How to Spot Quality Fabrics: In terms of building a wardrobe, fabric quality is the foundation. Good fabrics will not only look and feel better, but they will last longer and hold their value over time. With the wide array of choices available on the market today, making that distinction between good and bad fabrics has become an overwhelming experience. This buyer’s guide to spotting quality fabrics takes a look at what you need to know for understanding fabric quality, so you know that everything you invest in is worth it.
How to Spot Quality Fabrics: Understanding Fabric Quality
When learning how to spot quality fabrics, it should be said what makes a fabric “quality.” High-quality fabrics usually have a balanced durability, feel, and appearance. They hold onto their shape well, are good to care for, and be comfortable on the skin. Poor-quality fabrics tend to be those that lose their shape, fade quickly, or irritate your skin.
How to Spot Quality Fabrics: Check the Fiber Content
To determine if a fabric is of quality, first, check what fibers it contains. In general, natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk are higher in quality compared to man-made fibers like polyester and nylon. There are many, many exceptions, however, and blends of natural and synthetic fibers can be very strong, too.
Why It Works:
When deciding how to spot quality fabrics, is good to know that natural fibers are breathable and have a luxurious feel, whereas synthetics can sometimes be less so. However, advanced fabric technologies have greatly improved synthetic fibers, and in certain cases, such as performance fabrics, they’re a great option.
Consider the Weight and Density of the Fabric
Weight of fabric describes the perceived heaviness or lightness, while density refers to how tightly the fibers have been woven. The weight, when it comes to a good-quality fabric, must be balanced: neither too thin nor too heavy. Fabrics such as cotton, wool, and linen have to possess some weight while being comfortable to wear.
Why It Works:
Heavy fabrics like wool will provide warmth, while lightweight fabrics like cotton are great for breathable, everyday wear. Dense fabrics usually have better durability and will stand the test of time.
Check the Texture and Finish of the Fabric
Quality fabrics should have a smooth, sumptuous feel when you handle a garment or stroke the fabric in a store. Take a look at how the fabric is finished. Does it feel soft, or can you feel the threads-rough or scratchy? Often, the texture and finish will tell you volumes about the manufacturing process-the overall quality of the fabric.
Why It Works:
Generally speaking, smoothness means a finer fabric. Rough textures- unless that’s the intention of the material, such as with certain wools-often mean a lower-quality good or poorly finished.
Check for Durability
The first determinant of the good quality of a fabric will be its durability. This means the highest quality fabrics have to put up with frequent wear and should not give in easily to deterioration. You would know its durability by pulling up the fabric slightly or crunching it up in your hands. It should spring right back without distorting and stretching out of form or shape.
Why It Works:
Durability means the fabric will stand the test of time and will continue looking great and fabulous. Examples of such resilient fabrics are denim and leather.
Check out the Colour and Dye of the Fabric
Quality fabrics usually have bright colors that do not fade after several washes. If the color of the fabric fades fast or is uneven, then this may be a sign of low-quality materials or poor dyeing. A good test is to look at the fabric in natural light and see if the color appears consistent across the entire piece.
Why It Works:
It says so much about the color held well in a good and even, smooth finishing on the fabric. These fading-out fabrics may signify quick fading due to poorly dyeing or low-grade fibers being used.
See the Stretch of Fabric
Stretch is one of the major criteria for judging fabric quality, especially in the case of garments. Most fabrics, especially cotton blends and some synthetics, have a degree of stretch. However, it is very important to determine if the fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched. Quality fabrics should return to their original form without sagging or losing elasticity.
Why It Works:
When choosing how to spot quality fabrics, it is important to know that fabrics with stretch, like spandex blends, should be comfortable but not at the sacrifice of the shape and durability of the fabric. Cheaper stretch fabrics will eventually sag or become distorted after several uses.
Burn Test
If ever in doubt about the authenticity of a fabric, the burn test will give you an idea as to what the fiber content is. Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk will burn with a distinct smell and leave a soft ash, while synthetic fibers such as polyester will melt and produce a plastic-like odor. This test is normally done in a lab; however, it will give you a better understanding of how a fabric is composed.
Why It Works:
The burn test, super quick, confirms what the fabric is made from; this is important when looking to purchase expensive fabrics and/or vintage items where a fiber content label is nowhere to be found.
Fabric Sheen Test
Quality fabrics possess a natural sheen or luster. For example, silk, satin, and some wools are amongst those fabrics that are known to have a great shine. When testing its sheen, move it under different lighting to see how the fabric responds. Natural sheen is indicative that the fabric is well-made, while a dull sheen, or inconsistent at best, may be representative of poorly made fabric or poor finishing.
Why It Works:
The brilliance of finer fabrics, such as silk and satin, emanates from reflection of light on its fibers. This gives texture and richness to the material.
Check for Pilling
Pilling involves the small balls of fibers formed on the surface of a fabric as a result of friction or poor fibers. Generally, high-quality fabrics are resistant to pilling, are smooth, and even. Check for pilling by gently rubbing the fabric and looking for little balls of fiber or an uneven texture.
Why it works:
Fabrics with fine fibers do not usually pill or lose their finishes. These are the types of fabrics that will still appear fresh and new in an extended period.
Check for Breathability
Breathability is an attribute of comfort and good quality of fabric. Cotton, linen, and wool-made fabrics are natural fibers, allowing breathability through airflow in the fabric to keep them cool during warmer temperatures. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap heat and moisture, building discomfort.
Why It Works:
Breathable fabrics let your skin breathe, preventing overheating and allowing comfort throughout the day. A fabric that is heavy and stuffy is not really good for active wear or a warm-weather garment.
Conclusion
Spotting quality fabrics requires a keen eye and some practice, but by following these key tips, you’ll be able to evaluate fabric quality like a pro. From checking fiber content to examining texture, durability, and sheen, these techniques will help you make informed decisions when purchasing clothing and textiles. Remember, quality fabrics will last longer, feel better, and offer greater value for money.
Including these fabric assessment methods into your shopping will ensure that your wardrobe is full of items that not only look great but last long, too. On your next search for the perfect garment, take this as your guide in finding which fabric is well worth the price.