How To Tell If Clothing is Good Quality: My 7 Secrets To Know Instantly
If you want to elevate your outfits, you’ll want to know these 7 tips to tell if clothing is good quality.
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It’s everyone’s dream to have clothing that not only feel comfortable but also can last years and years right!?
So I’m sharing the 7 tips and hacks I swear by that can instantly tell you whether a piece of clothing can withstand the test of time. This means it will still be the same after dozens of times in the wash. No one wants to spend money on something that can only last a few wears.
This post is all about how to tell if clothing is good quality.
How To Tell If Clothing is Good Quality
Tip #1: Look for Clothing Made With Natural Fibers
Always look for clothing made with natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, linen, or cashmere. These materials hold its shape much better than synthetic fibers and they have better drape too.
For t-shirts and jeans, I always go for 100% cotton fabrics. Sometimes, they have elastane to make them a bit stretchy but you have to be very picky about those.
For sweaters, I love choosing ones with wool or cashmere. Oftentimes, brands mix in acrylic in the fabric composition. If there’s a higher percentage of acyclic than wool or cashmere, it’s a red flag for me. If there’s a small amount of synthetic, which is something you’ll often find, it can still be durable.
For classy skirts and dresses, I stick with silk rather than satin.
Tip #2: Feel the Fabric Density + Do The Stretch Test
A good sign of a high-quality garment is the structure stays in place even after stretching it. So to do this test, hold onto the piece of clothing and stretch it. If it returns to its original shape, it’s likely good quality.
In addition to doing the stretch test, checking how thick the fabric is also important. Thicker garments tend to be better quality. Even if it’s something small like a t-shirt, it should feel thicker than normal and has more structure to it.
The clothing piece shouldn’t be sheer either. Higher-quality pieces tend to be more tightly knit so it’s less sheer.
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Tip #3: Look at the Stitching, Lining, and Buttons
This is something almost everyone overlooks! You need to check the clothing construction.
First, check the stitching and make sure the sewing is straight along the entire garment. If clothing doesn’t have well-made seams, it can easily rip in the wash.
Then, check if there is the lining. Many non-durable pieces come unlined and they don’t feel comfortable and don’t last long.
Lastly, check the buttons. If it’s made with plastic, it’s likely a lower-quality garment. Look for buttons made with natural materials like pearl or horn.
Tip #4: Put the Item on and Make Sure It Fits Nicely
Let’s say the garment is made of all natural fibers, passes the stretch test, and has good construction but doesn’t fit nicely. Maybe the sleeves are too tight or it’s cropped at an awkward length.
This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad quality. But if it doesn’t fit well and is tailored nicely to your body, I guarantee you won’t want to wear that clothing even if it’s in your closet.
So that’s why I sneak this tip in!
Tip #5: Don’t Fall For the Price
Expensive clothing doesn’t always mean it’s better. I oftentimes see designer brands charge a huge markup but their fabric composition is mostly synthetic.
You have to look deeper to see if the clothing is good quality and don’t just trust it based on the high price tag.
Tip #6: Don’t Ignore the Brand Reputation
On the same topic, I also don’t completely ignore the brand because some brands have built up a good reputation for good quality and durable pieces. Once you identify those brands, you can go back to them over and over and trust that they have long-lasting pieces.
If the care label says it’s machine washable, it likely means it’s able to withstand more wear and tear. I tend to avoid items that say only dry clean or hand wash because one – it’s such a hassle to wash and two – it’s likely more prone to being damaged.
