How to judge the quality of a garment

Price is a poor guide to quality. These checks take a minute, whether you are looking at photos online or at the piece in your hands.

Seams

Stitches should be small, even and straight. Pull a seam gently: you should not see gaps or loose threads. Inside, the raw edges should be finished so they cannot fray.

Fabric

Hold the fabric up to the light. An even weave without thin patches will last longer. Scrunch a corner in your hand for a few seconds: fabric that springs back will look fresher through the day.

Pattern matching

On stripes and checks, look at the side seams and pockets. Lines that meet neatly show that care was taken in cutting.

Buttons and zips

Buttons should be sewn firmly with a small shank of thread, and buttonholes should be tightly stitched. A zip should run smoothly in one movement.

Hems

A hem should lie flat and hang evenly all the way round.

When the parcel arrives

Check the piece in daylight before removing the tags, and try it on over clean skin. If something is wrong, contact the store straight away.