How to identify clothing quality: the online edition

By IANSlife

New Delhi, January 2 (IANSlife): “The right clothes open doors,” says an old English proverb. While fast fashion is an everyday reality, high quality clothing stands out. Not only do they last longer, but they also have more style. There are several methods to determine the quality of a garment and Prasansha Saha, VP-Design, Reshamandi shares her advice.

Quality of fabrics

Natural fabrics are superior to synthetic fabrics in terms of quality. Even with natural fibers, the finish of the fabric makes a huge difference. The quality of satin weave cotton is superior to that of open weave plain weave cotton. Clothing made from a tighter weave fabric is often better than clothing made from a loosely woven fabric.

However, there are some exceptions. A Kota or Chanderi sari, for example, is loosely woven due to the nature of the yarn. A silk georgette fabric is softer than a viscose or polyester fabric.

Even synthetic fibers are getting softer these days. Polyester textiles are gaining in quality these days, but they still aren’t as nice as silk, cotton, or linen. Natural fibers have a rustic appearance. The shine is low even with silk.

Organic fabrics, superior to natural fabrics, are now available. Because no pesticides are used in the manufacturing process, it is healthier for the body. Clothing made from organic fabric is often accompanied by certificates or labels.

Color fastness, printing and dyeing

A garment that does not bleed and has good color fastness is undoubtedly of better quality than another. Some high-end brands completely color their products with natural dyes. Compared to chemical dyes, an organic dye created from natural indigo or pomegranate is not only harmless to the environment, but also healthy for the skin.

The same goes for quality and printing procedures. The sharpness of the print on the printed garments contributes to the overall quality of the garment.

Comfort

It is essential to be comfortable. High-quality clothing is often more breathable and more sweat-absorbent. Cotton is less absorbent than natural fibers like linen. Likewise, despite the perspiration, silk behaves well. Regenerated viscose and modal fibers are less absorbent. Polyester clothing is often non-breathable and does not absorb sweat. In fully synthetic fibers, people with sensitive skin may experience body odor or rashes.

The quality of the seams and trims

The quality of the seams and trims used in a garment is an important aspect in determining its quality. High-quality clothing has uniform and consistent sewing lines. Unless there is a contrast stitching design, it matches the base fabric. The interior seams will be carefully finished. While multiple seams are used to complete the interior of a garment, higher quality garments will not have exposed raw fabric edges. It will either be fully lined in a different fabric, or the seams will be completed with French seams. Even when the garments are mass produced, the seams are completed with an overlock, which is not considered a high quality finish. On the other hand, poor quality clothes will have raw fabric edges on the inside.

Adjustment

No matter how good a garment is if it is not fitted properly, the quality is compromised. A white shirt is often cut on the bias by many companies. It is better to have the correct fit than a parallel cut as the fabric stretches better at 45 degrees. Clothing that is too loose or too tight does not look attractive. Unless the style of the garment is not fitted, it is essential to wear the correct fit.

Style and design

A bespoke designer garment built to your measurements is preferable to a ready-to-wear outfit. The quality of the whole is enhanced by the combination of personal style and the application of these criteria. Horizontal stripes make you look taller, while vertical stripes make you look slimmer. A single solid color creates height, while color blocking adds depth.

Build quality

Nowadays, clothes have surface embellishments such as printed, embroidered or additional designs such as braids and tassels. The finish, material and cleanliness of a good garment are all indicators of its quality.

Additional embroidered materials are frequently provided by premium brands for future use. They also provide special washing instructions to their customers. Some heavily embroidered garments should be dry-cleaned only, while others should be washed separately and ironed separately.

pilling

When a garment is made from poor quality fibers, it begins to accumulate with wear and tear. Woolen clothes and materials like cotton are often the culprits, as we discover after purchase. It can also happen when natural and synthetic fibers are mixed, such as in blends. It is recommended to glue with 100% natural or artificial fibers. Clothing made from natural fibers decomposes, however, man-made clothing can be recycled, so it is healthier for the environment.

Loom: Loom vs. mills

Sarees are an important part of Indian clothing. Whether in terms of designs, colors or inventive permutations and combinations, a traditional hand-woven weave is timeless. A hand-woven saree may have slabs or defects in the weave, which add to the beauty of the textile. A power loom, on the other hand, is faster but of inferior quality.