Views on designer labels?
Discussion
What are your thoughts on designer labels such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss etc?
A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
With regards to quality, personally I find tshirts in the £20-30 range keep their colour and shape pretty well, so would struggle to justify spending any more. Plus I try not to wear 'decent' ones too much, so I've got a stock of cheap (3 for a tenner kind of range) stuff to lounge around in and do jobs around the house.
At my previous work we used to have dress down Fridays. A couple of guys in the office would constantly compare labels on their jeans/tshirts/etc, and take great delight in dropping whichever designer name they were wearing into a conversation. No one else gave a s
t.
Buy what you like, and what you can afford. Whether it's £5 Primark or £100 Tommy Hilfiger is up to you. Just remember the vast majority of folks won't notice the difference.
At my previous work we used to have dress down Fridays. A couple of guys in the office would constantly compare labels on their jeans/tshirts/etc, and take great delight in dropping whichever designer name they were wearing into a conversation. No one else gave a s
t.Buy what you like, and what you can afford. Whether it's £5 Primark or £100 Tommy Hilfiger is up to you. Just remember the vast majority of folks won't notice the difference.
It depends what you like and can afford, and how interested in fashion and clothes you are
I have shirts from £40 to almost £400, some are reserved for special occasions, some for work and day to day wear
The quality differences is admittedly not always noticeable, upto say £200.. beyond that you will get better materials and finer silks
Higher end stuff tends to be produced in small runs and this gives exclusivity.. It is very seasonal too. I know people who would not be seen in last seasons Vivienne Westwood range, and only wear current season ranges - this is over the top IMO, but they are passionate about fashion
Some choose to spend their money on cars, some property, some golf club memberships etc, I personally appreciate a well dressed person
I have shirts from £40 to almost £400, some are reserved for special occasions, some for work and day to day wear
The quality differences is admittedly not always noticeable, upto say £200.. beyond that you will get better materials and finer silks
Higher end stuff tends to be produced in small runs and this gives exclusivity.. It is very seasonal too. I know people who would not be seen in last seasons Vivienne Westwood range, and only wear current season ranges - this is over the top IMO, but they are passionate about fashion
Some choose to spend their money on cars, some property, some golf club memberships etc, I personally appreciate a well dressed person
Prohibiting said:
What are your thoughts on designer labels such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss etc?
A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
Personally for me its not worth it. I couldn't justify spending that much on a polo shirt. I have a friend who only ever wore Abercrombie and I mean everything. Even now his wardrobe consists of Abercrombie, American Eagle, All Saints, Reiss and thats it. I dont think he owns a non-brand. A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
Clothes wise I tend to shop on the high-street but always looking for deals. Also I try and shop in places like Urban Outfitters, Pull&Bear, Uniqlo which tend to find things which are slightly different then your average Next, River Island etc. Good quality, good value and looks good.
Next, M&S I feel are a bit old man for me, and topman, river island too young. (im 34 by the way).
sonnenschein3000 said:
As someone who isn't "in to" clothes, i've found that the optimal balance between price and quality is going to M&S for me. I've never gone wrong with them.
M&S polo shirts are a bit crap though, the collars get really creased and need ironing. I've got some work issue polo shirts that never look creased, cant remember the brand though.They're not for me, but I don't like Polo shirts either.
'Labels' were something I left behind in my 20s, they're usually good quality (although I've had some real flimsy crap with a fancy label on it) but £20 for a good quality high street item, or £80 because it's got a brand on it? Nah, even if I wasn't tight, that's a not really me.
The turning point I think was when I worked with a guy who loved all that st, he once spent a huge amount of money on a Hugo Boss suit, we wore it with the little sewn on label on the sleeve still attached, it was the most cringeworthy thing I think I've ever seen.
Maybe Boss, Gucci and whoever make a lovely line of non-branded informal wear that I just don't know about because their owners don't like to shout about things like that, but I suspect if they do, they're not big sellers, to me they'll always be about how much money you've spent on them.
'Labels' were something I left behind in my 20s, they're usually good quality (although I've had some real flimsy crap with a fancy label on it) but £20 for a good quality high street item, or £80 because it's got a brand on it? Nah, even if I wasn't tight, that's a not really me.
The turning point I think was when I worked with a guy who loved all that s
t, he once spent a huge amount of money on a Hugo Boss suit, we wore it with the little sewn on label on the sleeve still attached, it was the most cringeworthy thing I think I've ever seen. Maybe Boss, Gucci and whoever make a lovely line of non-branded informal wear that I just don't know about because their owners don't like to shout about things like that, but I suspect if they do, they're not big sellers, to me they'll always be about how much money you've spent on them.
Harvey Nics and Selfridges both have very good menswear departments and they carry plenty of more subtle but well designed and constructed garments for all occasions
"Designer" polo shirts etc tend to be good sellers for certain labels but look deeper into the brand at their on season range at what I would call "pieces" and you will find more interesting and artistic items
"Designer" polo shirts etc tend to be good sellers for certain labels but look deeper into the brand at their on season range at what I would call "pieces" and you will find more interesting and artistic items
P-Jay said:
They're not for me, but I don't like Polo shirts either.
'Labels' were something I left behind in my 20s, they're usually good quality (although I've had some real flimsy crap with a fancy label on it) but £20 for a good quality high street item, or £80 because it's got a brand on it? Nah, even if I wasn't tight, that's a not really me.
The turning point I think was when I worked with a guy who loved all that st, he once spent a huge amount of money on a Hugo Boss suit, we wore it with the little sewn on label on the sleeve still attached, it was the most cringeworthy thing I think I've ever seen.
Maybe Boss, Gucci and whoever make a lovely line of non-branded informal wear that I just don't know about because their owners don't like to shout about things like that, but I suspect if they do, they're not big sellers, to me they'll always be about how much money you've spent on them.
Boss do boss red and also the boss black Italia lines - both are very subtle and unemblazoned, the latter even moreso 'Labels' were something I left behind in my 20s, they're usually good quality (although I've had some real flimsy crap with a fancy label on it) but £20 for a good quality high street item, or £80 because it's got a brand on it? Nah, even if I wasn't tight, that's a not really me.
The turning point I think was when I worked with a guy who loved all that s
t, he once spent a huge amount of money on a Hugo Boss suit, we wore it with the little sewn on label on the sleeve still attached, it was the most cringeworthy thing I think I've ever seen. Maybe Boss, Gucci and whoever make a lovely line of non-branded informal wear that I just don't know about because their owners don't like to shout about things like that, but I suspect if they do, they're not big sellers, to me they'll always be about how much money you've spent on them.
I find large logo's on any piece of clothing a bit council, the equivalent to having Subaru emblazoned down the side of your car.
Was at a bar smoking outside recentlyand two females were making snide remarks about another females footwear, I don't really get womans fashion but I know a fashionable woman and the two making the remarks were munters in comparison to the one with the wrong shoes.
Was at a bar smoking outside recentlyand two females were making snide remarks about another females footwear, I don't really get womans fashion but I know a fashionable woman and the two making the remarks were munters in comparison to the one with the wrong shoes.
My interest in fashion disappeared as soon as my hair started falling out in my late teens.
The wife takes the piss saying I dress like a geography teacher but she buys most of my clothes? I do have a couple of smart items of clothing, none of which cost over £40 as I buy in the sales.
I wear overalls at work with shorts and a work supplied t shirt underneath. Sitting round the house I'm usually wearing jogging bottoms and a T shirt.
The wife takes the piss saying I dress like a geography teacher but she buys most of my clothes? I do have a couple of smart items of clothing, none of which cost over £40 as I buy in the sales.
I wear overalls at work with shorts and a work supplied t shirt underneath. Sitting round the house I'm usually wearing jogging bottoms and a T shirt.
Prohibiting said:
What are your thoughts on designer labels such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss etc?
A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
The US brands like RL and TH are a massive rip off over here. 60 quid in the sale here, maybe 15 quid in the sale over there, its massively marked up in europe as its international, in the US they are just decent quality mid range stuff, annoyingly all made in bangladesh etc regardless. A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
Prohibiting said:
What are your thoughts on designer labels such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss etc?
A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
The US brands like RL and TH are a massive rip off over here. 60 quid in the sale here, maybe 15 quid in the sale over there, its massively marked up in europe as its international, in the US they are just decent quality mid range stuff, annoyingly alm made in bangladesh etc regardless. A basic polo shirt costing between £70-110, is it worth it? What sort of profit are these guys making? Obviously I'm not comparing these brands to the likes of Primark or Matalan, but more compared to average brands such as NEXT or River Island?
I have 9 Tommy Hilfiger slim fit shirts, all bought over the years when they've been in a sale reduced to around £60- not sure I'd be happy to pay around £100 though... where is the cut-off point? They fit me perfectly though (which is why I like them) and haven't faded etc. I know they're good quality but surely the cheaper brands are just as good?
I haven't done any clothes shopping in about 3 years and I'm going on holiday this summer. Been looking online at the various designer websites and the prices are quite shocking... Couple of tshirts, pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt and you're looking at £250-300. The trouble is is I like the designs and if I'm being totally honest to myself, there is probably a hint of brand snobbery in the back of my mind unfortunately which sways the decision.
Get the odd trip to New Hampshire with work. Travel with an empty suitcase. Or sometimes it has a smaller empty carry on inside it.
NH is a tax free state, so there are a few outlet malls in the area, so I stock up on Levi Jeans, The Hilfiger stuff tends to fit me well and survive my OH's random ironing foibles.
When I was 15 I paid £40 for a Paul Smith T-shirt. It lasted about 4 washes.
TK Maxx frequenter too, nobody I know can spot last season, or even the season before.
NH is a tax free state, so there are a few outlet malls in the area, so I stock up on Levi Jeans, The Hilfiger stuff tends to fit me well and survive my OH's random ironing foibles.
When I was 15 I paid £40 for a Paul Smith T-shirt. It lasted about 4 washes.
TK Maxx frequenter too, nobody I know can spot last season, or even the season before.
Jag_NE said:
The US brands like RL and TH are a massive rip off over here. 60 quid in the sale here, maybe 15 quid in the sale over there, its massively marked up in europe as its international, in the US they are just decent quality mid range stuff, annoyingly alm made in bangladesh etc regardless.
Are you are comparing the cheap US outlet stores against high streets here? Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff