Many of us believe we can reply on price and a designer label to be sure about quality for clothes but this is not always the case. Some designers slip in their manufacturing occasionally, while other times you can find that complete little gem of a garment that is perfectly made, fits perfectly and is as cheap as chips.



Avoid any confusion or disappointment and be ready to find the garment treasures by looking at how it was made to be sure you are getting the best for what you are paying for with your clothes shopping.

So what do you look for and how can you tell when the quality is there or not? Here are seven specific and useful telltale signs of quality for your shopping guide:

1. Look to the hems to see if they are double-stitched and are invisible from the outside of the garment with a generous hem allowance.

2. Seams need to lie properly so they are smooth and seamless. There should be no pulling or puckering as this will show through. Just like with hems, look for generosity in the seam allowance so they can be let out if needed.

3. Linings make jackets, coats and skirts move well. To do this they should be of soft fabrics like silk or rayon.

4. All stitching should look well done in straight lines and hold the fabric securely. Check for 8 to 12 stitches per inch. If the stitching is poorly done then that fabulous dress or suit will fall apart.

5. Check any zips work smoothly by testing them a few times. Zippers should be invisible so need to be the same color as the fabric. Make sure there are no loose threads around the zip to jam it.

6. With buttons make sure they are secure, match the fabric, fit the button holes neatly and a spare one comes with the outfit. As with zippers, make sure there are not any loose threads around the button as this could mean they are not secure.

7. Make sure patterned fabric matches at seams and between multiple pieces. This keeps the pattern looking effective and displays it as it is meant to be seen.

Armed with these tips you can go clothing shopping till your heart is content and coming home with top quality bargains that have you the envy of your girlfriends.