1. The washing instructions. Check these carefully; does the item need a hand wash - if so will you honestly manage this with your lifestyle? If you risk the machine you may change the item completely, for example a pure wool jumper may felt and be un-wearable if washed in a machine. The item may need a cool wash, several items say 30oC, nowadays - will you have a full machine of such items? Ignoring this advice is likely to prove disastrous. Does the item need to be washed on its own- for example the colour may run- will you manage this? It may be that the colour will run each time you wash it? Does the item need special washing liquid, this may well be the case for silk items, as the enzymes in biological detergent may eventually rot the silk fibres. Does the item say 'dry clean' only - if so calculate the cost of this and remember to add this to the price of the item to see if it still seems a good buy.
2. Ironing temperature. If the label implies a very cool iron only then think if this is feasible- how will you remove the creases that inevitably arise during washing? Suggesting a low ironing temperature seems particularly common in fine knitwear and it can be very difficult to remove the creases without damaging overall fabric.
3. Crushability. Some fibres are more prone to creasing than others and these include linen. A linen skirt may look wonderful on the hanger in the shop, but what is it going to look like when you have sat down in it? To test this you could just scrunch a small section of the garment in your hand, let go and you'll see the crease factor. Without testing for crushability before you buy you could end up with a skirt that you can only stand up in.
4. Drape and dress. Have a careful look at the drape of the fabric. If your body shape is one that is flattered by a 'drapey' skirt or dress then check that the fabric will hang nicely and is not too stiff. Likewise if you need a stiffer material, either to suit your body shape or in a summer jacket, check that the fabric's construction/weave suggests it will hold its shape. Fabrics can be treated to make them appear stiff (called 'dress') but when they are washed they appear limp and lifeless.
5. Fibre content. Check the label for this. If your body is suited to items that fit, particularly over your curves, then look for an indication of this on the label. 'With lycra' or 'with elastane' indicate that some stretch has been built in and fabrics incorporating these fibres can be more flattering. If you have chosen knitwear, then do check the content of the yarn. Wool and acrylic can appear similar but they both wash and wear differently and you need to be aware of this at purchase. Acrylic is more likely to be machine washable, whereas wool is more likely to keep its shape and not stretch in wear.
6. Fabric construction. Is the fabric knitted, for example like jersey or is it woven for example like cotton. Knitted fabrics drape more easily and if your body shape is more suited to this sort of fabric do be cautious when choosing woven fabrics. It is important that you know which sort of fabric suits which part of your body.
7. Decoration. Decoration can make a plain item look really special. There's no need to be put off an item because it has sequins, beads, lace, buckles or buttons but do just think about how you will care for the garment so it continues to look good on you.
If you feel that you need help understanding about your body shape and how different fabrics and finishes can flatter you then get in touch with an image consultant. They will be able to advise you on what clothing choices are best for you as an individual. Once you are equipped with your personal advice and this checklist you should not be disappointed when you take your garment purchases out of the bag or look at cleaning them.
Janet Major is a Senior Image Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants. Located on the South Cheshire/North Staffordshire border, Janet offers advice on all aspects of personal and corporate image, such as colour analysis, style consultations and make-up lessons for women; colour and style and image for men and tailor made sessions designed to improve the personal image portrayed by individuals in business. She carries out one-to-one consultations, group workshops and presentations. She contributes to magazines and newspapers on these aspects.
