When investing in a suit, you generally want one that’s going to look great and last long — a real quality garment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that cost is the best way of assessing this criteria, but price and quality are not always correlated. A suit might cost a lot because it comes with a famous or trendy label, and yet not actually be made all that well. Conversely, sometimes you can find a real steal on a suit that’s actually top-notch.

So how do you tell the difference?

Rather than just looking at the price tag, the authors of The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men’s Clothing recommend checking a suit for the 7 signs outlined above; at a glance, you’ll be able to know whether or not it’s a worthy addition to your wardrobe.

For more information on what some of the above terms mean and what to look for in buying a suit, check out these resources:

Lapels: Slight roll where they begin to fold back; Aren’t stiff, flat, wrinkled, or crimped.

Buttons: Made of natural horn, mother of pearl, polished brass, or ceramic.

Pockets: Lie neat and flat.

Fabric: Made from fine yarn and drapes naturally; Colors are true; Patterns defined.

Construction: Canvas rather than fused.

Coat Lining: Made with fine silk or rayon; Well-tailored, especially at the hem, where the lining is hung, folded, and pressed.

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Illustration by Ted Slampyak