We have all bought that pretty top or those really nice pants whilst shopping, only to find that after a few wears they look cheap and nasty. These such items almost always end up in the back of the closet or out with the trash. Isn't it so frustrating when you get those horrible little balls of fabric on your clothes that make you look so tacky? Or when your favourite jersey starts gathering holes?
Along with the advantage of having a fashion designer as a mom (shout out!), I have come up with my own ways of checking whether an item is low quality. As I get older I have more appreciation for quality instead of quantity, and as young adult I find it is more beneficial to invest in a few expensive items instead of tons of seasonal trends. Nothing is fool proof though, sometimes us females get too distracted by the pretty details to inspect the important stuff. Can you blame us?
Price vs Quality
Cheap clothes don't always mean bad quality if you buy the right item at the right time. In most cases it is usually a 'you get what you pay for' situation, but there is always that exception of a marked down designer belt or a clever market/thrift shop find. I once read a blog about this super fashionable student living in New York (I am sad that I have since forgotten the site name), and how she had tons of designer items-none of which she paid the original price for because she knew where to shop. At the same time expensive clothes don't always mean good quality. This is the saddest experience of all because you have spent a lot of hard earned money on an item that falls apart! Be smart, look in the right places and read the instructions below.
All about the Label
Write this down if possible, because it should be your shopping mantra- ALWAYS check the label! This is the most important way to tell the quality of an item. Sometimes I get funny looks when I flip a dress inside out to inspect the label, but guess whose not buying polyester today? Me! You need to take note of whether the item is hand-wash only (sensitive fabric), the amount of stretch it contains (too much is low quality), and the type of fabric it consists of.
Low quality (synthetic) fabric- viscose, lycra, polyester, rayon
High quality (natural) fabric- cotton, wool, linen, silk, cashmere
*You don't have to avoid all synthetic fabrics, as long as there is a good blend and the percentage of the cheap variety is reasonably low.
Location and Structure
Do you ever look through fashion magazines or see celebrity style shots and wonder how their clothes always look good and fit perfectly? Well other than the fact that the clothing is sometimes custom made, the overall quality of the garment is based on the location and structure. To explain this I will use jeans as an example. A pair of high quality jeans will have pockets that sit high, and legs that are tapered and cut in a flattering way. A pair of low quality jeans could make you look bulky, with excess fabric around your ankles and a waistband that is too tight. This is what sets the well-made clothing apart from the rest, and trust me it makes all the difference. Location and structure is something you notice when you try a garment on (the trying on process is vital), because it is all about the fit and style.
Finishings
If you shop at budget chain stores you are less likely to find items with really good finishings. Don't get me wrong-I love chain stores, and often find myself buying trendy items from them. The fact of the matter is that these stores sell mass-produced clothing which is considered 'fast fashion', and attention to detail is often not the priority. Finishings such as button holes, seemliness, pleats, collars and linings play a huge role in the overall quality and lasting power of an item. The perfect opportunity to check the above details is before you have even decided to try it on. Unless you are buying an item that you know will only last a season, this is a very important part of the process.
Thickness and Texture
Also be aware of the thickness of the fabric and the way it feels. Nothing makes my blood boil more than a white shirt that turns out to be translucent as soon as you step outside. This is a sure sign of bad quality, and you will simply avoid wearing the top altogether which is a waste. The same goes for the texture of fabric, which is most important with winter garment such as coats and jerseys.
I hope this list helps! Always take your time when shopping and make good choices. x
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