Madewell
Recommended 28× on r/BuyItForLife
Shop Madewell
Women's The '90s Crewneck Ribbed Cotton T-Shirt
Women's Madewell The '90S Crewneck Compact Cotton T-Shirt - Black - T-shirts Crafted from signature Compact Cotton, this short-sleeve T-shirt has a crewneck and center back seam. E...
Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee
Women's Relaxed Tee in Vintage Jersey
Women's The '90s Crewneck Tee in Compact Cotton
Women's Madewell The Easy Crop Crewneck Tee in Soft Slub
Handwoven Leather Tote
Handwoven with luxe leather, this tote is spacious enough to hold your laptop, zip pouch, wallet, keys, phone and moreit's the perfect on-the-go shoulder bag.
Zip-Top Transport Crossbody
Brand Leather Shoulder Messenger Bag Satchel for Men or Women
Essex Messenger Crossbody Bag EUC
Essential Curve Shoulder Bag
The Madewell Essentials Curve Shoulder bag is crafted from luxe leather with a suede woven finish, offering a textured and refined aesthetic. This shoulder bag features a streamlin...
Brown Leather 'watertower' Messenger Crossbody Bag Purse
Stretch Legging Jeans
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Madewell
28 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 31, 2025
stretchy, skintight, preferably natural fiber, long-sleeved women's "base layer"?
They used to be called tissue tees, I think some brands still have them. Thin cotton shirts, like so thin it would be see through on its own but great for light layering for normal everyday wear. I have some from J Crew, banane republic, gap, madewell etc that have help up pretty well. Of course the thinner it is, the less longevity but I have some basic J Crew cotton long sleeve tees that I’ve had for 10+ years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 30, 2025
A few brands I'll probably stick with for life
That sucks that yours wore out (you’re right, they are too pricey for that to be happening). If your jeans are wearing out at the crotch it’s due to an improper fit. They have an “athletic fit” that has a bit more room in the crotch and glutes that might be better for you if you find yourself wanting to try them again. Those have held up great for my husband who KOs jeans for that same reason (the man is rough on clothes in general). I’m a slender, hourglass shaped woman, which is a surprisingly difficult shape to fit for jeans, but I’ve had my Madewell legging jeans (stretchy) for like 7 years now and they haven’t bagged out or shown any discernible wear other than the black dye fading a little. I’ve probably washed them 200 times at this point and they go in the dryer with everything else. I also have a pair of their rigid wide leg denim in a medium wash for about 2 years now and they’ve molded to my shape a bit so they’re more comfortable now, but otherwise like new even though they get a ton of wear.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 30, 2025
A few brands I'll probably stick with for life
I agree on Madewell jeans. I buy them second hand on Thredup for about $25 and they have lasted very well. I used to exclusively buy Old Navy jeans for about the same price new but always noticed that the dye would come off on my legs which I didn't love. Madewell hold up very well, don't stretch out during the day and seem to hold the dye better.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 30, 2025
A few brands I'll probably stick with for life
Madewell for jeans. Ruffwear for dog stuff. Seconding Patagonia. Darn Tough and Smartwool. Dyson (I’ve dropped one of their fans and my dog ate the remote and they still function perfectly despite looking rough). And an honorable mention to Ruggable: their customer service is exceptional.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Dec 22, 2025
Updated women’s jeans list!
Yes please madewell is still very high quality. i recently purchased some women jean trousers, women jean face caps and some tops from the, and i was blown by the quality, their quality is still one of the best you can find around , made to last and very comfortable.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Dec 6, 2025
Sweaters for sensitive skin
Look for sweaters made of cashmere, merino wool, and silk. Acrylic is a wool alternative that is less likely to irritate sensitive skin, but tends to get matted looking. Also highly recommend wearing a base layer under sweaters - Uniqlo heat tech is my go-to. Provides extra warmth and keeps the sweaters cleaner. The natural fibers actually don’t need to be laundered often. I also have sensitive skin and I can wear wool if I wear a base for protection. I have sweaters from over a decade ago from j crew, madewell, Victoria’s Secret, banana republic, and even H&M. They still look great. These brands are sadly using less natural fibers now. So I’d recommend shopping secondhand.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Nov 8, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Madewell!! Not flashy, no labels, just nice leather bags for the cost especially.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Nov 6, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Duluth makes some great quality leather goods. I have a wallet from them I’ve had for about 10 years still holding up strong. Madewell also sells decent quality leather handbags.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Nov 6, 2025
Away Doesn’t Support Post-Warranty Repairs
a) what a stupid policy b) i have a beautiful leather purse from madewell and had similar issue with the zipper. i found a shoe repair shop that told me to take it in and they will fix it. maybe try that?
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Nov 6, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Madewell, coach, sezane
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I like madewells leather bags
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I might be considered basic or something for this but my fossil bag has stood the test of time and I really love it. I have also heard good things about portland leather. Oh and my leather madewell tote has been amazing and it's HUGE.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
This may sound stupid, but I really like the leather quality of Madewell bags. They’re affordable as well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Madewell! Trust!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Madewell
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
If you want something you can still buy in a mall, I suggest Madewell or Brighton. I have had my items from them last years so far and they are relatively affordable.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I bought my wife a leather purse from Madewell and it’s still going strong 4 years later.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Nov 4, 2025
Madewell jeans - not a bifl!
I have several pairs of Madewell jeans from long ago. They have held up really well. I bought all of them second hand.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Oct 8, 2025
Best wallets for women that actually last
My leather Madewell wallet still looks basically new and I've had it for years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Sep 1, 2025
Clothing and footwear brands that hold up over time
Boots: red wing, bobbies, Thursday. Anything resolable will last forever. Clothes: J Crew especially on sale,Patagonia, madewell, Huckberry has some good men’s stuff too although can be a little pricy. I would generally stick to natural fibers with the exception of technical pieces like a ski jacket or workout shirt Care: the most important piece to lasting as long as possible. Re-oil your boots as needed as they’ll be susceptible to faster wear if they dry out. For clothes, learn when and how to wash different garments. Clean freakz on tik tok is a great source for all things laundry but in short, don’t actually wash your clothes until they need it due to smell or stains. Natural fibers especially tend to be more odor resistant than things like polyester. If you’re just doing a standard wash for stinky clothes, cold wash is probably all you need save those hot washes for when you really need to get stuff out. Also get a front load washer if you can it’s much easier on your clothes then a top loader. Finally lower heat on your dryer if you can adjust that it’s easier on your clothes. Heat and friction are what really kill the longevity of your clothes
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Jul 1, 2025
Looking for BIFL jeans
If you're looking for true BIFL, what you want is raw denim. Check out r/rawdenim as a starting point. One scommonly laudeded site you can buy from is [Raleigh Denim](https://raleighdenim.com/), but there's lots of options and I'm not an expert. Be warned, raw denim is a bit of work to break in and requires willingness to wear the same pair of pants for a long time without washing. There's a reason modern jeans often include 2% spandex and come prewashed--it's a much more approachable experience, more immediately comfortable, and a decent pair like DUER or Madewell can still last 5-10 years, which is as long as most people are looking for.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Apr 10, 2025
Womens clothing brand recommendations?
You can try the below mentioned brands for high quality clothes: # Madewell # Everlane # MATE the Label Label Shaurya Sanadhya # Free People # Nordstrom # BIBA # W for Woman # Forever 21 Here is a detailed list of 17 more brands. [https://trendia.co/en-in/blogs/news/best-womens-clothing-brands](https://trendia.co/en-in/blogs/news/best-womens-clothing-brands)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Apr 9, 2025
Leather or Nylon for my next bifl wallet
I have a small one from Madewell that I've used for years, I think they primarily have women's styles.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Mar 12, 2025
Are there any leather messenger bags that go for less than $100 that would last at the very least a long time?
madewell bags aren't fancy but they are usually reasonably priced and the ones i've purchased have lasted. You can get them cheaper second hand on poshmark too.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Mar 7, 2025
List of brands that have a secondhand option on their websites? Similar to Carhartt Reworked for example
Lululemon. Madewell.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Mar 3, 2025
Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?
I’m a woman so I have literally zero clue about men’s dress shoes, so no help on those, but if you’re a woman, I exclusively wear Madewell’s Frances mules for work (the standard 1” heel style - not the skimmer style that has the shorter heel). They also made an actual loafer version that isn’t a slip-on mule style, but I have lymphedema in my right foot/leg so I have to wear slip on shoes for most shoe styles unless it’s sneakers. Almost all of them have a leather top. The one that doesn’t is calf hair and I don’t wear that one as often. I literally have 15 pairs (4 black, 2 dark brown, 1 light brown, 1 light snakeskin pattern, 2 dark snakeskin pattern, 1 light pink, 2 cream, and 1 spotted calf hair) and I’ve gotten all of them secondhand (from Poshmark, ebay, or mercari). I wear the black and dark brown ones the most by far. I’ve taken a pair of the dark brown ones to the cobbler to get the interior sole redone. I’m about to do the same for a black pair. I have multiples of the same color because they stopped making the shoe style so I have backups lol. I do make sure to rotate them though, so that no sole crumbles or gets dry rot. They are man made/synthetic soles, so not exactly sure what they’re made of, but they hold up well. But that’s what I would look for if you’re looking to get shoes that last - leather upper and well-made/durable sole and that it’s something that can be resoled and jazzed up by a cobbler
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Feb 2, 2025
Going to Europe, suggestions for comfortable, not-ugly walking shoes that will last?
Ecco white leather sneakers were perfect for our trip to Europe. The treads were super grippy for wet stone walkways, stairs, etc. Can clean them up in the room, look good with all kinds of clothes. I also did really well in my Madewell loafers for sightseeing, and of course Birkenstocks.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Jan 3, 2025
Which women’s clothing brands do you stalk for sales? (20-30 age style)
patagonia is my 🫶🫶🫶🫶. madewell, everlane, lululemon, and aritzia are where most of my primary wardrobe comes from although quality has gone wayyyyy downhill recently. and i adore reformation for the long dresses.
View on Redditopen_in_new