Clothes thread?

[wicked]

Maybe we can get one going? In memory of Frank Ridgeway, of course.

I'm trying to step up my game. Generally speaking, I go with cheapish polos and khakis. I'd like to get some better polos -- specifically cotton and higher quality and ones that will remain relatively sweat-free. I have a Dockers Golf polo that's many years old, but the color never faded and it remains super comfortable.

Any brands that are similar to the Dockers Golf, but won't cost me an arm and a leg? Is it reasonable to want to spend no more than $50 on a nice shirt, or do I need to start spending a little more?

 

[Vombatus]

I go to thrift shops and see what wives have dumped of their ex-husbands and deceased spouses. It takes work to find good stuff, but thrift shopping adds a bit more suspense and treasure hunting thrill. Finding great stuff is like an adrenaline rush.

Just wash stuff thoroughly before wearing anything.

 

[Key]

I'm only now figuring out that shirt size matters. Holy ****, I've been looking like an idiot all these years. Figure our your sleeve length and collar size. And try to find shirts that are tapered in some way. It eliminates all the bagginess in the back.

 

[Rhody31]

Spend more if you can afford it. Everyone thinks the label drives the price, but the quality of the clothes means they'll last longer.
When you do laundry, be smart about it. Don't dry anything you want to last/remain looking nice. The dryer is gonna shrink clothes and after a while, fade and destroy stuff. Hang dry and iron like an adult is supposed to.
Don't wear cotton polos if you want to be sweat free. Every brand makes a polo out of the dry fit material and they're incredibly breathable and stay looking nice. Plus, the collar doesn't curve. I've got a couple Ralph Lauren ones that I got at an outlet for like $30. Buying out of season helps the wallet.
Don't let the price tag make the decision. If you see something you like and you like the way it looks when you try it on - ALWAYS TRY IT ON - buy it. I just dropped $80 on a dress shirt because it made me feel less fat and $120 on a quarter-zip sweatshirt because it added to the look. It made me feel good. Gave me confidence.
And that's what clothes are for. Look good, feel good. If you gotta spend a couple extra bucks, do it.

EDIT: Fat guys - don't be embarrassed to go to Big & Tall stores. I go to Gentleman's XL and it's nice to know I'll find clothes that fit. Ralph Lauren has a terrific big and tall selection on their website. There's a huge difference between a 44 waist, a 44big waist and a 44 tall. Goal No. 1 for me is lose weight so I can shop retail again, but it's nice to know I can get some stuff to hold me over until I drop the winter weight.

 

[User 1019]

I began buying shirts from an H. Stockton store in Atlanta some years back. I usually buy one or two a year. Best clothing decision I've ever made.

 

[Vombatus]

I recently learned of something called a "Richmond" shirt but have no idea what it is. Any clues?

I also like Helly Hansen (marine/ nautical wear) and Carhartt (durable work clothes) depending on whether I am in Annapolis or more rustic areas - like Texas. Got to dress for the local cougars.

BTW, I wonder if freqposter can chime in with clothing advice?

 

[Rhody31]

Also, if you must wear an undershirt, v-neck so no one knows. I joined team no undershirt and it's glorious.

 

[User 1019]

Looks like Richmond is a brand for douchebags.

 

[JackReacher]

People still wear cotton polos?

 

[Lugnuts]

Garanimals are good, so you know what matches.

 

[Vombatus]

Looks like Richmond is a brand for douchebags.

I just looked this up and I think the brand is Ledbury, made in Richmond, and they ain't cheap. Holy cow - two for $125.

 

[Riptide]

Hit the gym hard. You'll look good in almost anything.

 

[wicked]

Rhody, all the dry-fit material I've seen seems more polyester than anything. I've always thought cotton looks best (and yes, I don't put my stuff through the dryer, or only when I urgently need something to wear). What materials do you suggest?

Hit the gym hard. You'll look good in almost anything.

Shut up. I enjoy being fat.

 

[exmediahack]

On dress shirts, I took me 38 years to get to this place but I will only wear Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. Based in London. Every so often, they'll mark their shirts down to $29.50. I promise you, they're fantastic at that price. Before that, I wore Paul Fredrick shirts but I've found they wear out a little too quickly.

Also, if you wear dress pants or suits, paying for the services a tailor is one of the best investments in your overall work comfort you can ever make. If the tailor has a thick Eastern European accent, even better. Enhances the experience.

I'm a bit of a tie snob -- like The Tie Bar but prefer Ted Baker and Ike Behar.

 

[Big Circus]

Isn't it all made of thread?

 

[MisterCreosote]

Also, if you must wear an undershirt, v-neck so no one knows. I joined team no undershirt and it's glorious.

When I'm not at work, undershirts are practically all I ever wear.

 

[Dick Whitman]

I get my dress shirts specially made. I can pick out both the color and pattern out of huge books of fabric swatches, decide what touches I want (no pocket for me), collar (semi-spread), and get a perfect fit. (Surprisingly, there's some variation when they come back, which I don't love.

As far as casual clothes go, I recently discovered www.untuckit.com. It's been a revelation. They look and fit great. I order a medium slim fit and it fits me perfectly. You've just got to find the brand that fits right for you. I think I've ordered three shirts there in the last month.

 

[Flip Wilson]

I go to thrift shops and see what wives have dumped of their ex-husbands and deceased spouses. It takes work to find good stuff, but thrift shopping adds a bit more suspense and treasure hunting thrill. Finding great stuff is like an adrenaline rush.

Just wash stuff thoroughly before wearing anything.

I've found sports coats for $5 at a thrift store, and spent $20 each having the sleeves shortened a bit. They fit perfect. And just a couple of weeks ago, I bought a cashmere overcoat at another thrift place for $5. It fits great now.

Love the thrift shopping.

 

[Lugnuts]

Wife beater is a cute look.

 

[Moderator1]

On dress shirts, I took me 38 years to get to this place but I will only wear Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. Based in London. Every so often, they'll mark their shirts down to $29.50. I promise you, they're fantastic at that price.

Just discovered Tyrwhitt myself and got the three for 99 deal twice. Great shirts, got here fast (and then found out there's a store not far from my old office). I'm also a fan of Brooks Brothers dress shirts because, while expensive, they last forever and are true to size every single time.

My previous job was shirt and tie every day. Now I hardly ever wear a tie. But I agree with what some have said: for your "good" clothes, go all in. Casual? Whatever. I have some shirts from Target and Old Navy that hold up just fine and serve their purpose well. Suits by Brooks Brothers, Hawaiians by Kahala and Old Navy.

Socks by Happy Socks. Shoes by Fluevog, Cole Haan and Rockport. Jeans by Lucky or Levis.

Also, give this a whirl for socks and underwear: Home