How to tell if a garment, no matter the price, is of good quality?

High-quality garments¹ stand the test of time, feel great to wear, and maintain their appearance after multiple uses. While price can sometimes indicate quality, it’s not always a reliable factor. Knowing how to evaluate a garment's construction, material, and details can help you spot quality pieces at any price point.

To determine if a garment is of good quality, inspect the fabric, stitching, seams, and finishing touches like buttons and zippers. High-quality clothing often features durable materials, consistent construction, and refined details.

Let’s break down the essential steps to evaluate garment quality and explore whether expensive clothes always guarantee better craftsmanship.

How do you evaluate quality of garments?

Evaluating a garment’s quality involves assessing its material, construction, and finishing details.

To evaluate garment quality, examine the fabric for strength and consistency, inspect the stitching for tightness and evenness, and test the seams and fasteners for durability. A good-quality garment should feel well-constructed and polished.

Textile Cutting and Matching

Steps to evaluate garment quality

1. Inspect the fabric

• High-quality fabric feels substantial, smooth, or soft depending on its type.
• Test durability by stretching the fabric gently—it should recover without losing shape.

2. Examine the stitching

• Look for consistent, tight stitches (10–12 stitches per inch is ideal).
• Check that there are no loose threads or skipped stitches.

3. Check the seams

• Seams should lie flat without puckering and have reinforced stitching.
• Look for double-stitched or overlocked seams for added durability.

4. Evaluate finishing details

• Buttons should be securely attached and zippers should glide smoothly.
• Patterns or prints should align perfectly at seams.

A thorough inspection helps ensure the garment meets high standards of quality.

How to know if a piece of clothing is good quality?

Spotting high-quality clothing² involves recognizing specific design and manufacturing elements.

To determine if clothing is good quality, check the fabric type, construction, and weight. Details like finished edges, dense stitching, and durable fasteners are key indicators of craftsmanship.

Indicators of high-quality clothing

1. Fabric type and feel

• Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk are typically more durable and breathable.
• High-quality synthetic blends should feel smooth and resist pilling.

2. Construction and weight

• Heavier fabrics usually indicate durability and better construction.
• Lightweight fabrics should still feel even and strong.

3. Tailoring and fit

• High-quality garments often feature darts or seams that contour the body.
• Check that the fit is consistent and not overly tight or loose in unintended areas.

4. Care label instructions

• Well-made clothing includes detailed care instructions, reflecting attention to fabric type³ and durability.

Evaluating these features can help you confidently identify high-quality garments.

How do you know if something is good quality?

Good-quality items, including clothing, are marked by precision, durability, and thoughtful design.

To identify if something is good quality⁴, focus on its materials, craftsmanship, and functional elements. Look for durable construction, refined details, and a cohesive design that prioritizes usability and aesthetics.

Comparing Fabric Swatches

Characteristics of good quality

1. Durability

• Good-quality items withstand frequent use without significant wear.
• Test by gently pulling seams or zippers—they should remain intact.

2. Refinement in details

• High-quality items often feature carefully finished edges, smooth fasteners, and aligned patterns.

3. Functionality

• Ensure that all elements of the item work as intended, such as pockets, zippers, and stretch components.

4. Aesthetic appeal

• Quality items often have a polished and consistent look that reflects their craftsmanship.

These attributes collectively indicate whether a product, including clothing, is well-made.

Do expensive clothes have better quality?

Price can sometimes indicate quality, but it’s not always a definitive measure.

Expensive clothes often use better materials and skilled craftsmanship, leading to higher quality. However, not all pricey garments⁵ are worth their cost, as some brands prioritize branding over substance.

The relationship between price and quality

Why expensive clothes may have better quality:

1. Premium materials:

   • High-end brands use luxury fabrics like silk, cashmere, or fine wool.
   • These materials are often more durable and comfortable.

2. Skilled craftsmanship:

   • Designer pieces are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring precise stitching and tailoring.

3. Smaller production runs:

   • Higher-priced garments may involve limited production, allowing for better quality control.

When price doesn’t equal quality:

• Brand markup:
  • Some brands charge more for their name rather than superior materials or construction.
• Trendy designs:
  • Expensive fashion items may prioritize aesthetics over longevity.

While expensive clothing often reflects better quality, evaluating construction and materials is the best way to determine value.

Conclusion

The quality of a garment can be assessed by inspecting its fabric, stitching, and overall construction, regardless of its price. While expensive clothes may use superior materials and craftsmanship, price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality. By focusing on key attributes such as durability and finishing details, you can identify high-quality clothing at any price point.