Recognizing high-quality clothing: The best tips for good quality

High-quality clothing is an investment. But in a world dominated by fast fashion, it can be challenging to distinguish quality from mass-produced clothing. How do you recognize good materials, excellent craftsmanship, and thoughtful design? In this article, you'll learn what to look for in order to make conscious and sensible fashion choices.

Materials: Natural fabrics as a quality feature

Premium materials form the foundation of high-quality clothing. Natural fabrics such as cashmere, merino wool, silk, and high-quality cotton not only offer a comfortable feel, but are also more durable than synthetic alternatives. Cashmere impresses with its exceptional softness and warming properties. This luxurious material is particularly valuable when the fiber purity is high and the texture is fine. Merino wool is known for its temperature-regulating properties and offers a long-lasting quality that is ideal for high-quality basics. Silk impresses with its elegant sheen and skin-friendly properties, while long-staple cotton varieties such as Pima or Egyptian cotton are known for their exceptional softness and durability.

Another important quality characteristic is the material composition. Mono-materials, i.e., fabrics made from only one type of fiber, are often easier to recycle and retain their original properties better. Materials that contain a blend of synthetic and natural fibers (for example, polyester and cotton) can offer certain advantages such as elasticity or wrinkle resistance. However, a synthetic blend, especially in high proportions, can negatively impact a fabric's breathability, feel, and care.

Ideally, high-quality clothing should not contain any polyester at all. An exception is a maximum of 5% elastane, which can provide elasticity, for example in tight-fitting garments like trousers or blazers. Mixing synthetic and natural fibers is extremely problematic in terms of washing and care. Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or linen have completely different care requirements than synthetic fibers such as polyester or polyamide. While natural fibers should be cleaned at low temperatures and with gentle detergents, synthetic fabrics often require a different washing method to avoid static electricity or the development of odors. This means that mixed fabrics can never really be washed properly, as one type of fiber always suffers from incorrect care – either the natural fiber is damaged by overly aggressive cleaning, or the synthetic fiber retains dirt and odors. A high natural fiber content is therefore not only a reliable indicator of quality, but also of easier clothing care.

Recognize high-quality clothing by workmanship

Material thickness: A decisive quality feature

Material thickness also plays a major role in the longevity and quality of clothing. High-quality fabrics are often characterized by a higher density and a solid weight , which makes them more durable. A tightly woven fabric not only lasts longer but also ensures better shape retention and a pleasant feel. You can notice significant differences, especially with basics like T-shirts, shirts, or pants : A high-quality cotton T-shirt should have a fabric thickness of at least 180 g/m² . Lighter T-shirts with only 120 g/m² are more airy, but they stretch more quickly, are more prone to holes, and lose their shape over time.

Fabric density also plays a crucial role in other materials such as wool, linen, or silk . A denser weave makes the clothing less see-through, ensures a more elegant drape, and increases resistance to abrasion. A fine cashmere sweater made of high-quality, dense wool, for example, will pill less than a thinner, lower-quality version. The same applies to linen: High-quality linen is heavier, drapes softer, and wrinkles less than very thin linen fabrics. Material thickness therefore influences not only durability, but also the feel and appearance of a garment. Anyone investing in high-quality clothing should ensure that the fabric is neither too thin nor too stiff – solid fabric quality ensures a longer lifespan and a timeless appearance.

Workmanship: Perfection in detail

The quality of a garment is reflected in its workmanship. High-quality clothing can be recognized by precise, clean seams that are even and strong . Loose threads or irregular stitches, on the other hand, are an indication of poor workmanship.

The buttonholes also deserve attention. They should be precisely cut and neatly stitched—a detail that high-end brands invest in. Another indicator of quality is the lining. High-quality clothing often has a silk or viscose lining, which not only provides comfort but also improves the fit. The meticulous craftsmanship is particularly evident in patterns like checks or stripes: The patterns should line up exactly at the seams, which is a sign of precision and attention to detail.

Fit: Perfection in cut and design

A high-quality garment is characterized by a well-thought-out silhouette and an excellent fit. Good designers emphasize cuts that harmoniously emphasize proportions and allow for freedom of movement.

Test the fit by trying on the garment and moving around. It should adapt naturally to your body without feeling tight or bulky.
Especially with blazers, trousers or blouses, it is worth having a tailor tailor the garment to achieve the perfect fit.

Sustainability and brand ethics: A sign of quality

High-quality clothing is often characterized by more sustainable production and ethical responsibility. Fair working conditions, transparency in the supply chain, and high-quality materials are key indicators of responsible brands. Look for certificates like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX , which stand for environmentally friendly materials and take social standards into account. Furthermore, quality labels focus on timeless designs rather than short-lived trends. Simple elegance and durable cuts ensure that your clothes remain wearable for years without losing their style or expression.

Care: How to maintain the quality of your clothes

Even the best quality needs careful care to stay in top condition for a long time:

Follow the washing instructions: Silk, wool and cashmere should be treated with special detergents/delicate detergents or professionally cleaned.
Air dry instead of tumble dry: Protects the fibers and maintains the fit.
Store correctly: Store knitwear lying down, hang suits on wooden hangers.

Recommended brands for high-quality clothing

Lotta Ludwigson – Slow Luxury for your Capsule Wardrobe

Lotta Ludwigson is a German label specializing in slow luxury, creating fair, circular, and timeless business fashion for women. The brand focuses on quality and sustainability, with each garment crafted with longevity and ethical responsibility in mind. The designs are minimalist and elegant, perfect for a capsule wardrobe that emphasizes classic, versatile pieces.

ASCETIC

ASKET is another outstanding example of high-quality clothing, founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2015. ASKET's goal was to create the perfect Essential Wardrobe —a permanent collection built piece by piece. But ASKET's vision goes far beyond designing beautiful garments. The label aims to contribute to transforming the fashion industry through its products and philosophy. Their philosophy, The Pursuit of Less® , is based on the principle of consuming less and wearing garments for longer to reduce fashion's environmental footprint.

Checklist: How to recognize high-quality clothing when shopping

Check the material : Opt for natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, silk, or linen. Avoid synthetic blends, as they are difficult to care for.

Consider the material thickness : Thin fabrics stretch faster. Make sure you choose a solid fabric weight, e.g., at least 180 g/m² for cotton T-shirts.

Check the workmanship : Seams should be neat, straight, and double-stitched. Loose threads or messy finishes indicate poor quality.

Inspect buttons and zippers : High-quality clothing has sturdy metal zippers and well-fastened buttons – plastic buttons or loose seams are a warning sign.

Test the fit : Clothing should fit well without being tight or baggy. Look for cuts that allow freedom of movement and have a timeless feel.

Do the crease test : Briefly crumple the fabric in your hand. If it immediately creases badly, the quality may be inferior.

Question sustainability and transparency : Check whether the brand discloses its materials and production conditions. Fair fashion labels focus on ethical standards.

Consider the value for money : Quality has its price – a more expensive, durable garment is often more sustainable than several cheaper alternatives.

Think long-term : Ask yourself if the piece is versatile and fits into your capsule wardrobe. Durability and timeless design are crucial.

With this checklist you are well prepared to buy high-quality clothing!