In years past, fashion looked remarkably different to what modern-day fashion designers are churning out today, and it was made differently, too. For instance, back in the days of vintage fashion, clothing was made from better materials; it was a much slower process, and clothes were more expensive yet worn for a more extended time.
Unlike today, consumers rely on fast fashion to create stylish clothes at a cost-effective rate that can be delivered and worn in a couple of days. Due to this, much clothing purchased might not be built to last, and since we live in a time where clothes are being churned out more than at any point in human history, it’s only natural to assume that most of the stuff we buy is of lesser quality.
Yet, through our own investigations, it is possible to determine whether the clothing we buy is built to last or not, despite many brands being secretive about their product’s origins. Fortunately, with some internet sleuthing, it is possible to make educated purchases before you buy anything, whether it’s a pair of Gucci sneakers for women or a man’s wristwatch. We list some of our top tips for buying quality clothing below:
Don’t Just Focus On Brand Names
Nothing makes you feel better than being able to treat yourself to a pair of Gucci sneakers for women or one of Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram canvas totes. Yet it is essential to remember that despite how good these brands may make you feel inside, you don’t have to focus on branded clothing for quality.
Even some of the most well-known brands in the world experience phases of low quality, and when this happens, you can count on a lesser-known brand to fill this gap in the market and thanks to the internet, these dupes are becoming even easier to purchase. Admittedly, you can’t expect an unestablished brand to replicate the quality of Barbour’s waxed cotton jackets or Levi’s denim jeans, yet some can come close.
Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide whether a brand deserves to earn your trust and, eventually, your hard-earned money. You can build this trust before purchasing by understanding what the brand stands for, reading reviews from previous customers, and buying from reputable sellers like SSENSE, who specialise in the sale of designer fashion and high-end streetwear.
From womenswear, menswear, and everything else, you can find a selection of clothing from various household names like Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Fendi, and many more. Browse their women’s Gucci shoe collection here, or look at their range of Givenchy sunglasses and see how their site could help you find quality branded clothing today.
Check The Label
Whether a piece of clothing is branded or unestablished, it should have a detailed care label that outlines how the garment should be cared for. Without a clear care label with instructions on how to launder, dry, and iron the piece of clothing, the quality of the fabric will deteriorate and cause its longevity to suffer.
The label should not only tell you how to care for a garment but also about the fabric content. Ultimately, it should give you advice on the type of material you are caring for and, in best-case scenarios, should also provide information about the origin and the type of fibres used.
Buy Better, Less Often
Let’s face it, we all love a bargain, and after a hard week at work, nothing fills that void better than a few impulse purchases. After all, when a new t-shirt threatens to set us back a measly few dollars, it can be easy to click ‘add to basket’ without a moment’s hesitation. Yet, when something is sold at that price, it’s evident that the manufacturing process harms the person making it and that the material it’s constructed of cannot be of the highest quality.
Therefore, buying better less often is an excellent motto to live by if you want your clothing to be both sustainable and high quality. Although this may mean sacrificing the odd impulse purchase here and there, your wallet will indeed thank you when you do not have to replace items in your wardrobe every couple of months.
Extra Materials Are Supplied
Have you ever opened a recent purchase and had a little plastic bag full of extra buttons, beads, thread etc., fall onto the floor? If you have, this is usually a good sign, as this shows that the manufacturer expects the garment to last so long that it’ll need repairs.
Especially if the item you’ve purchased is branded, having a little bag filled with extra materials for repairs is a good way for consumers to make their investment go further since having branded items repaired by an independent can be expensive.