Structural integrity
Structural integrity is the 25 percent of a GradeThread score that asks whether the garment still holds together. These articles cover seam failure, lining damage, hem loss and repairs, and how to judge them from photos.
Grading Vintage Denim Crotch Blowouts and Hidden Seam Stress Before You List
A crotch blowout is a Structural Integrity failure, not a cosmetic flaw. Here's the stress-point test that catches it before a buyer does.
How to Grade Seam Slippage on Vintage Silk Clothing: When Stitches Spread Without Tearing
Seam slippage on silk charmeuse and habotai is a Structural Integrity defect, not cosmetic wear. Here's the fabric-spread test that grades it correctly.
Vintage Coat Lining Seam Separation: Grading Interior Structural Failure Before Shipping
A separated lining seam is a Structural Integrity defect, not a cosmetic one. Here's the inspection standard for grading it correctly before you ship.
The Seam Allowance Test: How to Grade Hidden Seam Stress on Vintage Dress Pants
A pressed, unbroken outer seam can hide fraying allowance and elongated stitch holes. Here's the seam allowance test that catches structural stress before you list.
How to Grade Suit Pants Crotch Seam Wear: Tension, Stress, and Wearability Standards
A pressed, unstretched crotch seam can still be one wear from blowing out. Here's the stress-point test for grading suit pants correctly.
Vintage Suit Jacket Shoulder Seam Slippage: Detecting Hidden Structural Failure Before You List
Seam slippage hides under a pressed shoulder line and shows up after shipping. Here's the pull test that catches it before you grade or list.
Fabric Puckering and Gathering: The Difference Between Shrinkage and Structural Failure
A puckered seam can mean shrinkage, bad thread tension, or a failing seam allowance — and each grades differently. Here's the test that tells them apart.
How to Grade Vintage Shoe Sole Condition: Cushioning, Tread Wear, and Structural Integrity
Compressed midsoles, worn tread, and separating soles fail differently. Here's the standard for grading vintage shoe sole condition and wearability correctly.
Vintage Denim Crotch Blowout: When to Grade Fair, When to Pass, and When to Disclose a Repair
A crotch blowout doesn't automatically mean Poor. Here's the fabric-loss threshold that separates Fair, Poor, and pass — and how to disclose a repair.
Vintage Knitwear Grading: Stretched Shoulders, Bagging, and the Shape-Hold Standard
A hole is obvious. A stretched shoulder seam or bagged hem isn't — until a buyer opens the package. Here's the shape-hold standard.
How to Grade Professionally Repaired Clothing for Resale (Without Overselling or Underselling It)
A professional repair can hold Excellent or Very Good; a home repair rarely clears Good. Here's how to grade the fix, not just the flaw it covered.
Suit and Blazer Grading: Shoulder Seam Integrity, Lining Tears, and Buttonhole Wear
A blazer can photograph flawlessly and still fail structurally. Here's how to check the shoulder seam, lining, and buttonholes before you list it.