Where to Shop for Clothes That Last -- Savings Experiment

Every year, Americans generate 13 million tons of textile waste, but only 15 percent of it is recovered for repurposing or recycling. This is partly due to cheap, disposable fashion, which offers instant gratification, but isn't great for your wallet (or the environment) over time. Here are some labels that sell clothes that last.

American Apparel is an excellent place to start for basics and layering pieces that are always in style. Their products are made in the USA, and many items are constructed with organic materials. The company is also known for reusing fabric scraps to make must-have hair accessories. Stores like Forever21 sell quick fashion, but American Apparel's trendy gear is higher quality.

Lands' End is another American company that specializes in casual, durable clothing, as well as customer satisfaction. For over 50 years, they've been offering an unconditional guarantee that allows buyers to return any item at any time for an exchange or full refund, no matter what the reason. You can't beat that.

If you're the type who has a hard time parting with favorite clothing items, you might want to start shopping at Patagonia. Although their products are priced higher than the average store, the company's standards are higher, too. Patagonia encourages customers to repair and repurpose older clothing by allowing them to send back and repair items for a reasonable charge. Their "Ironclad Guarantee" also states that if their gear doesn't perform to your satisfaction, you can return it for repair, replacement or refund. So, you can literally keep your favorite sweater for ever.

When you're out shopping, keep these customer-friendly labels in mind. Buying their products will lower your costs in the long run, and have a positive impact on environment for the ultimate win-win.

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