> Most things are still available at the same quality your parents remember
Just no. The old reputable brands are enshittifying the same way. I’ve multiple times seen it first hand, with brands like Levi’s and Fjällräven. One year of wear is enough to disform the textile entirely. The fabric from those older clothes are still sturdy and whole, with only discoloration at the folding spots. No holes either from decades of use.
I magically found a sturdy canvas backpack 10 years ago and went back to the store recently to check what they had: same brand, but now all polyester.
The difference in quality is immense. Especially textile: clothes and shoes. I don’t expect the same prices, I’m happy to pay more for quality. But the brand alone often means nothing.
Japanese companies have largely bucked the trend of declining quality, at least within their domestic market. I'm not sure if it's related to decades of Japanese deflation or just because of a more discerning quality-conscious consumer base. Uniqlo has done a decent job of carrying that quality consciousness over to the rest of the world.
Yes, you can't get the very same product (Levi's 501s) but you can absolutely get the same thing (straight cut jeans). I don't wear jeans or workwear but heard good things about Bronson Mfg and Red Tornado from enthusiasts.
The price is also quite reasonable (~100 USD) thanks to workwear revival and you can get them in heavier weights (15 oz).
The polyester will sell better because it's lighter and resists water penetration better. Some time back I went through an old box of outdoor stuff from my childhood. Dumped most of it because between a choice of the old free (as I already owned it) gear or buying modern I would buy modern if I hadn't already done so.
Just no. The old reputable brands are enshittifying the same way. I’ve multiple times seen it first hand, with brands like Levi’s and Fjällräven. One year of wear is enough to disform the textile entirely. The fabric from those older clothes are still sturdy and whole, with only discoloration at the folding spots. No holes either from decades of use.
I magically found a sturdy canvas backpack 10 years ago and went back to the store recently to check what they had: same brand, but now all polyester.
The difference in quality is immense. Especially textile: clothes and shoes. I don’t expect the same prices, I’m happy to pay more for quality. But the brand alone often means nothing.