Clothing. Ugh. Who needs it? You spend all this money on it, and then you get fat (or skinny), or spill something on it, or outgrow it, or it becomes obsolete and unfashionable, or it accidentally catches fire, or it gets run over by a bus, or shredded to pieces by a bear, or…
Luckily, there are brands out there that engineer their clothing with your wallet and lifestyle in mind, and stand by it. Here are 7 companies who build their gear to last:
The North Face
Another brand created for surviving tough terrain, The North Face, along with Ugg Boots and Starbucks lattes, is now a critical component of every “Basic White Girl” meme ever on the Internet. While we don’t know exactly when The North Face transitioned from the mountaintops to the shopping malls, we do know that this innovative and rugged brand still celebrates their heritage with a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship (excluding footwear, which still includes a one-year warranty). If your gear ever fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, The North Face will repair or replace your product at no cost to you, for the lifetime of that product. Link
L.L. Bean
Who would have thought that this brand, donned by collar-popping preps everywhere, was actually founded by an avid fisher and hunter as an outdoorsman’s apparel company? Better yet, who would have thought they’d take their warranty as seriously as they do? All L.L. Bean products—from their classic boots to their luxury luggage—are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for the life of the product. Link
Update: Since the time of publication, L.L. Bean has updated their policy and no longer offers a lifetime guarantee.
Darn Tough Socks
We just featured these folks in a similar piece, but they’re getting another nod of approval here because they absolutely deserve it. Buying a pair of Darn Tough Socks doesn’t just mean your toes are covered for a few weeks or months, but for a lifetime. If your Darn Tough Socks aren’t the most comfortable, durable, and best-fitting socks you’ve ever owned, you may return them for another pair, or your money back. If you’re ever able to wear out a pair, they’ll replace them—at any time, no questions asked. Link
JanSport
Our JanSport backpacks lasted us through elementary, middle, and high school, and even got us through college without issue. Apparently, we’re not alone, and JanSport knows it. They guarantee the quality of all their packs, bags, and luggage for life. If yours ever breaks, tears, or needs repair, JanSport will happily fix it, replace it, or refund your money. No questions asked. Link
Osprey
Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee is as straightforward and simple as it gets. They will repair any damage or defect for whatever reason, under any circumstances, free of charge. If they can’t fix it, they’ll replace it. Whether it was purchased 30 years ago or 30 minutes ago, they’ll fix it, even if it’s caused by accident, an animal attack, or the zombie apocalypse (their hypotheticals, not ours). Link
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research products are guaranteed forever. FOREVER. The company prefaces its Infinite Guarantee by saying that all of its products are Designed By Adventure ™, and that they believe so strongly in the quality and workmanship that goes into their products that every single one is covered under this warranty. If your Outdoor Research product ever fails to meet your needs—ever—they will replace it. Link
Duluth Trading
These guys make everything. From underwear and outerwear to pants, hats, belts, gloves, and bags, Duluth Trading probably has everything you need to survive anywhere—in style. And they’re ALL covered under Duluth’s “No Bull Guarantee,” which states:
“If you’re not 100% satisfied with any item you purchase from Duluth Trading, return it to us at any time for a refund of its purchase price. Simple, unconditional, no nonsense, NO BULL.”
Damn, we love that. Link
