How To Find High-Quality Clothing

4 Key Features Of Quality Clothing

I want to share four things to look for to determine if you’re buying high-quality clothing. When adding new pieces to your wardrobe, ensuring they’re high quality is essential because they will retain their shape and last longer. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend with many brands I’ve relied on in the past. They’re using lower-quality fabrics for the same pieces they used to make with high-quality clothing, yet still charging the same or even higher prices.

The first thing to consider when looking for high-quality clothing that will last for years is the fabric. What materials make up the piece? Is it made of a natural material that will last, or will it fall apart after one wash or a couple of wears? Make sure to check the label of each item you’re considering. If you are shopping in-store, examine the fabric to see what it’s made of, and when shopping online, make sure to read the description to find out. If you have the item in person, touch the fabric. Does it feel good on your skin? Is it something you can wear all day and feel comfortable in? Ultimately, this is a huge indicator of quality.

Also, consider the weight of the fabric. Sometimes, lightweight fabrics can be too sheer, which might not be something you want in your closet. It won’t be as versatile or easy to wear. Often, thinner, lower-quality fabrics fall apart faster and won’t last in your wardrobe over time.

Tip #2: Construction

The next thing to consider when deciding to add a piece to your closet is the construction, and how the garment is put together. Start by looking inside the garment at the seams. Are they reinforced? Is there a lining? Are threads falling apart? Does the piece seem fragile and unlikely to last through washes or multiple wears? Also, check if dresses or coats have a lining. The lining adds durability and indicates more thought went into the construction. The next thing you want to pay attention to is how the lining is sewn in. Are the seams clean, with no loose threads or fabric coming undone? A well-made garment should look polished, even inside out.

Another key aspect of construction is the hemline. Whether it’s a dress, top, or pants, check the hem. Is it clean and reinforced, suggesting it will last? Or does it look unfinished, with poor stitching or a raw edge? These details can indicate whether a piece will be a quality addition to your closet.

Tip #3: Details

The next thing to consider is the details of an item. Are the buttons sewn on securely, or do they look like they might fall off? Does the zipper move smoothly, or does it get stuck, with fabric or threads getting caught? Pay attention to these details. Also, consider if the item has quality features like embroidery. Does the embroidery look sloppy, or are the lines clean, showing that care and thought went into the piece? These details can show whether an item is high quality and worth adding to your closet.

Tip #4: The Fit

Finally, what about the fit? Does the piece fit your body well? Does it lay nicely and feel effortless, or are you constantly fidgeting and adjusting it? High-quality clothing with good construction and attention to detail should fall beautifully on the body, laying flat and working naturally with your shape. This doesn’t mean you won’t need some tailoring but the overall fit should be right from the start.

Additionally, when you first bring a piece into your closet, always steam it to see how it truly lays on your body. Do the pockets lay flat? How does the fabric drape? These are key indicators of a high-quality piece.

When adding new pieces to your closet, you want to ensure that they not only match your personal style but have gone through the proper stages of construction and detail. Thoughtful design, proper fit testing, and attention to these elements set high-quality items apart. Some fast fashion or lesser-quality brands skip parts of the design-to-completion process because they don’t test their pieces on real bodies. This is how they keep prices lower, but it often results in poor fit and less flattering garments.