I love to shop at outlet stores. But it wasn't until recently that I learned a couple of important facts that will help me (and you) get the top quality items there.

Are you aware that big name chains like Brooks Brothers make less expensive clothes for outlets? I wasn't either.

So does that mean that by hitting the outlets we're buying either rejects or cheap goods? Not necessarily.

Here's the other fact that will get you top-of-the-line clothing at outlet prices.

Stay away from racks of uniform clothes in many sizes and look for the racks with lots of assortment. Single pieces probably come from full price stores. The large lots are probably cheaper-made outlet clothes.

Also look for the big labels, famous names you recognize. By sheer size of the company, these manufacturers can negotiate better fabrics at better prices, which translates into better quality bargains for us.