Online shopping can sometimes be risky. It's like swiping with a 10 on Tinder and crossing your fingers he's not a catfish. And while dating apps can have obvious red flags to warn you when something is too good to be true (men holding fish in their photos), online shopping doesn't always come with subtle warnings. Sometimes, what looks like stunning, high-quality clothing in its photos shows up at your door looking more like a SHEIN reject.
I've been there, too, and to save you the emotional trauma of this happening to you again— I'm going to tell you everything you need to know so you can spot clothing made to last and have confidence in your purchase before you click "Add to Cart."
Let's dive in.
It's pretty obvious to say that good clothing starts with good fabric. (Hopefully used to make small batch collections.) Your besties are going to be natural, sustainable fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and silk. These materials feel better on your skin, hold up longer, and are better for the planet. But how do you judge fabric quality through a screen?
Start by zooming in. High-quality fabrics often have a tighter weave, giving them a smoother, more polished appearance. If the material looks loose or you can see tiny gaps between threads, it's likely too thin or poorly made. If you still can't tell, look up the lightest colour option offered for that garment. For example, say you love a black sweater but can't tell if the fabric is good, inspecting that same sweater in a lighter colour like white or beige will reveal if the fabric is too sheer. If you can make out the model's undergarments through the item, chances are it will be flimsy and look like garbage once it arrives at your door. (It girl fashion fail.)
While we are still on the topic of fabric, Fabric weight is one of the easiest ways to judge quality. That's not to say lightweight garments aren't inherently bad (summer linen, for example), but flimsy fabrics that cling to your body can look cheap from a mile away. Look for photos showing the clothing in motion or hanging naturally. A quality fabric will have a nice drape. If it doesn't fall smoothly on the model or, worse, clings to their body, run, girl, run!
They say the devil is in the details, so remember to inspect trims like buttons and zippers. The little things can tell you a lot about the craftsmanship of a garment. Zippers, for instance, should look sturdy and well-integrated. A good metal zipper usually indicates quality, while for the most part, cheap plastic ones show the manufacturer was trying to cut costs. This is definitely not giving old money.
I also have an issue with plastic buttons. I remember one of my first big purchases—this gorgeous mink cashmere cardigan. It was definitely an investment piece, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. But when it arrived, I was so disappointed—all I could see was the big plastic buttons down the front! If you're spending that money, your garment should have better quality finishings, so details like buttons matter. Wood, metal or even pearl buttons can elevate a garment, adding that touch of sophistication and timeless quality. It's those little things that, in my eyes, make an investment piece feel truly worth it.
At Sashu the Label, these tips aren't just talk—they're the standard for every piece we make. We believe clothing should be more than just something you wear; it should make you feel euphoric. That's why we produce small-batch collections using only the best sustainable fabrics, carefully designed for investement worthy fashion and quality that lasts.
Shopping online doesn't have to be a gamble. With a bit of knowledge, you can fill your wardrobe with pieces that feel as good as they look—and we're here to make sure of it!