Agreed, but how do you define good quality lining say to poor lining? Or quality pocket placement or good quality buttons?I look at fabric content, drape, fit, if it's a classic style that will last several seasons, quality of the lining, pocket placement, quality of buttons and other embellishments if there are any. The highest price doesn't alway equal the best quality. You're often times paying for the label. I've found quality J Crew as well as more high end designers.
The materials used. I like natural materials ( cotton, silk, linen, wool). I like metal buttons or shell vs plastic synthetics. As for pocket placement, I look at where they hit on me when trying the garment on and where they are in proportion to the lines / silhouette of the piece. Are they distracting? Do they stick out? I don't like trendy features, such as big, exposed zippers, especially in silver tones. I don't care for things like fringe. I'm a minamilist and prefer quality over quantity and I go for classic pieces that will be mainstays in my wardrobe...cashmere sweaters and turtlenecks, silk blouses, wool slacks and blazers, classic trench, dark denim in styles that flatter my body vs what's trending.Agreed, but how do you define good quality lining say to poor lining? Or quality pocket placement or good quality buttons?
There has been a lot of talk, "good" quality clothes and "bad" quality. I wonder what is your criteria, what do you look for in quality? Is it a deal breaker or are some poor quality clothes acceptable?
The materials used. I like natural materials ( cotton, silk, linen, wool). I like metal buttons or shell vs plastic synthetics. As for pocket placement, I look at where they hit on me when trying the garment on and where they are in proportion to the lines / silhouette of the piece. Are they distracting? Do they stick out? I don't like trendy features, such as big, exposed zippers, especially in silver tones. I don't care for things like fringe. I'm a minamilist and prefer quality over quantity and I go for classic pieces that will be mainstays in my wardrobe...cashmere sweaters and turtlenecks, silk blouses, wool slacks and blazers, classic trench, dark denim in styles that flatter my body vs what's trending.
For silks, look at stitching. Is it even, no holes. For cashmere, is it a good gauge, no pilling after one wear! Is button downs, do they fit well, tailoring must be impeccable. Are the buttons sewn on well? I find a few brands that consistently make quality basics that fit my body and style, and keep going back . I think once you establish a personal style, it's much easier to find quality clothing.
I check for blind hems and hand-sewn finishing. Obviously not every quality garment has these attributes, but it I'm spending a lot I don't wanted to be putting a lot down for something finished with a serger.
As many mentioned, I try to avoid synthetics except where necessary (waterproofing, for example).
I also look out for bits of dried glue sticking out of shoes or things sewn on crooked, anything that suggests a lack of attention to detail.
And I try to avoid buying any unlined coats or shirts made of excessively thin material. They're usually advertised as layerable but I tend to think that's an excuse to get away with a cheap product.
I check for blind hems and hand-sewn finishing. Obviously not every quality garment has these attributes, but it I'm spending a lot I don't wanted to be putting a lot down for something finished with a serger.
As many mentioned, I try to avoid synthetics except where necessary (waterproofing, for example).
I also look out for bits of dried glue sticking out of shoes or things sewn on crooked, anything that suggests a lack of attention to detail.
And I try to avoid buying any unlined coats or shirts made of excessively thin material. They're usually advertised as layerable but I tend to think that's an excuse to get away with a cheap product.