The Quality Assurance Test
Aim:
To test the quality and durability of SOSUME’s new season basics, Spring/Summer 2011/12 onwards. Without realising it, consumers will actually spend more money over time on poor quality clothes than if they invested in a once off garment with longevity in mind, not to mention the luxurious touch of the fabric, incredible drape and lustre, and eco-credentials.
Materials:
1 x SOSUME Long Tee, Olive Green, Size 3. Style code #BM208_OG3. The Long Tee is made from a super soft yet incredibly durable and luxurious blend of 85% Modal and 15% Silk that is a high-tech, anti-pilling jersey. The fabric originates from Japan and the Tee was assembled in Melbourne.
Method:
SOSUME’s Director, Alex Trimmer, decided to vigorously test the quality of the new basics fabric that would be used across the majority of designs. In September 2010, a sample of the Long Tee was made in Size 3 in what would become one of the colours for Autumn/Winter 2012, olive green. This tee was worn on a regular basis, that is, at least twice a week, and machine-washed on a regular cycle (which most of the time contained denim jeans and other rough materials) at least once a week. The care for the fabric states that dry-clean is preferable and hand washing takes second preference. The Tee was hang-dried on all but three occasions where it was accidently tumble-dried. The Tee was worn in a variety of environments such as weekend outings, travelling overseas, running chores, socialising, moving houses, and all other day-to-day activities.
Results:
Now, 16 months later in January 2012, the Tee still shows absolutely no sign of tearing or shrinkage (even though it was put in the dryer on three occasions!). The only sign of wear is the colour has faded slightly from the original olive green to a more “vintage” green. It should be noted that Modal is known for its ability to hold colour twice as long as cotton and is resistant to shrinkage.
Conclusion:
As the tests showed a fantastic quality of SOSUME’s new season fabric blend, it is proven that these designs will last over time. The basic pieces of SOSUME’s SS11/12 and onwards are all made from this anti-pilling, luxurious blend of modal and silk.
The emphasis and outcome of this experiment is to weigh up and consider the cost of cheaper basics and how often they need replacing to the quality, feel, sustainability and cost of SOSUME’s higher end and superior product. It’s all about smarter consumption.
Build your wardrobe, don’t replace it.
Resources:
Read more about Modal and it’s eco-credentials