Post: #276

@ Gogiass

T-Shirt looks decent but I would not be spending $75 on a T-shirt. No way in hell. I also didn't know there were pants in TJ Maxx that cost over like $40. That button up looks nice. seems to have a nice form and taper to it while not being too tight and also not being too boxy.

Here are the pants and boots I bought. The picture is of me, just cropped:

   

Post: #277

(09-07-2016 10:43 PM)General Stalin Wrote:  @ Gogiass

T-Shirt looks decent but I would not be spending $75 on a T-shirt. No way in hell. I also didn't know there were pants in TJ Maxx that cost over like $40. That button up looks nice. seems to have a nice form and taper to it while not being too tight and also not being too boxy.

Here are the pants and boots I bought. The picture is of me, just cropped:

Nice fit and threading accents. I can understand on the T, most expensive non-polo I've ever bought I think, hence the mixed feelings.

TJ Maxx was in a very ritzy area in the heart of the shopping district. These are the best stores to go to. Most TJM are full of polyester sports shirts and non-selvedge Levis, and that's what people in most of the US want. When TJM has higher end stuff to get rid of they ship it to the ritzy areas. Normally ~$200 for those jeans. I'd get 3sixteen if I was going to spend that much but these are actually more comfortable in the heat.

Edit to add all the shirts I looked at there were made outside China, believe these two were made in Turkey. I would struggle to pay more than half that for the same shirts if they were made in China.

Post: #278

Nordstrom puts their dress shirts on steep mark-down several times a year, usually July, Thanksgiving, and New Years. In my experience, their shirts are among the best quality you can get for the money. They have three levels:

1. 1901- ~$50 full price, $35 on sale
2. Nordstrom- $65 full price, $45 sale
3. John W. Nordstrom- $95 full price, $65 sale

The best value is probably the Nordstrom (#2) line. Wearing the shirt twice a month and laundering it and ironing it yourself it should last close to three years. I've tried shirts from Uniqlo, Men's Wearhouse, Express, H&M, Zara, L.L. Bean, and Land's End and I've found the Nordstroms to be the best.

Post: #279

(09-08-2016 09:35 AM)C-Note Wrote:  Nordstrom puts their dress shirts on steep mark-down several times a year, usually July, Thanksgiving, and New Years. In my experience, their shirts are among the best quality you can get for the money. They have three levels:

1. 1901- ~$50 full price, $35 on sale
2. Nordstrom- $65 full price, $45 sale
3. John W. Nordstrom- $95 full price, $65 sale

The best value is probably the Nordstrom (#2) line. Wearing the shirt twice a month and laundering it and ironing it yourself it should last close to three years. I've tried shirts from Uniqlo, Men's Wearhouse, Express, H&M, Zara, L.L. Bean, and Land's End and I've found the Nordstroms to be the best.

Do you find them at regular Nordstrom or the rack?

Post: #280

(09-08-2016 10:44 AM)aeroektar Wrote:  

(09-08-2016 09:35 AM)C-Note Wrote:  Nordstrom puts their dress shirts on steep mark-down several times a year, usually July, Thanksgiving, and New Years. In my experience, their shirts are among the best quality you can get for the money. They have three levels:

1. 1901- ~$50 full price, $35 on sale
2. Nordstrom- $65 full price, $45 sale
3. John W. Nordstrom- $95 full price, $65 sale

The best value is probably the Nordstrom (#2) line. Wearing the shirt twice a month and laundering it and ironing it yourself it should last close to three years. I've tried shirts from Uniqlo, Men's Wearhouse, Express, H&M, Zara, L.L. Bean, and Land's End and I've found the Nordstroms to be the best.

Do you find them at regular Nordstrom or the rack?

Regular Nordstrom but I usually order off the Internet. They have free shipping and returns. The slim fit is probably the best fit for most of our members unless you really have broad shoulders.

Post: #281

Quote:Agree that size creep is everywhere, for most brands the "slim fit" would've been "classic" 15 years ago.

Partially ameliorated by buying Italian-made brands (for the Italian / EU market), such as Borrelli, where the fattening has not hit full Haagen-Dazs levels.

Post: #282

(09-04-2016 06:57 PM)Huey Wrote:  As a rule of thumb, don't buy any dress shirt for less than $30 at H&M. Stick to their premium cotton line, which is usually around $40-50. Anything less than that and you're getting a shirt that lasts 3-4 months tops. If you're looking for good fitting, good quality dress shirts, check out J.Crew and Banana Republic

Agree with Banana Republic, I find them in outlets in the range $15-30, there´s a fit called TAILORED SLIM FIT and it adjust to the shape very well, tight enough in chest and biceps, also Slim Fit Express shirts you can grab them for $30.

I wash them every other week and lasts at least 6 months.

Post: #283

Bought 3 more pairs of pants and another pair of shoes over the weekend. An ultra dark blue pair of jeans, tan/beige jeans, and a pair of dark gray herring bone Calvin Klein pants. Got a real sharp pair of light brown brogue shoes that look fantastic.

Pants and shoes game on point right now, just need to up my shirts and suits game.

Post: #284

(09-08-2016 12:26 PM)scrambled Wrote:  Partially ameliorated by buying Italian-made brands (for the Italian / EU market), such as Borrelli, where the fattening has not hit full Haagen-Dazs levels.

Do you find them tighter than most slim fit shirts? I always thought of them as more formal/traditional, which typically means a looser fit and dressier. Do they make a slim? Traditional solids and plaids or do they or any other manufacturers you can recommend make more offbeat patterns in a slim, sport type shirt? I prefer to wear untucked.

Couple more items before I head out of this town. Picked up a pair of Italian made Robert Graham 100% wool pinstriped pants dark grey/maroon for $50 at that same upscale TJ Maxx. MSRP is $300, even other closeouts online were $110+. Modern fit.



Back to a different Hugo Boss store. Wish I knew their clothes were this good years ago. Tried on a bunch of other shirts from various other upscale stores the last few days and they just didn't do it for me. Saks 5th had a couple tempting but more expensive and less pop. Jeans ~ 65% cotton, 30%poly, 5% spandex. Comfortable, Japanese denim, made in China though. Nice sheen, nightgame pants main intention



Another shirt, same cut as last one I posted. I was talking to a girl outside a restaurant today, she was sitting I was walking by and stopped. Male friend/potential BF walked up and joined the conversation and a minute in said "That's a dope shirt, you in fashion?" and she followed up with agreement. As I was leaving she volunteered her number for "networking". Good clothes, man. Pattern is black and blue threads woven with a unique texture and flecked with two recurring shapes of gold thread. Closeup



I feel that a woven pattern is head and shoulders above a printed pattern. They had some cool patterns there with dyed fabric but the tactile edge was missing and it just looks cheaper than a unique weave to me.

Post: #285

(09-21-2016 01:52 AM)Gorgiass Wrote:  

(09-08-2016 12:26 PM)scrambled Wrote:  Partially ameliorated by buying Italian-made brands (for the Italian / EU market), such as Borrelli, where the fattening has not hit full Haagen-Dazs levels.

Do you find them tighter than most slim fit shirts? I always thought of them as more formal/traditional, which typically means a looser fit and dressier. Do they make a slim? Traditional solids and plaids or do they or any other manufacturers you can recommend make more offbeat patterns in a slim, sport type shirt? I prefer to wear untucked.

Borrelli is for traditional, suits or sportcoats type. I dont think they make a slim, all their shirts are slim by US standards; to be spot on, normally you would have a tailor custom fit a suit shirt.

But if you are not talking traditional/suits, but streetwear/ or 'dressed up' casual, what you want is Gitman Brothers Vintage.

http://gitmanvintage.com/; http://unionmadegoods.com/brands/gitman-vintage/

Still made in the US; moderately slim fit; usually can be worn untucked, lean slightly smaller size, if you are in between sizes, if you wear untucked. That is, if you are between a Small and Medium, get the small and don't tuck. Once you find your size in Gitman, only buy them, all the shirts you will ever need.

Post: #286

OK thanks. Couple nice patterns, I'd wear the birch or the indigo pin dot. Not big on wild prints or plaid but they have their place. I'll keep an eye out for Gitman and see how they fit.

I do need to find a tailor in this area. Don't mind getting them taken in if a shirt is cheap with a good look but if spending $100+ it's nice if they fit well right off the rack.

Post: #287

(09-28-2016 11:01 AM)scrambled Wrote:  But if you are not talking traditional/suits, but streetwear/ or 'dressed up' casual, what you want is Gitman Brothers Vintage.

http://gitmanvintage.com/; http://unionmadegoods.com/brands/gitman-vintage/

Still made in the US; moderately slim fit; usually can be worn untucked, lean slightly smaller size, if you are in between sizes, if you wear untucked. That is, if you are between a Small and Medium, get the small and don't tuck. Once you find your size in Gitman, only buy them, all the shirts you will ever need.

+1 for Gitman Vintage. I must have about 15 shirts from them and they're all very good quality and fit great with jeans.

Post: #288

Quote:Not big on wild prints

Remember you can have one "loud" worn item at a time, so to get away with wild prints, have everything else subtle. Otherwise, a wild print shirt combined those new england "I'm so rich I can wear this and not be called gay by my preppy friends" bright red trousers will give you some seriously unintentional clown game and make you more RSD than RVF.

French Bankers have been doing the one-flashy-thing-at-a-time for years with plain suits and those "cutesy" Hermes ties.

Post: #289

Recently purchased these for lazing about in, have received a quite a few compliments.

Post: #290

I could use some coaching as I am a complete n00b to classy dressing.
I'm contemplating getting one of these as they certainly fit my frame.





I favor black as my color of choice but the tan would compliment my eyes and hair better(hazel&Dark brown)

Only problem is that in my lifestyle and line of work atm i have not much use for anything that isnt functional and tough to justify going in my backpack.
Why am I asking then? They are in liquidation.
I've read the other suit thread and am realizing that as my business develops at one point I wil have to prim formally and hopefully impressive

Post: #291

(10-09-2016 07:05 AM)El_Gostro Wrote:  I could use some coaching as I am a complete n00b to classy dressing.
I'm contemplating getting one of these as they certainly fit my frame.





I favor black as my color of choice but the tan would compliment my eyes and hair better(hazel&Dark brown)

Only problem is that in my lifestyle and line of work atm i have not much use for anything that isnt functional and tough to justify going in my backpack.
Why am I asking then? They are in liquidation.
I've read the other suit thread and am realizing that as my business develops at one point I wil have to prim formally and hopefully impressive

Yeah get one mate if you can get them cheap. Better to have it than not. I'd go with the grey though as all black looks a bit much. I'd probably wear black with that grey one though.

Problem is that you'll only really look good at very specific, expensive venues and with a specific type of girl in her 20s(early or late there's certain parts of both that go for that look).

I myself would just use that as an excuse to go as Sherlock Holmes for Halloween.

Post: #292

Agree with CDSG, go with the gray one. Versatile color, and it looks sharp.

Just a question, are those coats Chinese knock-offs or from a legit brand? You're always better off spending more cash on well-crafted clothing made of great materials, than cheap shit that will look horrendous the next year. Compare 50$ a year buying new coats vs. a coat for 500$ that lasts you ten years and looks great.

(Seen a lot of similar coats and jackets in sponsored FB posts and Google ads, always Chinese-made that look great in ads and unrecognizable when they arrive at your door. People seem to fall for it nevertheless.)

Post: #293

(10-09-2016 07:05 AM)El_Gostro Wrote:  I could use some coaching as I am a complete n00b to classy dressing.
I'm contemplating getting one of these as they certainly fit my frame.





I favor black as my color of choice but the tan would compliment my eyes and hair better(hazel&Dark brown)

Only problem is that in my lifestyle and line of work atm i have not much use for anything that isnt functional and tough to justify going in my backpack.
Why am I asking then? They are in liquidation.
I've read the other suit thread and am realizing that as my business develops at one point I wil have to prim formally and hopefully impressive

I honestly would not buy one of these. I recognize them because they always pop up in ads or when searching online. They are likely cheap and not good quality. I would shell out for something a bit nicer (even something like Banana republic which can be had for a nice price on super sale). This just screams cheap quality to me.

Post: #294

El Gostro, what is the name of the brand?


If it's some cheap crap from Aliexpress...better pass. The construction is shoddy, and the fabric is not good.


Rather grab some premium quality, used Italian made overcoat (Etro, Canali, Isaia etc.). There are plenty of those on Ebay with affordable prices. With proper care, they will last you for a looong time.


And, speaking of colors, the most versatile are charcoal grey and dark navy, especially for a guy wh travels a lot, like you.

Post: #295

Darian frey, DRE & Irenicus

Thanks for the input!
I just read your replies and quick search confirmed both that it's an aliexpress product AND a FB sponsored ad scam.

Pity that, but I will take the advice at heart and search for a good 2nd hand coat. As CDSG pointed out, it's better to have it than not and yes, charcoal gray and dark navy are colors I find good.
Thanks again for saving me from a shoddy deal!

Post: #296

Recently got back on eBay to scour some old school clothes for cheap. Highly recommend

Post: #297

(09-08-2016 11:57 AM)C-Note Wrote:  

(09-08-2016 10:44 AM)aeroektar Wrote:  

(09-08-2016 09:35 AM)C-Note Wrote:  Nordstrom puts their dress shirts on steep mark-down several times a year, usually July, Thanksgiving, and New Years. In my experience, their shirts are among the best quality you can get for the money. They have three levels:

1. 1901- ~$50 full price, $35 on sale
2. Nordstrom- $65 full price, $45 sale
3. John W. Nordstrom- $95 full price, $65 sale

The best value is probably the Nordstrom (#2) line. Wearing the shirt twice a month and laundering it and ironing it yourself it should last close to three years. I've tried shirts from Uniqlo, Men's Wearhouse, Express, H&M, Zara, L.L. Bean, and Land's End and I've found the Nordstroms to be the best.

Do you find them at regular Nordstrom or the rack?

Regular Nordstrom but I usually order off the Internet. They have free shipping and returns. The slim fit is probably the best fit for most of our members unless you really have broad shoulders.

Nordstrom to me is the best mens department store hands down in the US.

If you travel around the country a lot, try going into a different one in each city. Each store is curated for each city, and how the men dress in each city. Its really remarkable when you see the differences. The Santa Monica store has a vastly different selection than the Short Hills NJ store. In one you look like Michael Bay, the other a modern version of Tony Soprano. The Chicago and Seattle stores, Arizona and Texas stores are all completely different as well. They really know their markets.

Aside from that, their service is second to none. There is no better shopping experience in the US for men, in my opinion.

Yes, all of their store lines are great. Their bi-annual sales are fantastic as well. If you have a little more coin, you can buy the more expensive labels. If you need suited up, or want to dress "r-selected" haha, its the place to go. Shoes, jewelry, suits, etc.

No paid endorsement here. Just love shopping here.

Post: #298

So I've heard and read that a good way to find deals on suits is to seek out up-and-coming designers who don't yet have the product history to charge premium prices for their products, but still make a quality garment nonetheless. May have found such a deal:





Here is Grand Frank's suits:

https://www.grandfrank.com/us/main/suits

Quality non-synthetic materials, most expensive suit they offer is only $450, free express shipping (1-3 days in USA), 30-day return policy, plus you get a 15% off promo from TMF. Sounds like a viable option for a good quality off-the-rack steal.

Thinking I may snag 1 or 2 of these. Worst case scenario I just get it altered if it could use some adjustment.

Post: #299

This man is wearing a bright blue suit, with brown shoes, no tie and no socks (and he has rolled the legs up so that they fall short of the shoe). He looks *ridiculous*. If you could splice a Venezuelan gigolo with an east end used car salesman, this would be the result.

If you want a cheap suit that will still look good, then I would recommend these guys: http://www.raja-fashions.com/make-an-app...d%20States They will tailor a suit for roughly the sort of price you are talking about.

I have a travelling suit I got knocked up by them and it is well tailored for the price, in a cloth with some subtle character. For the price they'd be hard to beat.

Post: #300

(10-12-2016 02:56 PM)H1N1 Wrote:  This man is wearing a bright blue suit, with brown shoes, no tie and no socks (and he has rolled the legs up so that they fall short of the shoe). He looks *ridiculous*. If you could splice a Venezuelan gigolo with an east end used car salesman, this would be the result.

Your point? The suit still looks great in my opinion. I could care less if the guy has whack style or not. The data he gives about the build quality and fabric used is what's important (and that he offers a discount code).

From the FAQ section of your raja fashions website:

Quote:How much do your suits costs?
Our custom shirts range in price from US$50 to US$500, depending on the material. Suits range from US $350 to US$5,000, also depending on the material. We have over 20,000 fabrics and there is an understandable variation in quality and price thereof.

I wouldn't exactly call that pricing competitive with Grand Frank unless this company's bottom-of-the-barrel pricepoint suits are also genuine 100% wool with quality non-synthetic materials.

I'm sure they make nice products but I'm sure to buy a suit of better-than-men's-wearhouse quality from them is going to be more than $350.