The world consumption of clothing has increased by 400% in the past 2 decades. This is because discard clothing at a frightening pace.

With cheap clothing options readily available, people fall into the fast fashion hype without any regard for the environment.

As a designer or retailer, you should strive to create clothing that can last for more than a season—and identifying quality is an essential aspect of getting lasting clothes to your customers.

We put together a list to help you out with the process.

1. Non-scratchy material

Check how the fabric feels in your hand. Rub the clothing against your cheek to see if it’s scratchy or smooth.

Better quality fabrics are much longer-lasting and tend to hold their shape over time. They’re also built for repeated wear.

2. High stitch count

After you approve of the fabric, test out the threads and stitches. Pull-on the side seams of a shirt after holding it up to the light. An excess of light between the stitches is a bad sign. Well-made garments tend to have more stitches per inch than their cheaper counterpart.

Loose threads or looped stitches are another sign of substandard quality. Seams should lay evenly and flat along the surface of the material. There should be a good amount of seam allowance for easy tailoring as well.

3. Good fabric content

Always check the proportions in cloth blends. A cheap sweater can be marketed as a cashmere blend just by adding a minuscule amount.

Cheap lab-made textiles are being snuck into our clothing now more than ever. Along with not being as comfortable, they’re also not good for the environment. Textiles can take 200+ years to biodegrade in landfills.

4. Hardware is in good shape

The best zippers are made out of metal, with easy zipping up and down. There shouldn’t be any snagging, and the zipper should be hidden with a placket.

A clasp or button at the top boasts better quality since it ensures the garment stays in place instead of free-hanging. Good buttons are usually made of glass or metal but sadly have started being replaced by plastic.

5. Comes with spares

A designer that’s confident that their clothes will last a long time will provide spares—buttons and matching thread. They’re aware that minor repairs will be needed here and there over time.

We’re happy to provide!

If you’re looking for a one-stop design company that has your best interests at heart, partner up with Lefty Production Co.

We're one of the best men’s and women’s garment manufacturers in Los Angeles. We love working with inspirational entrepreneurs and their brands. With years of experience working with multiple brands, entrepreneurs, and retail outlets, you’ll be confident in your choice of manufacturer.

Get in touch with us today check out everything we offer!