cashmere quality... definitely down. and personally, I find the sizes atrociously big- vanity sizing has been rampant, in jeans and cashmere and coats alike. I LOVE their painter tees, however, and I guess the coats do have more details and such. Yet the most impressive is j.crew styling; I honestly think that is what separates j.crew from the likes of Banana Republic, The Gap (though the Gap is getting better at it). Seriously, J.crew styling makes me want to buy everything.
ReplyDeleteon the other hand... i'm looking to buy a pair of j.crew boots. i loved the BELMONT boots from a few seasons back, those riding boots were perfect. anyone have them? how about the glenbrae boots? i recall reading about them but.. anyone? :)
I have items from J Crew from the late 90s and early 2000s that have lasted, like the peacoats!! A few of my recent items had tears in them after only a few wear!! My Marcella Hammered Silk Blouse had a tear in the neckline after one wear (just sitting around the office...nothing strenuous)!!! The heels of my Lucia flats is coming apart after a a few months of intermittent wear. The new wool coats also appear to be less thick than previous years. Also, accessories like the glittens just falls apart...and piles....
ReplyDeleteI am just glad I didn't paid full price for any of the above items.
I recently found a box in the attic with 3 Jcrew classics cardigans and 2 skirts from 12 years ago! They look fantastic, and I will wear them again. I am not so sure that my current Jcrew items will last 12 years. I wouldn't mind the decline in quality if the prices weren't so high. I expect sweaters that don't pill after one wearing and lining in my jackets/skirts for current Jcrew prices.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started shopping JC I had severe issues with the quality of the cotton mainstay items I.e. Cardigans and egyptian cotton vnecks. The seams were terribly faulty and the colors wore out quickly. More recently (the last 2 yrs to be exact) I live and die for the Jackie Cardigans and most of its variations. I also really enjoy the shoes in the past 3 years and the basics are constant in my life! Happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI agree- I have a lot of JC items from the past and they reallly do hold up! So far the items I have purchased earlier in 2008 have been standing up just as well.
Jenni-I also have the Belmont boots and love,love,love them!
They are comfy and not too high-while being very stylish.
:)
I've had a horrible quality issue with J.Crew within the past year: All of the pants are bigger on one side than the other! YES! It sounds weird. But, I noticed that the front zippers were going diagonal (which is very uncomfortable), not straight up and down. So I measured them, and they are up to 1.5" bigger on one side than the other--NEW!
ReplyDeleteI contacted JC and they said to send the items in for review and resolution. I have yet to package them up, but I am VERY disgruntled about this issue. I'd be interested to see if others have noticed this. I just hate paying, you know, up to $80 for a pair of pants only to find that it is LOPSIDED!
That said, I love J.Crew: wool sweaters, boots, coats and jackets. These items are special, and especially well made and I've had great luck with them. Also, the pants do hold up well, despite the fact that they are wonky. I also really like J.Crew socks--I've had several pairs for years now, and they're still going strong!
I agree that their wool coats have gotten a lot thinner in recent years. I am most dissapointed by their shoes, I used to buy tons of JC shoes (on sale). They used to be an excellent value for money. Now they are overpriced, made with cheap materials and no longer made in Italy. That being said, I purchased 3 pair with HOHOHO, oh why do they have to be so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the sizing is really a HUGE issue. I also think a lot of the tops, sweaters, and cardigans are getting thinner. I have an Ivory cardigan from several years back that is thick and in no way transparent. The Ivory (Snow) cardigans I have tried as of late are almost sheer.
ReplyDeleteI also do not appreciate the misrepresentation of the colors online and in the catalog...it is rare that the color IRL is the same. It seems as if one almost needs a J.Crew degree in sizing and colors/color names in order to shop the store online, especially since they insist on keeping Final Sale.
I bought a dream wool cardigan 4 months ago at $118, and it pills like crazy!
ReplyDeleteMy experiences with the decline fall in the cuffs of my Puffer coat (the seams for BOTH cuffs has split after only having the coat for a little over a month). I experienced the exact same issue with a cashmere schoolgirl cardigan (which I was able to return).
ReplyDeleteAlso, the quality of the fabrics used in the tees has really gone downhill. As of late I've just taken the attitude that their tees are "disposable" - meaning I've bought duplicates of all of them for the sole purpose of replacing the shoddy originals when they start to fall apart.
I've still got a few Jackie cardigans from maybe 5 years ago and they're holding up great!
For the most part, I've been pleased with the quality. I know a lot of people complain about J. Crew cashmere, but honestly, all cashmere inevitably pills a little. The J. Crew cashmere I have is very soft and warm *for the price*. I do think their featherweight cashmere is thinner and more pill prone.
ReplyDeleteMy main issue is one of quality *control*. The items I recieve that aren't defective seem to be good for the price. However, about one in every ten or so items I receive is defective in some small (but annoying way). For instance, a sweater will arrive with a snag or tear in it, or a top will arrive with a seam loose/undone. I've had to learn to inspect everything carefully before taking the tags off in case I have to return due to it being defective.
So I think J. Crew should focus on quality control/inspection.
Jenni, how can the jeans be vanity sized when they're sized in inches?? Mine are all exactly the size they claim to be. Did you measure yours?
ReplyDeleteIssues I've had:
ReplyDelete- Holes opening up at the seams of merino cable v-necks for no apparent reason;
- Buttons falling off the FIRST time they are buttoned;
- Sizing that varies widely; and
- Annoying jewelry defects/signs of wear , such as enamel chipping off and the fact that several of the lockets on my scattered locket necklace do not stay closed.
I agree with Alexis and some other folks about the coats and blazers being the best pieces in terms of quality. My favorite blazer from recent years is the Lexington from Fall '07; the fabric, fit and construction are all amazing and make this blazer look much more expensive than what I paid, IMO. But even this gorgeous blazer has an annoying issue: the gold-plating has worn off the edges of one of the button, and it leaves an ugly black circle on the fabric of the (ivory) blazer after repeated wear.
Oh, one more thing-- I think the shoes are pretty much universally uncomfortable, and I think that is a quality issue as well. For what they cost, at a minimum the flats should be as comfortable as the super cheapo flats sold everywhere!
i like the tees vncek, crew neck, etc....they maintain their shape and color compared to tees i buy elsewhere.....
ReplyDeletei like the chinos too
Alexis thank-you for posting this topic.
ReplyDeleteRatOnParade: I agree with you about the tees the quality has gone downhill. My Ringspun tee that I received over Christmas will not last more than a season.
I have received some great quality cotton pieces this past year i.e. sleepwear, yoga line and last summers slub tees and bermuda shorts.
I am really disappointed in the sweaters all types they are thin, and so are some of the tees. It is too bad because you cannot beat J Crew styles.
I can no longer afford disposal clothing for that I can go to Old Navy, who also make the Ringspun Tees for alot less.
On a positive note I received the canvas tote bag a couple of weeks ago and it is made very well, you can carry a laptop around with no problem,it is very strong and durable.
I agree with other aficionadas that the quality of JCrew's cashmere has gone downhill. I know that some pilling should be expected, but not as much! Also, they are considerably thinner (on average) than before. I continue to buy some of them, the thicker ones (only 3 gauge or up) which are less prone to pilling, as their styles and colors are so pretty! However, I will not buy white ones, as you can definitely see through them.
ReplyDeleteI have also noticed a change in sizing. I used to wear a size 6, now all the dresses I have bought as of late are a size 4, and in tank tops I have become an XS.
Also, their perfect tees are way too thin, JCrew should pack some more cotton in them and make them more substantial. I have also purchased multiple perfect tees to replace them as the holes start to appear (which inevitably do as a result of the thin fabric).
the jackets and blazers are great, and i've been wearing mine for many years.
ReplyDeletewhat actually gets me down is when i order something online (say a turtleneck sweater, as i did recently) and it turns out to be basically transparent. this has happened to me a few times - both with lightweight sweaters and with tshirts - and i wish the website clearly indicated those garments that are thin.
Tees- very thin, my ring spun tee from November already has a hole next to the label. Wore it 2x.
ReplyDeleteSweaters- the cotton, linen mixes from spring/summer are very thin. Not sure if they will last more than a few seasons, if that.
Chinos- I started to hem my own pair from fall and one leg was 1" longer than the other. I fixed it in the process of hemming them, but come on, really?
Beading details- not sewn really well, beading/sequins fall off with normal wear.
Jackets- better! My Lexington from last year is nicely made, except for the fact I had to resew two buttons.
Dresses/tanks & ZIPPERS- I didn't wear one of the wedding dresses for my own wedding because I ran into an issues with the side zipper not lying flat against the seam. Same problem with many silk tanks that have zippers on the side.
I think the shoe quality does not justify the price. The flats especially always seem flimsy and poorly constructed.
ReplyDeleteI had a tee I bought this year and the seam on the sleeve unraveled on the second wearing.
My dream tie sweater pilled after half a day. My cord skirt looks really faded and my denim pencil skirt does not wash well.
However, the perfect scoopneck tees I own (3) have all washed wonderfully. Interesting that they are the least expensive of everything I have purchased yet they have held up the best.
It seems that JCrew instituted their Final Sale right around the time that their quality started to noticeably decline. Odd coincidence. I know that they say that they will take back an item if it's truly defective, but they know that many people will be intimidated, and just let most issues go. I think that they need to stand behind their products, and drop Final Sale. Other quality, customer oriented retailers don't have it.
ReplyDeleteThe cashmere sweater I bought one year ago is pilling so badly I'm embarrassed to wear it outside my house. Too bad, because it was a gorgeous royal purple color around which I build so many outfits. Please improve the cashmere quality (my Ann Taylor cashmere from 8 years ago shows less wear (no pilling) than JCrew's from last year!)
ReplyDeleteThe merino wool sweaters have also gotten so thin. I prefer the thicker ones from 8+ years ago; at least make a few more of the thicker cardis instead of so many thin, summer weight merino sweaters.
I do love the improving quality & style of the jackets. The women's blazers used to have inside breast pockets, just like the mens' but that's gone away. Would love to see that again.
The fit can be improved in the jackets & coats. Shoulders on many this past season have been too narrow so lapels hung funny when jacket was worn unbuttoned.
On the positive side, I do appreciate that many items come in petite sizes! But please, enough vanity sizing. The petite 0 in bottoms is sometime still too big for me. Bring the sizes down, please!
quality of sweaters in general down. the shoes are not as well constructed, especially loafers. My coats bought between 6-10 years ago are still going strong, as are the sweaters (though they were boxier then and I prefer the more fitted styles out now).
ReplyDeleteI still have a couple long sleeve heathered tshirts (blue/green, salmon/pink) from high school, too! (from the late 90s) The colors were so cool; I know I've mentioned this before on this blog! :)
The shoes and boots have gone from quality leather materials and made in Italy to synthetic and made in China.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Payless shoe store, but I imagine that this is the same quality they offer. *shudder*
Sizing is terribly inconsistent. I used to always be able to order online without issue and everything fit as expected. Now, I am guessing based on how it fits on the model and more often than not the clothes are too big. Vanity sizing indeed!
ReplyDeleteI found it strange that they recommend to SU or SD for some items as well. Get it right and stop the guessing game. A number of tops, jackets and coats were reviewed as tight in the shoulders as well. Who are they measuring for anyway?
It seems that all sweaters and cotton tops have become much thinner. I have several Wellesley cable sweaters (the previous version of the Cambridge cable sweaters) and they are much better quality than the Cambridge cable sweaters. I ordered a Cambridge cable v-neck and returned it because it was so sheer! (It was in snow.) I've had the same experience with the Egyptian cotton sweaters--love my ones from a few years ago but won't buy them anymore. And it's the same with the perfect fit cotton t-shirts too. Now you have to wear a cami under them. That wasn't the case a few years ago. It's disappointing for sure, as it's nice to be able to count on J. Crew for basics like this.
ReplyDeleteThe only sweater I continue to be happy with is the Jackie cardigan!
I agree with quality control issues. I bought the same size of vintage stretch bootcut cords a few seasons ago (different colors), one had side seams under the belt loops, the other did not. The seams split (and not because the pants were too tight!) on the one pair, and I had to resew them. Never had problems with the other pair.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you are not alone. I have noticed that for the last two years, the odd pair of pants will have the zipper slightly slanted in one direction. I try to adjust it and if it is too far out of line it looks ridiculous and I send them back as defective. I've never had them question the return. I believe it was only two pair, but maybe three.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the sweaters are thin, and sometimes wearing a nude underlayer just isn't convenient. But who wants to look like a hooker in a turtleneck?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the pilling goes - quality cashmere doesn't pill - very much or at ALL. I have a cashmere sweater from Lord and Taylor, no idea how old it is as I got it second hand, but it's thick and does *NOT* pill. It's so comfy.
But pilled sweaters are not ruined sweaters - all you need to do is get a sweater shaver. They sell these at my local grocery store, even. I have one that's battery operated, and I just go around the sweater nipping off all the pills, and it's good as new. It really helps keep sweaters fresh looking.
I have two pairs of J.Crew boots - one equestrian style, suede, knee-high from many years ago that still look brand new, and a pair of the short Brewster leather boots that are very comfortable. I can't speak for the flats, but the boots are great - and I got both at a deep discount.
I will agree that the buttons on coats and jackets seem to need some work - I got a stadium coat a few years ago and had to have the buttons re-sewn on after four months - they were too flimsy for the heavy fabric.
The styling and color range of J. Crew can't be beat. But the quality leaves something to be desired - Micky! Either lower the prices or check the pieces yourself!
oh, and my biggest peeve-- petite pant inseams are too long! They used to be anywhere from 28 1/2", 28 3/4" or 29"... they are now 30". That may not seem like a big deal to some, but when you're 5'1", it is huge! I do not wear 3" heels everyday! I never had to hame my jcrew pants until about 3 years ago. Now they all need further alteration. I don't buy jcrew jeans anymore because of it (I still buy cords, though).
ReplyDeleteadd solid 28" inseam to those previous measurements, too. I long for the days of 28" inseam jcrew bootcut jeans for $58. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI used to work at a J.Crew store back in 2000, and the quality was tremendous then compared to what it is today. I remember a gorgeous heavy gauge cashmere cardigan (my first cashmere item ever)that was so soft you could have used it as a baby blanket. Speed up today and compare it with Nola sweater I got in December: it feels scratchy and looks pilly and worn after about 5 wears. But, who am I kidding - I bought 5 cashmere sweaters from them this year so the decline in quality is certainly not keeping me away!
ReplyDeleteer, hame = hem. thinking about the decline in jcrew quality before I've finished my coffee has me all in a tizzy.. hehe :P
ReplyDeleteHa...funny this should be a topic today...I received my luxe cords in chocolate yesterday and upon trying them on and pulling them up, the loop ripped from the pant...leaving a big hole. I will fix it (easy enought) because I only paid 16 dollars but my gosh, if I had paid 80...I would be TICKED!
ReplyDeleteThe cashmere bugs a bit...but I have a fabric shaver so that helps. I love the merino...very nice quality.
On the other side of the coin, the Shipley coat I received is exceptional quality. The buttons are even sewn on strong enough...
Also, J. Crew shoes CANNOT be beat. Every pair I have (even the fabric ones) last for years. I am very careful with them, but even still, shoes are hard to take real good care of...I still have shoes from years ago that are "worn" looking, but still very wearable.
I received the salina flats in peacock and swoon, gorgeous. Today I am wearing the yellow perfect patent flats and they are 100%...color, fit, style.
Maybe the coats, merino sweaters and shoes are the way to go with J. Crew!
i've finally decided to stop even bothering with the knits. they are poorly shaped and wash and dry terribly; and, i'm not going to hang a t-shirt to dry. their chinos don't hold up especially well either. luckily, they aren't too expensive.
ReplyDeletei love their button downs, skirts, and sweaters; and, i think the main thing that keeps me coming back is their vast color selection and styling. no one else offers so many colors in so many styles!
I've had a big big problem with the lightweight merino sweaters pilling. They look super old within a few months of wear. Totally disappointing when you pay $70 a sweater.
ReplyDeletedinagideon,
ReplyDeleteI guess the shoes aren't *that* bad compared to the past. My main beef is with loafers + driving moccasins and sandals. But my Alessia maryjanes are goregous. Would I have paid $250 full price? No. But they were definitely a steal at $48. If they were regualrly priced around $100, I would have considered buying them full price when they first came out instead of stalking them until they went on sale + discount. Honestly, I think jcrew should knock $40-70 off all their dressier shoes.
I posted this elsewhere, but thought I would post here too:
ReplyDeleteCan someone comment on the fit of the cherie cami? I assume I would need to size down, but some J.Crew camis are too billowy in the middle even when I do that (like the hammered silk tank). TIA!
The quality of sweaters has gone seriously downhill. Last fall I bought the dream tie sweater (which I love) and recently one of the ties became unattached at the seam. It was only a $5 fix at the tailor, but I was surprised that it happened after less than three months.
ReplyDeleteThe sizing is also a mess for tops. In the past year I have bought tops and sweaters ranging from a 0 to a medium (I am a 4 or small at other stores). For that and many other reasons, I don't order from the web site anymore.
Andrea, I too have received a couple pairs of pants that seem to be crooked in front! I thought it was just me and my body that was making the zipper shift :-) Maybe my body isn't so crazy after all.
ReplyDeleteThe sizing seems consistent to me, really. Anything cut loose through the body I have to size down, but other than that I don't understand the "vanity sizing" issue. I wear the same size at J Crew that I do everywhere else.
As for quality issues, I have only been wearing mostly J Crew for about 2 years, but I've received lots of well made pieces off of Ebay and through other sellers like on this blog. Outside of my last purchase which was a Cashmere Femme sweater that came to me with a large hole in the front which should have been caught in the warehouse, I have had no problems with quality control issues. However, I have a real problem with the thinness of the tops. I understand changing times and seasons, but why must you make sweaters and tees that are practically see-through in lighter colors? I love the styling of the painter tees, how they fit, and the material...but the thinness of the fabric drives me crazy. Right out of the package you could see straight through the material in places! To me, a $35 tee shirt should not be see through! Maybe it's just the nature of the ringspun fabric, but I will not buy any more of their ringspun garments. The slub fabric is far heftier and feels better as far as quality. The perfect fit tees I bought over the summer (thinner fabric than the fall/winter version) are all stretched out after several wearings and I will no longer wear them in public. The fall/winter thicker version is holding up much better though.
I'd love to see all, or at least most, of their pants come in a Short version. I may be 5'7, but I cannot wear a 33" inseam unless I'm in 3-4" heels which I refuse to do on a daily basis. I'd love to be able to purchase any pair of pants and get it in a shorter inseam to be able to wear with flats without having to have them tailored. Just a thought....
All of that aside, I adore the styling at J Crew and think it's unique and if you can get stuff on sale a very good deal. Their coats, jackets, and sweaters are all wonderfully designed and seem to hold up very well, IMO.
I doubt I'll ever by another "dream" sweater. I bought several in fall/winter 2007, one as late as last January. I've already thrown two of them away, because of holes. The others are so badly pilled they'll be gone after this winter ends. What absolute junk.
ReplyDeleteOne item in particular that I've really notice a change in is the Jackie cardigan. I have some from a few years ago that are thicker than what I've bought it the past year. The newer ones are thin, almost thinner than some of the merino sweaters.
ReplyDeleteThis wouldn't be a problem if it didn't mean that they get holes really easily. It drives me nuts to pay that much for a sweater that's about the same quality as something for maybe a third of the price at Old Navy. I love the color options of the Jackie, the style, and versatility, but they're really shoddily made.
One more thing...why, oh why, must the driving mocs stretch so much? I own lots of leather and suede shoes and NONE stretch anywhere near as much as my J Crew mocs (and I have about 8 pairs of them). I have to buy at least a size smaller than I wear anywhere else just to accomodate the stretching and so I can keep them on my feet while walking. Is this just a fact with all driving mocs?
ReplyDeleteMaybe not a quality of clothing issue, but quality of the website, which is a whole other topic...
ReplyDeleteI checked FS this morning and the Sanur dress was featured under Knits and Tees in a lovely turquoise color that is one of my favorites. Click through to the item page and it shows up in turquoise, with the color listed as "black" and the actual turquoise choice is not available. Hmmm. Maybe it is coming in turquoise later?
I agree with the others- The cashmere sweaters have definitely gotten thinner. I have one from 2005 and it is way thicker and much warmer!! The Merino sweaters are very thin and one of my turtlenecks (which I bought this fall) already has a hole in it. Also, the Wellesley sweaters from the past are much better than the current Cambridge cables. Better fabric- much softer and thicker. I have 2 of them from the past seasons. I was disappointed in that as I really liked the Wellesley sweaters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone also on the terrible sizing issue. I used to be a standard 6 or 8p and size medium in tops, period. Now I am XS to L - all over the place! Its a pain to call in for the measurements. It would be great if they posted all the garment measurements online like Boden does.
On the positive side, as others have said - all my Jackies are in good shape and I have had them for years. I do also have several of their sweater jackets and they hold up very well. So far all my pants (chinos, jeans and wool pants) have held up very well.
anon at 8:39 a.m., hah, now I know what to look forward to - I bought a cashmere bateau last month because I *loved* the royal purple color. I was aware the quality wasn't great, but then it only came to $35, and I just couldn't resist that color.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I stick to Lord & Taylor for cashmere. I have a charcoal v-neck I bought there 10-11 years ago that still looks great.
When are manufacturers (hello GAP!) going to realize that we're on to the whole 'vanity sizing' thing?? Seriously, I am JC size 0, when in actuality I am a pretty normal sized person with a small frame. In realistic sizes I suspect I am more of a 4. A six even!! I think my wedding dress was a six, and the bridal industry has not really caught on to the vanity sizing thing.
ReplyDeleteAnother sizing issue is mislabeling. I now suspect that 2 items I thought were just sized ridiculously large were actually mislabeled - a Plaza coat in 0 and a suiting dress in 0. They were so big on me that I could probably have worn then 4 or 5 months pregnant. That can't be right!!??
This is a great post. I've checked my pants and found that the oldest wool ones are much better made and of a higher quailty wool than ones from this current season.
ReplyDeleteWashed cotton shirts and merino sweaters are what J.Crew does best for men. Chinos are also well done.
Shoes seem to be hit and miss, some sizing is off, and overall I like the style of the shoes and the weighty quality, but sometimes comfort is lacking.
Cashmere, well they feel nice out of the b ox, but fail to stand up like ones I've bought elsewhere.
The single best thing for me with J.Crew is the style, cut and colour. Now if they could only up the quality without uping the price.
My question re: the fit of the cherie cami made me think about the sizing issues we are all talking about here. I have things in my closet that I bought from J.Crew this year which range from size 0 to size 6. It's bizarre.
ReplyDeleteI also echo the comments about the decline in quality. I think a lot of people wouldn't necessarily mind so much if the prices weren't so high. I love the styling though, so that's why I will still buy from J.Crew. The pieces are stylish and trendy without being overly modern (which is my main gripe with BR). The result is often times a timeless piece that I would gladly wear for years to come ... if it would last that long :P
I agree with what the first poster (Jenni) said. I think it isn't even the individual pieces that keep me coming back to JC. It the way that JC has manages to so uniquely and fabulously style the pieces and their models that make me want to buy. It is so elegant, but it has an edge, and a pretty hipness to it that inspires me.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, JC is great at coming up with a few unique, stand out pieces that you just don't see at other retailers - like the clara chiffon cardi, the luxe sash, bronzed ochre skirt, lulus, and much of jewelery (some of my faves, but there are tones of others).
Issues I have had this year with items that I have ordered:
ReplyDeleteJackie shell- hole in the collar
Knit sweater dress- arrived w/ nasty goo (as in bodily fluid) on the inside of the dress
Dream tie sweater- one of the ties is coming apart from the sweater, can be fixed easily but still annoying that it came this way
Shearling mocs- looks like someone tried to fix stitching that was coming undone but used white thread instead of brown to match
Lulu peep toes- leather is not properly adhered to the heel
Merino turtlenecks- two different orders both had holes under the arm pit
Silk lawn shirt- one of the button holes is sewn shut
Candy tee- got the gray Mr Smith's tee, hand washed it and the strand of beads came comepetley apart! It can't be replaced b/c they are sold out now
Shawl collar sweater- totally missing from an order. Raised holy hell w/ J Crew and they agreed to price match a much more expensive cashmere item that was similar in style.
Most of these issues are minor but it still annoys me that J Crew doesn’t do a better job w/ quality control. Even more irritating is when I return the defective item only to find out that the item is currently sold out!
At least J Crew is good about taking a defective item back.
I bought a merino button cuff sweater (originally $78) and discovered 2 holes before I wore it. I took it back and got another now reduced to about $20 (although this tag had the original price at $58.)
ReplyDeleteI wore it to my father-in-law's 80th birthday dinner. As I washed my hands, a button fell off the sweater and started rolling around the sink towards the drain. I managed to catch it right before it went down, but wound up totally splashing myself.
So, there I am in the ladies' room wearing a visibly wet, brand new J.Crew sweater, gaping open between my bra and my belly button. Nice.
Thanks J.Crew for selling me a sweater that wasn't even worth the $20 I paid for it.
Emily:
ReplyDeleteYou are very forgiving. I have to be honest...if I ever got something from J. Crew with bodily fluid on it, I would never buy from them again. And I would have called them to say so.
I hope that we are all spared that possibility, but now that I know it has happened, I will be looking at my purchases way more closely!
Zippers in some special event dresses are HORRIBLE considering the prices of the dresses. The strapless Camilla dress in particular- bought 2 & the zippers stick at the same point near the piping on the empire waistband- one wouldn't zip at all & had to be returned.
ReplyDeleteThe Sophia dress was lovely, but the zipper was all lumpy & bumpy & stuck out from the side of the dress...again, super-cheap quality for an otherwise nice dress.
anon 10:13, thanks for the laugh. I hope you took that sweater back and told them what happened.
ReplyDeleteI keep going back to J.Crew because of unique items like the Bella & Cheshire jackets, the sparkle aubrey, the violet 120s suiting dress. And if something is discounted enough, I'll chance it, like the cashmere sweater, even though I know what to expect. But when so much stuff is defective from the start, or after one wearing, the company loses my business. I hardly ever buy full price from J.Crew any more & I used to do it regularly. I just don't think they're worth it any more.
The quality of many JCrew sweaters (wool and cashmere) has gone way downhill in the last few years. The yarns seems to thinner and more fragile and they pill like crazy. I have older JCrew sweaters that still look great, but the sweaters I purchased in the last couple of years all looked shabby after half a season.
ReplyDeleteI have also noticed a decline in the quality of their boots. I have always loved JCrew boots but the leather on the pair I bought about 5 years ago is MUCH nicer than on the pair I bought this year. The leather on this years Rivington's looks like cheap vinyl imo.
Over the same period of time prices have increased considerably and that is what has frustrated me most about JCrew lately. I always considered them to be a quality retailer until recently, and now I think that most items are overpriced for what you get quality-wise.
I agree that overall quality has declined. This year though, I bought several items that met or exceeded my expectations:
ReplyDeleteDouble-serge skirt - I have this in every colour except persimmon as it just never came available again in my size, although I have the page bookmarked, JIK. ;) Top quality fabric, construction and classic style in beautiful colours. The only issue was that my bright blue fit larger than the other colours by a full size.
Mod herringbone mini - this skirt is just unbelievably cute and stylish, I was so impressed. Worn several times already and compliments galore. Wool/silk fabric has a wonderful drape and tiny metallic threads give it a little glow. Has held up well and looks great all day long. Quality piece.
Chalet shearling boots - warm, stylish and very, very comfortable, almost like wearing slippers. The foot is not lined with shearling but the crepe sole makes up for it with the comfort and traction factor.
Toscana shearling hat - Super warm and adorable on, especially with the long pom-pom ties dangling. I love J.Crew shearling and it is always worth the price to me as I live in a cold climate and need the warmth.
Shipley coat, Kelly shirts, wool prima pinstripe suiting, wool university pants, all the ecoles, python-print mini, the Astrid sisters and Frankie, Owen, small Oslo and Jamie bags - wonderful additions to my wardrobe this year. These pieces were exactly what I expected from J.Crew, which was a delight.
Men's cotton-cashmere sweaters and flannel-lined camp pants are my husband's favourite pieces this winter. No fit or quality issues and have held up well after repeated washings and wearings.
Hopefully J.Crew will take note of the quality issues and adjust accordingly.
Anon 10:13 - you made me totally LOL with your story of the defective cardi. Terrible experience, but a funny story nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteEmily, button holes are first stitched into the fabric, then the fabric is cut inside the stitching. It is likely the last step to make the cut was missed by the machine making the hole, rather than the hole being sewn shut. You can take a seam ripper and gently cut it open inside the stitching. this is how I have to make button holes on my home-made clothing as my machine does not perform the "cut" step.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have a seam ripper or small tailor scissors, a tailor should be able to open the button hole for you at no charge. Takes less than a minute.
My friend bought me a pair of Target flats last April for my birthday, I bought myself a pair of city ballet flats. I wear on or the other about 5 out of the 7 days of the week. Guess which pair is about to hit the trash?
ReplyDeleteIt annoys me that J.Crew will boast about the leather sole of a shoe online, but then when it arrives the sole is leather, but is also about 2mm thick. To me that is the same as taking a man-made sole, waving it at a cow, and then calling it leather.
Vanity sizing... everything is vanity sized, not just J.Crew. Even designers vanity size now. I'm always a 0 (at J.Crew and everywhere else on top)/2 (for bottoms from everywhere else). My mother recently gave me some of her old clothing from high school (mid-late 70s) and her old size 4s are snug but fit.
Also, on the crooked zipper issue, you probably just got a dud. That sort of thing happens on designer jeans all the time (I worked at AG), every once and a while the machines go a little crazy (and it's hard for quality inspectors to notice because the defect usually isn't visible unless someone is wearing them), just exchange them.
re: dream tie sweater ties coming off. I had thought it was just me! Mine was sent to me this way---it was literally hanging on my a thread. It was easy enough to fix. but sheesh.
ReplyDeleteI should have just returned it. I hardly ever wear it due to the fact that it pills so much and I have to constantly shave the pills off. I'll be sitting in a meeting, mesmerized by the pills I acquired since driving to work and will start pulling them off. Not very career enhancing.
OMG, my Kate dress. I don't know if every colour was like this, but mine is camel. The zipper is not any kind decent dress zipper. It is like one of those big clunky silver zippers in a child's winter coat! I also suspected as though the dress has been worn, or at least very thoroughly tried on.
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to say I kept it!! It was just such a unique piece and I think I got it nearly half off.
OT...I've had my eye on the Vachetta leather uptown tote. Does anyone have any experience with this type of leather? The description says it "wears beautifully/develops a patina," but I just did a little google research and read that this type of leather can be ruined if it gets any sort of water on it and should not be cleaned with any type of leather cleaner.
ReplyDeleteAny experience?
BUTTONS!! I have had sooo many buttons fall off on the first wear...from coats to cardigans...it's really annoying.
ReplyDeletealso on several tees...most recently the tissue turtlenecks...the hems fall out on the first wear...
and on several of my cashmere jackie cardigans the seams start to come undone on the first wear (on the sleeves and at the bottom hem!!)
also jackets, coats, etc, don't seem to be made like they used to...on my double serge tuesday trench the pocket lining had a hole in it and the sleeve hem is falling out...and IMO new jackets such as the travel trench look very cheap...like something you could get at h&m...except a lot more expensive
Pros - the styling and colors. J. Crew has the best colors hands down. Ann Taylor should learn from J. Crew. Also, I've been very happy with my cotton Jackie's. They've held up well and have a very flattering cut. I also love the styling of the shoes
ReplyDeleteCons - Like everyone else, I'd like to see the cashmere improve. A few years ago, I bought a cashmere sweater from Lands End and have had no pilling problems. Also, the tee shirts tend to stretch out and bunch around my hips. That is not one area where I need more width!! I'd also like to see the quality of the shoes improve. It would be great if J. Crew could team up with Cole Hann for a line of shoes, but I'm afraid the price would be out the roof. Oh yeah, the quality of the Cambridge cables was down this year. They felt very rough.
They still seem to be restocking the website for FS. I assumed they would send some stock to the sample sale. Maybe it is not going as well as expected and they have not done so. Or maybe they never were going to do that in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that the sizing is definitely a problem, at least with sweaters. I'm a small in the merinos, an extra small in the cashmere tees, and a medium with the cotton Jackies. Last year, I bought a cotton cardigan, I forget which type, in a small, and it was miles too big.
ReplyDeleteI have probably 15 jcrew cashmere sweaters at this point and pilling does not bother me since I have a fabric shaver. I also havent paid more than $55 for any of them and dont plan on wearing them forever.. maybe a year or two... new styles and colors become available so I simply dont want to wear the oldies.
ReplyDeleteI agree that quality has slipped in the last few years. I think this is pretty universal though. L&T and Bloomingdale's cashmere is not even close to what it used to be. However, as the comments here prove, it does not seem to be keeping anyone from making purchases. What impetus does J. Crew have to step it up? Just an observation from reading all 60- some comments at once.
ReplyDeleteGot a pr of Alessia peep-toes, leather is all buckled where it is attached to the heel, and you can see glue where the sole is attached to the shoe. I bought them only b/c with all the discounts they came to $29--about what they were worth.
ReplyDelete11:22, people are buying but really only at deep discounts, or returning defective items. That's the incentive for JC to step it up.
ReplyDeleteIf I knew an item would hold up for a long time, I would be willing to pay more for it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh yes--missizing. I ordered a pair of cafe capris in size 16. When they arrived, the inside tag said 16 but they looked like children's size pants. I think they must have been a 0 petite. (And I do have other pairs of the cafe capris, size 16, which do fit).
ReplyDeleteSomeone should cut and paste this thread and send it to Mickey.
ReplyDeletepudding,
ReplyDeleteI think that type of zipper is a recent trend, to look more retro-- I have noticed other more indie labels using them on dresses (a.p.c. and steven alan, for example). I like it on other pieces because of the retro and handcrafted feel, but on a refined jcrew piece, it does seem a bit out of place. My problem with the Kate dress was fit. I loved the light pumpkin color, but 0p and 2p were all oddly fitting at the neckline + arms. I've been solidly a 2P in jcrew dresses for years, so I don't know what was going on.
The change of factories most likely affected the change of quality. I don't know where their products were produced before, but most of their merchandise are now produced in China, or Mexico. Their fabric might be from Italy, or England, but they would be assembled in other countries. Cost cutting, but the quality is bound to go down.
ReplyDeletelilac cupake:
ReplyDeleteI found the Cheries to run big, as you guessed. If it helps, I am 5'5", size 10/12 bottom, size 6/8 top and I took a 6 in the golden roses Cheries and a 4 in the solid ones (cotton, I think). I am the quintessential *pear* shape, with a small chest and big hips :) The Cheries aren't as blouse-y as the Elizabeth or Lydia, but definitely an "a-line" type shape. HTH!
Bottom line is J Crew is worth the price ON SALE, IMO. It is just not generally worth the full price--esp the increasing full price that is occurring these days.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing I NEED bad enough to pay full price and often be disappointed by what turns out to be poor quality. BUT, it DOES depend on the item FOR SURE. Once you become intimately aware of the good and bad in their items--you can shop accordingly waiting for a sale etc. (think jewelry for instance). But this is only for the compulsives--like those that read and write on this blog:)
I agree with almost all that has been reported thus far. I have had the strange swayed zippers in cords, I have to order 3 pair of the same size of each and every jean or cord to get the best fit (and this includes length!), shoes are cheaply made and even they vary in size, in store items--buttons are often hanging off sweaters but they will gladly have them sewn on and they will gladly take back defective items which is commendable. I haven't ever had to take something back due to quality but I may be one of those that figures out how to wear it under something or deals with a stone that has fallen out of a bracelet etc. because I usually LOVE the piece (and the sale price) and don't want to see it go bye-bye bad enough i.e. jewelry-A LOT of POOR quality but if cheap enough--so worth it IMO.
I laugh as I have 3 cashmere sweaters that I SLEEP in from 20+ years ago. They were hit with a couple moth holes shortly after purchase (so saddening) but I thought, I am so darn cold the second Fall weather hits, I will just keep and wear these around the house and sleep in them. Guess what, honest to goodness, no pilling whatsoever. I wash and dry them in the machine too! BTW-they are all 3 from Lord & Taylor and quality back then was superb. Not sure it is today, perhaps it's no different than JC-I can't speak to that.
Recently, I recv'd a couple of JC cashmere T-necks and guess what? I got exactly what I read so many times on this blog...pilling under the arms/side of body where arms rub when you walk. I am not complaining as I feel I knew this was going to happen and at the $42 price-I took a chance. I wanted warmth and to layer them. They are beautiful colors I could get no where else and I will have to shave them indeed.
But, COME ON, I SLEEP in and machine wash & dry the others and don't have any issues at all after 20 years! I think THAT is quality to strive for JC!!
I agree jackets, blazers are their best quality items (other than fit such as that strange buckle between the shoulder/armpit area-esp. Ecole/Maggie) and I generally have had great luck with the silk camis of varying design.
I think the zippers are often CHEAP on skirts (take Francie--that crappy silver, metal zipper, runs so catchy/not smooth at all-just shlocky and no good)!!
Sorry for the ramble--I just hope JC reads all this and makes a CHANGE for the better!!
Constance, your comment just made me laugh out loud. "Taking a man made sole, waving it at a cow, and calling it leather."
ReplyDeleteToo funny! :)
Yikes to the posts on this topic! I guess I've been pretty fortunate that I haven't had many issues, with minor exceptions. Of course, their shoes aren't that comfortable, but they are cute! For the lack of comfort, the price should definitely be lower- I never buy JC shoes at full price. Also, I mentioned before that my merino Michelle cardigans developed many! holes the first time I wore them. I took them back and fortunately haven't had problems with the replacements. Also, I haven't ordered online since October, but today I placed a large order. Given all of the other problems fellow JCAs have had, my expectations are low!
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of quality, I am a fairly new JC shopper (previously only buying there on occasion), so I can't really speak to whether or not quality has declined (though I do think many items are overpriced for the current quality level). That said, my biggest frustration is the sizing many have mentioned. Like so many, I have XS-L and 4-12s in my closest, all purchased in the last 8 months or so.
ReplyDeleteThis might sound terrible, but when new arrivals hit stores, I go in and try everything I can on, so that I will then know what size to buy when it hits the dreaded Final Sale online. I can't afford to buy everything FP, and I feel like I can't buy from FS if I haven't previously tried on.
With the issues, it's definitely the unique style that keeps me coming back for more. I think someone previously mention JC being a "creative" company that lacks skill in the operations dept - I think that is a perfect description!
Heather-
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain about the inseam lengths! I find J Crew jeans to be way too long so I just don't buy them anymore.
I will say that I have issues w/ GAP jeans too. I bought a pair of petite jeans that are supposed to be 29 inseam and they were 31.5. When I called GAP CS they were pretty unhelpful about the whole thing. Made me appreciate J Crew CS reps a lot more.
Dinagideon-
I was mortified that there was goo on the inside of the dress but I was even more upset when the SA argued w/ me and refused to take it back. I had to call CS from the red phone and politely explain the issue in front of the whole store before the CS rep told the SA to refund my money. I didn’t shop at J Crew for about a month after the incident and I refuse to shop at that B&M.
Anon 10:51-
Thanks for the tip. As you might be able to tell I don’t really know that much about sewing. I actually mentioned to my boyfriend that I want to learn.
smarty-don't feel bad, necessity breeds creativity
ReplyDeletehmmm, I never thought of the funky zipper as a retro detail, but I see what you mean. You're right though, on the Kate dress it just seemed a bit rough. Argh, you're right about the fit. It is very strange. Mine is uncomfy as hell, but it looks good so I wear it! Its tight in the shoulders and I feel like I can't lift my arms all the way over my head. Oh well, who needs freedom of movement anyway? hee hee
ReplyDeleteOne thing I did was let the seams out in the lining...it helped enormously. The lining was making the dress more pinch-y than it was.
Does anyone know if the Victoria cami's on sale in store? If so, how much and what colors? TIA!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, yes, the Kate dress and the zipper. I forgot about that. That was a really cheap zipper. I have J.Crew shoes from several years ago, and they are such better quality than the ones they make now. Leather soles and made in Italy. The same with the cashmere. The problem, as everyone is saying, is the pricing keeps increasing but the quality is decreasing. At the same time, I keep buying, because as has been said, the styles are just so much better than BR or AT.
ReplyDeleteAnon @11:08: I have a Coach Bag in British Tan Vachetta Leather that is about 2 years old, and I love it. I would say it's one of my favorite handbags, and I carry it constantly. I have 4 young boys and have had milk as well as water spilled on the bag, but both have wiped off easily with no damage to the bag at all. However, the leather is not soft...I'm not sure if that matters to you, or not, but thought it should be mentioned. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks smarty! With your help I decided to size down one size in both, so we will see what happens. I figured that if they don't work out, they may not be marked on the receipt as final sale (this has happened to me), and even if they are, I will just call CS and make the argument that they are online only.
ReplyDeletethe inseams are ridiculous. i am 5'7 and needed to get the watson pants in short and had to have the bistro pants tailored.
ReplyDeletei can't imagine how bad it is for the shorter ladies.
Hi!!
ReplyDeleteI think I might have posted this elsewhere, but I thought I would give it another shot.
The other day on the weekly exchange someone was offering the gold Claudia crackle metallic pumps in size 8.
Are they still available?
I can't find the post now, and I wonder if it was removed.
Please email info to:
toripewter@yahoo.com
THANKS!!!
emily - sewing can be a lot of fun. When I was a starving student I made a lot of my own clothes from discounted fabric. I started with a few very simple, basic patterns, like a pencil skirt and was able to tailor things to fit me like a glove.
ReplyDeleteI no longer have time to sew but I learned much from the staff at the fabric store, reading sewing magazines and of course, my mother and sisters. I know a lot about fabric and construction and what is quality and what is not, also what works for my figure as far as princess seams vs. bust darts and the like.
My mother still insists that girls should take sewing as part of home economics in high school so that they learn the basics about clothing, which should enable them to make educated purchasing decisions for them and their families as well complete as minor alterations, if needed. I don't think it's a bad idea, but I'm sure many would disagree with me as it is seen as gender-biased to make such a suggestion.
To me, knowledge is power and women (and many men) love clothes so why not learn about something you will spend a sizable amount on throughout the course of your life?
Kudos to you for the interest.
Thanks for the feedback on the vachetta leather, FFM.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Uptown Tote, regretted it, and called too late to cancel. CS said it wasn't actually listed as Final Sale and she added a note to accept a return anyway just in case. I'll see how it looks when I get it and decide.
I thought that was pretty nice of them. It is in the Final Sale section, and yeah, I should know better.
Anon @ 11:08
NextTrick "the Astrid sisters". I liked that.
ReplyDeleteI have been shopping with J. Crew for ten years now and I still have my grey wool roll-neck sweater that started it all. I really wish they would bring it back in some of their new, gorgeous colors. I also still have some boxer shorts (used to wear them under my high school uniform skirt, now still wear them lounging around the house). Some other items that have held up remarkably well through the years: knee socks (surprising!), a pair of jeans that i LIVED in during college, several basic tshirts that do their fair share of wash/dry/repeat. I have also had a beach tote for at least five years now that is still going which says a lot because I use that thing constantly.
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky. I would say that the past two years or so have been the years I have bought the most J.Crew (I would say it is easily 85% of my wardrobe). I have never paid full price for any of it and have never experienced any defective items or true signs of poor quality. The items I am most impressed with are:
-my swimsuits. I swim in the ocean A LOT during the summer and with care (rinsing after every use) their suits easily last two or three summers.
-jeans and cords. Haven't had any wear out and I wear jeans or cords every day.
-The yoga line. Again- I would never pay full price for it but the pieces I have picked up are so well made that they are easily, easily worth their sale markdown. They fit beautifully, wear well, and just plain feel really good.
-coats. I have a hooded puffer from Christmas 2005 and it still looks brand new. I have a lady day from Christmas 2004 that is also still going strong.
-special occasion dresses. I obviously cannot really speak about how well these hold up to wear and tear seeing as I generally haven't worn any one of them more than two or three times. I purchase a special occasion dress for almost every wedding or party or event that requires dress up. I LOVE their special occasion dresses. They are made so beautifully and fit so well and always have such special little details tucked into them that I really have zero desire to look for a dress anywhere else. Most recently I bought the strapless Claudine and aside from my own wedding dress, it is the most flattering dress I have ever put on.
I love J.Crew and will continue to shop with them as much as I can for as long as I can.
I agree with all those who feel the fabric is WAY too sheer. a T-SHIRT should NOT require a cami underneath! Especially in summer months, I'm trying to wear less clothing, not more. And besides that. to wear a cami under what is otherwise a cute tee looks ridiculous IMO. (I do wear camis under just about all J.Crew shirts and knits, but I wish I didn't have to!)
ReplyDeleteLilac Cupcake:
ReplyDeleteI bought two of the cherie camis and found them to be much bigger than I had expected. Definitely size down! Even the 0 on me is baggy to the point of being uncomfortable. In other stores I generally wear a 4.
It is very loose through the body, I mean extremely loose. The only part that is even remotely fitted is around the upper chest. I got both the solid shell pink and the light pewter polka dot, and returned the solid shell because I just felt like I was wearing someone else's clothes. It is plenty long on me (I'm 5'8") so if you're any shorter than me you may want to get a petite size, hopefully that would help!!
Rats and others - why would you buy duplicates of t-shirts when you knew the quality was questionable? Not trying to be snarky, just wondering...
ReplyDeleteITA about the thin tees. I use them UNDER other things, like cardi's and wool sweaters. Of course, that is not their intended purpose but I can't go around with my bra showing through.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of summer staples from J.Crew. Chino shorts, madras shorts and skirts, linen and cotton sweaters. I've found the quality to be pretty consistent over the years, even though they change it up a bit with different styling features. I live in the chino shorts and have never had a problem with any of them. They are comfortable and flattering and as many have already said, the choice of colors at J.Crew is a huge selling point for me.
ReplyDeleteRegarding "Ringspun", the Soft, ringspun cotton in allover stripes with an addictive texture and a light, cool handfeel of 2007 were awesome. Why didn't they continue to make rinspun like this? The ones I've received (& only ordered at a price cut appropriate to the quality) are totally different but still labelled ringspun cotton.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:03pm - totally valid question to ask.
ReplyDeleteI've been purchasing duplicates when the price falls to $9.99...so it doesn't feel like such a waste when they cost a fraction of the original price.
I keep wearing them (and buying them) because of the compliments I get when wearing them! But you're right, I probably should take a look at whether or not it's really worth it.....
Oh, and to your other comment, I also wear my tees under cardigans and jackets, but even at that you can see right through to my bra! Which I personally don't find to be that attractive. At least not if that isn't the look you're going for.
I agree with Stacy, the pants are too long! I'm also 5'7" and I could walk on the hems. But I've noticed that Gap and BR pants are like this also. Do they not realize that the average height for women in this country is 5'4"?. Sooo frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see smaller sizes available too. I am in the smallest sizes J Crew offers and the skirts still gape at the waist.
ReplyDeleteI just wore the camel colored wool flannel trousers (I think that's an accurate description) for the first time the other day and they pilled in the seat area and I have never had this issue with any other trousers.
I have had pretty good luck with most items I buy from J. Crew. I do wear their Hipslung jeans on almost a daily basis (and am very sad they've been discontinued), and with several pairs, right as they're getting to that just-a-little-faded look that's cute with flip-flops (I live in San Diego - they're a necessity!), they rip off-seam on the inner/upper left thigh. I don't hold this against J. Crew as I do wear the jeans frequently (although I alternate them - obviously not wearing the same pair everyday), but am always heartbroken when it happens. Funny story - I went to Big Sur with my husband and two good friends. On the way up we went to Hearst Castle, and I was wearing one of my perfectly worn in pair of Hipslungs. That morning as I was getting into the car, the dreaded rip sound was heard and I ended up with a rip from the inner thigh across the back of the leg of the jeans right under my butt cheek. Classy. We were already on our way, so I didn't turn around to change (and thankfully it wasn't really noticeable), but I was the 'butt' of the jokes most of the weekend.
ReplyDeleteMegan:
ReplyDeleteI went to the outlet in San Ysidro yesterday and they are carrying Hipslungs! I am a recent convert, so I was excited to see them. They are slightly thicker denim than the retail version, but same coloring/wash/etc. They were a great price, around $50, I think. HTH!
Leah - OMG, the PANTS are now pilling as well?! I have a pair of the same pants and haven't worn them yet. I'll have to take a trial run before wearing them to work. If they pill at work I would totally freak out!
ReplyDeleteI am so frustrated with their sizing, especially their shirts. I consider myself a small-medium on the top and I ordered an x-small for a JCrew wool cami recently and it is huge on me! I fear ordering anything on final sale because the sizing is so inconsistent. The same with their pants....I feel like they are made for women with no hips!
ReplyDeleteBoth of my seams came split on the inside of the wrists of my puffer jacket. I thought this was to hang your gloves from skiing, no? The split looks like it was meant to be there, they are both so uniform in size and placement.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my seams came split on the inside of the wrists of my puffer jacket. I thought this was to hang your gloves from skiing, no? The split looks like it was meant to be there, they are both so uniform in size and placement.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am fortunate to not have had any real issues with my JCrew purchases. I have shopped JCrew for almost 5 years and exclusively for the last 2. I like that I can order online and get consistent sizes; I have not noticed an issue with this at all. The only problems I had came this summer with the website upgrade and the wrong items being shipped.
ReplyDeleteI was in Walmart today and I saw a top made with Ringspun cotton, there was no difference in the quality of the cotton except for the price and the style. It too was made in China.
ReplyDeletePerfect fit tanks. I love them, thy fit great, have good colors, decently priced when on-sale, but the stitching on the hem falls apart very shortly after first few washes. Very disappointing.
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of a few pieces here and there, I have been pretty happy with JCrew quality over the years.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure if this is the right place for this comment but this year, I bought several pairs of wool dress pants and found that I never wear them because they all make too loud whoosh whoosh noise when I move around. I tried them on (as well as some pants from previous years that aren't loud for comparison) for a friend to make sure it wasn't all in my head. She did agree with me.
So far, the only difference I’ve noticed is that this year’s pants are lined in polyester while previous years pants were lined in acetate. No idea if there is a difference in quality.
These pants were purchased final sale so I can’t really return them, nor do I want to because the fit is excellent.
Any suggestions on preventing or minimizing the noise? I just want to make sure I tried everything before I pay to have them relined.
ha ha ha, woosh woosh pants. I'm laughing because I've had that happen to me and it is sooo annoying. I'd snip the lining out maybe.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest complaint is that their sizing has become too large! I used to be a 2 or a 4 and the last couple years I've been a constant 0with JC. However there are shirts, especially their cami's that are HUGE! Seriously, they're equivillant to a 4/6 at other stores. But this is a trend that does go beyond JC. That's why BR has size 00, wtf? Is it to make their customer's feel better that they're buying a smaller size? It's super frustrating however because I'd buy a lot more if I could but the cami's and pants and jeans are all way oversized.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the quality of the cashmere seems to have gone down. Though, I can't complain too much...I did just score a $28 sweater in store (98277)...so I guess that's what it takes to bring in the buyers? So even though I sacrifice some in softness and anti-piling, it's still nice enough to wear as long as I take care of it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that they have changed from the cotton sweater that they used to have. Those haven't held up so well over time, not as well as the wool/cashmere blends.
Anon 3:49 tell me about it! Already a petite 0 normally, I can't size down any further and feel like I'm swimming in a lot of the recent clothing items (have avoided the new camis altogether). And the BR 00 fits really... (strangely? badly? tightly in the crotch?)... awkwardly.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fun to have a post about the one J Crew item that you bought on FS that you wish you hadn't bought. I suspect that there are many people that have bought something for J Crew and wished they could return it.
ReplyDeleteha ha ha, I think that post exists - its called the Weekly Exchange!
ReplyDeleteWe should all have a swap like a hot-potato of items you wish you hadn't bought!
ReplyDeleteLeah, I have those same pants (camel wool trousers) and mine pill terribly, too!!! It is awful!
ReplyDeleteI think I have 2 items that I really wished I hadn't bought. I learned my lesson; don't buy it unless you really love it. It is hard b/c sometimes I just get caught up in the coupon/ promo craze! I can't think straight when J Crew offers 30% off, plus free shipping. It really messes with me.
ReplyDeleteIt's a love/hate relationship, that's for sure. Their sizing/quality issues drive me nuts sometime. But my wardrobe is at least 75% JC, I drool over the catalog, spend an obscene amount of time on their website and spend a comparable amount of time on a website dedicated to them. They must be doing something right because, my goodness, I'm crazy for Jcrew! :)
ReplyDeleteCashmere too pill prone & I agree w/ FFM that the tops seem to get thinner and thinner...?
ReplyDeleteOMG, what is all this complaining about pant lengt? They just cant make pants in 20 different lengths, so there will always be people who have to tailor nor matter how long the pants are. You can always make things shorter but never longer. Just get over it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julia for the info on the cherie cami :) I am trying the 2 because I am normally a 4. I hope it works! Now I am thinking that I might need a petite, but at least if I really like the cami I can have it tailored. And if not, final sale or not, it's going back because it's online only and that is just a ridiculous policy ;)
ReplyDeleteThis may sound funny, but I LOVE jcrew socks. They stand up well to heavy use.
ReplyDeleteI too have some J.Crew woosh-woosh pants. I wore them to work and it was embarassing. I found they seemed to get quieter as the day went on, maybe I just got used to the noise. I've only found it with one pair and I love everything else about them. I cannot cut out the lining because they are wool and I wouldn't be able to get a block away from my house without going crazy, never mind sitting on them all day.
ReplyDeleteIt's disappointing to hear that some of the pants pill. That is definitely a sign of poor quality. And those pants were what, $148 regular price? Insane.
snickers - too funny. Someone made a comment about that when everyone was gushing over their FS orders and the other JCAs ripped into her as a killjoy. Sad, but true. People get excited and it's not worth it. I myself have been guilty a time or two. :(
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the socks are great quality and last forever. I usually buy Hue socks because they last and J.Crew are ten times better. I notice the knee-high argyles I bought are made in Korea, not China.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew used to have "intimates" and a lot of those pieces were made in Israel and Jordan. I worked in Israel for a year and they make a lot of clothes for export there. In Tel Aviv there was a store called Banana that sold overstock and seconds from BR at hugely discounted prices. It was a one-off shop where the owner bought cast-offs from the factory and the tags were all cut out. They couldn't call it BR or say that it was for real, but when I came back to the U.S. for visits the same stuff was in the stores here. I ended up chatting up the manager a few times and she finally told me about all about it and let me know there were other similar stores for Diesel, Kookai, etc.
I think there is still a lot of garment manufacturing in the Middle East, but most is made in China.
I placed an order last Friday and just now received the shipping confirmation email. There were 21 items in the order and every last one is listed as shipped, including some very coveted items that I repeatedly stalked. I hope it is all in there and everything is in decent shape. I will be over the moon when that box arrives if it is all OK!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this has been posted, ('m sorry if it has) but I just received an email from clothingline that says:
ReplyDelete*************
SALE - select reductions
all Men's & Women's tee's & polo shirts (reg. to $34.50) $10, now any 2 for $15
all Men's Thomas Mason for J. Crew shirts (reg. to $125) $35, now any 2 for $60
all Men's & Women's cashmere sweaters (reg. to $198) now $50
all Women's basic dresses (reg. to $168) now $45
all Women's suits now $100 [blazers (reg. to $238) now $60, pants (reg. to $138) now $40]
other select reductions available, too
New Shipment Update
We received new shipments of over 10,000 pieces for Men, Women & Kids* over the past three days. Including tee's, shirts, polo's, sweaters, cashmere, pants, dresses, blazers, outerwear and more.
We will be receiving an additional shipment Friday afternoon & Saturday morning of 5,000 pieces that will include stock merchandise and lots of cashmere.
*****************
Vanity sizing is definitely an issue. If J.Crew wants to vanity size, they really need to bring in size 00. Banana Republic and Ann Taylor have had 00 for three or four years. I'm 5'2" and I NEED to wear petite in most cases. Until 2005, petite selection was pretty reasonable and about the same as the competition. These days, there are far fewer choices, and petite clothes are always on the plain side. We short girls want to be pretty too!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 2:37- they're thumb holes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the previous comments on the inconsistent sizing (so frustrating!!) and declining quality in cashmere. On a positive note, I am happier with their quality control this year. The sale items I've received recently are all in very good condition despite appearing to be returns. Last year I received several sale items that were very clearly worn and sometimes even damaged, it was so disappointing.
ReplyDeletecashmere quality DEFINITELY down. And shoe quality. All shoes used to have leather soles, but now they are plastic. Today I was at the rockefeller store looking at the new shoes for spring, and they aren't even leather lined...lame.
ReplyDeletethe quality of jcrew cashmere has definitely worsened. i have sweaters from when they started selling them that i can still wash in the washing machine with no pilling or fluffing. i did the same thing to the schoolgirl cardigan and it's now pretty much unwearable
ReplyDeletei still like their cafe capris.
i for one like their vanity sizing - it's nice to stay a size 2 even when i'm not ;-)
Low cost countries = bad quality in my opinion. These factories normally have one executive from HQ based in the area "supervising" a factory full of peoplle that are making less than 1 USD an hour - I tell you the workers don't know nor care about the quality we want in our clothes. Whenever these stores start to mass produce in developing countries we are bound to suffer as consumers from an inferior product.(Frankly,I dont wear good clothes or jewelery when I travel around mexico or china for that matter either,no one really wears good items in these places.)
ReplyDeleteI personally would be willing to pay more for high quality pieces not made in bulk. I think that is why there is such a difference between the collection pieces and the rest of the stuff they have. I really have never had an issue with a collection item.
I hope with the recession in the USA, these stores stop making a lot of crap and people quit buying tons of stuff and we revert back to having fewer items or less seasons but higher quality pieces in the shops. It is a complete mentality change but it will be much better for my wardrobe!
Jackie from DC, I was having the same problem the other day with my scattered locket necklace, so I took a pair of tweezers and carefully bent the pin on the inside that holds the clasp ever so slightly until it stayed closed.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great thread. I definitely agree about the declining quality of many of the fabrics that J. Crew uses. However, the last time I was in a J Crew store, the manager was following me around, extolling the high quality of fabrics and dyes used and how their products will last for years. I wanted to laugh and ask her if she actually wore the clothing herself!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 5:09 re: pant length,
ReplyDeletea lot of us are complaining b/c the petite sizes used to *actually* be petite(28"-29"). A 30" or 31" inseam is not going to work for most women shorter than 5'4". I agree that petite sizing in general has become more inconsistent, not just at JCrew but other retailers, and this must be due to vanity sizing...
I have become very picky in recent years with regards to what I will actually purchase from J. Crew because of the quality/price issue. I truly love the styling and many of the pieces when I see the catalog or look online, but have been disappointed in the quality once I've seen some things in person. As a result, I tend to wait for things to go on sale and then purchase since I'm less likely to freak out if I spent $30 vs. $90+ on something starts to show significant wear.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest frustration is the vanity sizing. I have a pair of pants from them from a number of years ago that are still in perfect shape that are a size 4. Today, a size 0 is HUGE on me. J. Crew was one of the few places I could find pants that fit my petite frame well and now that's not even true.
Although I'm sad that this is the case, I am at least comforted by the fact that others are having similar issues.
I have to admit J.Crew cashmere has been disappointingly thin whenever I've ordered any online (I only shop their sales, as I don't see the point of paying full price).
ReplyDeleteHere's how a Scottish cashmere producer recommends you inspect cashmere pieces before purchase, to avoid pilling:
"a well-made cashmere product should feel soft and this should get better and softer as the piece is worn and washed. If it is too soft in the shop, it will pill and deteriorate rapidly. A good indication is to hold the cashmere piece up at eye level and look along the top surface. There should be a fuzziness above the fabric. If it is around 1mm then it should be fine - anymore and it will pill with minimal use."
There's more about cashmere on their website, http://www.simplycashmere.co.uk/cashmeretruths.
Perfect Opportunity for J. Crew Leadership
ReplyDeleteI've read all your comments about quality, and it's evident that most of us are disappointed to some degree. I love JC colors too, but my brand new luxe cords had a seam that unraveled the first time I wore them. The seams in two winter coats I bought in 2006 almost immediately split in the armpits (the coats were in no way tight). Additionally, their indiscriminate sizing is horrendous. I am a real 4, but I take 29R in matchstick, 4 in city fit, 0 in victoria cammie, 2 in velvet blazer, et cetera. Add to this a perennially dysfunctional website, poor communications involving frequent cancellations (based on faulty inventory controls). Houston (or Micky), you have got a HUUUUGE problem in the new economy.
Yet J. Crew has been handed a most golden opportunity. Scratch that. They've been handed the ultimate red, white, and blue opportunity. As the website (rightfully) proclaims, J Crew has been chosen as a favored designer by the new first family. NOW is the time for change, and not just because the president says so. It also makes great business sense. I believe J Crew should keep the colors and designs we love, but grasp this moment in history to bring quality back to their lines. Does this mean producing products here instead of China? I'm not sure. But what is abundantly evident in the content of our many posts is that some key people in JC management are "asleep at the wheel" when it comes to protecting the diminishing cache of this iconic American brand. Who's in charge of quality assurance? On every front (the merch, the website, the shipping mistakes, return policies, the sizing) the experience continues to try the patience of clients.
I love this brand. I want it to succeed. But I am not going to keep throwing away good money after bad any more. Can't afford it. Plus, other (smart) designers must read this blog. If J Crew doesn't step up, somebody else is going to push them aside. Probably many of us.
Anon at 12:34 AM, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteCole Haan Nike Air shoes/boots are made in China. They are exceptionally high quality and most comfortable footwear on the market.
Cole Haan makes their Collection footwear in Italy... not nearly as comfortable as Nike Air made in China and definitely not any better in terms of quality, but a lot more expensive.
You get the drift????
In terms of tailoring their men's dress shirts have improved in quality. It's an Italian/slimmer fit, which I appreciate.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of fabric/construction I'm not too sure.
Anon at 5:23- Here is an interesting article from a shoe repair shop about Cole Haan before and after it was purchased by a larger company:
ReplyDeletechttp://www.hoovershoerepair.com/cole_haan_repair.htm
Looks like even CH's quality has deteroriated over the years... I agree they still have a high quality product, and as with anything there are always exceptions.
CH doesn't manufacture the volume or variety of products that Jcrew does and that is like comparing an apple to banana if you get my drift....
jenni said...
ReplyDeleteyeah, cashmere quality... definitely down. and personally, I find the sizes atrociously big- vanity sizing has been rampant, in jeans and cashmere and coats alike.
Actually the sizes are fantastic and for real women not for anorexic boyish stick figures with no breasts.
Anon at 2:32 AM. Are you serious? So a shoe repair shop is now a credible source of information? How about I tell you about my experience. Jcrew shoes are complete cr@p compared to CH. I have been wearing CH boots for months now and they show ZERO wear. Jcrew.. I dont even want to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteAnd you obviously dont even understand what comment I was replying to. I said country of manufacturing does not determine quality. Quality control determines quality. Do you understand, dummy?
I bought a FS sweater jacket and when it arrived, part of the button's yellow paint was rubbed off. I tried to return it at the store, but they told me that I could take it to the tailor and have it replaced with the extra button. I was dismayed at their complete lack of customer service.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. I believe the quality of Jcrew clothing has gone seriously downhill. In the early 90's I worked for JCrew taking phone orders and I still have some of the amazing pieces that I bought then. They are are very well sewn and the fabric has held together.
ReplyDeleteNot the case with the clothing I have bought in recent years. A dress I bought in October 2008 and have worn 5 times has an unraveling hem, the jackie cotton cardigan developed a hole in the neck after normal wear and hand washing only. A long sleeved T unraveled at the sleeves. Need I go on? When I emailed JCrew to let them know they said that they stood by their quality and their QA process. I say the statistics speak for themselves.
And I agree with the pricing comments on this forum. The prices are unreasonable for the quality that they are putting out there. And the shoes...you would think with some of those prices, they could at least use leather bottoms instead of plastic. Geesh!
The bad news is that I am very disappointed with the quality of the J Crew clothing and the good news is that I'm saving a ton of money. I haven't spent nearly as much as I normally do. It's very sad because I was a loyal customer - but I've found that the quality is just not there; even in the higher priced items. J Crew has compromised the quality and has kept the price high. The cashmere is a very poor quality. The tees and tanks are extremely thin fabric, poorly made, labels are inferior, cotton gets holes after one washing (on gentle cycle), silk camis have shrunk after being dry-cleaned... I could on - but I think everyone can clearly see that J Crew has cut back and the quality of their clothing has suffered. I'm looking for a new source for my clothing. "Made in China".... BIG mistake J Crew!
ReplyDeleteOne of my best buddies recommended this website and I owe it to her. She helped me to find this nice website. I appreciate your nice work. Keep continuing helping others. I will refer this site to other people like my best buddy. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHug & blesses!
Click this post to read more.