What areas of a garment should I be looking at before I buy it?

The hem unraveled the first time I wore my new dress.  What areas of a garment should I be looking at before I buy it? Jennifer N. is coming undone in Kansas

I once bought a black cotton shirt dress and wore it for the first time to one of my first big fashion show production jobs, by the end of the day ALL of the buttons had fallen off and I had resorted to using safety pins as closures. I was mortified. All of us have been hypnotized by a garments look or price and made a purchase without second guessing it and have it end in a tragic fashion mishap. Thank you for asking such a great question and the answer will benefit so many others and shield them from our fate. It is important to prioritize quality over quantity but the price of something will not always dictate its value. Follow our list of tips on buying clothes that last years, not weeks and our favorite tools to avoid fashion emergencies. 

Answer by Fashion Stylist Kenny Hazelwood   

FEEL AND LOOK AT THE FABRIC

The reason clothes become our favorites is because of how it feels against our skin. Before trying on clothes, first feel and touch them. Clothes should feel smooth and soft and have a substantial weight for the type of fabric and garment style. Low-quality fabric will feel brittle and scratchy. Read the garment label too, even if something is 100% natural fiber but feels rough, then you can be sure that it is poor quality. To cut the cost of the garment a manufacturer will use a cheaper fabric and if it's too low in quality it will feel bad and cannot sustain past a few wears and washes. 

PULL ON THE SEAMS AND HARDWARE

Next, inspect the areas that take the most stress like armpits and the inseams of denim, then give it a good pull, you should not be able to see through the weaving. Also look at the stitches on the hem and side seams of clothing, they should be even, closely spaced and lying flat on the fabric. If it appears loose or sloppy those are warning signs of poor construction.  Avoid plastic zippers, they easily get stuck and tear at stressor points like waistbands on dresses and skirts, and once it breaks they cannot be repaired, like metal zippers can. Buttons and buttonholes should be sturdy and sewn on tight, with additional buttons provided on label. 

TRY IT ON
 

Choose a fitting room with ample lighting. Now, look at the front and back of the garment examine for fit. Does it bunch or lay poorly? When the fabric is not cut on the bias or at 90-degree angle, it will bunch or look uneven and misshapen. Then examine it for functionality and flexibility. Move around in it, stretch your arms, squat low, and walk outside the fitting room. Take note of your comfort level and if you hear any breaking of threads. A great garment will bounce back into place. 

MINI STYLIST KIT 

And... If you do end up having fashion mishap be prepared with your own stylist kit.  Check out our Mini Stylist Kit recommendations filled with tools and products to keep you looking chic, staying comfortable and avoid any fashion emergency. All the products are fashion stylist tested on runways, red carpets, and photo shoots. Click on any product to read why we recommend, and all products are available on amazon.com

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