Art of Manliness: How to Look Like a Million Bucks For Under $200
Scott
· 9 months ago
Thrift shops are amazing, but you definitely have to be patient. All of my suits have come from second-hand stores. It takes patience, and you can't expect to get something every time you go in.
Other than just finding good quality suits that are sold presently in stores, you can also find some vintage stuff that can still look classy. I'm a big fan of the double-breasted suit coat, which isn't readily available in most present-day stores, but I have been lucky enough to find a handful in thrift shops.
On a rare occassion you will find a suit that fits perfectly, and you're golden. But if that isn't the case... if you can get the pants on, and the jacket fits in the shoulders, you're still good to go. The suit will be less then $10 and you can get it altered for around $50. $60 for a custom-fitted suit... not too shabby.
Like I said though... be patient. You won't find something every time, but when you do it will be well worth it.
Paolo
· 9 months ago
Good heavens, this was the very article I was waiting for on this site: how to look good without having to spend! I am going to have a bit of a problem finding these great suits at a great price though, simply because of my rather large (42") girth and body structure.
And, on the haggling thing, it is very true: I have lived in the Far East and the West, and haggling is one of the more subtle and satisfying things one can do when buying clothes.
Jim Schmidt
· 9 months ago
Barter is a fine way to handle certain things. Our neighbor runs a kennel and pet care service, and I set up their web site. In exchange for being oncall for technical support on the site or other computer problems, we get free boarding for our dog and look-ins on our bird when we're out of town.
Stephen
· 9 months ago
So I've never had experience getting anything tailored - how much larger/smaller can a garment be and still be tailored to a specific size? What makes a thrift store buy a good candidate for tailoring?
Justin
· 9 months ago
Out of curiosity I went into a shirt shop in La Jolla and asked about their custom shirts. I was feeling saucy and was pretending I could afford it. I was shocked when they showed me a massive catalog of swatches and said that their minimum order was $150 which was usually three shirts! I have been buying shirts for $30-65 from department stores that never fit me right, and for the same price, I could have had a custom shirt!
Don't forget Taylors as well. A $10 investment usually makes a nice piece really stand out just because of fit.
_
· 9 months ago
Stephen, The biggest thing for a suit is that the shoulders fit. They are almost impossible to tailor, and very expensive to adjust if its possible at all. Everything else should still fit relatively close, I'd say within a couple inches if you are taking something in (making it smaller). Otherwise proportions tend to start looking a little off. For example, pants tend to taper in, and if they are shortened too much the width of the legs begins to look funny. The same goes with jackets. If you want to let something out (make it bigger), there has to be extra fabric for it to work. Shirt sleeves are almost impossible to lengthen. Pants and jackets usually have a little extra fabric folded under at the cuff which can be unfolded, tailored, and re-pressed, but you can't work with what's not there. In a nutshell, you can adjust clothes, but don't expect to change the size through tailoring. I hope this helps
Bob Iger
· 9 months ago
This is an excellent article, certainly in these financially harsh times. When I have time I will surely check out one of those thrift stores you talked about. Good job, Tony.
Greg Throne
· 9 months ago
Nice post on obtainig the big items, but what about those things formerly known as "men's furnishings"? You know, brass collar stays, cufflinks, tie bars & tie tacks, watch fobs, etc. About all I've been able to find in the stores in my area are belts, ties (oddly missing some basic items such as solid colored knit ties), and wallets. Where does one fid those items any more?
David
· 9 months ago
I just bought a rocking suit for $5 at a thrift store because I read this article yesterday! Thanks!
Tommy T.
· 9 months ago
My story first. I'm an actor and my mother is a seamstress and costumer. She taught me early how to check for quality and craftsmanship when thrift shopping. I always check out Salvation Army and second-hand shops for my costume clothes and personal wardrobe. My Jackpot came while searching for a suit for a cousin's wedding. Five suits, exactly my size (pants needed to be let out), primo condition. Two Armani's, Two Vestamente's and an Ermenegeldo Zenga!!! I figure someone my size either died or his wife threw him out and gave away his wardrobe. Probably six thousand dollars worth of clothing for fifteen dollars each. The funny thing is, while I get many compliments when I wear them I cannot resist divulging where I got them. (Most people wouldn't believe me if I told them I paid retail, anyway).
Of corse, now that you published this article it's going to be tougher to find the good stuff, though I think enough people still get weird about used-clothes so I sort of hope most of your readers skip this one. For those who do go searching the thrifts, Make sure to inspect the article closely. Things to check are: Wear and tear on the cuffs, Seams and stitching- turn it inside out if necessary Buttons in place/ zippers and hooks working No rips in lining No pit stains or ring around the collar
Also, check the yellow pages for consignment stores. Better quality, newer and usually quality labels. Those who bring their clothes in get a cut if a sale is made.
Love the website
Chico
· 9 months ago
Direct link to the excellent houndstooth kid "Style on the Cheap" post:
Just be yourself and influence the world in your style as you like!Euro Tailors
Casey
· 9 months ago
As the owner of a small shop, I have to disagree with the bit about haggling over prices. It may be a charming (and expected) practice in Hong Kong, but it's insulting here. With internet retailers and wal-mart competing with basically everybody, no business can get away with over-charging. Plus, it is unmanly in my opinion, akin to groveling. But maybe that's just my silly western upbringing.
All Comments
Other than just finding good quality suits that are sold presently in stores, you can also find some vintage stuff that can still look classy. I'm a big fan of the double-breasted suit coat, which isn't readily available in most present-day stores, but I have been lucky enough to find a handful in thrift shops.
On a rare occassion you will find a suit that fits perfectly, and you're golden. But if that isn't the case... if you can get the pants on, and the jacket fits in the shoulders, you're still good to go. The suit will be less then $10 and you can get it altered for around $50. $60 for a custom-fitted suit... not too shabby.
Like I said though... be patient. You won't find something every time, but when you do it will be well worth it.
And, on the haggling thing, it is very true: I have lived in the Far East and the West, and haggling is one of the more subtle and satisfying things one can do when buying clothes.
Don't forget Taylors as well. A $10 investment usually makes a nice piece really stand out just because of fit.
The biggest thing for a suit is that the shoulders fit. They are almost impossible to tailor, and very expensive to adjust if its possible at all. Everything else should still fit relatively close, I'd say within a couple inches if you are taking something in (making it smaller). Otherwise proportions tend to start looking a little off. For example, pants tend to taper in, and if they are shortened too much the width of the legs begins to look funny. The same goes with jackets. If you want to let something out (make it bigger), there has to be extra fabric for it to work. Shirt sleeves are almost impossible to lengthen. Pants and jackets usually have a little extra fabric folded under at the cuff which can be unfolded, tailored, and re-pressed, but you can't work with what's not there. In a nutshell, you can adjust clothes, but don't expect to change the size through tailoring. I hope this helps
Of corse, now that you published this article it's going to be tougher to find the good stuff, though I think enough people still get weird about used-clothes so I sort of hope most of your readers skip this one. For those who do go searching the thrifts, Make sure to inspect the article closely. Things to check are:
Wear and tear on the cuffs,
Seams and stitching- turn it inside out if necessary
Buttons in place/ zippers and hooks working
No rips in lining
No pit stains or ring around the collar
Also, check the yellow pages for consignment stores. Better quality, newer and usually quality labels. Those who bring their clothes in get a cut if a sale is made.
Love the website
http://mrlapel.blogspot.com/2009/02/style-on-ch...