It’s bad enough that kids grow out of clothes at a really fast rate, but what happens when you find yourself constantly having to replace clothing items simply because they aren’t holding up? It’s an extra cost that most families don’t welcome, especially if the item still fits them perfectly fine. So, if you’re tired of replacing clothing before it becomes too small, you’re going to want to take a look at these tips that will help you to better spot quality pieces that are comfortable and long-lasting.
Don’t Get Caught Up on the Price Tag
For many parents living on a tight budget, shopping for cheap clothing for the kids seems like the best plan. The problem with this approach is that these cheaper items are usually cheap for a reason – they aren’t built to last. They tend to use lower-quality materials, are mass produced so they aren’t made to be as strong and resilient, colors can fade, and wear and tear shows up a lot faster.
While you don’t have to buy the most expensive items out there, it’s a good idea to invest in a few staple pieces. By doing this you’ll likely end up saving money in the long-run since you won’t constantly have to replace them. An excellent example of quality clothing that is built to last is the Stone Island for boys line. These mid-priced pieces feature the kind of materials and construction that won’t fall apart after a couple of washes, won’t start fading, and won’t lose their shape.
Buy Only What is Needed
Another tip is to buy only what is needed. Rather than get sucked into a number of impulse buys, you’re better to spend more money on individual pieces and get that higher quality than a giant wardrobe of cheaply made items.
Take a Close Look at the Seams
The seams in a garment can tell you a lot about how it’s made and how it will likely hold up. In poorly constructed garments, the seams and threads may start to pull apart if you give them a gentle tug. What this tells you is that they won’t hold up to the typical activities of kids. Top stitching is another feature to look for as this adds extra strength to the garment.
Be Sure to Look at the Material Used
The material/fabric that is used in the item will also determine how well it holds up in the washing machine, how well it holds its shape and color, and the comfort factor. Natural fabrics such as cotton and bamboo will always feel softer, more comfortable, and allow your body to breathe better. This can be especially important when shopping for spring and summer clothes.
Speaking of the material, you want to be sure you also look at the washing instructions. While a dry-clean only item for you may seem acceptable, chances are you don’t want to be dry-cleaning your child’s clothes on a weekly basis.
By following these tips, you’re sure to be able to spot quality clothing items with ease.