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Pomona College Magazine is published three times a year by Pomona College
550 N. College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Online Editor: Mark Kendall
For editorial matters:
Editor: Mark Wood
Phone: (909) 621-8158
Fax: (909) 621-8203
PCM Editorial Guidelines
Contact Alumni Records for changes of address, class notes, or notice
of births or deaths.
Phone: (909) 621-8635
Fax: (909) 621-8535
Email: alumni@pomona.edu
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How to Buy Quality Clothes
Expert Advice/ Dru Hilty ’02
 Residing in New York, Dru Hilty ’02 is settling into her latest
appointment as associate designer for Alexander Wang. She draws upon her
work for AsFour’s Kai Kuhne, Ann Taylor, Phi, Moschino and Barbara Tfank
to offer some spot-on apparel advice.
“Before I entered design, I really had no idea what to look for when
shopping for something nice, except maybe brand or price,” says Hilty.
“Shopping now is like treasure hunting. I’m sure I look like a dorky
scientist examining a fossil or something.”
To buy high-quality garments, she says, look for three things:
Quality of Design
There are aspects of design which are worth paying more for. Bias-cut
skirts or dresses use fabric cut at a 45-degree angle to create stretch
over curves and a superior fit. Sleeves with a panel on the underside of
the arm (called a two-piece sleeve) also provide a better fit. Look for
pieces with lining, which add to durability and comfort. If the fabric
has a print, make sure it matches in noticeable places. Don’t just try
clothes on—walk, sit, bend in them.
Quality of Workmanship
Learn to inspect the inside and out of a garment before you buy. A
serged or Merrow-ed seam (like the inside of a T-shirt) is a cheap
method of finishing. Seams bound with bias tape, French seams or
flat-felled seams (the side of your jeans) will last longer. If the
fabric has beads or sequins, make sure they’re securely attached. Check
the grain of the fabric—the vertical grain should run straight up and
down. Inspect each seam to make sure stitches are secure and straight.
Examine hems—they should be nearly invisible, never done with a straight
stitch and should never pucker. Hold up clothing to make sure the lining
falls smoothly and does not extend below the hemline.
Quality of Materials
If the materials are junky, the garment will not look good in the long
run. No plastic buttons—look for mother of pearl, horn, stone, leather,
metal or fabric. For fiber and fabric, natural is better than manmade.
Wool, cotton, linen or silk breathe easier and are nicer against the
skin. Check the care label to see if you are willing to maintain it
properly. Lastly, squeeze a handful of fabric to see its wrinkle
reaction. When buying sweaters, cashmere is the best, but I may be
biased since I work for Alexander Wang.
Hilty’s Best Tip
If you’re flat broke, skip shopping for a few months. How you wear what
you wear is nine-tenths of great style. In the end, even designer
Kenneth Cole says, “To be aware is more important than what you wear.”
Happy shopping! |
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