How to pick clothes that last
Paper-thin shirts. Tiny mystery holes. Broken zippers. We all know the struggle of clothing that doesn’t last, but it doesn’t just affect our closets—it impacts the environment, too.
In fact, in 2018 (the most recent data available from the EPA), Americans sent 5x as much clothing to the landfill as we did in 1990!
When it comes to quality, there are a few ways to assess if you’re getting something that’s more likely to last (and stay out of the landfill for longer!):
Look at the stitching. Stitches should be even and straight along the seams. Tug to make sure nothing is already falling apart, including any threads you might find. And while you’re checking out those seams, see if there’s some extra fabric to let out for a bit of extra room to grow.
Avoid thin or sheer fabrics. If you can see through it when you hold it up to the light, it’s probably not going to hold up very long. Resist the urge to buy it anyway!
Linings are your friend. Whether it’s a dress or a pair of trousers, a lining can make a big difference by protecting the outside layer from your skin. They can make the garment more comfortable because you aren’t feeling the seams of the outer layer (and can help hide undergarments).
Know the fabric blend. There’s no one “best” fabric because it really depends on what you need your clothing to do for you. Natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk) don’t tend to pill as much as synthetic ones. Long fiber cotton (like Pima cotton) is more durable than shorter-strand cotton. Polyester adds durability to garments but it’s made from oil, and can add microplastics in our landfills and water sources.
Check pattern alignment. A better-made piece will line up the pattern of the fabric where pieces are stitched together, like a front pocket. This tends to indicate that the company that made it cares a bit more about overall quality by taking the time and materials to make things right.
One last thing: it can be helpful to pay attention to what brands hold up better for you, but companies change the materials they use and factories they work with all the time so the jeans you swore by 3 years ago might not hold up to your typical wear-and-tear today—and that’s probably not your doing!
