How to Shop for Fashion Pieces That Will Actually Last

Nowadays, shopping for quality fashion pieces feels like trying to find a diamond in a pile of costume jewellery. Sure, everything looks great at first glance, but the moment you touch it, reality hits. That “luxury” shirt feels like plastic, and that belt might as well have come from the discount aisle. It’s not even just fast fashion brands that are guilty of this.

 In fact, even high-end brands aren’t always delivering what they promise anymore. You should look comfortable and cool, while keeping durable pieces, right? People used to not shop this much, clothes used to actually last longer too! 

But shopping for high-quality clothing and accessories doesn’t have to be a lost cause. Yes, nowadays it’s about investing in better-made pieces (and no, that doesn’t inherently mean luxury brands), and it’s also about researching and buying with intention. But where do you even start?

Why Quality Always Wins

Seriously, there’s nothing worse than buying something you’re excited about, only to have it fall apart after a couple of wears. Think about it; low-quality clothes pill, stretch, or fray. It really can’t be stressed enough that investing in high-quality pieces avoids all that drama.

Actually, just go ahead and take men’s silver earrings, for example. So, genuine sterling silver doesn’t just look gorgeous, but it’s durable too. It stands out. Okay, now go ahead and company that to costume jewellery, these don’t even sparkle (if at all), plus they break after a couple of wears. 

Usually, the price isn’t that different between the two, so you can get real silver and real gold and not even drain your wallet. Besides, just think of it this way; quality doesn’t just look better; it feels better and lasts longer, saving you the headache of constant replacements.

How Can You Spot Quality Clothing?

Believe it or not, spotting high-quality clothing isn’t complicated if you know what to check. First, feel the fabric. No, really, it’s that simple. So, good clothing feels substantial, soft, and durable, while cheap materials often feel flimsy or rough. 

You may want to shop around brands that promise quality first of all, as they can give you some real life starting points on what it is you’re looking for here. For example, a store like Lift Down Hats will provide the ins and outs on what fabric guarantees you’re after when buying outdoor clothing that’s been made to last. 

Plus, natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are the gold standard for comfort and longevity. Sometimes, artificial fibers can be okay, but you’ll need to be picky about that. Also, you need to check to see if the fabric is see-through in light, that alone means that corners were being cut.

There’s Nothing Wrong with Secondhand

So, to a degree, secondhand gets a bad reputation because thrift stores will upcharge, and sometimes, it’s filled with garbage fast fashion. While that’s true, it really just depends on where you look. Actually, most folks will look into Poshmark, eBay, Depop, Vinted, and similar platforms. 

Sure, you’ll usually find resellers, but they’re usually vetted and a lot of these platforms will approve or not if something is genuine (for an extra fee). But chances are, there are even second-hand clothing markets in your area too (those are super popular).

Watch Out for Greenwashing

These days, every brand seems to claim they’re “sustainable” or “ethical,” but not all of them mean it. So, this is where companies exaggerate their environmental or ethical practices, is everywhere. 

You have to understand that a high price tag doesn’t always mean high quality or sustainability. You’ll need to look for brands that are transparent about their materials, labour practices, and sourcing. Usually, certifications like Fair Trade or OEKO-TEX are a good sign they’re walking the talk.