Knowing the signs your clothes are good quality is key to developing your shopping IQ! After learning these 5 signs, you will know when to spend and when to pass thus saving you money (and space) in your closet!
In my NYC corporate years, I spent my time as a fabric manager which meant I saw my fair share of expensive (and inexpensive) fabrics! From the time I was in college to my years at Ralph Lauren and Victoria’s Secret, I was trained on how to spot good quality. Over the years, I realized that consumers could benefit from this knowledge, so sit back and enjoy some insider deets! 😉
However, good quality goes beyond the fabric. It is also important to look at the garment seams, extra construction details, and even the country of origin. For a more in depth look at these 7 signs, continue reading from the list below!
7 Signs Your Clothes Are Good Quality
Check Fiber Content
Let’s go back to the fiber basics! It’s important to check the fiber content because it can tell you a lot about the quality of the fabric. In many cases, natural fibers (i.e. cotton, silk, wool) are considered higher quality than man-made fibers (polyester, rayon) because they are durable and have a great hand-feel. Of course, there is a time and place for man-made fibers (i.e. activewear), but if you are looking for quality such as breathability, natural anti-microbial properties, and easy care, then natural fibers are a perfect fit!
Hemlines Are Important
Print Pattern Should Match
This is that sign where once you see it, you can’t unsee it. If you are wearing an item that has an all-over print (i.e horizontal stripes, paisley print), you will want the print to match at the seams. If the print does not line up, it means the company passed on paying the extra labor fee to engineer the print correctly. With this in mind, you could see a slight increase in retail price when the print matches. There are prints where it is less noticeable, but in this case, you definitely get what you pay for!
Lining is an Extra Detail
Attention to Seams
Country of Origin
All In The Small Details
And last but not least, take a second look at the small details like hardware! This can be buttons, zippers, snaps, etc. They should be properly secured and functional where applicable. Nothing worse than getting home to find that your zipper doesn’t work or a button is falling off!
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