Check the waistband – and beware sneaky jargon: the expert guide to buying clothes that last

The article provides an expert guide to buying clothes that last, addressing common consumer questions about quality indicators like seam types (French seams vs. overlocking), the implications of 'dry-clean only' labels, and how to assess quality when shopping online. It references the '30 wears challenge' launched over 10 years ago by Eco-Age founder Livia Firth and journalist Lucy Siegle, which encourages people to buy clothes they will wear at least 30 times, as a benchmark for sustainable fashion. The author, a journalist interested in sustainable fashion, emphasizes that achieving this goal requires careful selection of well-made garments. The piece aims to answer crucial questions for consumers on how to identify quality clothing without necessarily spending a fortune, especially given that 37% of Britons primarily buy clothes online.