A frustrated Torrid customer recently took to Reddit to call out the plus-size clothing brand for a noticeable drop in product quality. The post, shared on the r/Torrid subreddit, sparked a broader discussion as other shoppers voiced similar concerns.
The original poster shared their disappointment after receiving several items with poor-quality stitching. One garment developed a seam hole after just an hour of wear, while another—a basic T-shirt—had fabric from the body awkwardly sewn into the sleeve seam.
“Torrid’s quality has generally declined, but it seems their quality control, even for basic sewing, is nonexistent,” the shopper lamented. “It’s really disappointing, and it just feels like I’m throwing money out the window.”
The issue of poor-quality clothing extends beyond Torrid, with many shoppers reporting dissatisfaction with the durability of apparel from both mid-priced and high-end brands. The environmental impact of these quality issues is significant, with over 101 million tons of textile waste ending up in landfills annually. In the U.S., consumers discard an average of 81.5 pounds of clothing per year, while globally, only 12% of used clothing gets recycled.
Fast fashion exacerbates the problem by flooding the market with cheaply made garments that wear out quickly, pushing consumers to replace items sooner. Experts suggest that investing in higher-quality clothing could save shoppers around $200 annually by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
In its 2023 sustainability report, Torrid highlighted efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The brand uses Environmental Impact Measuring software to evaluate denim production processes, aiming to identify areas for improvement. Torrid also reported that 56% of trims on its clothing are made from recycled materials.
Despite these initiatives, many customers feel the brand’s recent offerings don’t match its price point. For example, Torrid T-shirts retail for $35.90, jeans range from $69.90 to $89.90, and leggings—frequently criticized for their thin fabric—cost $29.90.
Several commenters echoed the original post’s concerns, sharing their experiences with Torrid’s declining quality.
“My Torrid items from years ago are still holding up, but the new stuff doesn’t compare,” one user wrote. “I had to resew the seams on several pants due to holes.”
“The quality of their leggings has dropped significantly,” another commenter noted. “The fabric is so thin now!”
Many criticized the brand for failing to justify its pricing with consistent quality. “Clothes this expensive shouldn’t have such sloppy tailoring,” a shopper commented.
While addressing quality issues requires systemic change within the fashion industry, eco-conscious shoppers can turn to secondhand shopping as a practical solution. Thrifting not only reduces waste and saves money but also offers the chance to find well-made garments at a fraction of the cost. For many, that’s a better option than dealing with instant wear-and-tear on brand-new clothing.
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