When it comes to a minimalist closet, many think of the capsule wardrobe, but it may seem very constricting to those who like to shop for a bargain or cycle their closet often because it implies that the pieces that you choose should last you...forever. Or at least a long time.
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe - only buying and wearing items that you love - but does that come with the notion that your clothes should be more expensive because they'll last longer? Yes and no.
More expensive clothes doesn't necessarily mean higher-quality and longer-lasting. Trust me, I've had my fair share of Anthropologie items rip or fade sooner than the pair of jeans I bought at Old Navy four years ago. Even shopping at a thrift store can bear great-quality clothes if you know what you're looking at. Here are a few things to look for when determining the quality of clothing:
- Cotton is very common and very durable, but only if you're getting the right kind! If it feels soft to the touch, that means it's made of long fibers and you're good to go 👌. Also, if there is pilling on the fabric (those little fuzz balls that are almost impossible to totally get rid of), it probably won't last as long as you would like.
- Linen is a nice and soft fabric to look for as well, but it wrinkles easily and can deteriorate if it's folded in the same spot often.
- Wool is an easy fabric to determine the quality of - if there are any pulls in the garment or it doesn't bounce back after it stretches, move on, no matter how cute it may look on the hanger.
- Denim shorts and jeans should be comfortable with no obvious rubbing on the inside of the thighs, and be sure to check the seams for any tears. The wash of denim doesn't really say anything about the quality of it.
- Be on the lookout for synthetic garments. While a few designers add synthetics to their clothes as a good thing, a lot of cheaper stores use synthetics in place of natural fibers to cut costs, not maximize the durability of the clothing. If you're looking for something to work out in, synthetics may be the way to go, just make sure that the garment returns to its original shape after washing.
- In general, make sure the garment looks good! Are there a couple buttons missing? Is the sleeve already stretched out? Is it so transparent you're afraid one wash will rip it apart?
Some stores have a reputation for their types of clothes, but some places are up in the air. Forever 21 and H&M are known to have cheap clothes and the quality isn't as high (sorry not sorry). But, like I said earlier, more expensive places like Anthropologie and Free People can have either flimsy items or really high-quality items. The next time you're out shopping at your favorite stores, be sure to keep the list above in mind to determine if it should be a source of your wardrobe.
Here's the bottom line:
If you tend to replace items in your closet often because you get bored of what you already have, then maybe aiming towards the cheaper, less durable clothes is the way to go. But if you're committed to loving every item in your closet for at least a few seasons, be sure that you're buying quality clothes, no matter where you shop.
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