Garments can be deceptive when it comes to quality. When you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to end up buying something that’s not top-notch. In a lot of cases, price isn’t necessarily an indication of quality. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between purchasing a quality item and something shoddy.
Fabric
Checking the tag inside a garment to see what fabric it is made of is a strong first step. The makeup of the garment can tell you instantly whether or not it’s going to be durable. For instance, natural materials such as silk, cotton, and wool have a tendency to hold up better in the long run. It may seem like materials that are plastic-based (such as nylon) or otherwise synthetic might be more durable, but they rarely are. In the case of some sportswear products they might be desirable, but for most garments the natural materials are going to hold together best.
Feel
It’s important to actually feel the entirety of the garment with your hands. Not only will this tip you off if the garment has any holes, tears, or wear, but you’ll get a good sense for how it is going to feel while on your body. If it stretches, feels coarse or uncomfortable, or feels flimsy, there’s a good chance you aren’t getting a quality product.
Stitching
Take a close look inside the seams of the garment. The stitching can tell you a lot about the way the product was made. If it looks tight and sturdy, odds are it’s a good product. A loose weave or stitching that you can see through is an instant tip-off. Also, try lightly tugging on the garment and watch how the stitching responds. If it sticks together well, that’s a good sign. It’s also a good idea to check and see if the stitching is flat, because if it’s loopy it indicates the proper care wasn’t put into the manufacturing of the garment.
Apparel Production has seen that clothing manufacturing companies in New York City can somehow have different standards, and it’s important to investigate before buying a faulty product.