Investing in high-quality clothing means choosing pieces that fit well and last for years. Well-made garments have sturdy seams that resist splitting and fabrics that maintain their shape, reducing the chance of tears or sagging. They may cost more up front, but you’ll wear them longer, which lowers the cost per wear. Plus, longer-lasting clothes help the planet: fast fashion produces a flood of poor quality, cheap, disposable garments, whereas research shows that extending each garment’s life is critical for sustainability. In short, quality pieces pay off in comfort, value, and lower waste.

Actionable Shopping Tips
**Check the fabric content.** Read the label and favour natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk or linen, which are breathable and durable. (Polyester and other synthetics can be hard-wearing, but they often trap odors and shed microfibres into the water system.) A high percentage of natural fibre or high-quality blend is often a sign of a well-made garment.
**Feel the fabric and weight.** Quality textiles tend to feel substantial. Hold the cloth up to light: a tightly woven fabric (or tightly stitched seam) should let *very little* light through. If you see gaps or light in a seam or weave, it means the stitch density is low and the fabric may fray. Gently tug the fabric – it should stretch a little and spring back without distorting. Thin, flimsy material with no “body” often indicates a cheaper garment.
**Inspect interior construction.** Turn the garment inside out and look at the seams. High-quality clothes are neatly finished inside and out. There should be **no raw, fraying edges** or loose threads. For example, a good blazer will have a smooth lining covering all the seam allowances. Even on casual pieces, check that seams are straight and evenly stitched.
**Perform the light test on seams.** Hold the sewn seams up to the light. A well-constructed seam will block most light. If you see holes or bright lines along the stitch, the garment has few stitches per inch (SPI) and is likely to unravel quickly. Good tailoring means dense, even stitching.
**Reinforcements at stress points.** Look at areas like shoulders, armholes, side seams and crotches. These “load-bearing” points should have extra strength. In quality garments, you might see double stitching, bar tacks or overlapping seams there. Weak single stitching in these areas may give way under strain.
**Test threads and pull at loose ends.** If you spot any thread tails, tug them gently. A cheap garment may start to unravel at the seam, whereas a high-quality piece will hold firm. This is a classic advice: as one expert says, “pull at every piece of string you find – if it starts to unravel, don’t buy it”.

**Examine buttons, zippers and hardware.** Quality pieces use robust hardware. Buttons should be well-sewn (cross-stitched or with a bartack) and not wobble. Check that zippers run smoothly and feel solid (metal or quality molded plastic are good). An added bonus: many designers include a spare button or repair kit sewn inside for shirts or jackets. That extra button is a sign they expect you to wear the piece for a long time.
**Check finishing details.** Look at hems, cuffs and pockets. Hems should lie flat and have even stitching. Seams along patterns (stripes, plaids, florals) should match up neatly. If you see puckering or uneven hem lengths, it’s a clue to rushed construction. A neatly finished hem and matched pattern are small details that speak to overall quality.
**Assess the fit and cut.** A well-cut garment will fit comfortably. Quality brands use precise pattern cutting to achieve consistent sizing, so a good-fit item should feel just right (not pulling or gaping). When you try it on, make sure it feels natural in the shoulders, bust/waist and sleeves. (If it doesn’t fit perfectly but everything else is great, consider if a local tailor can adjust it.) Ultimately, the piece should work with your body; if it feels off, it may not be worth altering.

Think timeless style and versatility. Choose cuts and colors that feel you and aren’t overly trendy, unless that’s what you really want. Classic silhouettes (simple trousers, a sheath dress, a tailored blazer, a versatile coat) tend to stay in style longer. Solid or subtle patterns will pair with more outfits. In this way, quality goes hand in hand with timeless style: a well-made classic piece can be the foundation of your wardrobe for years.

Be mindful of price vs. quality. Remember that price tag alone isn’t a guarantee of quality. A UK study found that paying more for clothes doesn’t reliably mean they’ll last longer. (Sometimes you’re paying for a brand label or the retail markup.) Instead of trusting price or brand, base your choice on the garment itself – fabric feel, stitching and construction. Focus on features, not the price.
Calculate cost-per-wear. A higher price can be fine if you truly love and frequently wear the item. For example, a £200 coat worn 100 times costs £2 per wear, whereas a £50 jacket worn 5 times costs £10 per wear. When you shop, consider how often you’ll really wear something. An investment in quality can be economical over time.

Caring for your quality pieces to help them look good for longer

Freshen without washing. The more you launder clothes, the faster they show wear. For many items, you can refresh them instead of cleaning. Air them outside or in fresh air for a few hours. You can also spray a fabric freshener to eliminate odours. In fact, experts recommend a homemade vodka mist: equal parts water and vodka spritzed lightly can neutralize smells, but take care to check whether the fabric is suitable or too delicate for this approach, and always test the spray in an area that is not visible. Another tip: pop knits or unworn items in the freezer overnight to kill any bacteria and odor. Then hang them outside in a breeze to air out. These tricks can extend the time between washes. Some fabrics such as real wool are naturally antibacterial so do not need washing as frequently.

Wash smart and gentle. When it’s time to wash, always follow the care label. Use cold water and a gentle cycle for delicate garments. (Hot water and harsh washing shorten fabric life.) Place delicate knits, underwear and silks in a mesh laundry bag to prevent stretching or snags. Use a mild delicates or wool detergent and avoid fabric softener types that can break down fibres. After washing, reshape and air-dry items whenever possible, instead of tumble-drying. Low heat and air drying minimize shrinkage and fiber stress.
Treat special fabrics with care. Some materials need extra care. For example, wool and cashmere should rarely be machine-washed. Brush these gently to remove surface dust and air them between wears – wool coats and suits are designed to be brushed clean and aired, not laundered frequently. Dry-clean garments only when absolutely necessary, and spot-clean small stains yourself when you can. (Note: many experts say dry cleaning can leave chemical residues and isn’t always superior to hand care.)
Protect shoes and leather. Quality leather goods can last decades if cared for properly. After use, wipe off dirt with a soft cloth. Every few months, apply a leather conditioner or cream to keep leather supple and prevent drying/cracking. For suede or canvas, use a protective water-repellent spray. When shoe soles wear thin, take them to a cobbler for resoling – a good pair of shoes (like many boots) can be resoled and worn for years and years. In short, tending to shoes and belts extends their life immensely. Make sure to alternate your shoes to allow the leather or fabric to air and dry out.
Prevent and repair damage. Store items properly: use padded hangers for blouses and jackets, and fold heavy sweaters to avoid hanger bumps. Keep wool garments in cool, dry places with cedar blocks or lavender sachets in closets, which naturally repel moths. If you find a hole or loose button, mend it right away. Support your local seamstress, tailor and cobbler: have alterations or repairs done annually if needed. Small fixes – re-sewing a hem, changing a zipper, sewing on a button – keep clothes looking fresh and prevent bigger rips. As one stylist advises, address “niggly things” like dropped hems or loose seams early.
Be mindful of cleaning intervals. Finally, remember that even quality fabrics don’t need constant cleaning. Over-washing can fade colors and weaken fibres. Wear items several times between cleanings if they’re still fresh. When you do clean, use the most gentle method possible. Every small choice – hand washing a delicate blouse, air-drying a sweater, delaying a dry-clean – adds up to a much longer life for your treasured garments.

By following these tips, you’ll build a wardrobe of beautiful, well-made pieces that you enjoy and rely on. With proper shopping techniques and care habits, quality clothing can truly become wardrobe staples that last a lifetime and prevent more fast fashion going into waste.

- Mandarić D, Hunjet A, Vuković D. The impact of fashion brand sustainability on consumer purchasing decisions. J Risk Financ Manag. 2022;15(4):176.
- Chau H. Quality Garment Construction: Key to Apparel Success. Pack.Love. 2025 Apr 25.
- Kale S. Slow fashion: how to keep your favourite clothes for ever – from laundering to moth-proofing. The Guardian. 2019 Aug 1.
- Kirby B. How to Check if Seams are Well-Made: Tip for Spotting High-Quality Clothes. Styled by Science.
- University of Leeds, School of Design. Why price does not indicate how long clothes will last. 2023 Jul 20.