How To Shop For High-Quality Clothing

Step 1: Touch Test

You want to find a fabric that is of very high quality. Make sure to feel the fabric of the clothes your shopping for. If it doesn't feel good in your hands, it won't feel good on your body. Try to educate yourself a little on the different kinds of fabrics used in constructing clothing. We all know that wool is itchy and cotton can shrink. But knowing where pima cotton comes from and the costs of different fabrics can turn you into a smarter consumer. Pima cotton is an ELS cotton, or extra long staple, meaning it's fiber length is longer than and inch and 3/8. It's ranked one of the best cottons in the world behind Egyptian and Supima cottons. Cashmere, linen, woven tweed and silk are other high quality fabrics that you can look for.

Step 2: Stitch By Stitch

Stitching is very important because it elongates the life of the item. Better stitching means better quality. You'll be able to have that item around for a lot longer when the stitching is perfect. Tug at the seams to see if they hold together strong. Just by looking at some seams you will be able to tell that it was well-constructed by the elaborate stitching. Make sure the stitching is straight. Crooked stitching and hems probably means it was made by people who aren't professional. If you see a loose thread, go ahead and pull it. If it comes right off without unraveling part of the item, it's probably OK. If it starts to unravel the stitching, put it back and walk away.

Step 3: Fine Lining

A lined item usually indicates quality in clothing. Lining an item takes extra time and effort from the manufacturer. It can be as simple as doubling up of the same fabric or adding a second layer of a different fabric, such as nylon or silk. Lining also increases the longevity of an item by reducing friction between your body and the fabric.

Step 4: Match Up

If an item is striped or patterned, look at the shoulders or seams. There should have been a little effort put into matching the pattern of the item and making it flow seamlessly. However, this test cannot stand on it's own. If you really like the item and it passed all the other quality tests, go ahead and buy it.