Better Isn’t Always Best: Rethinking Quality in the Clothing World

In the clothing industry, marketing loves a superlative.
The best fabric. The finest canvas. The only way to do it.

But after 15+ years working with garments, fabrics, and the hands that build them, I’ve learned something simple but important:

“Better” only matters if it’s better for you.

A luxurious fabric might feel incredible, but luxury often means delicacy. If you’re traveling for work, hopping on trains, carrying bags, or simply living your life in your clothing, you don’t need the softest fabric in the world, you need the most practical one for your lifestyle. That’s the heart of intentional design.

And because I love helping people understand the craft behind their clothing, here are three of the most common misconceptions I hear every day.

1. “Wool Is Only for Winter.”

This is one of the biggest myths in menswear.
Wool is the most versatile fiber on the planet.

With the right weave, it can be:

• Lightweight and breathable for summer

• Durable and structured for year-round wear

• Dense and warm for winter

Wool isn’t seasonal, it’s smart. And it’s often the best choice across all climates.

2. “Full Canvas Is JUST Better.”

This one gets pushed hard by influencers, but here’s the truth:

A machine-sewn full canvas can be less expensive and less labor-intensive than a
half canvas sewn by hand.

The value isn’t in the buzzword.
The value is in the craftsmanship and the person building the garment.

Canvas construction is a spectrum, not a hierarchy.

3. “If It’s Not Bespoke, It’s Garbage.”

We’ve unintentionally created a world where “bespoke” sounds like the only option worth having. But made-to-measure garments, when built with intention, proper pattern work, and real understanding of fit, can be incredible.

There should be room to appreciate all levels of craft:

• Bespoke (one person measuring, cutting, & sewing)

• Made-to-measure (a base pattern adapted to your body)

• Ready-to-wear (with thoughtful tailoring added)

All have value when done with integrity.

The Right Choice Is the One That Tells Your Story

Clothing shouldn’t be about chasing whatever the market calls “the best.”
It should be about choosing what works for your lifestyle, your needs, and your story.

I love having these conversations with clients, and with you, because understanding the craft behind a garment empowers you to make choices that feel intentional and true.

What did I get wrong?
What did I miss?