FamiliarWin4833 t1_jap1oh5 wrote on March 3, 2023 at 12:45 AM

Reply to comment by The_BusterKeaton in Is there any hard evidence (not anecdotal) that "high quality" clothes actually last longer than their cheap counterparts? by bingworm

This is so true. Also, modern washers/dryers likely have contributed significantly to clothing not lasting as long. People wash clothing more often now because it is easier to do.

cannotrememberold t1_japhjvn wrote on March 3, 2023 at 2:45 AM

No offense, but I doubt this. The material and stitching of some shirts I have from the 90s is just vastly more durable than anything you can buy today. I have some Nutmeg Mills and Galt Sand shirts and sweatshirts. That stuff is bomb proof.

FamiliarWin4833 t1_jar1c6x wrote on March 3, 2023 at 1:05 PM

What are you doubting? I didn’t say that material is less durable.. I said that washing machines and dryers are harder on clothing than hand washing.

cannotrememberold t1_jardqrb wrote on March 3, 2023 at 2:48 PM

Your premise that people wash more than they used to. If we are talking 100 years, sure, but the diminished lifespan of most clothing has happened over the last 20-30 years, and ease of washing is likely not the culprit in that.

FamiliarWin4833 t1_jarjmy3 wrote on March 3, 2023 at 3:28 PM

I actually was thinking a longer period of time than from the 90’s until now. Not sure when the washer & dryer were invented, but I would guess they go back further than the 90’s. Also I think it depends what kind of clothing you’re referring to, sure coats and sweatshirts hold up pretty well and probably always have, but that isn’t the case with underwear or some of the clothing made of finer fabrics.