From fast fashion to signature look: the quality choice

How to buy the best clothes

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for some time, you might have noticed I often talk about the importance of quality over quantity. In today’s article, I’ll share how you can choose quality with confidence and clarity.

1. Quality vs. quantity assessment

Longevity

Quality clothes are built to last. Spending money on more durable clothes will have you spend less in the long term, since one piece can be worn and washed time and time again without falling apart. This saves money while cutting down on waste, fitting into a more sustainable lifestyle.

Cost per wear analysis

Have you ever heard of cost per wear? Take the price of the garment and divide it by how many times you're going to wear that piece. More often than not, the higher cost of quality clothes means a lower cost per wear. This makes it the smart financial decision when set against fast fashion that may not last beyond one season.

Sustainability and ethical considerations

Quality usually means better materials obtained under ethical production principles: organic cotton or ethically sourced wool make clothes that feel better on your skin and contribute less to environmental degradation. Plus, they are produced in conditions that are fair to workers.

2. Make informed decisions

Fabric and construction inspection

When you go into the store, read the tags. An item with a high percentage of acrylic won’t last long in your closet, neither will one that you can see through when it’s not meant to be translucent. Then, of course, there is construction: look for neat seams, robust stitching, and overall craftsmanship that seems to promise longevity. Avoid things riddled with obvious flaws-like loose threads, uneven hems, or broken patterns.

Mindful Shopping Habits

Before purchasing, do ask yourself certain questions: Do I really need this? How often will I wear it? Will it fit into my current wardrobe? These types of questions can really cut down on impulse buying, making for a more curated wardrobe.

Investment pieces

You have to decide which ones deserve your investment. These are the non-negotiables: pieces that show personality and can be used for different contexts: leather jacket, winter coat or parka, straight leg-jeans, formal suit, sheath dress, classic oxfords or stilettos. Even a white shirt or blouse has the potential to serve you for many years.

3. Balance quality with quantity

Setting a budget

Save your money for quality purchases. This can mean saving up for a few key items rather than buying several cheap alternatives. A budget helps you resist the lure of sales that push quantity over quality.

Build a capsule wardrobe

Select a number of high-quality items that can be combined in various ways, making sure that each piece earns its place in your closet. This approach not only simplifies dressing up but also maximizes the utility of each item.

Put all these together, and you're not just shopping: you’ll be curating a wardrobe that's sustainable, stylish, and financially sensible. Remember, the idea is to have clothes that serve you well over time, not to amass items which will be either outdated or unwearable in a short time.