DESIGNERS SPOTTED

SHOPPING TIP - Telltale Signs of Quality

Most people rely on price and a designer label to put their mind at ease about the quality of a garment. Neither, however, is a risk-free indicator. The real story is in a garment’s manufacture. So instead of looking a who made a garment, look at how it was made to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.

1. Hems – A good hem is double-stitched and invisible from the outside of a garment.
2. Seams – Should lie straight without pulling or puckering, and generous enough for letting out.
3. Stitching – Should be secure and straight; look for about 8 to 10 stitches per inch.
4. Linings – Should be made of smooth fabrics, like rayon, acetate or silk.
5. Buttons – Should match the garment, meet the buttonholes perfectly, and reinforced if needed.
6. Zippers – Should be hidden and dyed to match the garment; test to see they work smoothly.
7. Patterns – Should match up on all seams; if an outfit, patterns should match up from piece to piece.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND