While leading a workshop recently, I gave participants 3 black blazers with the labels covered and asked them to rank the jackets in order of price. No one guessed correctly.

That’s because when you buy clothing, it’s not always obvious what you’re paying for.

Why you need to invest in quality

Investing in quality pieces is key to building a long-lasting wardrobe. They’re the building blocks you’ll wear every week, so it pays to know where to invest your hard-earned money (literally).

Investing in quality is not about spending a fortune on an expensive brand. It’s about knowing what value for money is. You can find quality pieces at all price points, here’s how to discover them:

1. Overall appearance

The first thing to notice is how the clothes look on the hanger. If a piece of clothing looks a little limp or wrinkled on the hanger, it will only get worse over time. Don’t buy any knitwear that shows signs of pulling or linting. It might just be a small detail, but remember it hasn’t even been worn yet so it’s unlikely to last.

2. Fabric quality

Check the fabric label. I do this with every piece of clothing I choose for my clients. Natural fibers tend to be more expensive, but are more abrasion-resistant and breathable than synthetic fibers. Wool, for example, retains its shape and still looks great after multiple wears. Viscose is an unstable fabric and, unlike silk, may lose shape after washing.

3. Craftsmanship

Look inside the garment for seams, linings, zippers and waistbands. The inside of the garment should look neat, with clean seams, no missed stitches, and no loose threads. Having a lining (or lining) inside the waistband is a sign of a quality, well-made garment. Sticky zippers are a sign that the brand is cutting corners in the manufacturing process. Well-cut zippers are sturdy and easy to pull on and off.

4. Assembly and structure

Quality pieces flatter the body, don’t restrict movement, and return to shape after wear. A well-made garment contains many details, but not all of them are visible. Darts, seams and linings are details you’ll find. Patterns and cuts are not visible, so always take some time when trying on clothes.

5. Pattern alignment

Matching stripes, prints and checks at the seams will cost more time and money. Most mid-priced brands will go with visible seams, such as the front seams on plaid jackets. All the seams of a couture garment will match, which is why it costs more.

Upgrading your investment pieces will make your overall look more elegant and professional. Therefore, you will look and feel confident. Plus, it saves you the hassle of updating your wardrobe every season. You can layer it with fresh pieces for each season.

How I can help you avoid expensive junk

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on wardrobe pieces that aren’t very wearable and only wear them a few times before needing to be replaced.

This is where I come in. As a former fashion buyer, I know how to spot gems and avoid duds. Book a complete style experience with me and I’ll help you pick the items that will give you the best return on investment – tailored to fit your budget. This is just like what I did with my client Caroline.

During our wardrobe edit, we discovered that Caroline’s wardrobe staple of cheap black pants has gone out of style. As we were shopping together, I suggested she invest in higher quality black pants from a brand known for making quality custom clothing.

Caroline immediately felt great in these pants and loved how they enhanced her overall look. She also saved money in the process because they were still going strong three years later, so she didn’t have to replace them – unlike her old pants.

If you need help identifying your investments, I’m here to help. Contact us and in just a few hours you’ll have a premium wardrobe filled with quality pieces that look and feel great.

answer: There’s nothing shabby about this article, both blazers are of great quality, but there’s a huge price difference between the two. The blazer on the left is from Cos and costs £155. The blazer on the right is from The Row, priced at £1,990.