The quality of fabrics is strictly related to the quality that the final product will have. It affects the comfort and durability of a garment, but also defines the sustainability and overall value. Every day, more people are choosing to embrace this aspect of slow fashion, thanks to the growing demand for high-quality, and ethically produced fabrics.
Fabrics not only improve your experience while wearing the clothes, but also play a major role in reducing waste and overconsumption.
In this article, we’ll explore why quality fabric matters, how to recognize it, and how investing in better fabrics benefits you and the environment in the long run.
Why Fabric Quality Matters
Fabric is fundamental because it is the soul and body of a garment. The quality of the fabric determines the shapes you can create, the embellishments you can add, and whether it’s possible to make a statement with your clothing.
The quality of the fabric depends on the fibers it is made from. Choosing clothes made from high-quality fabrics contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry, while also enhancing your overall experience wearing them.
Good fabric will provide greater comfort when wearing clothing, offering fresher options for summer or better insulation against the cold in winter. At the end of the day, humans began wearing clothing to protect themselves from the weather and external factors, so what’s the point of buying clothes that don’t fulfill that purpose?
Day by day, more people are choosing to wear clothing made from high-quality fabrics instead of those mass-produced by fast fashion brands. Below, we’ll explore the key reasons behind this choice and share some tips to help you make the switch too.
How To Recognize Good Quality Fabrics
To recognize fabric quality, the first thing you should do is check the label sewn inside the garment. If you’re shopping online, read the product description carefully, as the seller is required to disclose this information—just like we do at Hartwell.
When reading the label, pay attention to the fiber composition. For example, natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk are often indicators of high-quality fabrics. Ideally, these should make up at least 70–100% of the material, depending on the type of garment.
Blends with synthetic fibers like polyester or elastane can be acceptable for added stretch or durability, but these should typically make up no more than 30% to ensure the fabric remains breathable, soft, and durable.
If you’ve already purchased the clothing, you’ll notice the quality of the fabric not only when wearing it—how comfortable it feels and whether it’s suitable for the season—but also in how long it lasts. Garments from brands like H&M, GAP, or Shein, which use low-quality fabrics, often last only a few months with regular use. In contrast, clothing made from high-quality fabric can last for years, even decades.
The Role of Sustainability in Fabric Sourcing
In recent years, slow fashion has been gaining more ground against fast fashion, aiming to make the industry more sustainable and ensure its production methods are ethical, without endangering people.
Fabric quality is closely tied to this movement. High-quality fabric allows you to wear clothing for years, reducing the need for overbuying and minimizing waste. Most low-quality garments cannot even be donated or sold second-hand because, after just a year of use, they often become unusable.
Additionally, high-quality fabrics require more careful production processes, which cannot be achieved on a massive scale. This often means they are produced in a nearly artisanal manner, ensuring not only better craftsmanship but also ethical practices that are easier to regulate and compliant with labor standards.
If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of choosing slow fashion and understanding the harm caused by fast fashion, check out this article we’ve prepared with all the essential information.
Why Quality Fabric Equals Better Value
If you want to get your money’s worth, you can achieve it by purchasing high-quality clothing from brands that value craftsmanship. At first, the price comparison may make these garments seem more expensive than those from mainstream brands, but in reality, you’ll save money in the long run.
Buying high-quality clothing is like making a long-term investment: you spend a bit more upfront, but the garment lasts for years. This means you end up spending less than you would with fast fashion brands, where you’d have to replace items frequently due to their lack of durability.
Thanks to this extended lifespan, not only are you getting better value, but you also have the flexibility to wear these garments for years—provided you follow proper care instructions—or choose to donate or sell them to thrift stores when you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe.
Hartwell’s Green Commitment: Balancing quality and environmental responsibility
Our commitment to sustainability begins with the exclusive use of the highest-quality fabrics, but it doesn’t stop there. We care deeply about the world we live in and the one we leave for future generations, which is why we are dedicated to ethical production practices. We collaborate with production partners and fabric houses that uphold the strictest standards, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Our garments are designed to last for years. You can enjoy them yourself for that time or choose to donate, share them with a sister or friends, and allow more people to appreciate them. We ensure they have the quality to endure, so all you need to worry about is making them the stars of your best looks.
And now, we’re thrilled to take our sustainability efforts further through an exciting partnership with Switch2zero, a pioneering environmental initiative. Together, we’re making a tangible impact by integrating tree planting with every purchase. Each item you buy helps reforest our planet and supports carbon sequestration, creating a greener, more sustainable future.
Investing in Quality for Timeless Style
Choosing high-quality fabrics is more than just a style decision—it’s a commitment to sustainability, value, and ethics. Durable fabrics extend the life of your clothing, save you money over time, and support a greener future.
With every purchase at Hartwell and other sustainable brands, you’re making a conscious choice for better living and a healthier planet. Together, we can transform fashion into a force for good—one quality fabric at a time.