How to judge clothing quality
From Style Encyclopedia
Bargain shopping isn't just about the price on the tag; it's about getting more for your money. Nowadays it's easy to find cheap clothes but they aren't bargains if they look cheap and fall apart.
That's why it's absolutely important to take into account the quality of items when deciding whether they are great deals or a waste of money. While some shoppers balk at the idea of paying over a certain amount for an item, a $50 blouse that looks great for years is a much better deal that a $5 blouse that looks old after just a few wears.
Nevertheless, it's not always true that "you get what you pay for". Spending more money doesn't guarantee you better quality and it is possible to find great quality for less cost than some cheaply-made clothes. Yes, many brands are known for the quality of their products, and if you can't inspect something in person, going with a brand you know and trust is a good idea. However, a famous designer's name isn't necessarily a guarantee of great quality. Many designers now have budget lines that simply aren't of the same quality as their main collection. And even top quality lines produce irregular pieces. At the same time, there are many lesser-known clothing companies making great pieces of high quality.
Fortunately, you don't have to have a degree in fashion to learn how to judge quality. It just takes observation, practice, and a little know-how.
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[edit] Materials make a difference
First impressions can be deceiving. What looks like a great piece from a few feet away can upon closer inspection look cheap. However, to really judge a piece you should feel it. Generally speaking, cheaper material tends to feel more flimsy to the touch, while more expensive material of the same kind is thicker and heavier. Clothing differs not just in the type of material used, but also in the thread count like in bedsheets. Just like bedsheets, a higher thread count per area is one indication of better quality. Next time you go shopping, make a point of comparing how clothing feels depending on the store.
While you're inspecting the material, check for holes or places where the material looks weakened.
Check the tag to see what materials are used. There are many reasons why someone might prefer one material over another one. However, not all materials cost the same to make, and more expensive materials may be used with more care. Expect to pay more for silk than polyester.
The use of zippers over elastic in skirts and dresses can also be a sign of higher quality, although they are not used in many styles. Look for metal zippers instead of plastic ones.
What are the buttons made out of? Plastic can be made into great buttons. However, if the buttons look like metal but are actually cheap plastic made to look like metal, then that isn't the best sign.
[edit] Craftsmanship or corners cut?
Stitches should be evenly spaced and the lines shouldn't wander (i.e., straight lines should be sewn straight). Smaller spaces between stitches are a good sign because it means more thread was used and the stitch should last longer.
There also shouldn't be any loose threads or other signs of weakening thread. Sometimes pieces of loose thread may cling to fabric, but make sure it isn't attached. If loose thread is attached, take a close look at it. If you pull on loose thread and the stitches start pulling out, don't buy it.
Edges should be well-finished unless the edges are meant to be frayed. While it is common to see the cut edges of clothing when you turn it inside out, the edges of higher-quality items are turned under to hide rough edges.
Buttonholes shouldn't have loose threads and they should be sewn securely on with enough thread.
[edit] Look for the extras
Generous hems are also a good sign; not only does it mean that you can lengthen sleeves or bottoms later if needed, it also means that the manufacturer didn't mind using extra material to make a quality product. In fact, most of the differences between high-quality and low-quality clothing is due to one important fact: manufacturers of lower-quality clothes skimp on materials to save money. That's one reason why you don't see as many cheap pieces with lining. If an item is lined, expect to pay more.
Extra buttons are a plus. Some clothing comes with a little bag of extra buttons in case one should fall off. Like taking your umbrella with you, it's an indication that you probably won't need them. Look for blouses with more buttons vertically. It's another sign of quality and it will help you avoid those awkward gaps.
A hook fastener above the zipper is another good sign; it'll also make it easier for you to zip up your clothes without the aid of a third hand.
Does the item have ribbons inside to hang it up by? That's just one more sign of a quality item, even though you may cut them off as soon as you get home.
[edit] Try it on
After you've looked a piece over, try it on. If you hear anything that sounds like ripping while putting something on, don't get it. Assuming that you're not trying to squeeze into something two sizes too small, it's probably cheap material and cheap stitching.
Good stitching also means that seams should lay flat without puckering.
Zippers should work without any problems and the material around them should lay flat.
Ideally, any patterns on the material should line up on the seams. It's a rarity, but an excellent sign that a lot of care was put into the production of the piece.
[edit] Compare
A piece doesn't have to have all the signs of good quality listed here to be worth buying. There are many exceptions to any rule, and some 'cheap' pieces can still be very useful as part of a wardrobe. Use this as a guide when comparing items to decide which one is the better buy for the money. Focus on quality over quantity, and you'll build a wardrobe that you can be proud of for years to come.
Based on How to choose better-quality clothes by Meg Taylor, first published on The Bargain Queens and copied here with the author's permission.
