Deciding which brands you are going to buy from regularly is a big, important step in the journey to dressing better. But brands change over time, and the only way to always know the ones that are working best for you is to continually test them out, over time, and cycle back through occasionally to see if brands that you dismissed before are better options for you now.
But you need a starting point. A kickstarter. Somewhere to jump off from. And that’s what this episode is all about. Today, I’m showing you what my favorite brands are for each item of clothing, within each pricing bracket. Whether your budget calls for affordable, mid-range, premium, or even custom clothing, I’m giving you my best recommendations for where to look first.
Dressing better is a journey, and one that is continually in motion, evolving and changing. That’s a lot of what makes it such a fascinating study. So enjoy the process! The journey of coming to understand brands and quality in clothing will take a lifetime, but use this episode to jump-start that journey, and start dressing better and making better decisions regarding brands today!
Click here to listen on iTunes – Podcast 6: The Complete Recommended Product Checklist
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Click here to listen on Stitcher – Podcast 6: The Complete Recommended Product Checklist
Four Categories
- Affordable
- Midrange
- Premium
- Custom
Navy Suit:
Affordable: Nordstroms, big box stores
Midrange: Suit supply, J. Crew
Premium: Zegna, Ralph Lauren,
Custom: It’s all about the relationship. If you’re willing to travel, you can cheat the system. See: 10 Custom Tailors Antonio Recommends
Sports Jackets:
Affordable: Banana Republic, J. Crew
Midrange: Bonobos, Suit Supply
Premium: Ralph Lauren, Armani
Custom: Same as suits
Dress Shirts:
Affordable: Nordstrom, 1901
Midrange: Charles Tyrwhitt, 5th & Lamar
Premium: Ledbury, Hamilton,
Casual Shirts:
Affordable: J. Crew, Factory, H&M
Midrange: J. Crew, Banana Republic,
Premium: Nordstrom,
Trousers:
Affordable: Nordstrom, Topman
Midrange: Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, Bonobos
Premium: Canali
Chinos:
Affordable: Old Navy, Dockers
Midrange: J. Crew, Banana Republic, Bonobos
Premium: Ted Baker
Jeans:
Affordable: Lees, Levis, Wrangler,
Midrange: Bonobos, Lucky Brand, ABC, Nudie, AG
Dress Shoes:
Affordable: Aldo, Johnston & Murphy
Midrange: Paul Evans, Allen Edmonds, Alden, Churches,
Premium: Ferragamo, Prada
Leather Boots:
Affordable: Thorogood
Midrange: Red Wing, Wolverine
Premium: Alden, John Lott
Casual Shoes:
Affordable: Converse, DSW
Midrange: Sperry, Zappos
Premium: Jay Butler
Neck Ties:
Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, The Dark Knot
Belts:
Affordable: Dockers
Midrange: Allen Edmonds, J. Crew
Winter Coats:
Affordable: L. L. Bean, The North Face
Midrange: Patagonia
Premium: Canada Goose, Brioni
Scarfs:
Affordable: GAP, H&M,
Midrange: J. Crew, L. L. Bean
Premium: Burberry, Prada
Winter Boats:
Affordable: The North Face, Hunter,
Midrange: L. L. Bean, Sorel
Premium: Red Wing
Warm Weather Jackets:
- Crew, Banana Republic, Bonobos, Todd Snyder, Ted Baker,
Shorts:
Affordable: Old Navy, GAP
Midrange: J. Crew, Mr. Porter
Premium: Ted Baker, Paul Smith
Sandals:
Birkenstock, Zappos
Sunglasses:
Ray Ban, Oakley, Maui Jim
Watches:
You usually get what you pay for. See: The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Watches
Mindset Takeaway:
Get to know your brands, and which ones fit your budget and needs. But understand that brands change over time, so experimentation is essential.
Resources:
10 Custom Tailors Antonio Recommends
I have done enough trial and error to give you a list of ten custom clothiers who will deliver good quality – in person or online.
