Best Materials to Buy in Clothes: What Fabrics Last Longest?

If you’re building a wardrobe that’s built to last, the fabric is everything. With the rise of fast fashion, many clothes today are made from synthetic blends that don’t wear well over time—stretching, fading, pilling or losing shape after a few washes.

So which materials are really worth investing in?

In this post, we break down the best clothing fabrics for durability, comfort, and timeless style—plus how Tellar.co.uk helps you find the right fit, no matter the fabric.

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Why Fabric Choice Matters

Quality fabrics make all the difference in:

• Longevity (How many washes before it wears out?)

• Fit and feel (How it drapes and moves)

• Care and maintenance (Does it require dry cleaning or hold up in a machine?)

• Cost per wear (A higher-quality item can save money in the long run)

Buying better materials = fewer replacements, more comfort, and a wardrobe you’ll actually love to wear.

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Top 7 Long-Lasting Fabrics to Invest In

1. Wool

A natural fibre that’s warm, breathable, and exceptionally durable. Good quality wool garments (especially 100% wool) can last decades with proper care.

✅ Best for: Coats, trousers, jumpers, tailored suits
⚠️ Look for: “100% wool,” “merino wool,” or “lambswool” on the label

Bonus: Wool is odour-resistant, meaning fewer washes—extending lifespan.

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2. Linen

Made from the flax plant, linen is stronger than cotton and gets softer over time. It’s perfect for summer because it’s cool, breathable, and eco-friendly.

✅ Best for: Shirts, blouses, summer dresses, trousers
⚠️ Note: Linen wrinkles easily—that’s part of its charm!

High-quality linen only improves with age and wear, making it a smart investment.

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3. Cotton (100% or Heavyweight)

Cotton is everywhere—but not all cotton is created equal. Stick to 100% cotton, ideally mid- to heavyweight for better durability.

✅ Best for: T-shirts, shirts, jeans, underwear
⚠️ Avoid: “Cotton blends” with polyester for long-term use—they pill and lose shape quickly

Look for Pima or Egyptian cotton for a softer, stronger feel.

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4. Silk

While delicate in feel, silk is a surprisingly strong natural fibre. It has excellent elasticity and can last years when cared for correctly.

✅ Best for: Blouses, camisoles, scarves, dresses
⚠️ Dry clean or hand wash only—avoid tumble dryers

If you want timeless elegance and quality that doesn’t date, silk is worth the investment.

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5. Leather (Genuine)

Real leather, when properly treated, can last a lifetime. Over time, it develops a rich patina and becomes more supple.

✅ Best for: Jackets, belts, shoes, handbags
⚠️ Choose full-grain or top-grain leather—avoid “genuine leather” labels, which may be processed

Pro tip: Condition your leather goods annually to prevent cracking or drying.

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6. Denim (Raw or Selvedge)

Premium denim is made from heavyweight cotton and is woven for strength. Unlike stretch denim, raw or selvedge denim maintains its shape and texture longer.

✅ Best for: Jeans, jackets, skirts
⚠️ Wash sparingly to preserve shape and colour

Denim made from 100% cotton with a high GSM (grams per square metre) will last significantly longer than cheaper blends.

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7. Cashmere (High Grade)

Cashmere is softer, lighter and warmer than wool—but not all cashmere is created equal.

✅ Best for: Knitwear, scarves, cardigans
⚠️ Look for: “Grade A” or “2-ply” cashmere, ideally from Inner Mongolia

Lower-grade cashmere pills quickly, but high-grade cashmere can last 10+ years with proper care.

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Fabrics to Be Wary Of

While synthetic fibres have a place in activewear or outerwear, avoid relying on them for everyday staples.

• Polyester: Cheap, traps heat, and often pills quickly

• Acrylic: Itches, pills, and holds odour

• Rayon/Viscose blends: Weak when wet, prone to stretching out

• Nylon: Durable but not breathable for warm climates

Instead, use Tellar.co.uk to check not just your size—but what fabric you’re getting too.

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How to Shop for Quality Fabrics

1. Check the label – Look for 100% wool, linen, cotton, silk, etc. The fewer blends, the better.

2. Feel the fabric – It should feel sturdy, smooth and well-finished.

3. Look at the weave – Tightly woven fabrics last longer and resist snagging.

4. Use Tellar.co.uk – If you’re unsure how a fabric will fit or wear, we’ll take care of it.

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Tellar.co.uk: The Smart Way to Shop by Fabric and Fit

At Tellar.co.uk, we don’t just tell you what size to buy—we account for:

✅ Fabric behaviour (Does it stretch, shrink or drape?)
✅ Brand fit tendencies (Do they run large or small?)
✅ How fabric impacts sizing (e.g. stretch denim vs raw denim)
✅ Cut and style of the garment

It means no matter what material you’re buying, you get the right fit first time.

✅ Try it here: www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/

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Smart Shopping: Combining Quality Fabric + Correct Fit

Buying long-lasting materials is a great first step. But fit is just as important. Even premium linen or silk won’t feel “timeless” if it doesn’t suit your shape.

That’s why we recommend:

• Creating a free Tellar profile with your exact measurements

• Getting instant size recommendations across 1,500+ premium brands

• Shopping smarter by filtering by material and fit

👉 Start here: www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

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Summary: Best Long-Lasting Materials

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Build a Wardrobe That Lasts

If you’re tired of replacing clothes after just a few wears, fabric quality is the place to start. Combine it with precise fit using Tellar.co.uk, and you’ll have a wardrobe that lasts years, not seasons.

✅ Create your profile and shop smarter:
👉 www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

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Follow for fabric and fit insights:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Pinterest: TellarUK

• Facebook: TellarSizing

• Twitter (X): @Tellar100

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“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy”

Only at Tellar.co.uk

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