Spotting Quality

Whether it costs $15, $100 or $500, high quality apparel is the key to projecting a professional image. Why? It tells others that you appreciate the good things in life, particularly the people who work with or for you. Further, in today's economy, where ever dollar counts, clothing purchases must be made to last their worth. Here are some tips for spotting quality in your next purchase.

• If the garment is trimmed in another fabric, ask yourself if the trim will wash the same as the rest of the garment and will the trim color fade or run on the rest of the garment.
  
• If you are buying a plaid or striped item, do the patterns match at the seams? Check the side, back, shoulder, leg and sleeve seams to make sure they match. If purchasing a striped or plaid jacket, make sure they're lined up when it's closed.
  
• The interfacing should lie smoothly along the collars, cuffs, plackets, jacket lapels, and waistbands. With jacket lapels you should be able to rub the top and bottom fabric between your fingers.
  
• Check for flaws and stains in the fabric. With some fabrics, such as raw silk, flaws are part of their beauty and this information should be noted on a manufacturer's tag.
  
• Check to make sure that the top and the bottom of the outfit are from the same dye lot and that one item is slightly different then the other.
  
• Check seam allowances to make sure seams are finished on a garment if not lined.
  
• Check seams for puckering. If they pucker they were sewn with too tight of tension and you can't get it out.
  
• Check buttons for secure attachment and that additional buttons are available.
  
• Check pockets for quality. Make sure if they are inseam pockets that the fashion fabric goes far enough into the pocket so that the lining doesn't show.
  
• When purchasing a lined jacket, pant, or skirt, check the quality of the lining construction. Does the lining show at the hem line. Make sure the lining fits loosely in the jacket for comfort and that there is a rear pleat along the back seam of the jacket lining.
  
• When buying a suit, check to make sure that the lapels roll softly and lie flat against the chest.
  
• Check buttonholes for quality. They should be even, with closely spaced stitches and no loose threads.
  
• Check the inside of the garment you want to purchase as well as the outside. Don't be fooled by a perfect exterior. If what's on the inside is inadequate, it will limit the life of your investment.