When shopping for your clothes, you would want something that suits your style and lasts for many years. But with the fast-fashion industry relying on speedy design and production, spotting high-quality clothes has become challenging.
Some garment manufacturing companies give more attention to speed in production instead of product quality. That is why due diligence is necessary when shopping for your clothes.
Here is a guide to ensure that you buy only the highest quality clothing wherever you go to women’s clothing stores.
What quality means
The term “quality” is often subjective. Some may refer to it as something more durable than low-priced garments, while others equate it to designer brands.
But generally, the quality of clothes is all about their construction and fabric. If excellent materials come together through an efficient and high-standard manufacturing process, the garment can last longer and age elegantly.
To understand quality more, here are the three common myths you should know.
Myth 1: Higher price means higher quality.
Most people assume that expensive items are of a higher quality than cheaper alternatives. But there are situations where garments become too costly only because of marketing expenses and brand perception.
Myth 2: All fabrics are created equal.
Even if two items are made from 100 percent cotton or cashmere, this does not mean that they have the same fabric quality. Fabrics like cotton and cashmere have different grades, with each offering a certain level of strength, softness, and desirable characteristics.
Myth 3: Some go-to brands always offer high quality.
Don’t associate quality with particular brands as a whole. Every designer or brand has its strengths and weaknesses. Some are best at manufacturing jeans, while others are known for making exceptional sweaters.
Why choose high-quality clothing
Wearing high-quality clothes can have an impact on your outlook on life. It can lift up your self-esteem and spirits.
But apart from that, here are other benefits of wearing high-quality garments.
Durability and longevity
Since high-quality clothing is made from the best materials and undergoes intricate manufacturing processes, it will most likely stand the test of time. This means that you don’t have to replace them as often, saving you money, time, and energy. The craftsmanship put into creating these garments helps to make them last for years.
Fit
Fit and fashion are the most crucial considerations when buying clothes. Since high-quality clothing is made with utmost attention to detail, it can fit better and stay in its original form for a longer time, regardless of how often you use it.
Some high-quality pieces also include thoughtful features like a hem or seam allowance that allow for easier modification to fit your measurements without compromising their style and shape.
Comfort
High-quality clothing offers an extra level of comfort. They are less likely to stretch with wear, yield pills after washing, or irritate your skin.
What to look for in high-quality clothing
The best way to define garment quality is to check it using your own senses. Visit a high-end garment store and feel the clothes. Consider trying some of them on as well. Then, head to a less expensive shop and compare similar items. Clothes are very tactile, so handling them is the best way to distinguish high-quality clothing from poorly made alternatives.
Here are the 3 essential things you should look for in high-quality clothes:
Natural fabric
Typically, natural fabrics feel better and last longer. Choose a garment that is made of at least 80 percent natural materials, unless you are shopping for exercise clothes and hosiery where synthetic fabrics are better options for functional reasons.
Here’s how to identify if a specific fabric is good or not.
- Silk – Silk is a luxury fabric that is determined by momme weight instead of thread count. The heavier the momme, the more durable the fabric is. But if the brand does not provide the momme weight, it should feel super soft and thick. Also, it must be fairly opaque when you hold it up to the light.
- Cotton – Cotton is an everyday fabric because it is easier to care for and more affordable than other natural materials. The longer the fiber is, the softer it will feel. And if you hold it up to the light, you must not see any light coming through the holes.
- Cashmere – Clothes made of thinner and longer fibers of cashmere must feel super soft. It should also feel densely woven and thick. Check the tag if it is one-ply or two-ply because one ply tends to develop holes in just a matter of months. Also, test its strength by pulling it a bit. High-quality cashmere bounces back.
- Wool – Wool is a bit more delicate than cashmere. The fabric must be thick, and its weave should be tight and dense. Also, it should bounce back when pulled. Whenever possible, invest in merino wool.
- Leather – The quality of a leather garment depends on the type of grain it has. Full-grain leather is the best kind, followed by top grain leather. Both types are durable, but the former ages gracefully, while the latter may feel like plastic over time. Watch out for bonded leather because this is made of leather scraps.
Good construction
Garment construction refers to how well the fabrics are stitched together. Test the construction of clothing by:
- Holding it against the light and stretching some of its seams to check how much light comes through. The thread must be even and tight.
- Checking its topstitching thread. Look for a thick, smooth thread without fibers that are beginning to fray.
- Turning it inside out to check how it looks inside. High-end garments use complicated finishing or stitching methods like the flat-felled seam used in some jeans.
Shopping for high-quality clothes can be overwhelming with the many options in the market today. But if you know what quality means, why you should invest in high-quality clothing, and what to look for, you can have a wardrobe that you will love for many years.
So the next time you go fashion shopping in Doha, remember this guide.
Happy shopping!