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Buying the Best Quality Clothing for your Money
Value may be relative, but quality isn’t. If you want to buy the best quality clothes you can while staying within your budget, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, remember that price does not always determine quality -- yet at the same time you are not likely to find high quality clothes at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. In fact, it could be argued that you can spend more money in the long run by buying inexpensive clothes. Why? Because poorly made clothes are usually done that way in order to cut manufacturing costs, enabling stores to sell them at lower prices. The result is a pair of jeans or a shirt that can only withstand a few washes before literally coming apart at the seams!
Below, we’ll discuss what to look for when picking out quality clothes. Of course keep price in mind, yet remember if you choose well, you won’t be replacing your purchases as often.
Fabric
The fabric a piece of clothing is made out of is the first and easiest indicator of durability. The more durable the material, the better your garment will keep its shape and, in turn, last. Garments made from 100% natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk and wool are generally more expensive to make, but are perfectly durable in blends of at least 80%. Inspect the garment and make sure the fabric is cut and sewn on the grain. For example, with a shirt, the fibers should follow a straight line down from the collar to the waist. If there is a pattern, such as stripes, the pattern should meet at the seams and appear like a solid piece of fabric, not a disjointed seam.
Seams and Hems
The seams and hems mostly determine the quality of the workmanship, not so much the materials. Obviously, they should be sewn straight, but they should also be finished off with no loose ends of thread hanging off; waiting to unravel after the first few washes. The first test is to pull on the seams from the outside and see if they open up at all. If they do, then they were poorly sewn. Next, look on the inside of the garment. Are the inside seams finished? Check for double stitching around the stress areas, as well. One thing to note about hems: higher quality clothes have at least a 2” hem, to allow for alterations. This indicates that the manufacture didn’t skimp on materials and cut corners. Chances are they didn’t skimp elsewhere with the garment as well.
Fasteners
Check buttons and snaps to ensure they are securely sewn on. Adversely, check button holes to make sure they are cut evenly and don’t have dangly threads. Zippers should glide smoothly and not catch on the fabric at all. Fasteners should also compliment the garment in color and style.
One more thing to think about when picking out quality clothes: If your goal is to buy clothes that will last a long time, consider choosing classic styles. This is a better choice than trendy garments, since you will hopefully be able to wear them for several years. By doing so, you will be able to get the maximum value out of your purchase of high quality clothing.
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