Have you ever gone into the store and found that perfect sweater, tried it on and it felt like it was made for you?
You felt amazing in it – but once you saw the price tag, you repented.
If you'd like to know how to avoid this feeling, then you're in the right place
I will teach you about some of the key items in your wardrobe that you should NEVER pay full price for. The best part? I'll show you how to save money in the process.
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry
- Suits
- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Gloves
- Hats
- Shoes
- Socks
- Fragrances
- Swimwear & Shorts
- Polo Shirts
So buckle up and get ready to be amazed!
1. Sunglasses
Let's face it – sunglasses play a large role in most men's wardrobe. Are they really worth the price tag that some stores put on them?
That actually depends on how bad you need them.
If you find yourself in a desperate situation where you need them, then you'll be compelled to buy a pair at full price.
If it's not an emergency however, there are ways to save money!
First of all, you should always check out as many stores as possible because oftentimes, you will find a store that has the model you want on sale.
An even better option is to find it on the web, just make sure you know the exact model you'd like to buy.
Online stores know when their competitors have sales and they will try to offer better deals – make sure you find them!
2. Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, and watches are all included in this category.
They all have high retail markups. It allows manufacturers who mass produce to make a ton of money. This is especially true for jewelry – retail markups go up to 800%!
For bracelets and cufflinks, the best thing you can do is go custom! As shocking as this sounds, when you get a custom piece of jewelry made just for you, there's only around a 100% or 200% margin.
The reason for this is that they are unique pieces, so the manufacturer can't justify a higher markup.
As far as watches go, the best advice I have for you is to, once again, look online.
But beware, there are a lot of fake watches going around. Only buy from a trusted source.
3. Suits
Most people may think that it's near impossible to save money on suits, but it's actually relatively easy.
If you go to a store and look for a suit, you can always ask the employees for a discount. It doesn't always work, but the potential rewards are worth it.
You can also save a lot of money by purchasing a suit during the sale period – the basic strategy for any man looking to upgrade his style on a budget
Another way to save is to compromise with the fabric. You don't necessarily need a 100% wool the first time – get a wool blend instead and wait for a better quality suit down the line.
When it comes to bespoke suits, don't try to negotiate on price.
A suit made by a bespoke tailor requires a lot of time and skill. It's made from scratch, and it's impolite to demand a discount on a work of art like this. Let the man do his work and enjoy the final product.
4. Sweaters
Sweaters are mainly seasonal garments. Most of the time, you will need a sweater in fall and winter.
During that period stores place higher prices on sweaters because they know that those who really need them will pay no matter what.
Even now, there are a few tricks I can suggest so that you can get your favorite sweater without breaking the bank.
It's actually better to search for sweaters in stores. There is a catch: You need to know when the timing is right.
The best time to buy a sweater is during spring or summer. Since they reach their highest price in the winter months, they'll go on sale during that time because the stores will want to get rid of them to make room for new collections.
Online stores, on the other hand, can afford to keep the sweaters in stock during the entire season with few changes to the price.
5. Jackets
Jackets yield a retail markup between 300% and 800%. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it.
Custom jackets have lower markups, but the overall cost is higher because of the materials and labor used.
The reason that jackets are often priced a bit higher is that brands are aware that their customers are willing to pay top dollar for decent quality.
The best you can do is track the store where you found your perfect jacket and buy it when the price goes down during sales. I wouldn't suggest buying a jacket, or any outerwear for that matter online because there is no guarantee that the jacket will fit you.
6. Gloves
Gloves are strictly a seasonal garment. Stores rarely have them during summer, but they ALWAYS have them during winter.
This allows the manufacturers to slap whatever price tag they want on them. Much like jackets, people rarely think about gloves until they really need them – therein lies the trap.
However, there is an upside to it…
Your hand size will not change. The gloves you tried on early in the winter will still fit you in a few months. Unless it's an emergency, you should hold off on the purchase until the end of winter.
Most stores clear their winter garments then and you can find gloves for very low prices, in some cases even up to 60% off.
7. Hats
The year-round accessory for men.
Of course, there are different styles and fabrics for different seasons, but hats can be worn throughout the year.
If you're looking to buy a hat, it can seriously upgrade your look.
Because hats are never out of style, they rarely go on sale. If you find a good deal, make sure to take advantage of it. There are so many timeless styles that you won't have to worry about it being outdated a year later.
You can also ask people at the store to put the hat on the side for you and when sales come – boom, you have one waiting for you.
8. Shoes
Shoes have a markup of 300% up to 600%, depending on the retailer and the quality of the shoes.
Custom shoes may have a lower margin, but (once again) they cost more because of the artistry and the quality.
Luckily, saving your hard-earned cash here is simple.
Be patient and wait.
Eventually, shoes will go on sale as they rarely make it through one season without flying off the shelves. New shoes are constantly being brought in, so it's in the best interest of retailers that they clear out as soon as possible.
This constant cycle yields a sense of urgency, which in turn brings out HUGE discounts. Your wallet couldn't be happier.
9. Socks
Socks are THE essential garment. We all need them.
For this reason, better quality socks can be pretty expensive.
There are two sides to the story: One is that they are on the front line and the comfort afforded by high-end socks is worth the money. The other is that they get torn quickly, so why bother?
Which story is true? Neither.
You shouldn't spend loads of money on socks because, as Tom Ford said, you should change your socks and underwear every six months.
The best compromise is to stay on the lookout for high-quality socks and get them once they go on sale.
10. Fragrances
With the markup set between 400% and 4000%, fragrances can be a serious expenditure.
While much of it has to do with the smell and longevity of a fragrance, the brand factors in as well.
What's the alternative to spending a fortune on a small, short-lived bottle?
Once again, buy fragrances when you see them on clearance – especially if you know that they smell good on you. Never be the one who passes up on deals for cologne because they almost NEVER go on sale. Who knows when you'll have another opportunity.
Make sure you buy from legitimate stores and trustworthy retailers because there is no shortage of fakes out there. You don't want to be the one who gets scammed.
11. Swimwear & shorts
Swimwear and shorts are strictly seasonal garments. Prices will be pretty high in the summer simply because of the season and the fact that people won't tend to care about the price.
You have a very short window just after summer ends to be able to get the ones you like because they tend to go on sale first and they usually go fast.
12. Polo shirts
Polo shirts come in many different patterns, styles, and colors. They are also a year-round garment to be used in all seasons.
You can always find various polo shirts on sale mid-season, if not during official sales.
You can also look at your favorite store's website – the prices will often match with those in the stores themselves.
If you've previously tried the polo shirt on, then you can order online. That way, you get a brand new product – still packed without the scent of 20 other guys that tried it.
Summary: NEVER Pay Full Price For These Items (How To Save Money)
There you have it, gentlemen. A list of items on which you can save some money and the way to do it. Make sure to give yourself options when you're shopping and compare prices in different stores.
Here's moral of the story: Being patient and waiting for sales can save you a ton of money!
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry
- Suits
- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Gloves
- Hats
- Shoes
- Socks
- Fragrances
- Swimwear & Shorts
- Polo Shirts