That's entirely why I stopped buying Banana Republic and J. Crew. Their quality just plummeted 5-7 years ago. Their cashmere became so thin and pilled even within the first wear or two. It was ridiculous.
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So what do you buy instead ?
This is going to sound crazy like I'm an old man (I'm not, I'm 32!), but I've been loving the quality of both Tommy Bahama and LL Bean. They actually have some hip stuff, not just printed hawaiian shirts and duck boots. Tommy Bahama jeans specifically hold up super well, and I'm a weightlifter so they are cut to handle my meaty legs. They seem to be made very well. The fabrics are very thick, sturdy and you can tell the quality of the threads.
I've been finding screaming deals on ebay for clothes, so have been "NEW without tags" Tommy Bahama stuff. Even the gently used stuff is such good quality that you can barely tell it's been worn at all. So for things like cashmere sweaters it's great value. For example I got a $250 mock sweater for $40 and it's awesome. I get more compliments on that thing than anything else I wear to the office. Kind of like this one but in more of a purple bordeaux color:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-TOMMY-BAHAMA-Half-1-2-Zip-Sweate...
Anyway, imo the quality of both LL Bean stuff and Tommy Bahama blow J Crew etc all out of the water. They're like how Lands End used to be, before Sears ruined them.