Certain pieces made of chiffon that get runs very quickly :( Pieces I don't end up wearing because the fit is off, they aren't flattering, or don't suit my lifestyle. Pieces that are itchy after a year of use...All camisoles, ever (OMG do a cami video!!). You explain things so well and concisely! I wish you had included why pieces get runs and other damages in this video too :) Holes can sometimes be obvious but piling, runs, etc could have been included. Maybe another video? I love your comments!!
I’ve been seeing this too, especially for bed sheets & towels. The best sheets I own were made in the 60’s & 70’s, easy to see from the paisley patterns, etc. Then manufacturers noticed that “good quality” doesn’t get (need) replaced as often, but “last years style” does. Interesting right. 😃😃😃
I never knew why those T-shirts twisted after a while (I had a hunch but never knew for sure). Thank you for that. It really bugs me when I have to fold them and they're not symmetrical.
Yes a lot of labels have this issue, mine too, whether its a cheap h&m tee or a designer tee that cost few hundreds, they all twist. 7 out 10. My jeans twisted too and they were like 400 bucks
I've noticed for a long time that my really bad quality and cheap clothes never fold properly, while my good quality clothes fold completely symmetrically and flat. Now I know why! The good quality ones are way more satisfying to put away for my OCD brain lol
No symmetrical folding! The story of my life since I by my clothes myself. I only wear "cheap" (not always as cheap as they should...) printed T-shirts and this occurs quite often! Even for some of the more expansives ones. Now I understand why. :)
This is kind of an "anecdotal evidence" but after moving from Poland to Germany (aka from one of the poorest countries of the European Union to one of the richest in the world), both my mother and I noticed the difference in clothes bought in both countries, especially visible while ironing. In both countries, we'd buy in pretty much same type of stores (basically fast fashion standard brands). Turns out pieces bought in Poland twist more frequently than those bought in Germany, even despite the fact that they cost pretty much the same, if you convert the currency (like a similar piece in the same brand's stores would cost 10 EUR or 45 PLN, with 1 EUR = 4.5 PLN). I only understood why it was the case after I first learned about how you line up pieces of a clothing and the directions of the fabric.
Well, just like you, I am also an old man but I am into fashion and really enjoy Mrs. Leconte's advise and apply them to my skills as a consumer of men's garments. I just wish she would do men's fashion too as far as tips and advice. I am certain she would reach million of men who would love her expertise as a designer in fashion.
1:34 another reason why t-shirts twist after a while is because the yarn used to make the fabric is not twisted tight enough. I learnt it in a fabric factory here in Italy (they make fabrics for Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo etc so I believe them!)
Seriously good question. I hate fake pockets. If I discover them late I always return the pants. I can't afford a handbag. Plus I always have a rucksack so why would I buy a small bag that can't contain all my school supplies? It only makes sense if you're clubbing or something. But then wouldn't actual pockets still be preferred to having a bag swaying back and forth whilst dancing?
@@Xandros999 - In my experiance, this is not true. I know a LOT of people who care about pockets. Heck, I despise that cargo pants have "gone out of fashion"... along with turtleneck shirts. They have function. If you can't make function look good, get out of the fashion industry.
Me, too. Know your fabrics and your designer labels, do a good inspection (generally no returns policy or very limited time frame) and cha-ching! Good buys abound and you will look mahvelous!
Totally agree! I have found amazing finds at thrift stores. Go to the stores in better areas and you can even find brand new clothes ***with*** the tags still on them. Wait until after Christmas or the beginning of Spring when everyone gets rid of all of their old stuff. It's even better if I can find something a little bigger then have it professionally tailored to fit me. I look like a million without spending a million!
I knew it wasn’t my imagination when formerly “good” brands suddenly became yucky! Thank you for these lessons- you remind me of my Home Ec teacher during sewing class💌
One thing that really annoys me is see through shirts. Any shirt made for women is automatically super see through. After losing some weight I can now buy shirts in the men’s section and they are so much better.
some shirts for men are quite see through as well, even "not so cheap" ones. Those are primarily meant for use with a blazer/jacket and only 1 layer. If I am wearing those by themselves I would definitely use a undershirt underneath as well.
Ryan Jackson The only layering I do is wearing a men’s shirt open over my women’s shirt, so when I get tired I can change into the more comfortable men’s shirt.
Such great video. You hear so many times "buy good quality clothes" or invest in "good quality" rather than quantity, but what does it mean really? What IS good quality? So many people understand it differently, when it is in fact quite simple, and even fewer people talk about how to spot this "good quality", so THANK YOU.
Yes, Irene, exactly. Very poor quality is easy to spot, but it's not always that easy. And recognizing something doesn't fit well doesn't tell you WHY. Now I know!
Yes! I always checked for simple basic shirts in "better quality" but when I tried to compare them I didnt even know what to compare exactly.. Thanks for this video!
Thank you so much ! Now I know I'm not crazy. my boyfriend thought I was crazy for spending good money on clothes and that i was picky, because i pay attention to fabric , stitching etc. I have gotten to the point that I just want to make my own clothes and underwear. Even asked my mom for a sweing machine for my birthday . I have even saved a bunch if my grate grandmother's clothes that are amazing so when I get my machine fit it to my size.
Amazing! I try to sew more clothes by myself to fit my body. I’m not only plus sized, I’m also tall and I like vintage and romantic style so my only way to get proper garments is to create them. Nice to know you have your great-grandmother outfits! Sure you’ll look great. Wish you a lot of luck ✨
Unless you thrift I think most of the time you just have to save sadly. If you buy fast fashion, not only is it extremely unethical but almost all fast fashion labels use time saving shortcuts that lower the quality of the item. It’s better to save and look into handmade products that will last you 10 years.
Could you speak on how brand companies have allowed their quality to slip while raising prices. I have seen this with Victoria Secret, Talbots, Calvin Klein, Gerry Weber, etc.!!! Therefore, brand name doesn't mean quality anymore!!! Likewise, high end doesn't mean good fit! I've found C&A Jean's fit me better than Burberry!
Overall economy inflation has a part in this too I think. I’ve never worked in high end fashion so I can’t say for sure but I do know that when minimum wage went up in my state my company inflated some of its prices a long with it.
Hi Justine, perhaps you could do a jeans special: How can I determine good quality from bad in jeans/denim? I find it extremely hard with stretchy skinny jeans. They all seem poor quality to me - even the more expensive brands - because they tend to be so thin. I am really trying to purchase long lasting clothes and I am surprised that I find it so difficult with jeans. Thanks and keep up the really good and interesting work! silke
I've found out last year about a Rock Revival brand of jeans that fits me perfectly - they have thick textile/canvas, the seem is flat and sewn with thick threads, and most of the time the seems are lined properly - and you can buy them at Nordstrom Rack (or other outlets, I guess, too - but this is where I've bought them) for around 70$. Not sure if that's too much for some people, but for me it's worth to have only two of those jeans instead of various bad-quality ones. I hope I will be able to buy them even after I move out of North America.
@Mally Kay You don't need to wash jeans after a couple uses unless they're stained or sweaty. Washing them less frequently and turned inside-out will prolongue their life.
Brazilian jeans are very well made and fit to the body really good. One woman complimented my pair of jeans other day and she asked where I bought, but I told her I didn't remember because they were 4 years old. So, we have good brands and they have high quality and the "premium products". the first one is thicker, you can feel the weight and how the fibers don't have much space between them; good sewing inside and out. The second one is a little bit lighter and is rougher to the touch and can have some errors of sewing.. when washed very often, tend to be less durable. That's how I check them out to see if they are good quality. Always wash denim separately.. just denim clothes in the washer. And, if they are black denim, put a little bit of salt in the washer once each four times washing it so the color will last longer
Pâmela Fernandes Depende da loja/marca brasileira. A maioria importa da China, que produz a mesma qualidade das lojas fast-fashion. Qual loja você comprou?
Silke Stadler i use Levi from the actual website or store. Don’t get from Macy’s or walmart or any other store that sells them. I’m convinced that they have a different line for other stores. The quality isn’t the same. But the Levi you get at the Levi store is best. Material is heavier feeling.
I really appreciate how your videos are making me into a person who is more conscience about my wardrobe and shopping habits. Im actually becoming a person who has style now. Please keep these kinds of videos up.
All the things you mention in your comments are exactly the reason I have stopped buying clothes, unless they are for hacking around or for some dirty job that means once the job is complete I throw them out. Quality has gone out the window, I make all my own clothes, then I have only myself to blame, most of us work hard for our money therefore we should make sure we buy the best we can afford or like me, make your own. I gave up shopping years ago, saved a fortune and a great deal of frustration. At my age sewing is now a hobby as well as a good way to keep fingers and hands going, a plus on all sides I also enjoy making things, not just clothes but also soft furnishing or anything else that comes to mind, with three machines plus two knitting machines and heaven knows how many knitting needles and crochet hooks which I have gathered over the years I will never be short of tools also I am a fabric and yarn addict, it all helps. So people, do it yourself, you get a great deal of satisfaction when creating, then when you really must go and purchase a garment you know by your own workmanship what is good and what to avoid. Laura B
Thank you Laura. I too used to sew all the time many years ago and the money I saved, the designs I created, the satisfaction of making something/garment cannot be measured. I have more time coming up and may consider picking it up again (I have two sewing machines) so I can avoid as much as possible this cheap truckload of garments the stores hang on their racks. Thanks again for the motivation. Sew on! Sew on! Enjoy.
My mother is an excellent seamstress and taught me to sew quite well as a, little girl. Sadly, I rarely sew and have forgotten many basics and detailed aspects of sewing and design. You teach me so much Justine. You actually inspire me to design and sew my own simple basic style pieces. I could listen to your magnificent accent and voice all day. It's so refreshing to see and hear such tremendous class, style, etiquette, femininity.... Thank you so much Justine for sharing your great wisdom, expertise, and vast knowledge of style, fashion, design, and more. Blessings to you!
LowCountry Girl 777, I haven't sewn in years but will start again. I plan to practice sewing and serging techniques before I start on an actual garment. The practicing will take me quite a while. I'm looking forward to it. A man who used to repair sewing machines told me that 90% of machine problems are caused by the operator and not the machine - even for a very basic low cost machine. I now agree and this includes me having to be patient and set up the machine correctly, using the right needle, applying the right tricks like tape to prevent a v-neck or round neck from stretching, etc. etc.
Lately I am mostly sewing my own clothes, not to save the money, but to have better fitting garments made of natural fabric, that I will feel comfortable in. When I walk into store and start trying stuff everything is or too tight over my breast or my hips.if I go size up I am swimming in it and It all looks shapeless. It is also difficult to find good quality in stores nowadays.
I was going through the comments (some sometimes have interesting complimentary information), and I was surprised that they are a lot of men watching and not afraid of voicing their positive opinion! A real proof that your content is of high quality, enjoyed by the big majority! Keep up the good work~
My personal tip is to look the wash directions, if says "hand wash, dry wash or... no wash" i don't buy it, because i'm a busy woman and a don't have the time to spend hand wash or going to the dry cleaning place. I need clothes that suits to my lifestyle, not the other way around. Greetings from Chile!
Wash directions don't say that much about fabric quality in my experience. I'm a knitter and I consider pretty much everything I make handwash, simply because I'm not going to spend countless hours knitting up a sweater just for it to felt and shrink in the washer. Quite often, fibers that require special treatment have a lot of other advantages that completely make up for that (for example, some types of wool don't need to be washed as often, simply because smells dont 'stick' to them, so hanging them outside over night might be enough.)
i completely agree with you. If a purchase a gorgeous wool sweater or a fancy dress, i don't going to wash machine them. I wash all my wool sweaters by hand in the summer (so it can properly dry and be ready for autumn/winter) But i'm not going to hand wash a cheap horrible polyester top, it just not worth my time or money.
camila gonzález contreras --but then you can never wear silk, cashmere or some linens for example. Or suits and blazers. You wouldn't put those things in the washing machine, even though they're high quality items.
Every single tshirt I bought from well-known stores, e.g. Forever 21 and H&M, would always end with twisted side seams after several wash and I thought it was just how the fabrics turned out. If only I knew better... So thank you, Justine! Now how do we determine if a tshirt is of a good quality before we buy it? Because when you're at a store and you look at a tshirt, it usually looks good and doesn't look like it's gonna twist.
If you slightly tug at the fabric you can determine in which direction it naturally wants to stretch. When the directions differ quite a lot there's probably something wrong ^^ I don't know it it works for every fabric but it mostly does for me! If you look closely you can also sometimes see in which direction the threads are running.
H&M? Really? Wow. Everything I bought ar H&M is super durable and no annoying twisting seams. And the only bras I've ever bought that are actually good and don't stretch after a few months are from H&M (and the one I most frequently wear is about 7 years old). The only thing so far that is of a mediocre quality in my experience are their shoes
Any decent fabric/clothing manufacturer should be transparent in what their product is made of. If not, they're being very cheap and/or harmful and trying to hide it.
For those of us that suffer from allergies or have super sensitive skin... those "others" or not knowing exactly what makes up the so called viscose type of material is a continuing nightmare on a very limited budget! One of my biggest hassles in the continuing trend to put elasticity into so called 100% cotton etc products. I wish there were companies that made hemp products that don't cost a small fortune, as its breathable, durable and sustainable re for the environment compared to cotton etc. I can't even buy a pair of womens denium jeans because they are all been elasticitised, and mens jeans are going the same way. Even the op shops are running out of the good "old" stuff.
As a seamstress, this is awesome! I got a coverstitch machine, because I was tired of not being able to get a flat hem with a double needle on knit fabrics. I’m still learning with it… different fabrics don’t always react the same, but it’s still awesome to have. Sometimes when people bring me stuff to alter, I give it back better than when they brought it to me. Sadly, I can’t fix poor cut, like off-grain cuts. But I can make better seams and hems that will stay put longer.
I feel like all the "high street brands" are all medium or low quality - even the "premium" high street brands that are changing $200 for a coat. Example - I saw a nice looking coat the other day, $200, I went to try it on and then noticed: 1) Completely unlined. It's just a fake suede type of material on the outer, with no lining, at all. b) No sealed hems - everything is exposed once you look inside the jacket. It just looks so cheaply made. And yet, they charge $200 for it. I see dresses and basic pieces priced highly - and then you look at them closely, and the fabrics are thin and cheap (far too many see-through dresses!) and everything is poorly hemmed and stitched. And yet you're paying a 'premium' on them. The only good quality seem to be handmade designer pieces - but that's waaaaay too muh money.
Oh, unlined dresses and skirts is one of my biggest pet peeves and they're becoming more and more abundant. Sorry, but I don't want anyone to be able to see my panties and bra underneath. I've invested in slips. But yes, companies charge $150 for an unlined, cotton dress with no pockets. NO POCKETS!! ;)
Yeah, you need to be careful not to get suckered in with the image of the brand as even 'premium' high street brands may have only medium quality garments or otherwise have a huge variance in their store and sometimes garments will tick most of the boxes but still have compromises.
@J .S Lining coats is often a cheaper way of finishing a garment than taping or French seeming them. The skill required is much lower and therefore costs with a cheap polyester satin can be done for about half the cost. It is also much quicker so the makes it cheaper on labour too.
I love this video Justine. I drive everyone crazy when I check seams while shopping. I also won't even look twice if the fabric doesn't feel nice. One thing that is so awful in fashion lately is spandex. There is spandex in everything. I don't want to look like a sausage in a casing, I want drapey feminine clothes. They want a "one size fits all" to save money but it's insulting to us women.
Maybe we have political correctness to thank for that (and entire part of the society that convinces fat people that it is okay to be unhealthily fat and wear tights - looking grotesquely, instead of teaching them to be healthy) >_> Feeling good in your healthy body is one thing, but pulling wool over someone's eyes and telling them that they should feel good about obese themselves is completely another. And before someone attacks me for prejudice or fat-shaming, saying that many obese people are like that because of genetics and it's not their fault - my partner has inherited slower metabolism and high cholesterol from his mother, which he could use as an excuse to get fat, but he doesn't. He is aware that he has to take more careful care than most of the people about what he eats, and to have more exercise, which he - surprise! - is not too lazy to do, and therefore isn't obese or anywhere near being fat. Btw. if people felt more shame about many selfish, bad behaviours, it would prevent them from behaving like that and thus make the world a better place for everyone. Pardon the digression.
Tip: go to an actual lingerie store, not H&M or department stores. It's a bit pricier, but they will measure you and help you find what works for you exactly. Many of those places have employees who are specifically trained for exactly that :)
Lea B ....Exactly! Your bra is actually the most important clothing item you will ever buy and make or break how you look no matter how expensive an outfit is. I typically go to Dillards for bra fittings and the sales women always have the best options for me. Recently I was shown a different brand then my usual Waycoal (just as pricey) but it has worked out really well. I no longer have "spillage over the cups" since I've been having myself professionally fitted. .
please make a video for busty girls, and which tops, blouses and sweaters looks best on us. Everyone thinks it's great having a large bust....News Flash -it's not!!! PS Love your videos! !!
Willow Bark , I have a lot of my button down blouses tailored to fit. I was sick of trying to find one that would fit and not leave gaps between the buttons. Hope that tip helps.
Thanks, Baileygirl Smith! I haven't had a button down in AGES! I also use Wacoal bras...I too was fitted, and it made all the difference in the world. But fickle me, I'd like a new style! We have no Dillard's near us, but another busty friend recently told me about Soma. She was fitted there and is very happy. :)
such a good breakdown of what to look out for. I'm trying to re-build my wardrobe to have less items but better quality. I've really been liking viscose shirts, which I'd never heard of before, but gosh, I wear them all day at work with a lot of moving around and sweating, and they're fabulous! But VERY good to know about the seams and sewing techniques because i dont have any experience with sewing, so the visuals are great!
Thank,you Justine. Very helpful video. I am in Paris on holiday and noticing your tips about French women Only wear 3 colours and wear good shoes I am picking up so many tips from you and slowly on my way to declutter my clothes and start a capsule of quality garments Please keep up your videos Merci beaucoup Madame
I enjoyed this. In Britain, it's getting harder and harder to buy cotton, linen or wool clothing. Everything is now polyester or nylon blends. I used to love the White Stuff because a lot of their clothes were natural fibres. Now, most of their clothes are 50% polyester or nylon or acrylic. I don't like the feel of them on my skin.
I grew up in the 70's. Synthetics were all the rage but they were far better quality than what's sold today; they draped better and clothing was constructed well. In the 80's there was a backlash - everything was natural fiber, top quality natural fiber. I sigh when I remember. Nowadays I can't find anything natural fiber and if by chance miracle I do, either it is a recycled fabric (neither breathable nor absorbant) or it is mixed with synthetic fiber, or it's obscenely expensive. Good clothes are now only for the elite.
Great information. I wanted to add that the hole in the t-shirtless may have been from an anti theft device stapled through the garment. I have noticed that although you don't see the hole when they remove the device, the hole will grow after each wash. Those devices actually destroy the fabric.
That yacht flag sweater is the fastest of fast fashion: Wear it until it gets dirty and then throw it away! My maternal grandmother was a seamstress who sewed most of my mother's and my clothes. She unsuccessfully tried to teach me some of these tips when I was too young to care, so I truly appreciate the thorough examination of dos and don'ts in this video; immediately applicable no matter what one's taste and budget. TFP!
Really helpful. Could you also make a video on affordable brands which make good quality clothes? I often ended up paying 60 euros for something that is damaged after the first (hand)wash!
check labels with fabrics content. It's good to have basic knowledge about fabrics. Then how it's made, As I wrote here on the comment - I was able to found sometimes good quality product for 10-20 EUR and really something poor for 100 EUR just because of label on it.
Really enjoy your videos, love the simplicity and the way you provide a lot of information in a compactly sized video. Keep it up, congrats on growing fast, you definitely deserve it.
1:34 Oh my god..i agree with you..it's sooo annoying. Not necessarily fast fashion brands, even designer brand have the same problem. My own experience with Dior t-shirt(men). it twisted after only one wash. Different with SLP t-shirt, i can't even remember how many times i washed them already, but still hold the good shape.
That's why I took up sewing for better finishes and tailored look. It widens my range of choice and allows me to take pieces whose fabric or colors I like, but otherwise would have to let go. And that means a lot of second-hand shopping, too
This was SO educational! Your channel is going to be among the biggest ones on YT, I can feel it :) and btw that lipstick looks amazing on you! This video made me realize how much crap I have bought over the years.... but I honestly don't know where to shop good quality clothing without having to spend a fortune on something like a plain white t-shirt or singlets. Oh and I would love a video all about what types of underwear are best for different pieces of clothing! I learn so much from you
You have literally been the only person to actually educate me on Fashion. I used to hate it cause I didn't know shit. Now it's a whole new world. Love you!❤❤❤
Thanks for this video. I imagine myself shopping in one of those fast fashion stores after watching this: “the hem is not stitched properly, the fabric is poor quality”
I am watching this only two months after she said thank you for 50,000 subscribers and she already has 150,000. I am so glad I found this channel, learning sooo much.
I've shown your videos to my friend and we agreed that buying good quality clothing is a better option... but here's a question: where? What are some of the brands or manufacturers you'd recommend? Sometimes, even a name that used to stand for quality ends up being so commercialized that a consumer is paying for the name more than actual quality. We've gone over what's available to us in Slovenia and Austria, and concluded there's very few options, and even those usually have styles that don't fit us. I don't mind paying more for a piece of clothing if I can be sure it will stay the way it's meant to even after wear and wash, but I really haven't a clue and I've sometimes paid more only to still have to contend with things that were just not made to last.
I know, there are some quality goods in Parndorf Outlet near the Vienne. At least 7 Years ago they were. But the best way is to learn yourself to compare quality of different things. For example, I use a T-Shirt by NAPAPIRJI for about 8 Years and it still looks good (actually it was in vintage style since the beginning :)), but now I do not see the same quality T-Shirts in their Shops. Also it depends on your preferences, of course. Probably I'm kind of a little bit "conservative" guy, who can by the same goods for decades ))) I mean, the same topsiders by Timberland, the same T-Shirts by Fruit of The Loom and Hanes, hoodies from Hanes etc.... )))
Thank you so much Justine. I try to buy less so that I can afford better quality, however I know more expensive isn't necessarily higher quality, but with your tips, I am more aware! BTW I really enjoy watching your videos. Its great to learn from an intelligent woman who understands timeless fashion and not whats "hot and fun!". Thank you!
Cynthia Waltho Everything has cheapen.... it's just "names" now that people buy...even for purses and shoes... you can find inferior work that cost plenty of money. Until people refuse to buy "names" we won't be seeing quality.
@Elaine BB I completely agree. Its really too bad. What is more disappointing is how much of the sales revenue gets put into the marketing of these poor quality products, which subconsciously teaches us hey are "good"!
@@elainebb5937 So true! It is even more infuriating when you know that 70% or so of the price goes towards a paycheck to celebrity from the advertising campaign. I'm guessing that the big brands are trying to cash in the "golden days" standard when a brand actually DID mean a great quality, but that has long stopped being the case. I categorically refuse to buy branded (and overpriced!) stuff if I can get the same or even better quality from a non-marketed brand. In my opinion, "branded" stuff nowadays are just a status symbol intended for those that lack in some other (more important) things.
Justine, I'm watching almost all of your videos. I really appreciate your sharing about the differences between lower, medium and high end quality clothing. I agree about looking inside clothing to see how it's constructed. I plan to start sewing again. My biggest challenge will be finding quality natural or blended fabrics. 95% of the few fabric stores left in Canada sell cheaper quality fabric now as few people sew their own clothing now. They'd rather quilt.
800k+ new followers since you made this video is proof that your work is very high quality! Congrats Justine, well deserved success (and of course, thank you for what you do!)
Where I'm from most stores don't keep my size and they just shove me off but they keep my size in men's clothing so I basically end up buying tees and casual shirts from men's collection. I really needed you in my life to understand clothes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these videos.
My work includes open flames, so having 100 percent natural fibers is a must. Burning fabric (natural) is easier to put out (and heal from) in case of accidents whereas synthetic fibers will melt and possibly stick to your skin leading to escalated injuries.
This is a really great video. I am a clothing reseller and I really do try to find and sell good quality items. I think if it looks great when it's gotten to a thrift store or tag sale, that is a good first indication. But knowing some of the details you shared that I should be looking for brings this beyond my instinct (pretty good) to actual KNOWLEDGE, which is a great combination! I found a great used coat recently that was velvet outside of a synthetic and pure silk inside. It sold in about 3 minutes after listing! Good quality tells and sells!
This is the first video I've seen from you, I thought 10 minutes was going to be too long but you keep it moving and don't get bogged down in too many details. Thanks
I like buying clothes and learning differences in quality and you make it informative and succinct, delivered with an absolutely killer French accent that would make learning the rules of cricket listenable!
I'm not much of a fashionista anymore. Moved from a city to the country. Not a big need to get dressy. I can still appreciate a well made sweater or a pair of jeans. I do buy fast fashion, like tees and tanks keeping in mind I will only wear them for one season. I love your channel. You're resparking my love of clothes!!
Your videos are really helpful :) so straight forward and easy to follow. I am not on a big budget but these tips will help heaps when I am thrift shopping :) thanks
That's so revealing about the fabric weave direction. I adore the bias cut, because you get that natural wave and fluidity if it's a skirt, and it's good to create a drapey top, I think. 'Roping' seams drive me crazy! I sometimes cut them for a raw edge that disguises it. You really know what you're talking about, and you don't waffle like many people giving advice on here!
"Where is the space for the breasts?". I guess I've never noticed because I haven't any :p . Even so, you're right, even when we wear cheap clothes we would like to breathe from time to time :) . I find second-hand good quality to be a great, reasonably cheap alternative to fast fashion - and some clothes you can get have still the label on!
Julia L --it's often much easier to return things you bought online versus buying in the shop. Especially when you buy things in a small boutique, they often want you to return things within 14 days and sometimes for a voucher. Online, this is not an issue. You can return things without questions.
Wow! You have just made my life more complicated, and I love it. I definitely need to delve further into this topic cause I'm thoroughly fed up of wearing garments that look great in the store, but sits ho hum on my body or they look great on the first wear, but look faded like I put it on a high heat tumble in the dryer, on the second wear. Thank you!
At the 0:25 sec mark, Miss Leconte opens out the ring finger (to gesture the quantity 'four' with her hand) while the pinky is still closed/winded. I have never seen a person be able to do that. I love all your video but that was actually rather impressive
Merci Justine. Je cousais mes vêtements moi-même jusqu'en 1993. Depuis j'achète! Bien que je me fasse un devoir d'examiner les coutures et le sens du tissu, il m'arrive d,acheter des vêtements "cheap" (fast fashion). Depuis que je vous écoute et suis abonnée à vos vidéos, j'apprends énormément et j,ai décidé de ne plus encourager les compagnies qui polluent et exploitent les ouvriers du vêtement de par le monde. De même les trucs que vous nous donnez ici me seront fort utiles à l'avenir. merci encore.
This is easily one of the most informative videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you for explaining to me why I’ve had shirts where the seams on the sides twist.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I already knew how to select good quality clothing thanks to y mother teaching me how to sew when I was a kid. Your video is a great refresher course. One of the things I"ve noticed is that manufactures in the last decade or so seem to have stopped preshrinking the fabric before it is cut. Which makes the garment seams twist and pucker even when washing in cold water. It's very frustrating.
Your videos are so unique and interesting. This content is hard to find on TH-cam. Chock full of savvy insider information. I am learning so much. This is so fun, and useful. Merci! ✂📝📍
Honestly why the hell would there be such many dislikes??! Are you people blind to the degree that you can't tell this is the very guide that everyone needs who has a life and an understanding of it? Anyhow, THANK YOU SO MUCH Justine!!!
At last! Someone who will talk about how to shop for quality clothing and shoes. I learned a lot. I would love to see youtube posting like The Gentleman's Gazette only for women!
I certainly am learning how to shop. I find myself now looking at the labels, care instructions, type of fabric, etc. Thank you Justine. I am spending a whole lot more money. Lol
I just started my first big girl job as a pharmacist here in the US! I love watching the videos that talk about what clothing staples to have and now this one is my second favorite! I usually shop online but this is a big eye opener! Thankyou Justine =)
What causes pilling on a fabric? The amount of times have bought a garment and after wearing it for 10 sessions it begins to pill...so annoying. I bought a Christmas jumper from H&M in December because we were having a Christmas jumper day at work; I wore it once and by the end of the day both arms were covered in bobbles of wool. I could not take it back because I had bought it 4 week before the Christmas j/day. I have bought clothes from Primak which have washed better and lasted longer than Per Una from M&S.
pilling like that is a sign that the fabric has been "brushed up" so it looks thicker and feels fluffy, but the surface is actually broken so it starts coming off in bobbles as soon as rubbing happens (against a wall, against a backpack, sleeve against bodice on the sweater itself...). Really annoying, I can imagine your disappointment. Cheap fleece fabric is often like that because it creates more "volume" with less weight. And yarns are bought by weight, for knitting. Better stay away from fleece and "fluffy" fabrics from cheap brands...
I never said it ws a sign of bad quality but you would think the more one spends on an item of clothing the better the quality would be as the adage goes "You pay for what you get"....that is not always the case.
This is very helpful. I’ve gotten more knowledgeable about fashion, but this is extremely helpful! This makes me feel better if I’m paying a little extra for better quality. Thank you
Unrelated to this video (which I enjoyed, as always), but could you do a video on your favorite red lipsticks? I'm always curious to know what French women would gravitate towards, and every time I see it on you, it looks so lovely. Very interested! Thank you!
Thank you so much Justine. I don't buy a lot of clothes but when I do "good quality" is my number one priority. Now I can be really sure what to look out for. Thank you so much. I bought a yellow top that I could not get the seams on the side to line up when ironing now I understand why.
I'm following maybe 5-6 channels, don't want to waste much time on YT. BUT I WISH I could get a notification whenever you get up, I love the informative material, the fact that you make it short, your face, your style, your accent. It's like I know all these things only a designer knows and I only spent 10 minutes yet feel just as informed as someone that went through school for it.
thanks for the great feedback! You know that if you click the little bell (next to the "subscribe" button, on my channel page), you will be notified about each new video? If you have subscribed but don't click the bell, you will only be notified now and then.
I needed so much this video. I instantly shared it after seeing it. I am based in Romania where even respectable brands started to flood the market with acryl, nylon and polyester. I am talking Zara, Mango, H&M, Massimo Dutti, etc. And the prices are quite high for the quality they are offering. Everything I have bought from them for the past 5 years has deteriorated: colors washed off, seams broke, the fabric got loose and lost its fitting, decorations fell off. I am trying to avoid them but the options are not many.
I have been working on updating my wardrobe for years, I resent those quick fashion store with passion!!! I started to learn how to sew my own clothes because even higher end stores started to fail on quality big time! So sad...I think the only way to fix the problem is to make choices as consumers where to take our business.
My friend is a trained tailor. I have been frustrated with shop quality as well, and sewn some things myself, but I could just submit them to her. 🤔 It's hard to break through to the industry in Finland, because we're so expensive workers, so she's delivering pizza right now, but the world needs her skills.
Hei Justine! I wasn't aware of fast fashion but because of your video now I want to change the way I buy clothes. I also convinced my boyfriend. Keep up the good work, your contribution is important!
Thank you for your incredible work here! I learned so much from you. I always prefer quality to quantity, but it is so hart to find something good nowadays. It is so helpful you have mentioned those 5 points! I love your videos, only structured useful information! Really the best quality of content!
I just started sewing and had never thought or cared about quality clothes until I wanted to make nice clothes myself. These tips are useful to people learning to make clothes too. Thanks.
@Justine Leconte, although I agree with you about when shopping online to look for how the fabric falls/lays on the model, over here in America we have to deal with Photoshop that can deceive us.
Thank you Justine for sharing your knowledge of the fashion industry. I just bought 5 pieces of clothing online - the packages came from China. Needless to say, I had no idea how the fast fashion business model worked. You have opened my eyes and of course I have learned the hard way what is not good and what is good quality. My ,mistake was "buying the photo" and not paying attention to all the things you pointed out as poor quality, shortcuts and the low wages situation. Your videos have taught me a lot and as a teacher myself I can only thank you a million times over. No one ever explained these things to me yet I can create a garment with proper darts and seam finishes yet I don't check my own fast fashion purchases. Typically I do buy high quality garments but since retiring I find it easier to shop online or at H&M or at Zara - You gave changed my clothes purchasing habits 200%. ! Keep educating us! We really need it.
I already knew to *try* to look for matching stripes, on the off-chance a mass-merchandiser had one in stock, and to look for the seams. BUTTONS are another hideous problem with fast fashion! The one thread they're held on with comes right off in a single wash. I end up sewing on every button for anything but a pair of pants, unless it's a "fashion element" like on the sides of the legs. I have also resewn plenty of hems. I can do them quickly now, even on a break at work while I'm wearing most items. But I didn't realise that the issue with knits was so common. I've had twisted seams a few times but I buy most clothes from secondhand shops, so maybe it was just poor washing. I don't mind. I was just going to wear out the clothes soon anyways, between house cleaning and animal shelter work. There is no reason to buy new clothes in a major city in America unless it's undergarments or shoes. I find brand-new items with tags on them all the time! Being able to look for twisted knits and other issues as a manufacturing problem and not as a "this was just poorly treated" problem is a new idea. I'll share this video with friends who are also low-income so they can make better decisions about what to buy. There are a lot of $10USD shirts; we don't HAVE to buy the worse-made one!
Hi there! Now that you saw my failed purchases from the past (sigh), what are yours?? :-)
pretty much my entire wardrobe except some pants and things my mom sewed for me. Thank you for the helpful video!
Certain pieces made of chiffon that get runs very quickly :( Pieces I don't end up wearing because the fit is off, they aren't flattering, or don't suit my lifestyle. Pieces that are itchy after a year of use...All camisoles, ever (OMG do a cami video!!).
You explain things so well and concisely! I wish you had included why pieces get runs and other damages in this video too :) Holes can sometimes be obvious but piling, runs, etc could have been included. Maybe another video? I love your comments!!
Christmas jumper from H&M....it had pilled by the end of the day....I had not even washed it.
Bought a suzie sheer t-shirt because it was cheap when I was younger, after the 1st wash all the seams were unraveling!
I usually have side seams that twist around my torso when I buy my usual tshirts. Now I know why, so thank you for making this video!
My wife is going to be blown away when she drags me shopping and asks me which top she should pick.
Hahaha brilliant! Yes, show her what to look at 😁😁😁
This is the cutest thing I've ever read
Oh, dear...
She really doesn't want your opinion - she only wants you to agree with her. >.
That’s so sweet!!
Aaaaaaaawwwwww
This is why I shop second hand! Only durable pieces last that long and I can see the item in its real condition after a few washes and wears!
Your are smart I will consider to do so))))
I’ve been seeing this too, especially for bed sheets & towels. The best sheets I own were made in the 60’s & 70’s, easy to see from the paisley patterns, etc. Then manufacturers noticed that “good quality” doesn’t get (need) replaced as often, but “last years style” does. Interesting right. 😃😃😃
Very true
Exactly!
So true, I do the same
I never knew why those T-shirts twisted after a while (I had a hunch but never knew for sure). Thank you for that. It really bugs me when I have to fold them and they're not symmetrical.
It's also wise to not spin-dry jersey too much or too fast: lay flat and let them air dry instead. Esp. if the label says "delicate wash" 😉
Yes a lot of labels have this issue, mine too, whether its a cheap h&m tee or a designer tee that cost few hundreds, they all twist. 7 out 10. My jeans twisted too and they were like 400 bucks
I've noticed for a long time that my really bad quality and cheap clothes never fold properly, while my good quality clothes fold completely symmetrically and flat. Now I know why! The good quality ones are way more satisfying to put away for my OCD brain lol
No symmetrical folding! The story of my life since I by my clothes myself.
I only wear "cheap" (not always as cheap as they should...) printed T-shirts and this occurs quite often! Even for some of the more expansives ones.
Now I understand why. :)
This is kind of an "anecdotal evidence" but after moving from Poland to Germany (aka from one of the poorest countries of the European Union to one of the richest in the world), both my mother and I noticed the difference in clothes bought in both countries, especially visible while ironing. In both countries, we'd buy in pretty much same type of stores (basically fast fashion standard brands). Turns out pieces bought in Poland twist more frequently than those bought in Germany, even despite the fact that they cost pretty much the same, if you convert the currency (like a similar piece in the same brand's stores would cost 10 EUR or 45 PLN, with 1 EUR = 4.5 PLN). I only understood why it was the case after I first learned about how you line up pieces of a clothing and the directions of the fabric.
I'm an old man who isn't really into fashion, but this was very informative and entertaining. This was well presented with concise narration.
Well, just like you, I am also an old man but I am into fashion and really enjoy Mrs. Leconte's advise and apply them to my skills as a consumer of men's garments. I just wish she would do men's fashion too as far as tips and advice. I am certain she would reach million of men who would love her expertise as a designer in fashion.
old men buy clothes too
Plus the examples help the explanation to stock with you.
That's because it's about clothes, not fashion.
@@Competitive_Antagonist 10/10
1:34 another reason why t-shirts twist after a while is because the yarn used to make the fabric is not twisted tight enough.
I learnt it in a fabric factory here in Italy (they make fabrics for Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo etc so I believe them!)
That is very informative!
Fake pockets or small pockets are always low quality for me no matter how good quality the fabric or stitching. Why do they even make fake pockets!!??
handbag industry ;)
Fortunately it is mostly in women's clothing. If you see it on men's clothing: Run...
out of the store and find another place to shop.
Seriously good question. I hate fake pockets. If I discover them late I always return the pants. I can't afford a handbag. Plus I always have a rucksack so why would I buy a small bag that
can't contain all my school supplies? It only makes sense if you're clubbing or something. But then wouldn't actual pockets still be preferred to having a bag swaying back and forth whilst dancing?
@@mellowthebear Exactly. Maybe Justine can tell us the history of fake pockets.
@@Xandros999 - In my experiance, this is not true. I know a LOT of people who care about pockets.
Heck, I despise that cargo pants have "gone out of fashion"... along with turtleneck shirts. They have function. If you can't make function look good, get out of the fashion industry.
Where this is useful especially is in a thrift store. I have found amazing pieces for a song!
Me, too. Know your fabrics and your designer labels, do a good inspection (generally no returns policy or very limited time frame) and cha-ching! Good buys abound and you will look mahvelous!
Yasmin Roberts Where should plus sized shop then ?
@@couleurful I'm sure there are enough clothes in drift stores for everyone.
Same here! I'm on an EXTREMELY tight budget (as in "break out the oatmeal and peanut butter for meals") but I'm picky.
Totally agree! I have found amazing finds at thrift stores. Go to the stores in better areas and you can even find brand new clothes ***with*** the tags still on them. Wait until after Christmas or the beginning of Spring when everyone gets rid of all of their old stuff. It's even better if I can find something a little bigger then have it professionally tailored to fit me. I look like a million without spending a million!
I knew it wasn’t my imagination when formerly “good” brands suddenly became yucky! Thank you for these lessons- you remind me of my Home Ec teacher during sewing class💌
I like that you 1) get straight to the point and 2) outline what you’re going to discuss. It makes for a nice viewing experience.
One thing that really annoys me is see through shirts. Any shirt made for women is automatically super see through.
After losing some weight I can now buy shirts in the men’s section and they are so much better.
some shirts for men are quite see through as well, even "not so cheap" ones. Those are primarily meant for use with a blazer/jacket and only 1 layer. If I am wearing those by themselves I would definitely use a undershirt underneath as well.
So you have to by something else!
Ryan Jackson
The only layering I do is wearing a men’s shirt open over my women’s shirt, so when I get tired I can change into the more comfortable men’s shirt.
Me too. I need compression or tank tops underneath with some stuff that show up online. Stuff is getting thinner and thinner.
Maybe it's the brands you're purchasing from... I typically shop Express or Banana Rebuplic. They have plenty of options which aren't see through.
Such great video. You hear so many times "buy good quality clothes" or invest in "good quality" rather than quantity, but what does it mean really? What IS good quality? So many people understand it differently, when it is in fact quite simple, and even fewer people talk about how to spot this "good quality", so THANK YOU.
awesome, I am so glad it helps! That is exactly what I tried to explain, concretely...
You did it brilliantly, Justine. Thank you for replying to my comment too ). So nice of you )).
Yes, Irene, exactly. Very poor quality is easy to spot, but it's not always that easy. And recognizing something doesn't fit well doesn't tell you WHY. Now I know!
Irene Stetska
Yes! I always checked for simple basic shirts in "better quality" but when I tried to compare them I didnt even know what to compare exactly.. Thanks for this video!
Thank you so much ! Now I know I'm not crazy. my boyfriend thought I was crazy for spending good money on clothes and that i was picky, because i pay attention to fabric , stitching etc. I have gotten to the point that I just want to make my own clothes and underwear. Even asked my mom for a sweing machine for my birthday .
I have even saved a bunch if my grate grandmother's clothes that are amazing so when I get my machine fit it to my size.
+Maria Perez great birthday present!!
You go. girl! :D
Amazing!
I try to sew more clothes by myself to fit my body. I’m not only plus sized, I’m also tall and I like vintage and romantic style so my only way to get proper garments is to create them.
Nice to know you have your great-grandmother outfits! Sure you’ll look great. Wish you a lot of luck ✨
I have no idea why youtube suggested this to me, but I am so glad it did. Thankyou, this is very informative.
You should do the tips for choosing low budget but not so bad quality of clothes.
And I love your accent :)
This would be great
Unless you thrift I think most of the time you just have to save sadly. If you buy fast fashion, not only is it extremely unethical but almost all fast fashion labels use time saving shortcuts that lower the quality of the item. It’s better to save and look into handmade products that will last you 10 years.
Could you speak on how brand companies have allowed their quality to slip while raising prices. I have seen this with Victoria Secret, Talbots, Calvin Klein, Gerry Weber, etc.!!! Therefore, brand name doesn't mean quality anymore!!! Likewise, high end doesn't mean good fit! I've found C&A Jean's fit me better than Burberry!
IKR I tried on a skirt at Brandy Melville and I tried to do a twirl in it in the dressing room and it ripped.
Overall economy inflation has a part in this too I think. I’ve never worked in high end fashion so I can’t say for sure but I do know that when minimum wage went up in my state my company inflated some of its prices a long with it.
@@jazzmyne6881 sucks because their quality was great
@@jazzmyne6881 omg
Hi Justine, perhaps you could do a jeans special: How can I determine good quality from bad in jeans/denim? I find it extremely hard with stretchy skinny jeans. They all seem poor quality to me - even the more expensive brands - because they tend to be so thin.
I am really trying to purchase long lasting clothes and I am surprised that I find it so difficult with jeans.
Thanks and keep up the really good and interesting work!
silke
I've found out last year about a Rock Revival brand of jeans that fits me perfectly - they have thick textile/canvas, the seem is flat and sewn with thick threads, and most of the time the seems are lined properly - and you can buy them at Nordstrom Rack (or other outlets, I guess, too - but this is where I've bought them) for around 70$. Not sure if that's too much for some people, but for me it's worth to have only two of those jeans instead of various bad-quality ones. I hope I will be able to buy them even after I move out of North America.
@Mally Kay You don't need to wash jeans after a couple uses unless they're stained or sweaty. Washing them less frequently and turned inside-out will prolongue their life.
Brazilian jeans are very well made and fit to the body really good. One woman complimented my pair of jeans other day and she asked where I bought, but I told her I didn't remember because they were 4 years old. So, we have good brands and they have high quality and the "premium products". the first one is thicker, you can feel the weight and how the fibers don't have much space between them; good sewing inside and out. The second one is a little bit lighter and is rougher to the touch and can have some errors of sewing.. when washed very often, tend to be less durable.
That's how I check them out to see if they are good quality.
Always wash denim separately.. just denim clothes in the washer. And, if they are black denim, put a little bit of salt in the washer once each four times washing it so the color will last longer
Pâmela Fernandes Depende da loja/marca brasileira. A maioria importa da China, que produz a mesma qualidade das lojas fast-fashion. Qual loja você comprou?
Silke Stadler i use Levi from the actual website or store. Don’t get from Macy’s or walmart or any other store that sells them. I’m convinced that they have a different line for other stores. The quality isn’t the same.
But the Levi you get at the Levi store is best. Material is heavier feeling.
I really appreciate how your videos are making me into a person who is more conscience about my wardrobe and shopping habits. Im actually becoming a person who has style now.
Please keep these kinds of videos up.
that's great to hear this, thank you so much.
All the things you mention in your comments are exactly the reason I have stopped buying clothes, unless they are for hacking around or for some dirty job that means once the job is complete I throw them out. Quality has gone out the window, I make all my own clothes, then I have only myself to blame, most of us work hard for our money therefore we should make sure we buy the best we can afford or like me, make your own. I gave up shopping years ago, saved a fortune and a great deal of frustration. At my age sewing is now a hobby as well as a good way to keep fingers and hands going, a plus on all sides I also enjoy making things, not just clothes but also soft furnishing or anything else that comes to mind, with three machines plus two knitting machines and heaven knows how many knitting needles and crochet hooks which I have gathered over the years I will never be short of tools also I am a fabric and yarn addict, it all helps. So people, do it yourself, you get a great deal of satisfaction when creating, then when you really must go and purchase a garment you know by your own workmanship what is good and what to avoid.
Laura B
Thank you Laura. I too used to sew all the time many years ago and the money I saved, the designs I created, the satisfaction of making something/garment cannot be measured.
I have more time coming up and may consider picking it up again (I have two sewing machines) so I can avoid as much as possible this cheap truckload of garments the stores hang on their racks.
Thanks again for the motivation.
Sew on! Sew on! Enjoy.
My mother is an excellent seamstress and taught me to sew quite well as a, little girl. Sadly, I rarely sew and have forgotten many basics and detailed aspects of sewing and design. You teach me so much Justine. You actually inspire me to design and sew my own simple basic style pieces.
I could listen to your magnificent accent and voice all day. It's so refreshing to see and hear such tremendous class, style, etiquette, femininity....
Thank you so much Justine for sharing your great wisdom, expertise, and vast knowledge of style, fashion, design, and more.
Blessings to you!
LowCountry Girl 777, I haven't sewn in years but will start again. I plan to practice sewing and serging techniques before I start on an actual garment. The practicing will take me quite a while. I'm looking forward to it. A man who used to repair sewing machines told me that 90% of machine problems are caused by the operator and not the machine - even for a very basic low cost machine. I now agree and this includes me having to be patient and set up the machine correctly, using the right needle, applying the right tricks like tape to prevent a v-neck or round neck from stretching, etc. etc.
Lately I am mostly sewing my own clothes, not to save the money, but to have better fitting garments made of natural fabric, that I will feel comfortable in. When I walk into store and start trying stuff everything is or too tight over my breast or my hips.if I go size up I am swimming in it and It all looks shapeless. It is also difficult to find good quality in stores nowadays.
I was going through the comments (some sometimes have interesting complimentary information), and I was surprised that they are a lot of men watching and not afraid of voicing their positive opinion! A real proof that your content is of high quality, enjoyed by the big majority! Keep up the good work~
My personal tip is to look the wash directions, if says "hand wash, dry wash or... no wash" i don't buy it, because i'm a busy woman and a don't have the time to spend hand wash or going to the dry cleaning place. I need clothes that suits to my lifestyle, not the other way around.
Greetings from Chile!
hi Chile!! I spent 5 months in your country, once. Chile is where I learnt Spanish :-)
Wash directions don't say that much about fabric quality in my experience. I'm a knitter and I consider pretty much everything I make handwash, simply because I'm not going to spend countless hours knitting up a sweater just for it to felt and shrink in the washer. Quite often, fibers that require special treatment have a lot of other advantages that completely make up for that (for example, some types of wool don't need to be washed as often, simply because smells dont 'stick' to them, so hanging them outside over night might be enough.)
i completely agree with you. If a purchase a gorgeous wool sweater or a fancy dress, i don't going to wash machine them. I wash all my wool sweaters by hand in the summer (so it can properly dry and be ready for autumn/winter) But i'm not going to hand wash a cheap horrible polyester top, it just not worth my time or money.
camila gonzález contreras Well, I completely agree with that!
camila gonzález contreras --but then you can never wear silk, cashmere or some linens for example. Or suits and blazers. You wouldn't put those things in the washing machine, even though they're high quality items.
Every single tshirt I bought from well-known stores, e.g. Forever 21 and H&M, would always end with twisted side seams after several wash and I thought it was just how the fabrics turned out. If only I knew better... So thank you, Justine! Now how do we determine if a tshirt is of a good quality before we buy it? Because when you're at a store and you look at a tshirt, it usually looks good and doesn't look like it's gonna twist.
If you slightly tug at the fabric you can determine in which direction it naturally wants to stretch. When the directions differ quite a lot there's probably something wrong ^^ I don't know it it works for every fabric but it mostly does for me! If you look closely you can also sometimes see in which direction the threads are running.
H&M? Really? Wow. Everything I bought ar H&M is super durable and no annoying twisting seams. And the only bras I've ever bought that are actually good and don't stretch after a few months are from H&M (and the one I most frequently wear is about 7 years old). The only thing so far that is of a mediocre quality in my experience are their shoes
Your profile pic gave me a panic attack🤣
Most of best quality clothes are from H&M.
Unico makes amazing t shirts at a low price!
"Five percent 'others" -- what the hell is 'others'?"
Hahaha, love it 😂
Any decent fabric/clothing manufacturer should be transparent in what their product is made of. If not, they're being very cheap and/or harmful and trying to hide it.
For those of us that suffer from allergies or have super sensitive skin... those "others" or not knowing exactly what makes up the so called viscose type of material is a continuing nightmare on a very limited budget! One of my biggest hassles in the continuing trend to put elasticity into so called 100% cotton etc products.
I wish there were companies that made hemp products that don't cost a small fortune, as its breathable, durable and sustainable re for the environment compared to cotton etc. I can't even buy a pair of womens denium jeans because they are all been elasticitised, and mens jeans are going the same way. Even the op shops are running out of the good "old" stuff.
@@sueladybird6923 Don't buy it, shun that purveyor and warn all of your family, friends and acquittances to avoid their merchandise.
Likely recycled fibers, so God only knows for certain.
As a seamstress, this is awesome! I got a coverstitch machine, because I was tired of not being able to get a flat hem with a double needle on knit fabrics. I’m still learning with it… different fabrics don’t always react the same, but it’s still awesome to have. Sometimes when people bring me stuff to alter, I give it back better than when they brought it to me. Sadly, I can’t fix poor cut, like off-grain cuts. But I can make better seams and hems that will stay put longer.
I feel like all the "high street brands" are all medium or low quality - even the "premium" high street brands that are changing $200 for a coat.
Example - I saw a nice looking coat the other day, $200, I went to try it on and then noticed: 1) Completely unlined. It's just a fake suede type of material on the outer, with no lining, at all. b) No sealed hems - everything is exposed once you look inside the jacket. It just looks so cheaply made. And yet, they charge $200 for it.
I see dresses and basic pieces priced highly - and then you look at them closely, and the fabrics are thin and cheap (far too many see-through dresses!) and everything is poorly hemmed and stitched. And yet you're paying a 'premium' on them.
The only good quality seem to be handmade designer pieces - but that's waaaaay too muh money.
Oh, unlined dresses and skirts is one of my biggest pet peeves and they're becoming more and more abundant. Sorry, but I don't want anyone to be able to see my panties and bra underneath. I've invested in slips. But yes, companies charge $150 for an unlined, cotton dress with no pockets. NO POCKETS!! ;)
$200 for a coat is mid range and not premium. Of course they will cut costs.
Yeah, you need to be careful not to get suckered in with the image of the brand as even 'premium' high street brands may have only medium quality garments or otherwise have a huge variance in their store and sometimes garments will tick most of the boxes but still have compromises.
@J .S Lining coats is often a cheaper way of finishing a garment than taping or French seeming them. The skill required is much lower and therefore costs with a cheap polyester satin can be done for about half the cost. It is also much quicker so the makes it cheaper on labour too.
Agreed 👍
love this. Can you put some info up about poor vs good quality denim. Especially for jean pants
+Koko damned... I should have included a pair of jeans in this video, you are right 😥
I love this video Justine. I drive everyone crazy when I check seams while shopping. I also won't even look twice if the fabric doesn't feel nice. One thing that is so awful in fashion lately is spandex. There is spandex in everything. I don't want to look like a sausage in a casing, I want drapey feminine clothes. They want a "one size fits all" to save money but it's insulting to us women.
omg yes!
+bljts Spandex is also not very durable (most of the time)...
Yeah, and throw spandex into the wash and nightmares ensue.
Maybe we have political correctness to thank for that (and entire part of the society that convinces fat people that it is okay to be unhealthily fat and wear tights - looking grotesquely, instead of teaching them to be healthy) >_> Feeling good in your healthy body is one thing, but pulling wool over someone's eyes and telling them that they should feel good about obese themselves is completely another.
And before someone attacks me for prejudice or fat-shaming, saying that many obese people are like that because of genetics and it's not their fault - my partner has inherited slower metabolism and high cholesterol from his mother, which he could use as an excuse to get fat, but he doesn't. He is aware that he has to take more careful care than most of the people about what he eats, and to have more exercise, which he - surprise! - is not too lazy to do, and therefore isn't obese or anywhere near being fat.
Btw. if people felt more shame about many selfish, bad behaviours, it would prevent them from behaving like that and thus make the world a better place for everyone. Pardon the digression.
@@Ocudavidimvideooo Or maybe it's because athleisure is in style right now and people like tighter fits, you loon.
Now , this is usefull for a fashion dummy like me! Could You make a video about lingerie and wat type of bra goes well With which body/bust shape ?
Tip: go to an actual lingerie store, not H&M or department stores. It's a bit pricier, but they will measure you and help you find what works for you exactly. Many of those places have employees who are specifically trained for exactly that :)
Lea B ....Exactly! Your bra is actually the most important clothing item you will ever buy and make or break how you look no matter how expensive an outfit is. I typically go to Dillards for bra fittings and the sales women always have the best options for me. Recently I was shown a different brand then my usual Waycoal (just as pricey) but it has worked out really well. I no longer have "spillage over the cups" since I've been having myself professionally fitted. .
please make a video for busty girls, and which tops, blouses and sweaters looks best on us.
Everyone thinks it's great having a large bust....News Flash -it's not!!!
PS Love your videos! !!
Willow Bark , I have a lot of my button down blouses tailored to fit. I was sick of trying to find one that would fit and not leave gaps between the buttons. Hope that tip helps.
Thanks, Baileygirl Smith! I haven't had a button down in AGES! I also use Wacoal bras...I too was fitted, and it made all the difference in the world. But fickle me, I'd like a new style! We have no Dillard's near us, but another busty friend recently told me about Soma. She was fitted there and is very happy.
:)
I'm going to go get a notebook and replay this video to write down the tips for future putchases. I shall not be fooled anymore!
such a good breakdown of what to look out for. I'm trying to re-build my wardrobe to have less items but better quality. I've really been liking viscose shirts, which I'd never heard of before, but gosh, I wear them all day at work with a lot of moving around and sweating, and they're fabulous! But VERY good to know about the seams and sewing techniques because i dont have any experience with sewing, so the visuals are great!
Thank,you Justine. Very helpful video. I am in Paris on holiday and noticing your tips about French women Only wear 3 colours and wear good shoes I am picking up so many tips from you and slowly on my way to declutter my clothes and start a capsule of quality garments Please keep up your videos Merci beaucoup Madame
TH-cam should create a "permanent thumb up" every single video of yours is on point
oh I'll suggest this to TH-cam, great idea :-D
I enjoyed this. In Britain, it's getting harder and harder to buy cotton, linen or wool clothing. Everything is now polyester or nylon blends. I used to love the White Stuff because a lot of their clothes were natural fibres. Now, most of their clothes are 50% polyester or nylon or acrylic. I don't like the feel of them on my skin.
Arti you can still find some natural I have a mixed cotton and wool jumper from them
I am also noticing that there are more 100% cotton/linen stuff in men's clothes than women's. What the heck?!
Arti try cos or Hobbs
Agreed. It feels like it’s suffocating me! Cotton is always the way to go but it’s hard to find.
I grew up in the 70's. Synthetics were all the rage but they were far better quality than what's sold today; they draped better and clothing was constructed well. In the 80's there was a backlash - everything was natural fiber, top quality natural fiber. I sigh when I remember.
Nowadays I can't find anything natural fiber and if by chance miracle I do, either it is a recycled fabric (neither breathable nor absorbant) or it is mixed with synthetic fiber, or it's obscenely expensive. Good clothes are now only for the elite.
Great information. I wanted to add that the hole in the t-shirtless may have been from an anti theft device stapled through the garment. I have noticed that although you don't see the hole when they remove the device, the hole will grow after each wash. Those devices actually destroy the fabric.
That yacht flag sweater is the fastest of fast fashion: Wear it until it gets dirty and then throw it away! My maternal grandmother was a seamstress who sewed most of my mother's and my clothes. She unsuccessfully tried to teach me some of these tips when I was too young to care, so I truly appreciate the thorough examination of dos and don'ts in this video; immediately applicable no matter what one's taste and budget. TFP!
Really helpful. Could you also make a video on affordable brands which make good quality clothes? I often ended up paying 60 euros for something that is damaged after the first (hand)wash!
Always remember to keep the receipt and then file a complaint when that happens!
OcchioniApotropaici
+++
I was going to ask this. It would be cool to hear about brands with multiple price ranges of quality clothes .
check labels with fabrics content. It's good to have basic knowledge about fabrics. Then how it's made, As I wrote here on the comment - I was able to found sometimes good quality product for 10-20 EUR and really something poor for 100 EUR just because of label on it.
Vistula, 4F and Bonprix for clothes and Gino Rossi and Lasocki for leather boots and shoes their some of designs are as pretty as Dior's.
Really enjoy your videos, love the simplicity and the way you provide a lot of information in a compactly sized video. Keep it up, congrats on growing fast, you definitely deserve it.
thank you for watching & for your support! :-*
Ami i
1:34 Oh my god..i agree with you..it's sooo annoying. Not necessarily fast fashion brands, even designer brand have the same problem. My own experience with Dior t-shirt(men). it twisted after only one wash. Different with SLP t-shirt, i can't even remember how many times i washed them already, but still hold the good shape.
That's why I took up sewing for better finishes and tailored look. It widens my range of choice and allows me to take pieces whose fabric or colors I like, but otherwise would have to let go. And that means a lot of second-hand shopping, too
I learn so much from you....finally at age 65 I am understanding!!!! Thank you.
hahaha great!
This was SO educational! Your channel is going to be among the biggest ones on YT, I can feel it :) and btw that lipstick looks amazing on you! This video made me realize how much crap I have bought over the years.... but I honestly don't know where to shop good quality clothing without having to spend a fortune on something like a plain white t-shirt or singlets. Oh and I would love a video all about what types of underwear are best for different pieces of clothing! I learn so much from you
You have literally been the only person to actually educate me on Fashion. I used to hate it cause I didn't know shit. Now it's a whole new world. Love you!❤❤❤
Thanks for this video. I imagine myself shopping in one of those fast fashion stores after watching this: “the hem is not stitched properly, the fabric is poor quality”
I am watching this only two months after she said thank you for 50,000 subscribers and she already has 150,000. I am so glad I found this channel, learning sooo much.
+Marie oh... I hadn't realized how fast we grew! Welcome here! 🤗
I've shown your videos to my friend and we agreed that buying good quality clothing is a better option... but here's a question: where? What are some of the brands or manufacturers you'd recommend? Sometimes, even a name that used to stand for quality ends up being so commercialized that a consumer is paying for the name more than actual quality. We've gone over what's available to us in Slovenia and Austria, and concluded there's very few options, and even those usually have styles that don't fit us. I don't mind paying more for a piece of clothing if I can be sure it will stay the way it's meant to even after wear and wash, but I really haven't a clue and I've sometimes paid more only to still have to contend with things that were just not made to last.
Mexx was really good last time I've checked
I know, there are some quality goods in Parndorf Outlet near the Vienne. At least 7 Years ago they were. But the best way is to learn yourself to compare quality of different things. For example, I use a T-Shirt by NAPAPIRJI for about 8 Years and it still looks good (actually it was in vintage style since the beginning :)), but now I do not see the same quality T-Shirts in their Shops. Also it depends on your preferences, of course. Probably I'm kind of a little bit "conservative" guy, who can by the same goods for decades ))) I mean, the same topsiders by Timberland, the same T-Shirts by Fruit of The Loom and Hanes, hoodies from Hanes etc.... )))
High end heritage brands
Thank you so much Justine. I try to buy less so that I can afford better quality, however I know more expensive isn't necessarily higher quality, but with your tips, I am more aware! BTW I really enjoy watching your videos. Its great to learn from an intelligent woman who understands timeless fashion and not whats "hot and fun!". Thank you!
Cynthia Waltho Everything has cheapen.... it's just "names" now that people buy...even for purses and shoes... you can find inferior work that cost plenty of money. Until people refuse to buy "names" we won't be seeing quality.
@Elaine BB I completely agree. Its really too bad. What is more disappointing is how much of the sales revenue gets put into the marketing of these poor quality products, which subconsciously teaches us hey are "good"!
@@elainebb5937 So true! It is even more infuriating when you know that 70% or so of the price goes towards a paycheck to celebrity from the advertising campaign. I'm guessing that the big brands are trying to cash in the "golden days" standard when a brand actually DID mean a great quality, but that has long stopped being the case. I categorically refuse to buy branded (and overpriced!) stuff if I can get the same or even better quality from a non-marketed brand. In my opinion, "branded" stuff nowadays are just a status symbol intended for those that lack in some other (more important) things.
Justine, I'm watching almost all of your videos. I really appreciate your sharing about the differences between lower, medium and high end quality clothing. I agree about looking inside clothing to see how it's constructed. I plan to start sewing again. My biggest challenge will be finding quality natural or blended fabrics. 95% of the few fabric stores left in Canada sell cheaper quality fabric now as few people sew their own clothing now. They'd rather quilt.
800k+ new followers since you made this video is proof that your work is very high quality!
Congrats Justine, well deserved success (and of course, thank you for what you do!)
Where I'm from most stores don't keep my size and they just shove me off but they keep my size in men's clothing so I basically end up buying tees and casual shirts from men's collection. I really needed you in my life to understand clothes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these videos.
I have broad and muscular shoulders so I end up in the men's department, too.
My work includes open flames, so having 100 percent natural fibers is a must. Burning fabric (natural) is easier to put out (and heal from) in case of accidents whereas synthetic fibers will melt and possibly stick to your skin leading to escalated injuries.
This is a really great video. I am a clothing reseller and I really do try to find and sell good quality items. I think if it looks great when it's gotten to a thrift store or tag sale, that is a good first indication. But knowing some of the details you shared that I should be looking for brings this beyond my instinct (pretty good) to actual KNOWLEDGE, which is a great combination! I found a great used coat recently that was velvet outside of a synthetic and pure silk inside. It sold in about 3 minutes after listing! Good quality tells and sells!
This is the first video I've seen from you, I thought 10 minutes was going to be too long but you keep it moving and don't get bogged down in too many details. Thanks
I like buying clothes and learning differences in quality and you make it informative and succinct, delivered with an absolutely killer French accent that would make learning the rules of cricket listenable!
I'm not much of a fashionista anymore. Moved from a city to the country. Not a big need to get dressy. I can still appreciate a well made sweater or a pair of jeans. I do buy fast fashion, like tees and tanks keeping in mind I will only wear them for one season. I love your channel. You're resparking my love of clothes!!
Your videos are really helpful :) so straight forward and easy to follow. I am not on a big budget but these tips will help heaps when I am thrift shopping :) thanks
Thank you! I feel like I'm in a fancy University listening to a fashion class:) everything is logical just like I like it!
TH-cam finally recommended a useful video for once. Thank you Justine, will put your tips to work next time I go shopping for clothing.
Justine,
Please put these videos in a play list.
They are VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!
Thank you so So SO Much!
That's so revealing about the fabric weave direction. I adore the bias cut, because you get that natural wave and fluidity if it's a skirt, and it's good to create a drapey top, I think.
'Roping' seams drive me crazy! I sometimes cut them for a raw edge that disguises it. You really know what you're talking about, and you don't waffle like many people giving advice on here!
"Where is the space for the breasts?". I guess I've never noticed because I haven't any :p . Even so, you're right, even when we wear cheap clothes we would like to breathe from time to time :) . I find second-hand good quality to be a great, reasonably cheap alternative to fast fashion - and some clothes you can get have still the label on!
Tips on on-line shopping.
Julia L --it's often much easier to return things you bought online versus buying in the shop. Especially when you buy things in a small boutique, they often want you to return things within 14 days and sometimes for a voucher. Online, this is not an issue. You can return things without questions.
gisforgary, what would be the brands that you recommend online, then? And what's your country so that I can check if they're even available for me...
gisforgary do you have brands yoid recommend that are good quality?
Wow! You have just made my life more complicated, and I love it. I definitely need to delve further into this topic cause I'm thoroughly fed up of wearing garments that look great in the store, but sits ho hum on my body or they look great on the first wear, but look faded like I put it on a high heat tumble in the dryer, on the second wear. Thank you!
At the 0:25 sec mark, Miss Leconte opens out the ring finger (to gesture the quantity 'four' with her hand) while the pinky is still closed/winded. I have never seen a person be able to do that. I love all your video but that was actually rather impressive
Merci Justine. Je cousais mes vêtements moi-même jusqu'en 1993. Depuis j'achète! Bien que je me fasse un devoir d'examiner les coutures et le sens du tissu, il m'arrive d,acheter des vêtements "cheap" (fast fashion). Depuis que je vous écoute et suis abonnée à vos vidéos, j'apprends énormément et j,ai décidé de ne plus encourager les compagnies qui polluent et exploitent les ouvriers du vêtement de par le monde. De même les trucs que vous nous donnez ici me seront fort utiles à l'avenir. merci encore.
This is easily one of the most informative videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you for explaining to me why I’ve had shirts where the seams on the sides twist.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I already knew how to select good quality clothing thanks to y mother teaching me how to sew when I was a kid. Your video is a great refresher course.
One of the things I"ve noticed is that manufactures in the last decade or so seem to have stopped preshrinking the fabric before it is cut. Which makes the garment seams twist and pucker even when washing in cold water.
It's very frustrating.
Your videos are so unique and interesting. This content is hard to find on TH-cam. Chock full of savvy insider information. I am learning so much. This is so fun, and useful. Merci! ✂📝📍
+Yellow Rose thank you very much 😘
Honestly why the hell would there be such many dislikes??! Are you people blind to the degree that you can't tell this is the very guide that everyone needs who has a life and an understanding of it?
Anyhow, THANK YOU SO MUCH Justine!!!
At last! Someone who will talk about how to shop for quality clothing and shoes. I learned a lot. I would love to see youtube posting like The Gentleman's Gazette only for women!
I never knew why some of my shirts twist like that! Thank you!
Your channel turned me from a fashion dummy to a fashion savvy👍❤️ ty Justine
I certainly am learning how to shop. I find myself now looking at the labels, care instructions, type of fabric, etc. Thank you Justine. I am spending a whole lot more money. Lol
TH-cam needs more videos of people who knows what they are talking about. Thank you very much for this.
+durenatu thanks a lot 💛
I just started my first big girl job as a pharmacist here in the US! I love watching the videos that talk about what clothing staples to have and now this one is my second favorite! I usually shop online but this is a big eye opener! Thankyou Justine =)
What causes pilling on a fabric? The amount of times have bought a garment and after wearing it for 10 sessions it begins to pill...so annoying. I bought a Christmas jumper from H&M in December because we were having a Christmas jumper day at work; I wore it once and by the end of the day both arms were covered in bobbles of wool. I could not take it back because I had bought it 4 week before the Christmas j/day. I have bought clothes from Primak which have washed better and lasted longer than Per Una from M&S.
pilling like that is a sign that the fabric has been "brushed up" so it looks thicker and feels fluffy, but the surface is actually broken so it starts coming off in bobbles as soon as rubbing happens (against a wall, against a backpack, sleeve against bodice on the sweater itself...). Really annoying, I can imagine your disappointment. Cheap fleece fabric is often like that because it creates more "volume" with less weight. And yarns are bought by weight, for knitting. Better stay away from fleece and "fluffy" fabrics from cheap brands...
Even cashmere pills! I bought a great sweater comb on Amazon, and it works just fine for my cashmere sweaters!
LizzieWhiz pilling is not a sign of bad quality
I never said it ws a sign of bad quality but you would think the more one spends on an item of clothing the better the quality would be as the adage goes "You pay for what you get"....that is not always the case.
Justine it was a Wool jumper.
This is very helpful. I’ve gotten more knowledgeable about fashion, but this is extremely helpful! This makes me feel better if I’m paying a little extra for better quality. Thank you
Unrelated to this video (which I enjoyed, as always), but could you do a video on your favorite red lipsticks? I'm always curious to know what French women would gravitate towards, and every time I see it on you, it looks so lovely. Very interested! Thank you!
My clothing tastes are simple but I'm constantly frustrated by wandering seams. This has given me new eyes for when I'm shopping next, thanks!
Thank you so much Justine. I don't buy a lot of clothes but when I do "good quality" is my number one priority. Now I can be really sure what to look out for. Thank you so much. I bought a yellow top that I could not get the seams on the side to line up when ironing now I understand why.
Wonderful video! Can you do maybe a series on how to care for clothes...thanks for your videos!
Babybloo18 would love a video on garment care as well !!!
Your content is game changing - it’s everything I need to learn about style and textiles - thank you
I'll be checking for this next time I go to buy more clothes, at the second hand store. Love those places! Can always find gems!
I'm following maybe 5-6 channels, don't want to waste much time on YT. BUT I WISH I could get a notification whenever you get up, I love the informative material, the fact that you make it short, your face, your style, your accent. It's like I know all these things only a designer knows and I only spent 10 minutes yet feel just as informed as someone that went through school for it.
thanks for the great feedback! You know that if you click the little bell (next to the "subscribe" button, on my channel page), you will be notified about each new video? If you have subscribed but don't click the bell, you will only be notified now and then.
I needed so much this video. I instantly shared it after seeing it. I am based in Romania where even respectable brands started to flood the market with acryl, nylon and polyester. I am talking Zara, Mango, H&M, Massimo Dutti, etc. And the prices are quite high for the quality they are offering. Everything I have bought from them for the past 5 years has deteriorated: colors washed off, seams broke, the fabric got loose and lost its fitting, decorations fell off. I am trying to avoid them but the options are not many.
I love your smile, subscribed when you said “let’s use them for science”
I have been working on updating my wardrobe for years, I resent those quick fashion store with passion!!! I started to learn how to sew my own clothes because even higher end stores started to fail on quality big time! So sad...I think the only way to fix the problem is to make choices as consumers where to take our business.
My friend is a trained tailor. I have been frustrated with shop quality as well, and sewn some things myself, but I could just submit them to her. 🤔 It's hard to break through to the industry in Finland, because we're so expensive workers, so she's delivering pizza right now, but the world needs her skills.
Wow, all of the captions available are very impressive!! Thank you!
Hei Justine! I wasn't aware of fast fashion but because of your video now I want to change the way I buy clothes. I also convinced my boyfriend. Keep up the good work, your contribution is important!
as a person that has worked in high end luxury retail for years , this is a wonderful explanation of the difference quality manufacturing makes
You forgot hemp - a great natural summer fabric.
Side seams that twist? Seems I don't own a single piece of good quality clothing 😂
Thank you for your incredible work here! I learned so much from you. I always prefer quality to quantity, but it is so hart to find something good nowadays. It is so helpful you have mentioned those 5 points! I love your videos, only structured useful information! Really the best quality of content!
thanks!
I just started sewing and had never thought or cared about quality clothes until I wanted to make nice clothes myself. These tips are useful to people learning to make clothes too. Thanks.
Omg I finally know why my cheap H&M t shirts are all twisted! I have wondered for years, it is SO annoying. Lots of usefull info in this video!
@Justine Leconte, although I agree with you about when shopping online to look for how the fabric falls/lays on the model, over here in America we have to deal with Photoshop that can deceive us.
Why haven't I found your channel sooner? It's pure gold!
+MsMarmeli thanks!
Very informative video. This also give me an idea what to keep an eye on when making my own clothes.
+Wingedshadowwolf great!
Thank you Justine for sharing your knowledge of the fashion industry. I just bought 5 pieces of clothing online - the packages came from China. Needless to say, I had no idea how the fast fashion business model worked. You have opened my eyes and of course I have learned the hard way what is not good and what is good quality.
My ,mistake was "buying the photo" and not paying attention to all the things you pointed out as poor quality, shortcuts and the low wages situation. Your videos have taught me a lot and as a teacher myself I can only thank you a million times over. No one ever explained these things to me yet I can create a garment with proper darts and seam finishes yet I don't check my own fast fashion purchases.
Typically I do buy high quality garments but since retiring I find it easier to shop online or at H&M or at Zara - You gave changed my clothes purchasing habits 200%. ! Keep educating us! We really need it.
I already knew to *try* to look for matching stripes, on the off-chance a mass-merchandiser had one in stock, and to look for the seams. BUTTONS are another hideous problem with fast fashion! The one thread they're held on with comes right off in a single wash. I end up sewing on every button for anything but a pair of pants, unless it's a "fashion element" like on the sides of the legs. I have also resewn plenty of hems. I can do them quickly now, even on a break at work while I'm wearing most items.
But I didn't realise that the issue with knits was so common. I've had twisted seams a few times but I buy most clothes from secondhand shops, so maybe it was just poor washing. I don't mind. I was just going to wear out the clothes soon anyways, between house cleaning and animal shelter work. There is no reason to buy new clothes in a major city in America unless it's undergarments or shoes. I find brand-new items with tags on them all the time!
Being able to look for twisted knits and other issues as a manufacturing problem and not as a "this was just poorly treated" problem is a new idea. I'll share this video with friends who are also low-income so they can make better decisions about what to buy. There are a lot of $10USD shirts; we don't HAVE to buy the worse-made one!