How To recognize good quality clothes? – An Insiders Guide

1 Natural Fiber Fabrics That Are Durable

Clothing of superior quality is constructed of lasting materials, such as natural fibers:

• Hemp
• Bison Down
• Linen
• Cotton
• Wool (Alpaca, Cashmere, Merino, Mohair, Angora)
• Silk
• Rayon (made of FSC Certified Eucalyptus)
• Qiviut

While synthetic fibers are designed to be tough, they are not always suitable for long-lasting apparel. As we’ll see later, they’re really rather prone to revealing signs of wear and tear and readily absorb odors.

Natural fibers last longer and are thus far more suited for apparel. Additionally, they offer a variety of additional characteristics in addition to durabilities, such as being resistant to water, stains, and odors.

Rayon is the sole synthetic fiber exception: it is a man-made substance derived from wood pulp that can be a durable solution for specialized applications, such as athletic wear.

How do you know?

The simplest approach to determine the fabric content is to examine the label. Any article of apparel should have at least 70% natural fibers. If feasible, choose 100% natural materials.

2 There are no traces of use or aging

Clothing of superior quality does not exhibit signs of wear and tear.

When a garment begins to lose its shape, develops fuzz balls, or fades in color, it indicates that it is of low quality. Clothing of poor quality seems to be old, worn, and out of shape. For an extended period of time, high-quality clothing looks fresh, feels new, and smells new.

Synthetic fibers are not abrasion resistant and readily pill. Even when compared to wool, synthetic fibers age more rapidly. Similarly, synthetic fibers are prone to develop holes and other symptoms of age, but natural fibers are more easily repaired.

The issue with wear and tear is that if a garment begins to seem worn, you will be less likely to wear it because it will no longer look as good. Thus, it is an indication of high-quality clothes that will appear and remain attractive throughout the course of a long life of intensive use.

How do you know?

Choosing natural fibers rather than synthetic fibers can ensure that your clothing lasts longer and is less likely to wear out.

Additionally, natural textiles are less susceptible to fashion fads, which means you’ll be able to enjoy your clothing for an extended amount of time!

3 Does Not Require Frequent Washing

Clothing of superior quality does not require frequent laundering.

When high-quality clothing is created from natural fibers, additional benefits accrue!

Natural textiles frequently have excellent properties such as being odor-resistant, wrinkle-free, breathable, and/or stain-resistant. This means that such materials do not need to be washed often but maybe aired instead.

By washing your clothing less regularly, you protect them from wear and tear, prevent them from losing their shape, and save time and money for both you and the environment! Clothing of superior quality is deserving your attention (especially once you know the tricks).

On the other hand, synthetic fibers are notorious for rapidly absorbing odors. Because you will sweat more in synthetic textiles, germs will more likely build inside the fabric, resulting in a foul odor emanating from your clothes (and you!).

How do you know?

To avoid overheating, go for natural textiles. The majority of wool fibers are odor resistant. Cotton, silk, hemp, and linen are all considered to be extremely breathable, which means they will help you stay dry.

The simplest technique to maintain the appearance of woolen clothing is to leave it alone most of the time.

4 Non-Toxic to the Body

Clothing of high quality is completely safe for the body.

Natural materials are far kinder to the skin and the body in general than synthetic fibers. Harmless to the body fabrics are frequently hypoallergenic, soft, breathable, and/or antibacterial.

• Baby alpaca
• Yak
• Qiviut
• Cashmere
• Merino
• Vicuña
• Hemp that is organic
• Silk that is natural (undyed)
• Cotton that has not been colored organically
• Linen that is organic (natural earthy colors)

Synthetic materials, in comparison to natural fibers, feel heated or nearly like plastic. This is because natural fibers are far more breathable than synthetic fibers. It is critical for textiles to be breathable since this will significantly improve the comfort of your skin (and your entire body).

(Industrial) dyes are another key indicator of a substance’s safety when it comes to contact with the body. Chemical colors can rub off on your skin, causing irritation.

Additionally, high-quality clothing suggests a softer fiber: inferior sheep wool is not as soft as superior cashmere.

How do you know?

Gently press the cloth against the inside of your arm: you’ll quickly notice if it’s itchy, scratchy, or otherwise unpleasant.

Choose natural colors to ensure that materials are undyed to avoid skin discomfort caused by fabric dyes.

When it comes to wool, it is frequently worthwhile to choose more expensive fibers: baby alpaca is softer than ordinary alpaca, and merino wool (of a good grade) is softer than Shetland or Corriedale fleeces.

5 A high degree of reparability

Not only is it feasible to repair a garment (sometimes in an inconspicuous manner! ), but also spare buttons and/or yarn are given to repair the garment.

According to what I’ve read, high-quality cashmere garments are frequently packaged with not just a spare button, but also a little bit of yarn.

It’s an indication of very high-quality apparel when you supply material for your consumers to mend their outfits (or have them repaired).

Polyester clothing is frequently made with very fine threads. While they may be difficult to break, once broken, they are extremely difficult to repair.

Contrast this with woolen clothes, which you can simply repair without leaving a trace.

Additionally, synthetic fabrics burn more easily, making it simpler to create an irreversible hole in your clothing, whereas many natural textiles self-extinguish.

How do you know?

Before purchasing garments, inspect the inside of the garment for spare buttons and attachments. They are frequently seen linked to the label or the washing instructions.

Make a point of looking for an extra cloth around the seams to allow for modifications if necessary.

6 Fabrics That Are Thick and Even

Clothing of superior quality is constructed from uniformly thick and dense textiles.

Have you ever made a comparison between a high-quality cotton shirt and a cheap cotton shirt? You’ll quickly see which one is of higher quality. The denser and thicker the cloth, the stronger and higher the quality.

Dense textiles are stronger, have additional and improved properties (such as warmth), and are more attractive.

It’s painful to admit, but some artisanal wool producers spin uneven wool. While this is attractive and demonstrates workmanship, it also implies that wherever there is a larger section of the yarn, there is typically a thinner section as well. These uneven surfaces are more prone to wear, tear, and breakage.

Obviously, high-quality textiles are free of gaps and uneven threads, have a uniform distribution of horizontal and vertical weaving lines and have a greater thread count.

How do you know?

Expose the clothing to the light and determine its transparency. Additionally, you may feel and weigh the clothing (and, if feasible, compare!).

When it comes to wool, high-quality wool has longer hairs that are securely linked together. If you can easily pull the hairs out, the product is of lower quality.

7 Natural Fibers with a High percentage

Clothing of superior quality contains a high proportion of certified natural fibers.

Natural fibers provide a plethora of advantages over synthetic fibers. However, the primary disadvantage of natural fibers is that they are scarce. Frequently, they are obtained from animals (such as various types of wool) or from plants (linen, cotton, hemp).

Everything on this earth has a finite supply, and while employing natural fibers has a lower environmental impact than synthetic fibers, there is still a risk of depleting our natural resources.

As a result, high-quality clothing respects the constraints of our world and helps keep the negative impact to a minimum.

When producers employ more natural fibers in their goods than synthetic fibers, it demonstrates many things:

• They place value on quality above quantity.
• They create clothing that is more durable.
• They create more comfy clothing.
• They demonstrate reduced wear and tear.
• They require minimal upkeep.

How do you know?

At least 70% of higher-quality fiber should be used, especially when combined with synthetic materials.

Look for OEKO-TEX, GOTS, Fair-Trade, and EU/USDA Organic certifications, as well as specialized information on the websites of smaller firms! (While not all fibers are certified, they will be fair-trade and/or sustainably sourced!)

8 Accessories of Superior Quality

High-quality apparel is complemented by high-quality accessories.

As with the spare buttons and yarn, high-quality clothing is constructed using high-quality materials, not just in the fabric, but also (and especially) in the accessories, such as zippers and buttons.

Not only is the quality of the accessories critical, but also the manner in which they are fastened to the clothing. Detailed craftsmanship ensures ease of use and reduces the likelihood of wear and tear.

How do you know?

Examine the buttons and zippers thoroughly for loose threads or buttons, as well as for neatly finished buttonholes. Check to verify if the zipper slides easily by moving it up and down.

Examine the material: hardwood buttons are more durable, and even unique pearlized buttons demonstrate greater attention to detail and probably higher quality.

Zippers of superior quality are constructed of metal, coil, and vision: they must be robust enough to withstand repeated use on heavy-duty clothes.

9 Lining, Facing, and Excellent Stitchwork

Clothing of superior quality includes lining, facing, and expert stitchwork.

The lining is an additional inner layer that is sewn into the inside of a garment. Lining a garment adds warmth and strength. Additionally, it draws additional attention to detail, particularly when contrasting colors are chosen for the lining. Additionally, the lining protects the garment’s “vulnerable” inside (where the stitches and seams are located) against abrasion.

A facing is a piece of cloth that is sewn onto the inside of a garment’s edges. It is mostly utilized in the neckline and armholes of garments. A facing protects the garment in areas where friction is greater and the likelihood of wear and tear is greater.

A well-stitched garment contains more stitches, which makes it stronger and less prone to breaking. While the amount of stitches is critical, so is their placement: high-quality clothes will have additional space between the seams and the stitches.

How do you know?

On the inside of a garment, look for lining and facing around the armpits and neckline. Both may be created using either separate pattern pieces or a fabric extension.

10 Tailored & Straight

Tailored apparel is of the highest quality. If it is not custom-made, it is at the very least straight and well-fitting.

Not everyone has the financial means to have their clothing custom-made. However, those that do will have exquisitely tailored garments that fit flawlessly and feel wonderfully comfortable.

Straight clothing is the bare minimum criterion for high-quality clothes. Clothing of poor quality is frequently asymmetrical. This clothing has poor drape and does not appear flattering (on anybody).

Similarly, high-quality clothes will take into account the various contours of the body, whilst low-quality clothing will include more straight cuts: they are easier to design and hence less expensive to create.

How do you know?

Fold the garment and examine its symmetry. If it seems crooked when folded, it will appear crooked on your body as well!

Superior clothes will have more room on the inside of the seams to allow for easy adjustment of certain portions if desired!