Fabric Guide
Are you paying more than you should for clothing?
I probably pay too much attention to clothing details, but I’ve noticed a not-so-good trend recently when it comes to clothing brand’s pricing and how it doesn’t match up with the materials used. The choice of clothing fabrics is a crucial aspect of building a wardrobe that not only looks great but also feels comfortable and lasts for years. Paying close attention to the composition of fabrics is essential because it makes a significant difference in terms of quality, comfort, and value for money.
Now is the time that I tell you that I’m not anti-synthetic fabrics. I own and wear them but also know that they are cheaper textiles and the prices should probably reflect that (but they’re more expensive to import…so).
Content matters
Designer brands often come with a premium price tag, and part of that expense can be attributed to the materials used. When you pay extra for a designer brand, you expect a certain level of quality and authenticity. Product names can be deceiving, and what may be advertised as silk might, in reality, turn out to be a polyester blend. Silk is prized for its luxurious feel, natural sheen and resale value, while polyester can be less breathable and less comfortable. However, that doesn’t mean ALL poly-blends are low-quality because I’ve purchased some “silk” or “satin” described pieces that turned out to be polyester and felt very high-quality. The point is, feel the quality and focus less on the brand. I have an Abercrombie skirt that feels just as expensive as ones that may have cost double (or triple)!
These natural fabrics are what you should be paying a premium for:
Wool (merino, cashmere, alpaca)
Cotton (poplin, pima)
Silk
Leather (“Vegan leather” is the most genius rebrand of pleather I’ve ever seen. It is literally plastic)
Linen
Where are the middle of the road brands?
You know, besides One/Third :) I’ve shared on Instagram recently how I believe a lot of the middle-man clothing brands are starting to get lower quality, leaving us to focus on two options: Expecting to spend $200+ for a sweater or choosing cheap, fast fashion options for $25. I’ve really enjoyed seeing Quince’s site if you’re looking for a way to find sustainably-sourced quality items while enjoying a company being transparent with their pricing model. (I need to know how they do it…do you know?! Comment below) I finally bit the bullet and bought their cashmere crewneck for $50 and it’s nice!
Oh and please enjoy this funny Tiktok I made about insane brand pricing.