For many years, the pace at which we consume fashion has increased dramatically as the quality of garments has plummeted rapidly among Australians.
constitute the biggest buyers of fast fashion globally
, and we
dispose of our clothes
with a force that mirrors this.

The easiest way to mitigate fashion’s impact is by extending the lifespan of our clothing through prolonged use.
2017 study found
By extending the lifespan of clothing by merely nine months, one can decrease their environmental impact, reducing carbon, waste, and water footprint by as much as 20%. Considering this, below are eight methods to identify long-lasting clothes that you’ll have the ability to maintain, fix, and enjoy wearing for a longer period.

1: Materials

The primary factor influencing a piece of clothing’s longevity is the material it is crafted from. Begin by gently rubbing the fabric against your fingertips to assess its texture—“the way it feels upon contact,” explains Gareth Kershaw, who lectures in fashion technology at RMIT University. Consider aspects such as suppleness, sleekness, fuzziness, stretchability, robustness, flexibility, and compactness.

Following that, as per sustainable design advisor Kristen Nuttaller, examine the label for information about the material makeup. “Is it pure wool cashmere, or perhaps a viscose mix designed to mimic cashmere?” she asks.

Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, cashmere and silk will generally be more durable when not blended with a synthetic like elastane, polyester or nylon. A telltale sign of high-quality cotton and wool is a smooth finish as this indicates longer, finer staple fibres. The density of a knit or weave is another sign of quality as it generally requires more fibres (which is more expensive) and reflects that advanced technology was used in production.

2: Construction

The following step involves evaluating the construction of a garment, which entails examining its interior.

A high-quality garment will feature carefully designed entry points and fastenings that are secured at multiple locations (such as buttons hidden within the lapels or tabs inside the upper part of trouser flies). These elements should also adapt seamlessly to your movements. While trying on a jacket or shirt, ensure there’s no strain when lifting your arms. Likewise, trousers ought not to tighten or gap open when you take a seat.

When it comes to building clothing items, elastane raises an alarm. Its ability to stretch in all directions is essential for swimsuits and undergarments, yet in other types of apparel, it works hard to compensate for subpar design, making ill-fitted attire appear better. Moreover, with use and wash cycles, this material gradually wears out, losing its springiness and leading to drooping fabric.

3: Seams

Another aspect to focus on is the condition of the seams.

French seams—folded over and stitched along both edges—are significantly sturdier and longer-lasting. Additionally, those where the edges are enclosed provide enhanced durability according to Kershaw, who notes they “offer greater stability within the clothing” when contrasted with commonly employed overlock or lockstitch seams featuring a line of stitching along an exposed edge. Inferior seams typically exhibit bigger stitches, signaling that the item may have been hastily produced. Such haste might result in issues such as fabric bunching or wrinkling.

4: Lining

Lining enhances comfort by providing warmth, preventing dirt accumulation on the outside fabric, and making dressing up more agreeable. However, pay attention to the material used because low-quality options like polyester, nylon, or acetate can hinder temperature regulation due to their poor breathability, leading to an uncomfortable, clammy feeling. Opt instead for linings crafted from materials such as cupro, silk, cotton, modal, or lyocell.

5: Pockets

Strategically positioned, robust pockets crafted from lightweight yet durable fabric are a sign that the clothing item was created by an experienced and knowledgeable designer.

Kershaw points out that “pockets tend to deteriorate rapidly, hence the material’s quality along with their positioning matters significantly.” When selecting garments, opt for ones where pockets have been strengthened or integrated within the seams and sit correctly on your frame; this ensures that items placed inside remain secure without distorting the clothing’s silhouette.

6: Effective hardware

The heft and quality of zippers, buttons, press studs, and hook-and-eye closures are equally important. “Opening and closing the zips or snap buttons—or whichever closure system is used—should exude elegance,” explains Nuttall. “Difficulties with these elements or poor functionality indicate that the clothing was not thoughtfully designed.”

7: Versatility and repairability

“If an item is well crafted, as you evolve or resize or your taste alters, you ought to be capable of adapting it,” explains Nuttal.

Seek clothes with additional material tucked into the seams, allowing them to be altered if your figure shifts. Alternatively, opt for styles featuring ties or closures that enable multiple wearing options.

8: Emotional durability

Selecting outfits you adore and wish to continue sporting may be the trickiest part of styling yourself correctly. This involves cultivating a clear understanding of your individual taste—beginning with examining what pieces you currently possess and enjoy adorning. You could also benefit from treating every acquisition as a financial commitment, potentially necessitating research and savings to secure that cherished dress, pants, or jacket imbued with significant worth for you.

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