Budget Clothing That Doesn't Feel Cheap (Primark)

Member Name: Scottyboy_Peanut

Product:	Primark
Date:	18/05/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap prices but the quality doesn't suffer

Disadvantages: Smaller men may not be able to find what they are looking for

As a 30 something male Primark is an excellent place for me to shop. I am no longer obsessed with designer labels so I won't be humiliated by my peers should they discover where I buy most of my clothes

Prices do seem to have increased since the chain became a more common fixture on the high street but to be fair the increase in price does seem to have brought an increase in the quality too.

Walking into any Primark is a similar experience no matter the location, every branch I've been in seems to be quite similar. You won't be under any illusion that you're shopping in luxurious surroundings but it's not the clothing equivalent of Kwik Save with a cheap, nasty feel and unfriendly staff. It is no frills and basic, but not unattractive or unpleasant.

As with most clothing specialists that cater for men, women and children floor space is very much divided between the women and children's clothing with the men's department squeezed in where possible. This isn't surprising as women and children buy more clothes than men and not something that I can bring myself to complain about. It does mean however than even the largest Primark can have a relatively small men's department.

There was quite a bit of news last year about the Indian sweat shops that produce many of the clothing that are on sale at Primark. I haven't heard whether or not that policy has changed at all but Primark weren't the only ones to be guilty of this. I checked into this a little and found the rather more upmarket Marks and Spencer were also linked with sweat shops so maybe were don't have much of a choice when it comes to having ethics and shopping. Who can say where the clothing from your local market came from anyway, I doubt Panorama will investigate that.

I have bought most of my casual clothing from Primark over the past year, including jackets and coats. I have also purchased shirts and ties for work. I have no complaints in terms of quality.

The only negative thing I can say about Primark is with regards to trousers and jeans. Their range seems to go up to extraordinary size waists but they don't go any smaller than a 30 inch waist. As somebody with a small waist it is a little frustrating to have to pay higher prices elsewhere or be the first in the door on a Saturday morning to shop in the kids section.

Overall I find Primark a good place to buy clothing especially if you like to change your wardrobe on an annual basis without breaking the bank

Summary: As long as you aren't concerned with labels this is a good place to shop