Shopping for new clothes is very exciting, allowing you to update your wardrobe with beautiful, stylish pieces. Still, it can also be overwhelming. Clothing is expensive, and to make it worth your hard-earned cash, it’s important to know whether or not the pieces you select will last for years.
While there’s no hard and fast way to ensure that your clothing will last a lifetime, it helps to purchase high-quality clothes made from premium fabric. Fortunately, there are a few ways to identify high-end clothing fabric. By spending a few extra minutes during your shopping trip identifying these high-quality pieces, you’ll help make your money stretch further and enjoy a more satisfying investment.
Look at the quality of the material
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to the fabric of their clothes, but a few fabrics stand head and shoulders above the rest. Clothes with a high content of natural fibers tend to be higher quality and longer lasting, with a tendency to hold up better over time than clothes made from primarily synthetic fibers.
Some high-quality pieces are made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Ultimately, it all comes down to the construction of the piece itself. Additionally, some blended fabrics retain their shape better than clothing made from all-natural fibers. A few fabrics that are associated with high-end clothing include:
- Cashmere
- Silk
- Bamboo
- Wool
- Velvet
Some cotton fabrics can also be very high-quality, especially if it is one of the thicker blends. Regardless of the type of fabric, make sure you review the tag to see the breakdown of natural versus synthetic since this can give you a great snapshot of the piece’s potential lifespan.
Examine any zippers or buttons
It might seem strange to review the zippers and buttons on a piece of clothing when evaluating how high-quality it is but don’t skip this important step. Zippers and buttons should at minimum be functional, allowing you to unzip and zip or button and unbutton with ease. They shouldn’t catch any loose threads and should have a substantial feel to them. Zippers should be appropriately matched to their respective garment and heavy enough to stand up to years of use.
Buttons should not be cracked or feel cheap in any way. Most pieces of clothing made from high-end fabric will include a few extra buttons in a package attached to the garment. Many times, the buttons will be located by the collar or in the sleeves of the pieces.
Check out the stitchwork
Quality stitchwork is an excellent indication that a garment is made to last. If the stitchwork isn’t good or if it looks uneven, it’s likely that the piece won’t go the distance. Generally speaking, the more stitches per inch, the better quality the clothing and the fabric. On this note, all hem-work should be crisp and fully finished, with no dangling threads or loose pieces of fabric hanging out the bottom.
It’s also a good idea to do a full once-over, examining the fabric for any obvious imperfections. Look for crooked lines or seams, along with fabric patterns that don’t line up with seams. Premium fabric should be treated with care, and clothing that you invest in should be created with intention. If something doesn’t look right, it’s probably a good idea to walk away, even if it’s a piece you really love. While you could barter for a lower price at the checkout, many stores don’t even offer this as an option.
Look for quality brands
Certain brands have a reputation for quality that precedes them. Whether you’re a devotee of any premium brands or are going shopping with an open mind, know that some brands tend to use higher-quality fabrics than others. Many brands are known for sourcing quality fabrics and spending extra time on the construction of their pieces. It can help to do some research online before your trip to make note of some brands you would like to check out.
At the end of the day, brand isn’t everything. Many boutiques and small shopping centers might feature clothing from local makers and artisans that are of a level of quality that rivals anything produced by a premium brand. Additionally, some brands that were once considered to be the best of the best (and whose clothing you might have purchased years ago) might not be producing the same high-quality pieces anymore. Don’t buy clothing sight unseen if you can avoid it, and always base your decision on multiple factors other than just a brand name.
See how the garment feels
One of the best indications of quality is how a piece of clothing feels to the touch. High-quality clothing fabric should feel luxurious under your fingers, compelling you to put it on and wrap yourself in softness and comfort. If you have the opportunity to try it on, do so, ideally where you can see it in a full-length mirror. If you can’t try it on, feel as much of the fabric as you can and indulge in the softness. If you find yourself coming back to the same piece over and over again, odds are that it’s worth the investment.
OXXO Cleaners That Care offers custom tailoring and alterations
Finding high-quality clothing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By listening to your intuition and incorporating these easy tips into your next shopping trip, you’ll find clothing made from high-quality fabric that not only feels great on your body but is more likely to last you for years.To preserve the life of your clothing, consider dry cleaning services from OXXO Cleaners That Care. As your local dry cleaner, we take pride in our work and in ensuring that your clothes are pristine and polished. If you have some pieces that don’t quite fit the way you want them to, our tailoring and alterations services are just the ticket. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can preserve the life of your high-quality clothing fabric.
