Where do you buy your clothes?
Discussion
He's right
Many people buy too many clothes, rubbish clothes, keep them for 6 months and bin them.
Partly because a shopping centre is a "day out" (shops, Nandos, cinema) and they want something to show for it.
Go to any recycling centre (or those clothes bins by supermarkets) and the clothes bins are invariably overflowing.
I have some shirts from Harvie and Hudson and Gieves (bought on sale about 40 quid each) that are 10 years old... you don't get that from Matalan!
Many people buy too many clothes, rubbish clothes, keep them for 6 months and bin them.
Partly because a shopping centre is a "day out" (shops, Nandos, cinema) and they want something to show for it.
Go to any recycling centre (or those clothes bins by supermarkets) and the clothes bins are invariably overflowing.
I have some shirts from Harvie and Hudson and Gieves (bought on sale about 40 quid each) that are 10 years old... you don't get that from Matalan!
True, Patrick Grant did not hold back. I admire him for it. But he may be seen as a troublemaker. He runs a Savile Row tailor, and at the volume end - https://communityclothing.co.uk.
I guess he sees a $3 trillion annual sales in fashion - and wonders WTF.
On longevity - I have a MTM suit made by Gieves and Hawkes from 30 years ago which is still in good nick, and a 100% cashmere coat by Berwin which gets compliments. It's at least 30 years old too.
_____
A little OT - but another Guardian article shows that our testicles have microplastics in them; a possible reason for consistently declining sperm counts. Throw away / landfill culture is a big experiment. And I don't think it's going well.
I guess he sees a $3 trillion annual sales in fashion - and wonders WTF.
On longevity - I have a MTM suit made by Gieves and Hawkes from 30 years ago which is still in good nick, and a 100% cashmere coat by Berwin which gets compliments. It's at least 30 years old too.
_____
A little OT - but another Guardian article shows that our testicles have microplastics in them; a possible reason for consistently declining sperm counts. Throw away / landfill culture is a big experiment. And I don't think it's going well.
BunkMoreland said:
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hstewie said:
hstewie said: Quite a good article on the quality v price thing.
‘Is this what people wear now?’ Sewing Bee host criticises M&S jumpers and socks
I dont know who he is (beyond the bio on the gwardian) But I find myself in 100% agreement!‘Is this what people wear now?’ Sewing Bee host criticises M&S jumpers and socks
With regard to dress sense, he is very much a man who marches to the beat of his own drum. Which is not necessarily great marketing for him, in my opinion. Also I am not sure that his businesses are all that successful as businesses. I seem to recall that Norton and Sons had again gone into liquidation under his stewardship.
I am very much in favour of buying durable clothing. But the business behind it needs to be sustainable as much as the clothing.
I've heard of him but don't know much about him other than he articulates my thoughts better than I probably do 
The amount of "Premium" and "Autograph" and "Italian Collection" stuff you see where when you flip the label over it's made in Cambodia or Bangladesh no doubt for absolute buttons is scary.
The amount of "Premium" and "Autograph" and "Italian Collection" stuff you see where when you flip the label over it's made in Cambodia or Bangladesh no doubt for absolute buttons is scary.
Buy cheap, buy twice
I wear quite alot of jumpers and pullovers for work and now always buy from a Hugo Boss outlet. Their knitwear lasts for ages (I've got a few that are 6 to 7 years old). I did buy a couple of tops from Next and they've not lasted 12 months.
My last Hugo Boss jumper was £75, the Next equivalent was £35, so not a massive difference when one item is going to last 4/5x longer.
I wear quite alot of jumpers and pullovers for work and now always buy from a Hugo Boss outlet. Their knitwear lasts for ages (I've got a few that are 6 to 7 years old). I did buy a couple of tops from Next and they've not lasted 12 months.
My last Hugo Boss jumper was £75, the Next equivalent was £35, so not a massive difference when one item is going to last 4/5x longer.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: I've heard of him but don't know much about him other than he articulates my thoughts better than I probably do
The amount of "Premium" and "Autograph" and "Italian Collection" stuff you see where when you flip the label over it's made in Cambodia or Bangladesh no doubt for absolute buttons is scary.
He wrote a piece for the guardian a few weeks ago. Admittedly it will have been playing to the crowd to some extent, but it left me with the impression that his business nous is lacking.The amount of "Premium" and "Autograph" and "Italian Collection" stuff you see where when you flip the label over it's made in Cambodia or Bangladesh no doubt for absolute buttons is scary.
RC1807 said:
Used to buy tons of CT shirts, business casual, business, ties.... don't need it so much now.
Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Just returned from visiting family in the U.S. As I WFH 100%, it's usually jeans and polo shirts every day, except for conferences when the suits get worn.Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Multiple pairs of jeans purchased from American Eagle in 2018 were completely worn out just before I left for the U.S., so my first visit was to American Eagle. 5 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, $300.
I went back the next day and bought 8 polo shirts for $175 or so .... $19.95 ea. plus tax.
That lot will keep me going for YEARS!
Mr Dendrite said:
Tango13 said:
I'm getting measured for a new two piece in a couple of weeks, it will probably cost as much if not more than I've spent on ordinary clothes in the past 10 years 
L’Oréal moment “because you’re worth it “ 
RC1807 said:
RC1807 said:
Used to buy tons of CT shirts, business casual, business, ties.... don't need it so much now.
Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Just returned from visiting family in the U.S. As I WFH 100%, it's usually jeans and polo shirts every day, except for conferences when the suits get worn.Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Multiple pairs of jeans purchased from American Eagle in 2018 were completely worn out just before I left for the U.S., so my first visit was to American Eagle. 5 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, $300.
I went back the next day and bought 8 polo shirts for $175 or so .... $19.95 ea. plus tax.
That lot will keep me going for YEARS!
They do still have a UK webstore though you can order from without any additional shipping charges. Once you know your fit with them they're very consistent. Slightly cheaper than the flight to the US
C5_Steve said:
RC1807 said:
RC1807 said:
Used to buy tons of CT shirts, business casual, business, ties.... don't need it so much now.
Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Just returned from visiting family in the U.S. As I WFH 100%, it's usually jeans and polo shirts every day, except for conferences when the suits get worn.Was great when they'd ship from the UK and it was still 4 for £100... now on their EU site it's EUR87-93 each with discounts (10-20% or so) if you buy multiples.
I do need some more business casual shirts for a couple of weeks of conferences coming up. I expect CT will get my money....
Otherwise, it'll be polo shirts from Uniqlo for most of the Spring / Summer for me.
Multiple pairs of jeans purchased from American Eagle in 2018 were completely worn out just before I left for the U.S., so my first visit was to American Eagle. 5 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, $300.
I went back the next day and bought 8 polo shirts for $175 or so .... $19.95 ea. plus tax.
That lot will keep me going for YEARS!
They do still have a UK webstore though you can order from without any additional shipping charges. Once you know your fit with them they're very consistent. Slightly cheaper than the flight to the US
Louis Balfour said:
He wrote a piece for the guardian a few weeks ago. Admittedly it will have been playing to the crowd to some extent, but it left me with the impression that his business nous is lacking.
Oh very possibly. I just think there has to be a middle ground between a steady stream of Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, China and buying Loro Piana 
I notice Asket have pulled a stunt today that has me scratching my head.
"For almost a decade, our unwavering commitment to timeless design has produced a permanent collection of quintessential wardrobe staples. Garments so uncompromisingly timeless, we believe they're able to transcend the need for visual representation. To put it to the test, we've temporarily removed all garment images from asket.com, instead inviting you to use your mind's eye and envision the pieces in our permanent collection."
Nice hoodies but how utterly f
king pretentious is that Tango13 said:
Mr Dendrite said:
Tango13 said:
I'm getting measured for a new two piece in a couple of weeks, it will probably cost as much if not more than I've spent on ordinary clothes in the past 10 years
L’Oréal moment “because you’re worth it “ So far it has always ended well. Two recent MTM suits fit very well and (I think) look good. Have a jacket, to complete the suit, that is ready for [hopefully the] final fit (and so, again hopefully, collection) that has required a few fittings to get right.
Initial impressions were promising.
I find the choosing of a cloth without sight of a finished garment quite challenging personally.
Hope yours turned out as hoped/expected.
There are few things quite as comforting as a garment made specifically for you and it 'works'.
Hmm. I’ve got to the stage where I’ve largely given up on procuring posh garments.
For one, I have enough quality trad stuff to service my now limited forays into the office - my 20 year old bespoke suits and T&A shirts will see me out.
And for all other requirements, I’ll either purchase whatever multi-packs of kecks or socks are on offer at TK Maxx when I need to replenish stocks or, for all other things, I’ll see what Mole Valley Stores are flogging off as end of line.
I recently found some excellent fleece lined plastic clogs there for £5.99. Just what required for an unheated tiled floor, thank you! But then, you’ll have inferred that I’m not cutting shapes in some club any more.
For one, I have enough quality trad stuff to service my now limited forays into the office - my 20 year old bespoke suits and T&A shirts will see me out.
And for all other requirements, I’ll either purchase whatever multi-packs of kecks or socks are on offer at TK Maxx when I need to replenish stocks or, for all other things, I’ll see what Mole Valley Stores are flogging off as end of line.
I recently found some excellent fleece lined plastic clogs there for £5.99. Just what required for an unheated tiled floor, thank you! But then, you’ll have inferred that I’m not cutting shapes in some club any more.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Oh very possibly. I just think there has to be a middle ground between a steady stream of Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, China and buying Loro Piana
I notice Asket have pulled a stunt today that has me scratching my head.
"For almost a decade, our unwavering commitment to timeless design has produced a permanent collection of quintessential wardrobe staples. Garments so uncompromisingly timeless, we believe they're able to transcend the need for visual representation. To put it to the test, we've temporarily removed all garment images from asket.com, instead inviting you to use your mind's eye and envision the pieces in our permanent collection."
Nice hoodies but how utterly fking pretentious is that
I’m assuming they’re referring to the Emporer’s new clothes?! I notice Asket have pulled a stunt today that has me scratching my head.
"For almost a decade, our unwavering commitment to timeless design has produced a permanent collection of quintessential wardrobe staples. Garments so uncompromisingly timeless, we believe they're able to transcend the need for visual representation. To put it to the test, we've temporarily removed all garment images from asket.com, instead inviting you to use your mind's eye and envision the pieces in our permanent collection."
Nice hoodies but how utterly f
king pretentious is that This is the sort of b
ks that Creed churn out for a new fragrance. I do like their T-shirts though.
psi310398 said:
Hmm. I’ve got to the stage where I’ve largely given up on procuring posh garments.
For one, I have enough quality trad stuff to service my now limited forays into the office - my 20 year old bespoke suits and T&A shirts will see me out.
And for all other requirements, I’ll either purchase whatever multi-packs of kecks or socks are on offer at TK Maxx when I need to replenish stocks or, for all other things, I’ll see what Mole Valley Stores are flogging off as end of line.
I recently found some excellent fleece lined plastic clogs there for £5.99. Just what required for an unheated tiled floor, thank you! But then, you’ll have inferred that I’m not cutting shapes in some club any more.
Similar. I used to buy branded clothes but nowadays tend to buy cheap stuff at M&S or JL. For one, I have enough quality trad stuff to service my now limited forays into the office - my 20 year old bespoke suits and T&A shirts will see me out.
And for all other requirements, I’ll either purchase whatever multi-packs of kecks or socks are on offer at TK Maxx when I need to replenish stocks or, for all other things, I’ll see what Mole Valley Stores are flogging off as end of line.
I recently found some excellent fleece lined plastic clogs there for £5.99. Just what required for an unheated tiled floor, thank you! But then, you’ll have inferred that I’m not cutting shapes in some club any more.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Oh very possibly. I just think there has to be a middle ground between a steady stream of Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, China and buying Loro Piana
I notice Asket have pulled a stunt today that has me scratching my head.
"For almost a decade, our unwavering commitment to timeless design has produced a permanent collection of quintessential wardrobe staples. Garments so uncompromisingly timeless, we believe they're able to transcend the need for visual representation. To put it to the test, we've temporarily removed all garment images from asket.com, instead inviting you to use your mind's eye and envision the pieces in our permanent collection."
Nice hoodies but how utterly fking pretentious is that
And the reason I find myself unable to purchase from them! I notice Asket have pulled a stunt today that has me scratching my head.
"For almost a decade, our unwavering commitment to timeless design has produced a permanent collection of quintessential wardrobe staples. Garments so uncompromisingly timeless, we believe they're able to transcend the need for visual representation. To put it to the test, we've temporarily removed all garment images from asket.com, instead inviting you to use your mind's eye and envision the pieces in our permanent collection."
Nice hoodies but how utterly f
king pretentious is that 
Pretentiousness is such a turn off. I know ALL fashion has an air of it, but Asket are the wrong side of my line at the moment! Maybe in time I'll forget it and just order something to test them out. (It wont be a hoody)
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