Not all clothing is made to last. The quality of our clothes is in decline, some argue, and the culprit is a global fashion system that prioritizes lightning-fast production and a cheap price tag. We shop constantly, and always want more new stuff, creating a culture of disposable, low-quality clothes.
[ Related: How To Take Care Of Your Clothes ]
You don’t have to be a clothing expert to judge whether that next item you’re thinking of buying is good quality or not. You may need to take some time to learn what quality looks and feels like, but here are a few basic tips:
Check The Label
A garment’s fabric content matters. I prefer fibers extracted from plants and animals as cotton, wool, linen, or silk. But synthetics are taking over the market in the form of polyester, acrylic, spandex, rayon, and other manmade fibers spun from plastics and petrochemicals.
Go By The Touch
The best way to judge a fabric, knit or woven, is to touch it. Does it feel thin, brittle, and rough? Or does it feel smooth, soft, and substantial? The more fiber there is, the more likely it’s going to last longer. A fabric doesn’t necessarily need to be heavy to be good. If the yarns are tightly packed but thin, the cloth can still be lightweight. What you’re looking for is density.
Hold It Up To The Light
Holding the fabric up to the light and giving it a close look, especially with an item such as a button-up shirt. For knits in particular, try stretching a small part of the fabric in an inconspicuous spot. It should ideally bounce back to its original shape. If it doesn’t in that moment, it won’t when you wear it either, meaning it may quickly start to look stretched out and misshapen.
Quality Costs Money
The reality is that if you want good quality, you’ll most likely have to pay for it. Consider spending enough that it stings a little. But there’s one notable caveat: While a very cheap item is usually going to be low-quality, a high price tag doesn’t necessarily indicate good quality.
Last but not the least, let's not forget that taking care of your clothes will also extend their life. I have shared from basic clothing care tips here. Do let me know if you would like to add something to the list in the comments below.
Four looks from another short week! Work Wear Wardrobe - XIII
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
(Casual) FRIDAY
Do you pay attention to the fabrics while shopping?
As usual, you look amazing and i love all of them but if i had to pick a fav, i would pick Wednesday's. So cute.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you mentioned that a high price tag doesn't always mean quality. There are some companies out there with clothing that is so bad. You are literally just paying that high price for a name.
ReplyDeleteThe quality really is on the decline, even with designer pieces. Great post with great tips!
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips girl! I'm loving these flats you are wearing in your Friday outfit... so dang adorable, I love the bows!
ReplyDeleteI ALWAYS check the fabric and the country in which is was made because I'm not paying $300 for a polyester dress that was made in China!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Love your Thursday look-and I love your new hairdo!! Looking sharp!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Cathy
Such great tips,thank you for sharing I love that blue dress
ReplyDeleteLoving all of these looks girl!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. Yes, I always pay attention to fabric when shopping for clothes.
ReplyDeleteLoving Thursday's look! That blue is so pretty!
ReplyDeletexo Laura Leigh
www.louellareese.com
So many cute work outfits!! I always forget to consider fabrics when shopping for clothes, especially in the summer. I need to be better about it!
ReplyDeleteRachel
www.hello-her.com
I totally agree to this! Thanks for sharing. And those outfits look so stunning on you.
ReplyDeleteLove this post and these are really helpful tips!! Trying to be more conscious of the pieces I buy!
ReplyDeleteKileen
cute & little
Wednesday wins for me!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Something I definitely need to pay attention to more often and it certainly comes in handy!
ReplyDeletelove this topic! every single one of them is such an important guide when choosing the right fabrics. Thanks so much for sharing
ReplyDeleteThat was a great tips. Quality is really important when choosing a fabric. I love your wednesday outfit, pretty and stylish.
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips. I think paying attention to fabric is really key in finding quality pieces.
ReplyDeleteXx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone
This is SO TRUE. I recently ordered a couple of dresses from Amazon, and it was obvious that the fabric was not quality.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many cute outfits you feature! These are definitely some great tips.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy how I have old clothes from some brands in better condition that items I've washed just a few times from the same brand.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I think quality fabrics are so important!
ReplyDeleteXo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
I’ve definitely gotten better at checking fabrics!!!! It’s crazy what a difference it can make in an article of clothing
ReplyDeletesuch great tips! I always check the fabric!
ReplyDeleteMariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com
Amazing great tips. I usually only check the fabric to see if it's made out of wool since I am allergic to wool. I need to pay attention to these other tips.
ReplyDeleteYou've got some really good points here. I often try pieces on in a brighter, naturally-lit location to see how sheer they are (aka holding them up to the light, in a sense) and I definitely pay attention to the cost! Thanks for reminding us what fabrics we should look for!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with we and we definitely should pay attention to the fabric!! Love your workwear outfit. I really like your sandals on Friday's outfit!
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com