Outlet vs Retail Store: Is Outlet Clothing the Same Quality?

Is Outlet Clothing the Same Quality? What You Need to Know

Outlet stores are touted as treasure troves of discount deals, but are their deals for real? Many shoppers wonder if the bargain prices at outlet malls come at the cost of quality. After all, the Federal Trade Commission makes it clear that outlet stores often stock merchandise manufactured exclusively for those locations. And those products "may differ in quality from merchandise sold at non-outlet stores," the agency states. But not all outlet purchases are a blind discount: It's possible to spot the differences and get a real deal.

Outlet Is Not One Thing

The merchandise at outlet malls isn't a single entity. Some bins and racks hold last season's leftover inventory that you can also find in regular retail stores—but for less. Shoppers may snap up this stock because some brands reserve unique-season items for their outlets.

But many outlet locations also stock items produced exclusively for those stores and those stores alone. These made-for-outlet goods can be lower in price, but the quality typically is as well. An investigation by Consumers' Checkbook found a majority of outlet stores carry at least some merchandise made specifically for outlet sales. About half of nearly 40 stores surveyed produced all or most of their inventory for outlet spaces, according to 9News.

How to Spot Made-for-Outlet

While some outlets may not broadcast exactly which merchandise comes from where, shoppers can look for cues to identify their plain-Jane products. Consumers' Checkbook reports a garment-tag code system used by many brands: A "27" in the upper left corner of the garment's tag signals a made-for-outlet item, while "26" designates mainline inventory]. Checking the brand and product tagging is one step, but shoppers can look for more clues in the clothing itself.

Different construction or craftsmanship could indicate made-for-outlet wear. Tailored garments usually come with lining, and buttons may be fewer or of lesser quality on those pieces. When it comes to stitching, skimpier stitching—such as single rather than double seams, or less robust reinforcements—signal made-for-outlet apparel. Shoes with synthetic leather or rubber soles, weak stitching, or uncomfortable styles are also more likely to be made for outlet markets, report at Consumers' Checkbook.

What Quality Differences Look Like

Made-for-outlet goods may be more likely to come with less expensive materials, and cheap fabrics can affect a garment's quality and durability. CBC News found some outlet-store products were made with lower-quality materials, including less-durable wools and leathers. Likewise, Consumers' Checkbook says the fit, durability, and overall feel may be lacking if the products contain cheap synthetic blends.

Outlets may save you money, but they could also include fewer materials: garments may have fewer buttons and patches, skimpy stitching, or thinner fabric. These differences are real, and they help contribute to the items' lower price points, according to WCPO.

Where the Savings Are Real

So, how can you really know you're getting a deal at outlet shopping spots? Start by looking at the price tag. That may depend on smarter comparisons to other retailers rather than cut-rate markdowns. Because outlet-only items are created specifically for discount stores, their construction and quality may be of less value than similar merchandise originating from a mainline store. Then, keep in mind those construction clues: Compare the garment's materials, seams, lining, and tags to determine if you're getting an authentic deal or a lesser deal.

Why the Label Matters

While uniform outlet-tagging codes don't seem to be a thing, some brands put tags on their outlet products. Coach's handbags, for example, have a serial number that includes an "F" in the code to signal its creation for factories and outlets, according to WCPO. Once you've unpacked the tag, you can examine the item at large. If the garment contains cheap synthetic blends or skimpy stitching, you may have caught a brand's Made-for-outlet castoff rather than a mainline marvel on sale.