If quality is your only concern, here are some of the standards I use. Bear in mind that these things can work as well in picking out items at H&M as they do at Prada. And please contribute your own tests so this guide can grow.

1. The fabric test. Grab the cloth and squeeze it in your hand. When you let it go, is it a wrinkled mess or do the creases fall out? A good fabric won’t crease easily. Test the lining as well. A true luxury item will have lining of silk or something that feels similar — not coarse nylon.

Portfolio.com