Consumer Buying Advanced Joy Jordan, Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist and Tiffany Browning, 4-H Project Coordinator, Department of Family Youth & Community Sciences

Things to Ask Yourself When Buying Clothes: Is the fabric of high quality? Is the garment well constructed? Does the garment fit well? Is the overall appearance of the garment good? Is it of high enough quality for the price? Have the youth bring in one of their favorite garments and have them judge them to these standards. How do the garments hold up?

What to Look for in Fabric Nylon and polyester are the most abrasion resistant so when you combine these with cotton, rayon, or wool, you have a more durable fabric. Smooth fabrics will last longer than rough ones. Certain fabrics will require more care so make sure to look into this when purchasing your clothing. Show the differences in durability by bringing in fabric samples. Discus fabric care requirements by comparing items of different fabric content.

Construction Qualities Button holes and buttons securely attached with no loose threads. Pleats should be evenly spaced and hang straight. Hems should be even around the garment and the stitching should be tight. Have youth judge their own garments to these standards.

Construction Qualities Seams should be well finished and have no loose threads hanging off. The garment should be finished appropriately.

Construction Qualities Pockets should be well made and reinforced. Your garment should fit you well! Pockets should not bulge, There should be no wrinkles when you wear it, And the seams should be straight.

Remember: Price = Quality Price Reflects: Quality of Fabric Quality of workmanship Number of details & trim Brand or designer name Store where it is being sold.

Before Buying Something, Ask Yourself: Does it improve my appearance? Will it be easy to care for? Is it comfortable when I move around? Does it fit into my current wardrobe? Can I wear it often? Does it fit into my budget? Is it really me? Do I need it?

Wise Buys Choosing your clothes based on their quality and value will help you get more out of your clothes. You should not choose based on the price, rather the cost per wear.

* Cost of care is about 25¢ per washing. $ Cost-Per-Wear $ Cost + Cost of Care* CPW = Number of Wearings Have them work out the cost per wear on some of their own clothes. Are the clothes worth it? If they do not have their own garments, you can provide them with scenarios (ie: you have two coats that look identical. One coat is higher quality and is $35 but the other coat is of a lesser quality and is $65. The lesser quality coat is of brand name. Which coat should you purchase?) * Cost of care is about 25¢ per washing.

Applying them to Shorts Look at each of the pairs of shorts in front of you. Read each situation and rank them in order of 1-4 based on which one has the most quality for the price as well as how well it fits the need in the situation. Be prepared to give reasons as to why you placed them in the order that you did.

Score Card #3 #2 Shorts Rank 1 2 3 4 Shorts Rank 1 2 3 4 Shorts Rank 1