Clothing

What decides the choice

The fibre content on the label predicts most of how a garment will age. Cotton is breathable and easy to wash, and it shrinks if the fabric was not pre-shrunk. Wool regulates temperature and resists odour, so it needs washing less often. Polyester and nylon dry fast and hold their shape, but they pill and hold on to smells sooner than natural fibres. Blends sit in between, and the order on the label tells you which fibre dominates.

Construction is the part a product photo hides. Look for seams that lie flat, stitching that is dense and even, and patterns that line up across a seam. Fabric weight is a useful number where it is published, usually in grams per square metre, and a heavier knit tends to keep its shape longer than a light one. In shoes, a sole that is stitched rather than only glued can usually be repaired.

Fit decides whether anything gets worn, and sizing differs between brands and even between ranges from the same brand. Compare the measurement chart with a garment you already own and like rather than with the size letter, and read the returns policy before you order, because it is the cheapest insurance against a size that does not match the chart.