Clothing quality check: understanding seamsfrom @gents.studios

Transcript

I'll take worst people can't tell quality clothing from cheap clothing because they just don't know what to look for. So better fix that. Welcome to part one of quality check, what is a seam? Everything you wear, shirts, socks, underwear, is literally just cut fabric stitched together. A seam is the connection between those pieces, and here's why it matters. Clothes can come together fast and fall apart even faster if the seam is poor quality because seams take the most stress when you move. Before we go deeper, here's something most people don't know. When fabric is cut, the edge of it is called the raw edge. If you don't protect that that raw edge, it frays, unravels, and destroys the garment from the inside out. So every seam type is basically a different strategy for controlling or hiding the raw edge, while also connecting the two pieces of fabric together. And different garments need different strategies. Think of seams like Pokemon types. Some are super effective for heavy duty work wear, others are perfect for flowy trousers, and some are not very effective if used in the wrong garment. So here are the three most common seam types you'll actually see. Number one, the overlock seam, the most common seam. You know it via the looping thread on the inside. It stitches two fabric pieces together and wraps thread around the raw edge to stop fraying. Best to make and great for tier and tote bags general yes, but under heavy stress, those loops can snap and expose the raw edge. Then, the unraveling begins. Number two, flat best seam. This one hides the raw edges completely, folding them inside and stitching them down twice. It's super strong, super durable, and almost impossible to fray. That's why jeans and workwear use it. Downside? Side? It creates a big raised ridge that disrupts the flow on softer and drapier garments. No, the open seam, number three. Tier, the raw edges are overlock stitched first, and then the seam is pressed open no it lies flat. Cleaner, smoother, basically invisible from the outside, it's perfect for trousers and dresses. But the raw edge is still only protected by that one overlock stitch on either side, so heavy friction can still wear it down. One of the biggest signs of poor craftsmanship, using the wrong seam for the garment's purpose. And now that you know the seam types, the next step is judging whether the seam is actually well constructed. That's part two. Comment if you want it.