Fabric Shock – The Hidden Cost Of Clothes

Behind every label, every swatch of fabric and every word of advertising lie uncomfortable truths that can cause consumers to squirm in their new knickers. But there’s hope. Even fashion neophytes can shop with an eye for defective duds.

 

“It’s not an issue of where an item of clothing is made; it’s more a fact of how it’s made,” says Christopher White, general manager of Madame Paulette Custom Couture Cleaners in New York. “When shopping, feel the garment. Is it heavy and durable-feeling? Be a bold consumer. Ask the sales staff if they’ve had any problems with a piece; ask if it wears well; ask if it cleans well.”

Also, keep these cost-saving tips in mind:

1. Remember the high cost of maintenance: If a pair of gray denim jeans is labeled “Dry Clean Only,” it may cost up to $10 a week to clean — and that’s just for one wardrobe staple! To avoid such ongoing costs, buy machine-washables.

2. Dress for money-saving success: Invest in machine-washable underclothing (such as cotton camisoles) that put a protective layer between you and outer togs that require dry cleaning. And speaking of underclothing, if clothes require you to buy special accessories, such as a strapless bra, don’t forget to add in that cost. Also, does that outfit need expensive scarves and necklaces to jazz it up?

3. Stave off knock-offs: Be wary of counterfeits. If that fast-talking street vendor is hawking $20 Chanel bags, they’re undoubtedly fake. Many high-end designers now have hologram trademarks on their labels, and most reputable stores do not sell phonies.

4. The glue thing: If any ornamentation, such as velvet trim or sequin designs, is glued onto a garment, put the item back on the rack. Glue tends to disintegrate in the wash or at the dry cleaner.

5. Lethal leather looks: The base fabric on trendy barn jackets and other garments often bleeds onto leather patches and straps. See if your dry cleaner recommends sending the jacket to a pricey leather cleaner.

6. Fabrics that fold: Be wary of anything with a rubber base (such as newer Lycra, PVC or Spandex fabrics). Smith notes many of these popular high-tech-looking garments lose their shape with washing or fade from heat, steam or moisture. Also consider the wrinkle factor. Squeeze the fabric and make sure it bounces back, sans wrinkles. When trying on pants, sit down in the dressing room to see if they produce the dreaded wrinkled crotch.

7. Colors that run: If a dye is not set correctly, one red sock can ruin an entire load of laundry. Test brights by rubbing a wet washcloth with a drop of soap on a small area. If color bleeds onto the washcloth, wash the garment separately in cold water. Also, if an article of clothing contains a mix of bright and white fabrics, be aware that color can bleed onto the lighter fabric.

8. Fly-by fashion: Don’t be a high-fashion victim. Ask yourself if that silk apron top will be in style next year. Or will it be Pashmina-hot only for one month? Choose classic styles that suit your figure and allow less expensive accessories to achieve a fashion-forward look.

9. Needless markups: The garment industry can boast retail markups that soar 300 percent and higher. If you like a particular store or boutique, get on their mailing list. Stores often offer pre-sales to mailing-list members. Some stores offer personal shoppers who will alert you to sales, and their services are free. And many retailers, including department stores, will drop prices if you just ask — particularly if an article has a flaw or a makeup stain.

10. Pay the piper: Sometimes there’s no way around the “ka-ching.” If you’re going to purchase an expensive outfit or item, ask yourself: “Is the color good on me? Is the quality great? Is it comfortable? And is the look timeless?” So buy it already.

 

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