When I first became interested in fashion, I assumed that expensive automatically meant good quality. Over the years, I realised that wasn’t always true. Some of my most expensive purchases didn’t last, while some affordable pieces have stayed in my wardrobe for years.
Learning how to recognise quality clothing before buying has saved me a lot of money and helped me build a wardrobe that lasts. These are the things I always check before bringing a new piece home.
1. Check the Fabric Composition
This is my number one rule: natural fibres usually last longer, age better and generally look much nicer. Most of my clothes and shoes are made from natural materials.
Here are some of the fabrics I prefer to buy:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Silk
That said, a blend of materials can also be an excellent choice, depending on the garment.
I am quite strict about this. Even when buying vintage blazers, I always look for natural fabrics. Here is the label from one of my oversized blazers that I mention in this article.
2. Feel the Weight of the Fabric
This is another great way to recognise a quality garment, although it is only possible when shopping in person.
Good-quality fabrics usually:
- Drape nicely
- Feel substantial
- Recover after being scrunched
Recently, I bought this black 100% cotton shirt from the HalfPrice outlet in Vilnius for €13.99. At first glance, it looks like a simple shirt, and I could probably have found something similar on Vinted for less. However, the moment I felt the fabric, I knew it was worth buying.
The material is thick, sits beautifully on the body and barely wrinkles because of its quality. It has quickly become one of my favourite everyday shirts.
3. Look at the Stitching
This is another important detail. Always check for loose threads and make sure the seams are straight.
I also pay attention to:
- Even stitching
- Reinforced areas
- Neatly finished seams
These details may seem minor, but they say a lot about the overall quality of a garment.
4. Check Buttons and Zips
Buttons and zips reveal much more about the quality of clothing than many people realise.
Loose buttons and zips that constantly get stuck are usually signs of lower-quality garments. Buttons should be securely sewn on, and I generally prefer sturdier, heavier buttons because they tend to last longer.
5. Examine the Inside
I also recommend examining the inside of a garment before buying it because it often reveals the true quality.
Things I always check include:
- Lining
- Seam finishes
- Hems
- Pockets
Well-finished interiors usually indicate that extra care has gone into making the garment.
6. Does It Keep Its Shape?
This is one of the best pieces of advice my mum ever gave me, and one of the reasons I still enjoy shopping in physical stores.
She always recommends doing a few simple tests:
- Scrunch the fabric to see if it returns to its original shape.
- Stretch it gently to see how it reacts.
- Sit down to see how the fabric behaves when worn.
- Lift your arms to make sure the garment feels comfortable and keeps its shape.
I still follow these steps every time I shop, and they have helped me avoid many disappointing purchases.
7. Think Cost Per Wear
Instead of asking yourself,
“Is this expensive?”
Ask yourself,
“How many times will I wear it?”
Since I have been shopping on Vinted for several years, I have become very conscious of prices. However, I am happy to spend a little more on an item if I know I will wear it regularly.
This denim set is one of my favourite purchases from Vinted. At €40, it was more expensive than most of the items I usually buy. However, after carefully studying the photos and asking the seller additional questions, I could immediately tell the stitching was excellent and the denim was thick and high quality.
I never doubted buying it, and it has become one of my favourite outfits for work and casual occasions. I have received countless compliments whenever I wear it.
Read my article: How to Look Elegant Without Spending a Fortune for more tips on dressing well without overspending.
8. Don’t Ignore the Fit
We all have different body shapes, and naturally, the same piece of clothing can look completely different on two people.
After almost 32 years, I know my body shape well, so I feel confident buying clothes online. However, I always recommend trying clothes on in a shop whenever possible to see how they fit.
Even if the fabric and construction are excellent, I simply won’t buy something if it doesn’t suit me or make me feel comfortable.
9. Shop Second-Hand Carefully
I love shopping second-hand online because it saves both money and resources. However, it is important to ask questions and carefully inspect every listing before making a purchase.
These are the things I always check:
- Pilling
- Fading
- Stains
- Seams
- Authenticity
- Clear photographs
Personally, I never buy items with stains, fading or obvious damage because they affect the overall appearance of the garment. For the same reason, I also don’t sell clothes with visible damage.
Read my article: How to Shop Vinted Like a Stylist (And Find Hidden Gems)
10. Buy Less, Choose Better
My personal motto is simple: buy less, choose better.
I believe your style is your business card. Looking neat and wearing clothes that fit well is one of the easiest ways to feel confident.
After years of buying inexpensive, low-quality clothes that ended up forgotten in my wardrobe because I didn’t enjoy wearing them, I realised it is much better to own fewer, higher-quality pieces than lots of cheaper ones.
The older I get, the less interested I become in chasing trends. Instead, I want clothes that make me feel confident, last for years and fit naturally into my wardrobe.
Learning to recognise quality has completely changed the way I shop. I no longer buy something simply because it is on sale or because everyone else is wearing it. I take my time, check the details and choose pieces that I know I will genuinely enjoy.
Building a timeless wardrobe isn’t about spending more. It’s about making thoughtful choices. Over time, those small decisions save money, reduce waste and help you create a wardrobe you’ll truly love wearing.
Read my article: How to Build a Timeless Capsule Wardrobe to learn how to create a wardrobe full of versatile pieces that you will wear for years.
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