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Mall-store challenge: best blouse, slacks, and blazer.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)

Consumer Reports

| March 01, 2008 | COPYRIGHT 2008 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright

Our experts took three staples of a woman's wardrobe--blazers, cotton slacks, and cotton shirts--from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, H&M, J. Crew, and Talbot's, and did what consumers can't do before buying: They tore out seams, peeked under linings, ran the clothes through a washer and dryer (the blazers were dry-cleaned), then checked stitching and looked for pilling, fading, and loose buttons.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Two surprises: H&M, known for low prices, did better than you might expect, adding high-end details, but Talbot's took some shortcuts (for instance, its blazer lacked piped lining, which all the others had).The winners:

Best shirt Banana Republic, $58. It had smooth, strong seams; thicker fabric for better drape; and a double-lined yoke to make the shoulders sturdier.

Best slacks Banana Republic, ...

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