Brand Name Versus Clothing Quality – What Should You Be Looking For? *

AD | The power of the brand is one of the wonders of the modern world. As an abstract entity, brands take on almost personal qualities, and, more importantly, we come to trust them to be able to deliver a certain kind and quality of product. So, just what is the correlation between a brand name versus clothing quality? And what should you be considering to get what you really want and need?

Brand Name Versus Clothing Quality – What Really Matters?

While going to a brand that’s renowned for high-quality goods can be an easy and convenient way of getting what you need, it doesn’t always work that way.

Brand Names

With brands, it’s worth looking at what their founding ethos was, and what it is today. For example, if you’re looking for a high-quality set of outdoor waterproofs, you’ll want to choose a brand that has remained committed to functionality, rather than a previously ‘outdoor’ brand that’s switched over to meeting more urban fashion demands.

Look at reviews of the brand, ideally from people who will be using the clothing in its intended context. So, for waterproof clothing, that might mean looking at reviews from mountaineering websites, for example.

Clothing Quality

When looking for quality clothing, there are several different aspects to watch out for. If it’s a natural fibre like cotton or wool, then you’ll want to check where that fabric has come from, how pure it is, and what weight the fabric is.

With more technical items, like insulated jackets or waterproof coats, you’ll want to check similar metrics. With down insulation for example, you’ll want to look at the fill number – in general, the higher that number, the better quality the insulation. For waterproof fabrics, you’ll want to check that it’s a reputable fabric (such as Goretex) and potentially the hydrostatic head (or HH) as well.

Bulk Suppliers

If you really want to get high-quality, basic items of clothing, then it’s rarely the case that you’ll get the best deals from bigger fashion brands. Even if they do have high-quality pieces of clothing, they’ll suffer from a huge markup as a result of the logo and brand name dotted in some shape or size on the chest or arm.

Instead, it’s worth looking at bulk suppliers like Screen Textiles for a better deal. These kinds of suppliers have a wide range of often very high-quality clothing options, allowing you to get your favourite branded items at affordable prices.

Other Factors To Consider When Comparing Brand Name Versus Clothing Quality

Construction and Craftsmanship

• Inspect stitching and seams – double stitching or serged edges indicate quality.
• Look at details like button reinforcements, lining, and the type of zippers used.
• High-quality clothing should resist wear and tear regardless of the brand.

Fit and Comfort

• Make sure the garment allows freedom of movement.
• High-quality clothing often offers better tailoring.
• A perfect fit will make you feel and look better, regardless of the brand name.

Brand Transparency and Ethics

• Research the brand’s commitment to sustainability, fair labour practices, and environmental impact.
• Ethical brands, even if lesser-known, often prioritise quality over mass production.
• Look beyond the label for their reputation in delivering value and integrity.

Value for Money

• Compare the lifespan of the garment versus its price.
• A well-made, lesser-known brand might provide better value than a high-priced designer item.
• Consider cost-per-wear – quality clothing worn more often may justify a higher price tag.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a favourite brand, and a shop that you can go back to year after year to get the same, high-quality items from. However, it’s important not to idealise brands and their products, so you aren’t duped into any sub-par goods. By looking at reviews of the brand and the fabrics or materials their products are made from, you can be confident of ending up with clothes of an acceptably high quality for years to come.

Do you have a favourite brand that you always buy from? How do you decide between a popular brand name versus clothing quality?

* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.