Since the quality of a construction method, seam, or finish depends on the context, how do you know which construction is best for your specific design? You look at the following factors.
- Purpose of the garment
- Type of fabric(s) used
- Price point
- Placement on the garment
- Visibility of the seams or finishes in the final garment
- Available machinery
Of these, the most important factors are the type of fabric and the price point. Knowing these two alone will narrow down most of your construction decisions.
The type of fabric will dictate what seam types are appropriate. The price point dictates the level of finishing you can afford to offer (and what your customers might expect) for the product’s price.
The best way to figure these out even if you don’t have any technical knowledge of fabrics or garment construction is to see what other brands are doing. Go shopping and look at the inside seams, hems, and stitching of garments at a similar price point as yours. Take note of what fabrics are used with what finishes. Take photos of constructions and fabrics (look at the care labels) you like.
Then share your comments and preferences with your patternmaker. Together you can arrive at the best garment construction for your design.