The Truth About Costco's Designer Labels

Professional shoppers say the quality of clothing you get at Costco doesn't meet the same standards as the items you might find at department stores or outlet stores, because warehouse store tops and bottoms could be made with fabric that isn't quite up to scratch. "They may have an abundance of fabric, or fabric may have come in that didn't meet their standards. They can't sell it openly on the off-price market, so they sell it to the warehouse stores," Cohen tells Refinery29.

The Budget Fashionista blogger Catherine Brock agrees. She warns that while shoppers might find familiar designer names, the items at Costco won't be manufactured to the same level of quality and style as you might find from the same brands at Macy's or Bloomingdales. But she does recommend shoppers check out the sunglasses in the optical department for designer finds.

Jackie Warrick, Chief Savings Officer and President at CouponCabin.com says that even if the item you spot is a straight-up acquisition from a top label, some designers tend to make less expensive lines for warehouse clubs and outlet stores — and these lines may be of lower quality. Because of this, you're better off going elsewhere if you're looking to buy designer clothing to last a lifetime (via Today).