ShoppingSmart: Signs That Let You Know You Have Great Quality Clothing

How many times have you bought clothes that easily faded, unraveled, or shrunk? Several times if you’re like everyone else in the world. The reason clothes fall apart after a few wears is more than likely due to the fact that they’re cheap and poorly made. For some people, the reason you buy cheap clothes is because you needed something really quick… typically for a last-minute occasion. For others, it’s simply because you’re cheap… there’s nothing wrong with that but at some point in your life, you’re going to have to start investing in good, quality clothing.

Now, investing in good, quality clothing doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to spend a fortune, although, one of the biggest signs of good, quality clothing is that they’re not cheap… but that’s not the only sign. There are actually lots of signs that you can look for in clothing to tell whether or not it’s of good quality. In order to be able to spot those signs, you have to shop smart.

So now, you’re probably wondering what is smart shopping and how do you do it, right? Well, shopping smart isn’t hard to do. When you shop smart, you’re shopping with the intent to buy clothes that look good and will last longer. Will the price tag go up when you shop smart? Yes, but with that heftier price tag, you’re also buying pieces that prevent you from having to shop as often. With cheap clothes, you’re having to replace the clothes that fell apart more often than you would if you just bought quality clothes in the first place.

If you’re wanting to shop for better clothes that are of good quality, you have to shop smart. Aside from the price tag, take a look at the other signs that let you know you’re making a smart purchase that will stand the tests of time.

If you’re buying jeans, they should feel slightly heavy and a little stiff

If you just bought a pair of new jeans and they’re a little on the uncomfortable side, that’s actually a great sign of letting you know that you’ve purchased some good quality jeans. GQ Magazine states that high-quality denim is indeed heavier and stiff when you first purchase them because of its higher thread count. Cheaper denim typically feels soft because it doesn’t have as many fibers and some jeans are washed in chemicals to get that soft touch.

The labels are made of leather

A fashion designer that really wants to make an impression on their customer will invest in leather labels to put in their clothes. Leather labels are a tell-tale sign of high-quality clothing. It shows that the designer holds themselves to a high standard of quality and it shows that they hold that same standard to the overall quality of their clothing.

Your clothing comes with an extra button

An untrained eye would think that if an article of clothing has to come with an extra button, that the clothing is poorly made… but it means the exact opposite actually. Designers who create good quality clothing know that their clothing is well made but they also know that their clothing isn’t indestructible either. So, as a way to help customers keep their clothing in good shape, they provide customers with an extra button… some even provide the thread.

The fabric pattern matches, even at the seams

Not to be too judgemental but a slightly subtle way to tell if a piece of patterned clothing is of good quality is to look at the seams. Patterns like plaid or strips are very difficult patterns and require more time and effort…manufacturers of lower quality clothing don’t usually take this step. Now, just because some stripes don’t line up with the other stripes, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the clothing is going to completely fall apart but it is a sign that the brand probably cuts corners in more ways than one.

Zippers aren’t exposed

You might be thinking that this isn’t a fair sign because there are fashion trends and styles that show exposed zippers… well, that may be the case but the whole point of quality clothing is the fact that it lasts. Clothing with exposed zippers run the risk of snagging or splitting. Now it is cheaper to use exposed zippers but clothing that’s of higher quality will use zippers that are covered by a fabric placket, giving the article a more polished look.