This is an extremely important question. Be aware if a company has an exchange only policy. A reputable company will stand behind the products they sell. If an item is found to be defective, a good company will repair the defect, or replace the item, within a reasonable length of time. There are so many variables to consider when determining if an item is defective.
Some defects are easy to recognize.
Bad zippers, seams coming unstitched, snaps that don't snap, or buttons that pop off. Many defects are due to normal wear and tear to an item, and many imperfections are not defects at all Take for example, a customer wants to return a jacket because the lining on the inside of the wrist is snagged. After questioning the customer, we find out that the customer wears his watch on that particular wrist and every time he puts the jacket on or takes it off, he snags the sleeve lining in his jacket. The customer will contend that it was a faulty lining, and the retail store will say the defect was due to customer negligence. Since I am from the retail side of the fence, I would say this was customer negligence, but a good store will work with the customer if the customer is willing, to find a solution.