Finding high quality clothing is difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for. There’re countless places to buy clothes online so it can be hard to know if what you want will look as good in person as it does in the pictures, especially without knowing details about the fabric. It is easier to find high quality clothes in-store, but you can still fall victim to something looking good until you wash it.
How To Recognize High-Quality Clothing
Buying well-made clothes doesn’t have to be wildly expensive. You will, however, have to spend more than you would at a fast fashion brand even if the item is on sale. On the positive side, you’ll be able to keep and wear high quality clothes much longer than anything fast fashion. Plus, when you are wearing clothes that are better-made you look and feel more luxurious.
Which Fabrics Are High Quality?
The first thing to look at when you are on the hunt for well-made clothes is the material the clothes are made from. Naturally occurring materials like silk, wool, cashmere, and cotton will not only look the best on you but feel amazing too. There are levels of quality within each of these, but choosing a natural material is always preferred to a synthetic.
Not all synthetic materials are bad. Rayon, elastane, and viscose can look nice when they are of high quality. You’ll know by how they feel in your hand (soft, not scratchy) and how smooth the fabric looks. These materials are incredibly common in higher-quality clothes that are at a mid-range price point.
As for materials to stay away from, it’s hard to make polyester and acrylic look good so stay away from these materials as much as possible. It’s understandable to have polyester dresses and acrylic sweaters when you’re in the process of upgrading your wardrobe, but if you want nothing but high quality in your closet you should replace those pieces as soon as possible.
How Do You Know If Something Is Well-Made and High Quality?
When you’re in the store or when your package arrives you should inspect it to make sure it is constructed well. A garment can be made of the highest quality materials, but be poorly put together and look cheap. Take a look at the whole item to make sure there are no loose threads. inspect the seems to make sure that they are straight and not bowing. Also, make sure there are no holes at the seams and the stitching is tight.
Another thing to look for is if your dresses, skirts, coats, and light-colored pants have a lining. A lining is a piece of fabric that is inside of the garment to protect it from your body. As a bonus, it keeps the piece from being see-through. Most of the time, the clothing description will say if it is fully or partially lined when you’re shopping online. Not all pieces have to have a lining to be high quality. They should not be see-through in the photo online or when you try it on.
Best Places to Buy High-Quality Clothing: Brands
Aritiza
Aritzia is a brand that is all about everyday luxury. All of their brands have been thoughtfully designed and exceptionally made. No matter your aesthetic, you are sure to find plenty of options that speak to you.
Banana Republic
If your style is a little on the preppy, utilitarian side Banana Republic is a great choice for you to find quality clothes. You’ll find plenty of wool, cashmere, cotton, and linen pieces to suit your fancy.
Boden
The company prides itself on making clothes that stay in your wardrobe for a long time, having buttons that stay buttoned, and designing from high-quality materials that you can actually wear and wash. If boho is your thing, Boden is probably right up your alley.
Quince
This is one of the best places to buy high-quality essentials at a low price. Most of their silk pieces are washable so you won’t have to worry about taking them to be dry-cleaned. They also carry leather goods, menswear, and things for your home. Their silk button-downs are crowd-pleasers, but you can’t go wrong with anything they offer. They also provide a breakdown of pricing so you know exactly what you’re paying for versus comparable items from other brands.
Staud
Staud is known for its popular color block dresses and tops, but they also have an array of women’s wear and accessories. With plaids, ruching, ruffles, fringe, body con, and everything in between, you are certain to find something to fall in love with.
Banana Republic
If your style is a little on the preppy, utilitarian side Banana Republic is a great choice for you to find quality clothes. You’ll find plenty of wool, cashmere, cotton, and linen pieces to suit your fancy.
Ted Baker
From the beginning, Ted Baker has had a very clear, unswerving, focus on quality, attention to detail, and a quirky sense of humor. This brand forgoes traditional advertising and relies mostly on word of mouth. Consider yourself one of the in-crowd now..
Vince Camuto
The brand manufactures and/or designs a lot of the shoes you see in department stores. Most styles have leather uppers, but synthetic lining and soles so they aren’t as expensive as luxury brand shoes. However, they still look like they could be from a pricey brand. If you like designer-inspired pieces they will have a few options for you every season.
& Other Stories
This brand encourages you to create your own fashion story, hence its name. If you are in the market for something feminine and classic look no further! Each of their design ateliers has a unique style and expression that speaks to the characteristics of the cities where each of them is based. Their website and stores weave them together to create something truly unique.
Best Places to Buy High-Quality Clothing: Stores
Saks Fifth Avenue & Saks Off 5th
Catering to a more affluent consumer, Saks Fifth Avenue provides predominantly high-end clothing, accessories, and home goods. Their in-house Saks Fifth Avenue Collection is a great option for finding clothes in natural fabrics without a hefty price tag.
At Saks Off 5th you’ll find surplus inventory from Saks Fifth Avenue mixed with offerings from brands that cater directly to the discount store audience. You can score big in their clearance and accessories sections if you are willing to hunt for treasure. You can find designer items marked way below retail.
Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
As a department store, Nordstrom offers numerous items across a range of price points. You can find some of the brands mentioned above like Ted Baker, Staud, Reiss, and Vince Camuto in their inventory.
If you’re willing to hunt for a deal, Nordstrom Rack can have some great finds. As Nordstrom’s discount store, you can find some surplus items that were in Nordstrom stores at a fraction of the original price.
Dillard’s
With so many options available, choosing great brands at a department store can be a daunting task. Preston & York is an amazing brand available at Dillard’s. They offer classic pieces for an array of occasions. If you think modesty is the best policy, this brand is for you
TJMaxx
This is a place where you can find great clothes for a fraction of their retail price. You’ll have to work for it, though. Not all of their inventory makes it online so you might have to visit your local store and search the racks to see what they have. If you’re willing to do that or check the site about every other day, you could happen upon an excellent deal.
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Quality Clothing: Where To Buy & What To Look For | The Lady Loves Living
