How to Identify High Quality vs. Poor Quality Clothing | Slow Fashion

Ciao everyone! This week I'm sharing different tricks to spot HIGH Quality clothes, as well as how to recognize and avoid low quality clothing. No matter your shopping budget, knowing how to find high quality clothes that last for years is key to a slow fashion closet. I hope you find these tips helpful and please let me know your tips for spotting high quality clothes in the comments below!
Alyssa
xx
#creativityoverconsumption
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[@lindagarrido4353]

My Italian grandfather was a bespoke tailor, and one of his sisters was actually a seamstress at Christian Dior in Paris after the war so this runs in my blood! I am beyond nerdy when it comes to quality garments, to the point of obnoxious. The fall of the fabric is important. Hold up the garment and see how it falls and drapes. A well structured garment made with quality material will fall beautifully over your body, even if it isn't well pressed. Another sign: no bunching at the seams (why do we no longer see darting at the bust?). I have a lot of my late mother's clothing - a lot of her suits were actually made by my grandfather with fabric he would bring over from Italy, so they are impeccable. I stay away from Zara - even clothing made with natural fibers is badly structured and doesn't fit correctly, plus it just falls apart after 3-4 months. COS is a good, high street option.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Linda! Wow what a special lineage you have! Thank you for all of your tips and great suggestions! xx

[@lmn5233]

Thanks Linda. Great Lineage....lucky! You should do a colab video with Allyssa!

[@dcoughla681]

Wow Linda! Lucky you! I think Italy is the most stylish country in the world & Italians have impeccable taste.

[@anye76]

What a legacy Linda. Thank you for sharing

[@MsBaby1959]

Linda Garrido love reading comments like this, and learning this stuff, what a great family lineage 😊

[@judithjohnsonnigh5757]

It is time to return to quality clothing. I’ve said before that I came from a line of people who knew the art of sewing beautiful garments. Encapsulated seams, bound buttonholes, matching plaids, stripes, and prints, lined garments, deep hems and seams, custom fitting patterns, beautiful detailing, etc etc. most especially my grandmother saying, “The piece should be as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.” I agree with all your points keep the education coming. Good job!

[@lindagarrido4353]

Me too! My family in Italy were tailors and seamstresses so I'm very picky about my clothing.

[@michelleclark8099]

I’ve been played. I have a few beautiful natural fabric garment, however the lining is polyester. The clothing company was cost cutting and I fell for it. And such items makes women smell bad. I am going to try to cut out the linings. Also, the synthetic clothing enters our bloodstream and wrecks our hormones.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I agree Judith - and your grandmother was absolutely right! Thank you so much for watching and the encouragement! xx

[@fernandao.5001]

btw, people in the comments WOW, you have the best audience, I'm learning so much reading about everyone's experience, how their family members were tailors or seamstresses and what they look for in a garment. Thanks to everyone

[@irairod5160]

Another indication of quality: in a coat or formal blazer, look for buttons with a shank rather than flat buttons. The first need to be sewn by hand, the second are usually applied by machine---and often come lose or break in half in no time at all. (Edited to add more detail: "If it's formal outerwear--trench coats, suiting jackets--with large, flat buttons, look for a "thread shank", which is sewing in such a way that it creates a short "stem" underneath the button so it can accommodate the thickness of the fabric overlap and still swivel ever so slightly. This helps the garment not pull, crease, or rip when it's fastened. Another desirable feature: In a wool coat, interior "stay" buttons, i.e. behind each button that faces the outside, is a mark of great workmanship.")

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

oooh love this tip thank you Irai!!

[@deborahmac1997]

Great tip!

[@rosamurgia7508]

Love buttons

[@Fridelain]

I got gifted some low quality garments, which looked good for a season, before the colors faded, the fabric started showing visible wear, ripping apart easily, etc. They did, however, have a redeeming feature: decorative stainless steel buttons, strong and hard wearing as can be. I cut free those that didn't come off on their own, and used them to replace broken or lost ones on my pants. Used strong nylon thread, of which you can buy a large roll easily and cheaply. Still have them, each one has done it's job in a few (cheap) pants.

[@irairod5160]

@@Fridelain Fantastic! You made great use of a resource often overlooked and extended the life of something that would've gone to a landfill had it remained on the low-quality fabric. That's commendable!

[@annaknowles5314]

Very useful tips, Alyssa! A really useful book on this subject is 'Secondhand Chic' by Christa Weil - she amplifies a lot of the points you make. You can get the book cheaply (secondhand!) on Abebooks. I'm nearly 78 (your oldest fan?) but still enjoy clothes - even during lockdown, I try to look good even though nobody sees me! I love your approach to style: you don't tire of quality as you do of cheap stuff. I have things in my wardrobe that are 20 years old and more - and still draw compliments.

[@adrianacarr4143]

That is great 👍🏼 get up and look good for you ! I do it also

[@anne-marielandry4465]

My mother was an excellent seamstress and made all of our clothes (three daughters). She taught the three of us her skills. I made most of my clothes until my 30s when I got tired of sewing all the time and it was easier to shop. But I’ve still retained what I learned and am quick to notice poor quality and finishing 😊.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

wow Anne-Marie you are so lucky and talented! Loce that you received suchamazing first hand learning :)

[@eileenstickney80]

Invisible zippers! OMG, I hate the trend of zippers that lay on TOP of the fabric. It looks like it is inside out! Great video!!!

[@SS_S.]

I'm an avid sewing and knitting enthusiast, I learned from my mother, and my great grandmother was an acclaimed tailoress. The best indicator of garment quality, particularly with knit fabrics, is determining the grain lines. If you look very closely at a knit fabric such as jersey or t-shirt material, you will be able to see vertical lines where each knit stitch lines up. On the reverse side they will appear as horizontal lines. They should run exactly vertical top to bottom or side to side with no diagonal tilt. It's really important to cut your garments exactly parallel (or perpendicular) to these grain lines to ensure the garment hangs properly, but manufacturers will try to play tetris with the pattern pieces. If they can save 2cm in length of each sort by slightly tilting a piece it will save them a lot of money over the entire manufacturing run, but you'll get a garment with side seams that twist on the wash. If the grain lines are out I take it as a sign that the manufacturer is cutting corners on quality and will not purchase

[@littleninja71]

I love when you create content around details of clothing, especially quality. It's helpful that you've called out quality features that can exist across many pricepoints, as well as those of luxury items. I've been enjoying the second-hand online market during the pandemic, and having an understadning of many of these quality factors is most helpful. Thank you!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Absolutely! I have seen these features through all price points and am so glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching! xx

[@hibazafran1765]

This was like a Sunday morning coffee with my maternal grandmother. She was a seamstress and knitter. I have so many pieces she made. She taught me, my mom and my aunts how to choose good construction and materials. My mom reinforced this. I apply these lessons in online shopping second hand too. I just ask for more pix, specific measurements when laid flat, and exact materials. The darts in the pants I didn’t know though! Grandma didn’t like wearing pants :) Thanks!!!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Hiba! Wow that's amazing your grandmother sounds like a special lady! You're so lucky to have learned those tips first hand. Great tips for shopping online never thought to ask for specific measurements when laid flat - thank you for sharing! xx

[@nancyharris9909]

I am in no way shape or form a seamstress but I do appreciate nicely tailored garments and quality fabrics. I'd love a video on brands/designers that adhere to these principles of high quality. I think some high-end designers charge outrageous prices you're paying for the name vs quality. Thanks again for another informative video. Be well!

[@sarahryanthestylecoach]

That synthetic vs natural fabrics topic is such a complex one. I also prefer natural but I guess the main message really is no matter what you buy, buy it with the intention of having it for a very long time and care for it accordingly. Another great video.

[@kathysteele3071]

I am slowly moving from excess to minimal. AND better quality. This video helped remind me of things I need to look for. Thanks, Alyssa. I look forward to Sunday mornings and your videos.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Wonderful! So glad you found it helpful Kathy :)

[@deborahmac1997]

These were great tips. The fact that beautiful vintage garments are still with us is a testament to the value of quality materials and workmanship. Great topic❣

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Thanks for another great video. I wish you had discussed the third category of fabrics: those man-made from plant fibers. They are not completely “natural” because they undergo some processing, nor are they synthetic (made from petrochemicals). They include Rayon, Viscose, Bamboo and Lyocell, among many others. The plant fibers come from a variety of “bast” fiber-producing plants, and have differing degrees of processing (the man-made element). While I prefer silk, cotton and linen, the man-mades generally have the same qualities of breathability (rayon is the most breathable of any fabric), soft hand/drape, machine washability sometimes dryability, and the ability to withstand vigorous stain-removal techniques (unlike silk), etc. They do vary in quality, but most are lovely, hardwearing, wrinkle-resistant and inexpensive (Woven rayon/viscose can sometimes shrink, go limp (Magic Sizing is the cure for that), and can be difficult to hem/sew because of its tendency to unravel, but it’s no worse than woven cotton or silk. Probably the biggest advantages are the lower cost and the huge variety of styles that come in man-made fibers; the selection of garments in silk is extremely limited, and usually to darker colors, and quality cotton is getting more and more expensive. My favorite man-made is rayon knit/jersey with a few percent Spandex/elastane, which barely ever wrinkles, and is super-cool and breathable for summer dresses, tops, cardigans, joggers, etc. It is the very best fabric for packing and traveling, cotton shirts are a nightmare for looking fresh while traveling (linen jersey is nice for traveling also). My very first favorite fabric is silk jersey, followed by rayon jersey. Lyocell also has a very minimal environmental impact, is the highest quality if the man-mades, is beautiful, but can be expensive.

[@pamciquier307]

OMG, Alyssa! You read my mind! This is exactly what I needed from you this week! I live in France, and I saw a really cute shirt-dress at the outdoor market. (Yes, there is a woman who carries some cute, quality items and she is very successful because of her carefully chosen merchandise). Anyway, I’ve been wanted to acquire a shirt-dress to play around with, using your fantastic suggestions. The problem was that it was 100% polyester...my heart sunk. It had a great pattern to it, but the hem was uneven and flimsy looking. I knew I would be making a mistake if I bought it, but it’s still been on my mind. You helped to confirm my hesitation. Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to watch your fashion advice channel. I have learned loads and have even fallen back in love with fashion thanks to you and Audrey Coyne. Merci milles fois! 💜

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

wow Pam what a great story and kind comment. Thank you so much! I always loved visiting outdoor market stalls in Europe - I wish we had those all year round in Canada! So happy to be watched alongside Audrey, I'm a huge fan of hers as well! Bonne semaine a toi! xx

[@pamciquier307]

@@AlyssaBeltempo thanks! My daughter, who lives in MTL follows you as well. 😎❤️

[@irairod5160]

Pam, I feel your pain! I recently fell in love with a summer dress, only to discover that it was polyester. Why make a sundress in a plastic fabric? Why? Why? Why? Needless to say, I didn't get it. I'm still sad, but I know it wouldn't have been a good buy in the long run.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Did I miss this when you talked about fabric? Scrunch it up to see how wrinkled it is when you release it. This gives quality indication and alerts you if you’ll quickly look like a rumpled mess in an hour of wearing. Even lower quality wool can fall in this category. As someone else mentioned, when buying online ask for the flat measurements before you buy to save hassle. Sometimes clothing is mistagged at the factory. Learned the hard way on eBay. The size 12 pants were more like an 8 and I donated them. Complete waste of money. Very helpful tips. Mismatched prints even on quality lines is now very common and annoying.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

ah no you didn't ! I didn't mention the scrunch test but should have. - thank you for sharing it! And yes - when i shop in store I bring a measuring tape too and double check. Thank you so much for watching and have a great week! xx

[@SusanBame]

I made the same mistake when I bought a raincoat, clearly marked size 10, made in England. I can wear 8s and 10s and thought this would be fine. But NO...an English size 10 is not the same as an American size 10!!! I gave the lovely new-with-tags raincoat to my daughter-in-law.

[@carolcox684]

I agree-mismatched prints are showing up more and more on very high end garments-very annoying!

[@michelleclark8099]

Everybody. ❤️ Please pray for me. I am planning a clothing purge. I’ve been played. The fog 💨 is clearing. Stuff has to go. So be it.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thanks for watching Michelle!

[@sheilaa1333]

Good luck!

[@michelleclark8099]

Sheila Addis Thank you ❤️

[@deborahmac1997]

I made a brutal purge..after a couple small attempts. The small ones helped me get to the final stage. I feel great knowing I now will wear everything in my wardrobe.

[@michelleclark8099]

Deborah Mac Yes!! Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈🎉❗️❤️

[@tonyagreene6087]

My grandmother knitted and embroidered and sewed so this is music to my ears. I too miss the darts in the breast area. I wish I had taken up the skill. I still have a wool sweater that she made that she gave me when I was 12. It still fits and goes into the washer and dryer and has never shrunk or changed shape. It's a classic natural color with a popcorn stitch. It's priceless.

[@fernandao.5001]

those items are the best, grandmas are amazing. I wished everyone had the chance to learn from their grandparents. My grandma taught me so much and some pieces she wore back in the 50's are still in great shape and I've kept on wearing them today.

[@attilathehen1555]

Smooth armholes, evenly eased or gathered. An experienced seamstress told me this before I made my wedding dress and I was so scared to louse it up that I had to get a friend to do it! Also large patterns should be centred, not off centre.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Ooh great tips thank you for sharing! xx

[@Keapix]

I love these type of videos. I’ve definitely fallen victim to poor quality! A tip I heard recently was to pull gently on a seam. If the stitches pull apart slightly, and you can see light, it hasn’t been well sewn.

[@sinnombre4357]

Great visual examples. It drives me crazy when I see prints all chopped up at the seams! How about shoes! What is happening with them?! I have several leather ones with the inside linings falling apart even though the outsides are still looking great!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

ou shoes yes - I find it's easier to tell the difference between good and bad quality shoes but very interesting what you said about the linings vs. outside - I have to check my shoes to see if that's the case! Thanks for sharing!

[@Dittygirl89]

I have the same problem with linings! As I age (I am 30 now) I tend to spend more on shoes to get good quality leather shoes, and I take care of them, but the linings are not easy to care for and tjey often give up way too early

[@valeriehowden471]

Wish I could sew better so I could tailor my clothes to fit better. Pandemic has increased my crochet time so purchasing sweaters is no longer for me. Most have synthetic fibres, poor quality and still cost alot. I'd rather have some relaxing time with a hook and some natural fibre yarn. Currently working on a beige cardi. That thing with never unravel!

[@_inflection3209]

I wish I was better at this especially with my thrift shopping. But I'm getting better at it every time I splurge on something "new to me" . I'm really conscious of fabric now when I go, and I'm pretty sure that's thanks to you and Use Less. Some handy ladies right there!

[@_inflection3209]

Also, I'm wondering what is your favorite fabric? I'm favouring linen probably because Alberta is so hot this year. I wish I could find some wool pieces that don't make me want to scratch my skin off lol

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yay! I'm so glad you find these tips useful :) yes, Signe has so much great knowledge too! In summer my favorite fabric is linen and in the winter cashmere and merino! Merino I also love for all seasons .. I hope this helps! xx

[@stridery]

Yesss a new video! Also, sometimes I prefer fabrics in polyester mix, especially with darker colours. It makes the colours last longer/fade less quickly, so I can enjoy the item longer :)

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yes this is a great point that synthetics hold colour longer :) thanks for the reminder / sharing! xx

[@NilupulieSumanasiri]

I am a textile specialist, and what you say in this video is soo applicable and true.! But, my personal viewpoint is that regenerated materials would surpass the 100% natural materials in the near future (It kinda already has). Natural fibres are comfortable, definitely. But the extreme lengths that we take to harvest natural fibres, especially in fast fashion industry, is so not good from a sustainable point of view. But in fact, synthetics are uncomfortable definitely, and the pollution is high when synthetics are used. Regenerated fabrics and yarns are degradable to some extent, and we can achieve the same comfort as in natural fabrics.

[@dcoughla681]

Thank you Alyssa! Another great video. I find the main giveaways on cheap garments are thin, see through material (particularly noticeable with light colours), weak collars on shirts (my pet hate), single, uneven stitching and few darts to cut down on manufacturing time & costs, garish, unsophisticated colours and overall bad fit. With regard to jackets and blazers, I think men get the better deal quality wise and when buying vintage I take a look in the men’s department. While you can save money on basics like white t shirts & vest tops and trend led pieces to road test a look, I think it’s better to splurge the money on quality coats, jackets and trousers as they will look great for longer.

[@facetsofpolitics]

I'm excited to go thrifting for trousers again! I never realized that some of my trousers had extra darting which was why the fit was better. Thank you for this video as well as all of the others I have enjoyed! Ciao from San Antonio, Texas

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Tracy! I'm so glad you discovered something new! Thank you so much for the kind comment and for watching! Hugs from Canada! xx

[@nomvulavmoloko6255]

Your energy is infectious - I find myself smiling throughout your video. Thanks for sharing these tips, Ms B.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for the kind comment Nomvula! xx

[@tilywinn]

So true. I always feel a combination of happy, calm, and inspired when I watch your videos. 😊

[@taquienaboston2617]

Thanks, Alyssa. Now I'm going to check my existing wardrobe for these indicators of quality (or lack of quality). Very helpful.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Taquiena, it's a really interesting exercise - I hope you find it helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@aesinam]

Finishing is my nr 1 priority. Some clothing cost so much but look inside and you'll be so disappointed. I live in Ghana and get most of my clothing custom made for me. Love it and it's always exciting to find a new quality dressmaker

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

New topic, new comment, from my seamstress/quality connoisseur background. On the subject of seam finishes, a covered seam is best in most cases, but the flat seam with separately overlocked edges (like you showed) is a high-quality finish that is more appropriate than a covered seam in many applications, especially in the long seams on pants or trousers. These need to be ironed side-seams together, and other seam finishes create excessive bulk or puckering. The worst finish is the minimal, both edges overlocked together seam that is used on cheap jeans and other pants - it is impossible to get them flat enough to do a good job ironing them. The very worst seam finish is where the edges are covered with that clear plastic trim, these can’t be ironed, or sometimes even machine-dried, are are really irritating on skin. For Part 2, when you address knits (sweaters), the single best quality indicator is the fully-fashioned, or knitted, seam. It surprises me how many people have never heard of full-fashioning (but I am older, women in my youth knew about it), and buy loose-knit sweaters that have the parts cut and stitched together, especially at the shoulder/sleeve seam; these are guaranteed to quickly unravel and are very unlikely to be (successfully) machine-washable.

[@yoshiew05]

A way to check if a sweater is fully fashioned is to look at the srams. If they are heavily overcast, very likely it has been just cut from knitted fabrics and sewn together. Fully fashioned the seams look more like seams on woven garnents. They are not heavily overcast. I am a kniiter and knitwear designer (amateur). I can’t think of an instance of knitting a flat piece of material then cutting and overcasting into a garment would be appropriate.

[@manasiwatve4868]

Can you please make a video on how to shop online? I mean the tips and tricks...

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Great suggestion thank you Mansai!

[@2eyeluvmac2]

Please do. I buy a lot on line. I would love this video.

[@MousyLeigh]

You always have the best videos. Your channel is one of my favorites. I love your fun, classy style.

[@StarlingofAzerath]

Natural fibers are more comfortable to wear. But 55%linen/45% rayon isnt a bad mix and keeps the cost down. Also prevents the extreme wrinkling linen has. Also regardless of quality being gentle with washing can prolong even a cheap fast fashion garment.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@yoshiew05]

And be easy on using the dryer as well.

[@kateoc8]

Isn't rayon just viscose? Therefore made from wood pulp? Isn't it classed as a natural fibre?

[@Dan_Chiron]

I'd like to add that it takes time to train your senses to spot quality, so it's better to avoid rushing over new purchases. Nowadays it's quite common to hear girls in hauls saying fast fashion items are 'very good quality', and it's because some of us have never had a good garment. I've been in the journey of building a more sustainable wardrobe for about four years, and just recently started to identify the characteristics of a well made item. Now I cant tell if a garment is made of natural or synthetic fibers, just by looking at it. My advice would be to watch *a lot* of real pictures (not studio photos) of garments from different price ranges, and in time you'll start to notice (I enjoy platforms like eBay to do it); then you may proceed to buy the best you can afford.

[@madeleine7729]

Lots of great reminders, Alyssa, thanks for drawing attention to the environmental impact of our choices. I have always favoured natural fibres for health reasons (breathability, less toxicity etc) but was shocked to hear on the news yesterday that Australians are now ingesting about 5 grams of plastic a week: this equates to swallowing the amount of plastic contained in your credit card! We cannot let this continue. Many people don't realise they are also ingesting plastic from their carpets, poly cotton sheets and other home furnishings, as well as at the office. Yes, natural can cost more but you only get one body and one planet. Better to buy less or do without until you can afford the healthy option.

[@Karen-bh2ju]

I have recently found your channel from a colab you did and I am loving it. Thank you for such great tips!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Karen! Wonderful I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel :) Thank you for watching! xx

[@learningbytaste]

I noticed when I bought some men’s linen banana republic shirts from a thrift store that it was beautifully finished inside, it could practically be warn inside out. I hadn’t paid too much attention before to the inside of my garments but now I look for it. ❤️

[@thlp6872]

Loving your channel and appreciation for beautiful vintage and shoes 💜.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you so much!

[@devondoddridge4364]

Truly valuable information! Im in the process of revamping my style and culling my wardrobe and all these tips are incredibly useful!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you found it helpful Devon thank you for watching! xx

[@laurabaldschun]

Thanks Alyssa! A well-made garment is a joy to behold and random rhymes are the BEST. 🥳

[@microporetape]

Please make a series about good quality stuffs. Bags, belts, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, etc. love your channel to bits!

[@Dittygirl89]

One important thing that I usually pay attention to: the grainline. Cheap brands place the sewing patterns on the fabric in a way that gives the most panels cut. While good quality garments are always cut with the fabric going in the right direction, even if it means "losing" some fabric at the cutting. If the garment is cut in the "wrong" direction, it will twist after the first few washes. Even worse: if only the front or the back is cut out wrong, it could twist A LOT. Cotton jersey will be elastic "in the wrong direction", meaning that it won't fit you well, yet it will stretch out and lose its form quickly

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

YES thank you for sharing this - such an important point!

[@sakuralaedy7068]

Justine leconte did a great video on this topic I recommend!

[@evep3933]

Thank you Alyssa! Please do more videos like this!

[@lfkilcran]

Excellent tips! I have never learned to sew. I did knit, so I am very aware of that end. I am always keen on looking at end of season sales for beautiful knit items. I watch Ganni, Matches, My Theresa, Net-a-Porter and others. When, there is a sweater that shows up that is listed as "handmade" I watch it as it makes its way through the season. I know how much I high quality mohair/wool/alpaca yarn costs. I know how long the knitting takes depending on the size of the stitch/needles. If the garment falls in the range where it is actually less expensive for me to purchase it than knit it...and I really want it....then I will purchase it. This does not happen often, but it has happened a few times over the past 5 yrs. The tighter the stitch...the more labor intensive. Cashmeres are machine stitched....although I have a loom stored in pieces somewhere in the attic....I rather purchase the Cashmeres. @cavadesoi is SUCH an incredible resource for beautiful knits...so thank you for that tip...and how to care for these incredible garments!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Lisa! Wow you are a talented knitter! Love your thoughts on knitting and that you have a loom - how cool is that! Missoni has such incredible knits too :) Thank you so much for watching and sharing! Have a great week! xx

[@kathleenhemingway1884]

This is really lovely! Thank you for making this video.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you liked it! xx

[@beckyscheller9358]

Great video and examples. Thanks for doing this. Will help when shopping anywhere!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Great! So glad you found it helpful!

[@manasiwatve4868]

A very detailed video..really needed this...will be a lot helpful next time when i go shopping 😃

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yay! So glad you liked it thank you for watching Mansai!

[@francinepuskarich5755]

You covered it all.....love watching your videos every Sunday....

[@Saraa191]

A much needed subject 👌🏻

[@maroulio2067]

Love this post about the pants comparison, Alyssa. I did not know about the back darts. That makes a big difference in fit.

[@kinshasav]

This was so helpful! I shop almost all second hand for clothing.

[@camilleizzo2811]

Great tips! 😍

[@adrianacarr4143]

Great information! Thank you I hate when clothes fall apart after a few years

[@briana14333]

I love the nerd out! SUPER helpful!

[@og6920]

Excellent video, Alyssa! I'd love more like this.

[@catherinetaranto3185]

Can I just say, your videos are brilliant! You are the most underrated KZbinr. Keep up the great content

[@chiquita446]

Alyssa, good pointers in regard to quality garments. Smart!...ic

[@cerenb9608]

learned a ton. thank you thank you.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yay! Glad you found it helpful !

[@lemr.5173]

This video is super educational! Thankyou. I'd love to see more videos like this (and also maybe a kitty shot here and there too hehe). Thankyou!! ❤❤

[@frederiquelapointe9343]

So interesting, as usual 😊👌

[@elenapelayo1]

Can't wait until you get to 100k subscribers! So close!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you so much for the encouragement xx

[@63Lsp]

Just caught up on this one- loved it! More of these 'what to look for'!

[@sallygator22]

So helpful--thank you!

[@cynthialeeser7952]

🌷Thank you for this very important and interesting information. I appreciate all the tips and also the tips from the viewers... now to find the garments with these qualities... ❤️

[@joyous2theworld]

Thank you for the comparisons.

[@virginiarodriguez72]

Found your channel today & I love it.

[@questionresearch8721]

Im so happy this popped up on my timeline.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Me too! Thanks for watching!

[@melojansan]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@clarissathomas2004]

Very informative video! Thank you!

[@mariak8098]

Thank you, love it :)

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for watching! xx

[@harrietst6114]

My mother worked at a garment factory and she made most of my dresses when I was a child! She teaches me how to check the details of the clothes every time we go shopping and it's really useful. Hopefully one day I will have time to sit down and learn to sew from her.

[@obsidianbutterfly2099]

This was very informative and fascinating! I used to wonder why synthetic fabrics from forever21 would shrink after one wash no matter what! Its all about the quality and stitching. Please do more videos like this!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked it!! Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@smilesandbestwishes8597]

Very helpful review, thank you! XOXO

[@micheleainsworth1709]

My French Canadian grandmother was a seamstress and hat maker who made all my mother’s clothes before she got married at age 27 and left Canada for New York.. My mother always stressed the importance of excellent quality workmanship. I have a 100% white linen shirt I both 20 years ago in Florida from a store called Petite Sophisticate... It is still in 100% perfect shape - no holes, no threading issues... I wear it as a cover up at the pool, breakfast outside, etc,

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Michele, wow your grandmother and mother sound like special women! And love the sound of your linen shirt - a testament that we can't afford to buy cheap clothes!

[@beulahbenade4098]

Excellent tips thank you

[@jasu5142]

excellent tips

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for watching! xx

[@marianroyal7340]

I loved this video and would love to buy higher quality clothing. But I'm having trouble finding those now. Have you got any recommended brands or stores?

[@TheZeyre]

Useful! It is such a bummer to have a great dress disintegrate because of fraying or hems dragging. I have a few higher end pieces in sheer and they SO need to be finished well. Great detail! Xoxo J🌹👓

[@heidiaguilar1257]

I agree with you about the feel. If it doesn't feel nice against my skin, then I don't buy it.

[@mariaduran7915]

Very enjoyable and practical

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for watching Maria!

[@sherryedwards695]

Again great tips. I enjoyed your analysis of the pants. Seems like that company is cutting corners. Another topic: there is a u-tuber Esmilma Castillo, I cannot understand what she is saying, but you will. I enjoy watching her videos and seeing the fashions. From what I see is usually bright, colourful, screaming "look at my clothes" first, the the accessories such as purse, belt, shoes and hair, and third the jewellery which I know is real and good but mote subtle. If you've seen her videos I'm wondering what you think. Also, what do you think about viscose and rayon?

[@minikorsi]

Not matching checks on the back of checkered trousers are big no no to me.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@mimiwetu6998]

I agree! This characteristic helps me a lot especially when shopping online

[@amyjelacic909]

Yes! These details are so important, yet many stores sell patterned clothes with mismatched panels that look sloppy and cheap. It's really disappointing.

[@odessasudeku9985]

Going towards that 100k. Yes!

[@MsBaby1959]

I totally agree with you when buying pants, The seems must be well sewn and reinforced, learned the hard way 😂 I always look for double stitching on pants, they last forever!!! Question, have you ever bough something made with Viscosa, I personally love it!!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

haha i think we've all learned the hard way at one point or another! I have not purchased anythign with Viscosa, i'll do some research! xx

[@MsBaby1959]

Alyssa Beltempo great!!! Look forward to your next video :))

[@andib3017]

Do you have any thoughts on Tencel? And, just yesterday, I passed on a lovely, secondhand, cotton prairie dress, because the plaid didn't line up at all!

[@questionresearch8721]

I'm glad I ran across this channel. New subbie.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yay! Thank you so much for watching and subbing! Welcome!

[@questionresearch8721]

Nerd out!? Where? I love this.

[@sheilap2621]

I was in need of a black linen short sleeved button up top. I was waffling between Everlane (lower cost) and your recommendation of Power of My People brand. This was before the controversies about Everlane came to light, btw. I am so glad I went with your recommendation. As a Canadian, it was great to shop from a made in Canada brand. Secondly, when it arrived, it was immediately apparent that this was a high quality garment. The cut and the seams were done "right." The quality of Everlane has fallen off from where it once was. I think they got too big too fast and have not been able to adequately maintain quality control. Also, I find almost everything they make is too cropped now. I guess that is to accommodate the trend towards pants being high-waisted, but that doesn't work for me as most of my jeans/trousers are not actually high-waisted. Anyhow, all this is to say, I am super pleased with Power of My People. Yes, it is a higher cost but because it is cut and sewn well, it will be in my closet long term.

[@aleale1883]

Thank you for your input! May I ask what is the name of the class you took on Skillshare? Thank you!

[@janicevin4207]

Very useful as we tend to be blinded by the overall look of the garment and not paying enough attention to the important details of fabrication...

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yes - you really nailed it Janic, it's so easy to get excited without taking a proper look. Thanks for watching! xx

[@karenchaplin2700]

Hi Alyssa, great video, as always. I was wondering what you think of bamboo as a fabric? It's claimed to be natural, breathable and sustainable. I have "several" bamboo items which I wear almost all the time, but I've never seen an independent KZbin review of it. Thanks, Karen

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Karen! Great question. The process required to turn bamboo into fabric (ie; bamboo rayon and viscose) requires intense chemical processing which is harmful to surrounding environments as well as the people who are handling the process, so it is not as "sustainable" as we'd like to believe. It can also be a result of mono cropping, which is detrimental to biodiversity ... Bamboo linen is the least harmful iterations of bamboo but it can also be rougher to the touch. (there's a great in depth article here if you're interested: thegreenhubonline.com/2017/11/27/how-sustainable-is-bamboo-and-is-it-really-eco-friendly/) All that to say - I do believe it breathes well, and if you have those pieces in your closet which you love and are well made, I see no reason to reason to stop wearing them if you love them and get great use out of them. The most sustainable closet is the one we already have! :) I hope this helps! xx

[@janinevolschenk1042]

Alyssa Beltempo .

[@joygoncalves4917]

I just found your channel ❤

[@kateforster4643]

Buttons that fall off soon after purchase is a pet peeve of mine! Even high end brands, ugh!

[@brittanywalker5079]

I know this is an older video. However, I was curious if you have an alternative to rayon fabric? I have eliminated polyster and nylon from my wardrobe, but still can't seem to give up rayon fabrics, I find them great for hot weather.

[@angeliquemaez5569]

I’m new to buying quality items. Can you suggest any brands or stores that generally carry better quality items? I know every item will be the best quality but I live in an area without quality shops and have no idea where to start...especially during this pandemic where I can’t shop in person anywhere. Thanks!!

[@jennandcompany]

If the two pairs of pants are the same brand & ‘style’ but ten years apart in age, is there any hope (besides second-hand) for finding solid, lasting quality in new items? Even brands known for long-lasting quality seem to be cutting corners and making poorly made items with cheap fabrics. Help??

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I think there is ... I believe there are some brands out there creating high quality garments (perhaps this would be a. good video ro blog post?) but it's a big reason why I love shopping secondhand and vintage:)

[@imanwilson6540]

I enjoy this video but more video like this help you shop wise 🎯🎯🎯🎯👀👗🧥🧵👖👕👚🥼👒🧦🛍🛍🛍🛍🎁🎁🎁

[@pamelaatkinsonscats2873]

What’s your view on fabrics like viscose? I gather it’s not totally natural but nor is it synthetic like polyester. I find it a very comfortable, easy-care fabric which is breathable. PS: Having just googled it, it’s made from wood pulp but the manufacturing process isn’t very environmentally friendly.