I've found that Assos (through Ochsner) was very helpful the two times I had issues with their clothing. I'm sure that they are sensitive to their dealer networks, and the items I had purchased were from authorized dealers. I think that their items have a two-year warranty. I haven't found my Assos gear to be any more delicate than anything else I have -- Descente, Pearl, etc. In fact, I would reckon its generally the opposite (though my older shorts have lost the "A" logo). My Castelli stuff seems to be a little more delicate than the other "premium" brands, in my experience.