I’m just finishing college and looking at websites like this trying to update my wardrobe. Where do I start buying nicer clothes? I don’t have a ton of money to spend.
Community Answers
282
4-17-12
Geoffrey says:
If you’ve got a pretty average-sized body, start with thrift stores, especially in nicer neighborhoods and suburbs. You can find some really good stuff and have it adjusted by a tailor to fit you. Even with the costs of adjustment you’re still looking at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the cheapest off-the-rack suits.
The next-cheapest option is to keep an eye out for sales at conventional “big box” menswear stores like Jos. A. Banks and Men’s Wearhouse. You can get a pretty decent-looking suit for not too much at those places, and they’ll do in-house adjustments to make it fit.
Try to hold out for 100% wool suits and 100% cotton shirts (or very close to 100% with 1-2% synthetic, in either case). The difference in the way the fabric sits and drapes will be very noticeable compared to cheaper blends, and it’ll be more comfortable as well.
The one thing I’d add to that is that synthetics are slightly better in a few specific situations because of the way they handle heat, and also becuase they are cheaper so are an inexpensive way of building up a basic range of shirts that you can then expand upon, or try out a certain colour without spending too much.
If you’ve got a pretty average-sized body, start with thrift stores, especially in nicer neighborhoods and suburbs. You can find some really good stuff and have it adjusted by a tailor to fit you. Even with the costs of adjustment you’re still looking at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the cheapest off-the-rack suits.
The next-cheapest option is to keep an eye out for sales at conventional “big box” menswear stores like Jos. A. Banks and Men’s Wearhouse. You can get a pretty decent-looking suit for not too much at those places, and they’ll do in-house adjustments to make it fit.
Try to hold out for 100% wool suits and 100% cotton shirts (or very close to 100% with 1-2% synthetic, in either case). The difference in the way the fabric sits and drapes will be very noticeable compared to cheaper blends, and it’ll be more comfortable as well.
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LikeDislikeThe one thing I’d add to that is that synthetics are slightly better in a few specific situations because of the way they handle heat, and also becuase they are cheaper so are an inexpensive way of building up a basic range of shirts that you can then expand upon, or try out a certain colour without spending too much.
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LikeDislikeMy advice on building a good core wardrobe for a young man:
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