There are some exceptions. But the price deltas aren't typically 10x, more like 2-3x. And, yes, a lot of things are made in the same Asian factories regardless of the brand label and aren't that different. There are definitely mail order brands I used to think were a cut above for casual clothes and the like that I sometimes still order from but I don't really think they're much different from everyone else these days.

I think the problem with giving examples is that people over index on the example, instead of the point. The point is to not spend on trying to have many possessions. But at the same time if you have to spend a little extra for a possession that can be really useful or have an impact on your life, you do it. And once you buy them, treat them with care. Like if you are frugal, and work at an office that requires you to wear suits, instead of trying to go for many cheap one size fits all suits, try to go for a few tailored ones, it'll do wonders for your career. All in all, you get the gist.

Yeah, it's high time the adage "you get what you pay for" was amended: "You get at most what you pay for".

You know the $20 shoes won't be great, and sure, it's possible the $200 shoes will be better than the $20 ones...or they could be exactly the same.

I disagree. Just because you can easily spend $200 on crap shoes, doesn't mean better companies don't make good $200 shoes (and more likely better shoes for $65 or $100). I find that shopping by brand is important in clothing.

The problem is there is no good way to identify quality brands. Price used to be a quality differentiator but it's not anymore, so what do you use to identify brands that produce clothes that last?

I remember reading an article (wish I had the link) from a seamstress that talked about this.

It mostly came down to examining the stiches and seams for quality, which is what I always do now when buying clothes. Look for unraveling, loose or missed stitches, not-straight stitching, etc. Pull the seam apart lightly and see how it holds up.

Also things like zipper quality (YKK is a top brand, and would be stamped on the underside), or how well stripes are lined up. Do the button holes look well stitched?

One data point, I had immense quality of life improvements in reduced hip and knee pain by buy new $130 sneakers every 6 months, rather than keeping them for 2-3 years.