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Creating your own clothes is a rewarding and creative endeavor. It’s often the little details that make your handmade garments look like they belong on a designer runway. From luxurious finishes to thoughtful design choices, these details elevate your DIY creations and give them a high end, polished look. Here are 15 designer level details that will make your clothes look expensive and sophisticated.

Use High Quality Fabrics

The fabric you choose plays a huge role in the overall look of your garment. High quality fabrics, like silk, wool or linen, not only feel better but also give your clothes a more professional finish. Look for fabrics that drape beautifully and have a soft, rich texture. Even if you are working with a basic pattern, the right fabric can make it look like a designer piece.

Pay Attention to Seam Finishes

Designer garments always have neat, finished seams that prevent fraying and add durability. Instead of leaving raw edges, finish your seams with a serger or zigzag stitch for a clean look. For a more professional touch, use French seams or bound seams for a polished and couture worthy finish.

Add Decorative Topstitching

Topstitching is a small but effective detail that adds structure and sophistication to your garment. Use topstitching to highlight seams, cuffs or hems and opt for contrasting thread to make the stitching stand out. The extra effort in topstitching can make a simple garment look designer worthy.

Create a Perfect Fit

Nothing makes a garment look cheap faster than an ill fitting silhouette. Designer level clothing is known for its impeccable fit. Whether you are altering patterns or sewing custom pieces, take time to make sure your garments fit you like a glove. This may involve making adjustments to bust, waist and hip measurements or fine tuning sleeve and pant lengths.

Incorporate a Clean, Invisible Zipper

A well sewn invisible zipper gives your garment a sleek, designer look. Instead of opting for bulky, visible zippers, choose an invisible zipper for a more professional finish. Make sure to sew it in carefully to ensure that it lies flat and blends seamlessly with your fabric.

Use Lining for a Polished Finish

Lining is a hallmark of high quality garments. Lining your clothes not only gives them a more expensive look but also improves the garment’s comfort, structure and longevity. Be sure to use a lightweight, smooth lining fabric that matches or contrasts with your outer fabric. Lining the inside of dresses, skirts or jackets adds a touch of luxury.

Perfectly Pressed Hems and Seams

Professional clothing often has crisp, well pressed seams and hems. Don’t skip the pressing stage, using an iron to press your seams and hems as you sew will result in a much more polished look. Make sure to use the correct heat settings for different fabrics and invest in a steam iron for the best results.

Add Hidden Pockets

Designer garments are often full of thoughtful details that elevate their functionality and style. A hidden pocket or a cleverly integrated side pocket adds both practicality and sophistication to your DIY projects. Adding these small details elevates the garment and adds a level of luxury that’s often only found in higher end designs.

Incorporate Unique Fastenings or Buttons

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Switch out standard buttons or closures for unique, statement making ones. Look for high quality mother of pearl buttons, sleek metal closures or even decorative vintage buttons that give your garments a designer feel. Small touches like these elevate the overall look and make your clothes appear more custom made.

Add a Designer Style Collar or Cuffs

Adding unique or intricate collar and cuff designs can transform a basic blouse or shirt into something extraordinary. Experiment with stand collars, mandarin collars or sailor collars and consider adding contrast piping or embroidery for a couture look. Designer shirts and blouses often have these thoughtful touches that make them stand out.

Use Fabric Specific Finishing Techniques

Certain fabrics require special finishing techniques to look their best. For example, velvet should be pressed with a fabric steamer to prevent crushing while silk benefits from a delicate hand finish. Research the best techniques for the fabric you are working with, as it can make a huge difference in the final look of your garment.

Incorporate Pleats or Tucks

Pleats and tucks are signature design elements in high end fashion. Adding pleats or tucks to skirts, dresses or even blouses gives your garment an elegant, tailored look. These elements not only enhance the shape of the garment but also add texture and depth to the fabric, making your piece appear more refined and luxurious.

Use High-End Details like Hand Stitching

Hand stitching, when done correctly, can add an element of craftsmanship and luxury to your garment. Consider using hand stitched hems, hand stitched buttonholes or even hand sewn embroidery for an artisanal touch. These small details show a commitment to quality that’s a hallmark of designer clothing.

Add Intricate Embellishments

Intricate embellishments like beading, embroidery or applique are signature details in designer fashion. Whether you add a few delicate beads to a neckline or embroider a floral design onto a sleeve, embellishments are a great way to elevate the look of your garment and make it feel truly custom-made.

Experiment with Unique Fabric Combinations

Mixing fabrics is a great way to add depth and interest to your garments. Designers often combine fabrics like silk and leather, lace and wool or denim and cotton to create a rich, textured effect. Experiment with combining different fabrics in unexpected ways to give your DIY clothes a modern, high fashion feel.

By incorporating these designer level details into your DIY projects, you can elevate your garments from basic to high end. With careful attention to fabric choice, finishes and unique design elements, you will create clothes that look not only beautiful but also expensive. With every stitch, you will become a more skilled and sophisticated sewist, ready to craft truly luxurious pieces!

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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