Trend Grade HQ glossary
Cost per wear
Price divided by times worn; the rubric's core metric, where $0.25-1.00 is the strong range for daily items.
Exit test
The question of what an item becomes when its trend ends - wardrobe basic or donation candidate.
Versatility score
How many existing wardrobe pieces a new item pairs with; the multiplier that makes one purchase worth several outfits.
Stitch density
Stitches per inch of seam; 10+ indicates durable construction, under 7 signals fast production.
YKK zipper
The Japanese hardware standard; its stamp on a zip is a reliable proxy for a garment built to last.
Conscious collection
Retail marketing lines using recycled or organic materials; worth checking against the rubric rather than the label.
Frequently asked questions
How does grading work on this site?
Each item is graded on materials, construction, durability, and value for the price, not on brand reputation or styling. A cheap item can grade well for its tier, and an expensive item can grade poorly if the quality does not match the price.
What is the fastest quality check in a store?
Touch plus light: feel the density and recovery of the material, then hold it to light to check weave or knit openness and consistency. Those two checks, done honestly, catch most quality problems before purchase.
Do higher prices always mean higher grades?
No. Price buys quality up to a point, then it buys branding, retail overhead, and scarcity. Grading exists to find that point for each category, so you can stop paying past it.