Quality Check: How to Spot a Well-Made Garment Before You Buy

We live in an era of "fast fashion," where trends move at lightning speed. But often, speed comes at a cost: quality. We have all experienced buying a cute top, only to have the hem unravel or the fabric twist after one wash.

At Prelish, we believe you deserve better. We believe in building a wardrobe that lasts.

But how do you tell the difference between a high-quality piece and a cheap imitation? You don't need to be a fashion designer to know what to look for. You just need to know the signs.

Here is your checklist for spotting a well-made garment.

1. The "Hand Feel" Test

The first indicator of quality is always touch.

• Density: Hold the fabric up to the light. Unless it is designed to be sheer (like chiffon), you shouldn't see through it easily. High-quality cottons and linens have a tight weave and a substantial weight.

• Recovery: Squeeze the fabric in your hand for a few seconds and let go. Does it stay wrinkled, or does it bounce back? Good fabrics have "memory" and maintain their form.

2. Inspect the Seams and Stitching

Turn the garment inside out. The inside tells you more than the outside ever will.

• Stitch Density: Look at the stitches. Are they tight and close together? Cheap manufacturing uses long, loose stitches because it’s faster. Small, tight stitches are stronger and last longer.

• Straight Lines: This sounds obvious, but look at the hem. Is it straight? If the stitching is crooked or the tension is uneven (causing puckering), the garment was rushed.

• Finished Edges: High-end garments use techniques like French seams or serging to ensure raw edges are completely hidden. This prevents fraying and makes the garment feel smooth against your skin.

3. Check the Pattern Matching

This is the secret sign of true luxury. If you are buying something with stripes, plaids, or a bold print, look at where the seams meet (like the side of the shirt or the pocket).

• The Details: On a well-made garment, the lines will match up perfectly across the seam. On a cheaper item, the pattern will be misaligned, breaking the visual flow. It takes extra fabric and time to match patterns, which is why it's a hallmark of polish.

4. Hardware and Fastenings

Don't ignore the buttons and zippers.

• Zippers: A quality zipper should lie flat (not ripple) and slide smoothly. It should feel heavy and substantial, not plastic and flimsy.

• Buttons: Are they sewn on tightly? Are there spare buttons included on the care tag? This small detail shows the brand expects you to wear this item for years, not weeks.

5. The Lining

A lining is the unsung hero of a garment’s structure. It adds weight, helps the fabric drape beautifully over your body, and prevents the item from becoming see-through or clinging to your legs.

• The Check: If you are buying a blazer, skirt, or wool trouser, check for a lining. It ensures the garment keeps its shape and provides that extra level of comfort and snugness.

The Prelish Promise

Learning to spot quality changes the way you shop. You stop buying "stuff" and start collecting pieces.

When we curate collections for Prelish, we do these checks for you. We obsess over the weave, the stitch, and the cut so that when you open your package, you don't just see a new outfit— you feel the difference.