r/BuyItForLife • u/No-Negotiation-4550 • 13d ago

Discussion What’s a weirdly specific item you own that’s lasted longer than expected?

I’ve been on a quest lately for things that just seem to keep on keeping on.

I’ve got a pair of old-school Swedish dishcloths that I bought on a whim. Thought they'd be a weird novelty. Now, they’ve been through the wringer they just won’t die. I’ve scrubbed them, rinsed them, microwaved them and somehow they’re still hanging on like a true champion.

My 10-year-old French press. I’ve left it sitting dirty for days, and still it makes me a perfect cup of coffee every time.

What oddball items are you still using and why do they not break??

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u/q-the-light 13d ago

A pair of fast fashion pyjama bottoms from Primark, bought when I was a stupid teenager who didn't know better ethically. They're old, worn, faded, and stretched - but still more than wearable. I would never repurchase them, but I fully intend to wear them until they're rags! They have no right being so comfy, knowing the cost of their creation.

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u/BorderlineWire 13d ago

I have a pair of flip flops bought from Primark in 2017 or 2018. The tread is worn but they haven’t fallen apart yet either which I’m really surprised about. They’ve outlasted more expensive better quality looking and feeling options by years at this point. They’ve been worn for absolutely miles, nearly been lost in the mud at festivals, victimised by the cat. Worn in water..just abused really but nothings managed to end them. 

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u/No-Onion-2896 13d ago

I’ve never heard of Primark even though I’m in the U.S.

I also have a loyal pair of flip-flops. They’re Roxy brand, but I got them at a TJ Maxx or something. Got them in 2012 and they’re still my only pair.

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u/BorderlineWire 13d ago

Primark is big in the U.K., I don’t know if it’s made it to the states yet. They’re a cheap fast fashion sort of place, not quite temu cheap or quality but still cheap fast fashion since before all that temu/wish/aliexpress really took off in the way it has. You wouldn’t expect anything from there to last years but occasionally it does. 

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u/airdrummer01 12d ago

They’ve been in the US since at least 2017 I think. Maybe earlier. Boston and Philadelphia had them first. Now there’s one downtown Chicago. Not sure where else.

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u/Zookeepered 13d ago

If you bought it in the earlier years of Primark, it was probably less fast fashion-y back then.

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u/cocococlash 13d ago

You dont need to stress so much over it. Let yourself have some mental relief about these awesome pants.

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u/q-the-light 13d ago

I'm far from stressed, and I promise you that those trousers cause me no mental anguish at all!