When considering your current outfit, reflect on how many times you’ve worn each piece and how long you’ve owned them. Over a decade ago, Livia Firth, founder of Eco-Age, and journalist Lucy Siegle introduced the 30 wears challenge, encouraging consumers to buy clothes they intend to wear at least 30 times. This approach is commendable but depends heavily on selecting high-quality garments.

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So, how can you determine the quality of clothing? Do you need expertise in garment construction? With 37% of Britons shopping online, evaluating clothing quality before purchase is crucial. Experts provide insights into how to make smart choices when buying lasting apparel.

**Inspect the Garment’s Interior**

Quality assessment should begin with the seams. Leigh Morris, a sustainability consultant, emphasizes that seams not only shape clothing but also provide structural integrity. Poorly constructed seams can lead to garments that wear out quickly.

While different seam types, like French seams or overlock seams, have their advantages, the key is how well they are executed. Andrea Cheong, a fashion educator, suggests that if seams are loose enough to tug apart easily, the garment may not be durable. It’s wise to examine high-friction areas, such as the crotch of trousers, to assess construction quality.

Vianna Chan, a textile technologist, advises inspecting inner details, as well-constructed garments reinforce areas subjected to daily wear, like pocket corners. Strong, dense stitching is a positive indicator, particularly because fast fashion often cuts corners here. Pay attention to features like well-constructed waistbands; these often reduce wear and tear.

**Consider Care Labels**

A common misconception is that dry-clean-only labels signify quality; often, they indicate that the fabric may deteriorate with regular washing. Morris warns that brands might use these labels if the material is more aesthetic than durable, shifting care responsibility onto consumers. While some items, like tailored garments, may necessitate dry cleaning, reflect on how frequently you will use the piece and its practicality.

**Examine Material Composition**

Be cautious of misleading marketing language concerning materials. Natural fibers like wool and linen can offer better sustainability and comfort compared to synthetics, potentially increasing wear frequency. Chan notes that phrases such as “silk-like” may suggest inferior materials masquerading as high-quality ones. Always check the label for accurate fiber composition.

**Watch Garment Movement**

For online shoppers, observing how garments move can facilitate better purchasing decisions. Cheong recommends looking for product videos that reveal how clothing hangs and moves. If videos aren’t available on the website, checking the brand’s social media for movement demonstrations can provide valuable insights. Always consider the returns policy before making a purchase.

Calculating cost per wear can also inform your buying decisions. For example, a £30 T-shirt worn 30 times equals £1 per wear, while a £200 cashmere sweater worn monthly for ten years would cost roughly £1.70 per wear.

**Prioritize Trusted Brands**

Shifting away from fast fashion to smaller, independent brands can lead to better quality items that often provide transparency about their production processes. Many brands showcase their factories and the artisans behind the clothing, which can be a strong indicator of quality. Although investing in these garments may require a larger upfront cost, buying less and opting for better-made items balances out in the long run.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to brands to inquire about their manufacturing practices. This can help filter out lower-quality options and build trust with brands you choose to support.

Hannah Rochell, a journalist focused on sustainable living, shares this guidance based on personal experiences with responsible fashion choices.