7 Signs a Fabric Won’t Last (And What to Buy Instead)

Ever bought a new top, only to have it pill after two wears, shrink in the wash, or lose its shape before the season’s even over? You’re not alone.

The truth is, it’s not you — it’s the fabric.

The fashion industry thrives on “fast” clothes made with blends that look good on the hanger but fall apart in real life. The good news? Once you know what to look for, you’ll never waste money on clothes that don’t last again.

 

Here are 7 stylist-approved signs a fabric won’t last and the better alternatives to choose instead.

 

 

1. It’s Paper-Thin When Stretched

Hold the fabric up to the light and gently stretch it. If it becomes see-through or loses density, it’s a sign it will wear out quickly and may tear or lose shape.

Choose instead: Mid-weight cotton, linen, or modal that has structure without being bulky.

 

 

2. The Weave Is Loose

Fabrics with a loose weave can snag easily and lose their shape after a few washes. You’ll notice this most with cheap knits and loosely woven sweaters.

Choose instead: Tighter weaves like ponte knit, quality jersey, or twill that maintain their structure.

 

 

3. Polyester Overload in Summer Clothes

Polyester can have its place, but when it makes up 90%+ of your summer tops or dresses, you’ll end up hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. Plus, polyester tends to trap odours.

Choose instead: Breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or blends with viscose/rayon for drape.

 

 

4. It Looks Shiny Instead of Matte

Shiny finishes often indicate cheaper synthetic fibres. They may look appealing under store lights but tend to show wear (snags, pulls, pilling) quickly.

Choose instead: Matte finishes in natural fibres like wool, cotton, or viscose.

 

 

5. The Fabric Pills When You Rub It

Here’s a stylist trick: gently rub the fabric between your fingers. If little balls form straight away, it’s going to pill badly with wear.

Choose instead: Fabrics with long fibres (like high-quality cotton, wool, or Tencel) which resist pilling.

 

 

6. Seams Look Weak or Crooked

If the fabric is pulling at the seams or looks uneven, it’s a dead giveaway that the material isn’t strong enough to hold its shape.

Choose instead: Clothes with reinforced seams or French seams (a sign of quality construction).

 

 

7. It Wrinkles Instantly

Some fabrics look great until you sit down once — then you’re creased all day. While natural fibres like linen do wrinkle, very cheap cotton blends wrinkle without the elegance of linen.

Choose instead: Blends with a small amount of elastane for stretch and recovery.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Spotting these red flags takes seconds in-store, and they’ll save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in regret purchases.

If you’re nodding along and thinking, “I need a fabric cheat sheet every time I shop” — I’ve got you.

👉 My Fabric Guide ($35) covers:

  • The good, bad, and ugly of every common fabric.

  • Exactly which blends to avoid.

  • Which fabrics are worth the money.

  • Care tips so your clothes last years, not weeks.

Get the Fabric Guide Here