How to Check Clothes For Durability Before Buying

Heading out to buy clothes? Take this simple and easy guide with you before you purchase any article of clothing. Make sure that what you are paying for is a piece of clothing that will be durable, well made, and of good quality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   ZIPPER: Check the zipper for snagging. Run the zipper up and down a few times on the article of clothing. If it moves smoothly without snagging, you're making a wise investment. If it snags on clothing, or seems too close to the fabric, consider skipping and looking for another article.

2. 
    

   BUTTONS: Make sure the buttons are securely attached to the article of clothing by gently looking underneath the button to see if they are reinforced with loops of thread. Also see if the article of clothing offers additional buttons in case one of your buttons falls off. On jeans, make sure that the large button is securely attached and moves very little.

3. 
    

   PATTERN: Check the article of clothing closely to make sure that the patterns line up at the seams. If they don't, it's usually a good indication that the article of clothing you are looking at is pretty poorly constructed.

4. 
    

   STITCHING: Check the stitching on the article of clothing you are looking at. Does the stitching lie flat? Is there any puckering or a bumpy effect to the stitching? If the stitching lies flat and it's free of any puckering or bumpy appearances, than it's a sign of a well constructed article of clothing.

5. 
    

   HEM: Clothes that are well made will have a wide, even hem so if alterations are necessary they can be done easily. Also check to make sure the article of clothing you are looking at purchasing has an even hem that is not crooked.

[Maranatha80]

on 1/8/2009 Thanks for the tips. There's few things more disappointing than buying an article of clothing that starts to fall apart after wearing it only a few times. 5 stars!

[MacDonald]

on 1/3/2009 Avoid clothing made in China.