Are you tired of buying clothes that fall apart after just a few washes or don’t live up to their price tags?
We’ve all been there!
This video dives into the secrets of spotting high-quality clothing like a pro.
It breaks down the key features to look for when you’re out shopping, from stitch quality to fabric choices and those little details that make a big difference.
These tips will help you make smarter choices and elevate your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Summary of the video:
Stitching Quality
- Stitch Density: Take a dollar bill, place it along the shirt collar, and count the stitches per inch. A high-quality shirt will have at least 10 stitches per inch. Fewer stitches may indicate lower durability.
- Button Material: For jackets, look for horn buttons, and for shirts, mother-of-pearl buttons. Although plastic buttons aren’t necessarily low-quality, using horn or mother-of-pearl is a strong quality indicator since these materials are costly and durable.
- Button Shank: Buttons should have a “shank,” a small, raised gap between the button and fabric. This feature adds durability and makes buttoning easier. Loose threads around the button are a red flag.
Reinforced Elements
- Gusset: At the base of the shirt, where the front and back panels meet, look for an extra piece of fabric called a gusset. This strengthens high-stress areas, and its inclusion shows attention to longevity.
- Gauntlet Button: This small button on the sleeve below the cuff keeps fabric in place and prevents excess bunching when rolling up sleeves. It’s also a sign of higher craftsmanship.
- Collar Stays: A quality collar should have slots for removable collar stays, typically made of plastic or metal, which keep the collar looking sharp.
Fabric and Material Quality
- Preferred Materials: High-quality shirts often use 100% cotton, while high-end trousers and jackets use wool. Wool is expensive, so manufacturers tend to use it carefully and thoughtfully.
- Blends and Natural Fibers: Some cotton blends can enhance durability, while natural fibers like linen, silk, and bamboo add value. However, avoid acetate, a synthetic derived from petroleum, as it lacks breathability and can reduce comfort.
- Sewn vs. Printed Patterns: Patterns woven into the fabric generally indicate quality, while printed designs may be lower quality.
Tailoring and Structural Details
- Split Yoke on Shirts: A split yoke on the back (two pieces of fabric stitched together) adds flexibility and comfort, allowing each side to adjust individually.
- Pattern Matching: High-quality garments match patterns across seams and panels (e.g., sleeves and shoulders), indicating extra fabric use and cutting precision.
- Jacket Interior: Check that the jacket’s inner stitching is as precise as the outer, ensuring long-lasting construction. Well-made jackets may include a floating canvas for structure, rather than relying solely on glue.
Jackets and Accessories
- Functional Details on Jackets: Working surgeon cuffs (buttons that unbutton at the cuff) show attention to traditional tailoring. This feature restricts sleeve length adjustment options, suggesting the jacket was made to fit well out of the box.
- Pockets: Pockets should be functional; some may come sewn shut but can be opened for use. Quality jackets may also have patch or flap pockets, with a boutonnière hole for decor.
- Trouser Adjustments: High-quality trousers may have extra fabric along seams for future alterations. This addition allows for flexibility in size adjustments over time.
- Shoes: Look for leather soles, which indicate quality, and proper stitching like Goodyear or Blake, which hold the sole in place securely. An extra leather layer inside the shoe protects against wear and absorbs moisture.
- Bags and Luggage: High-quality bags should feature durable hardware (zippers, buckles) that operates smoothly. Quality hardware suggests the brand didn’t cut corners elsewhere.
*Summary created by AI and edited by author
