Clothing dupes: fabric, fit and finish

Read the fabric label

Fibre content is the first thing to compare. A wool coat dupe should be mostly wool, not a polyester blend with a little wool for the label. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, linen and silk breathe and age well; synthetics are often cheaper and more durable, but can pill, hold odour or feel warm.

Fabric weight matters too. Heavier knits and denim usually drape better and last longer. Where a retailer lists weight, in grams per square metre (GSM) or ounces for denim, higher generally means a more substantial fabric.

Check the construction

Look closely at the seams in product photos or in person. Even, dense stitching and finished inside seams are signs of care. Linings help coats and blazers hang properly and slide on easily. Pattern matching at the seams, on stripes and checks, is something cheaper garments often skip.

Buttons, zips and hardware are a quick tell: metal zips and sewn-through buttons with a shank last longer than flimsy plastic.

Fit is the real luxury

A well-fitting affordable piece looks more expensive than a poorly fitting designer one. Use the size chart rather than your usual size, compare measurements with a garment you already own, and read reviews for notes like "runs small". A simple hem or sleeve alteration often turns a good dupe into a great one.

Before you check out

A quick checklist for clothing dupes:

• Fibre content matches the look you want (wool for wool, silk for silk).
• The care label suits your life: dry-clean-only adds ongoing cost.
• Reviews mention how it holds up after washing.
• Free or easy returns, in case the fit is off.