Even if the economy is in trouble, you can still find reasonably priced clothing from overcoats to shoes. The trick is really to find something that is relatively inexpensive, great-looking, and well made. So here are some ways for you to dress up like a rich guy even in recession (this is according to a well-respected men’s magazine called Esquire).
Best Buys
• Choose a three-piece suit that stands out for its pattern and sharp cut.
• Think of your briefcase as a long-term investment.
• Best wool pants have a flat front and a narrow fit.
• Best casual shirts are hemmed short so that you can wear it un-tucked.
• The best overcoats keep out the chill. Find a single-breasted cut because it is slimming and it will not let you drown in fabric.
• There are casual shoes that cost about half compared to the main line, but still has the same character.
• Cashmere can fall into two kinds – the depressingly expensive and the suspiciously affordable – choose something in between.
• For jeans, purchase from the older brands – they are usually the ones that give the best quality.
• For dress shoes, choose plain brown cap-toes that has a classic shape and high shine.
• Buy casual jackets that are waterproof – this will provide enough warmth without physical and financial bulk.
• The best blazers have details like working buttonholes and contrast pick stitching.
• You can find leather jackets that are made with sheepskin – they usually get better with age.
Keep the Suit Forever
Remember to buy yourself a classic suit. If you buy the trendy ones and it goes out of style, you might not want to wear it again. So after buying the suit, you can use some inexpensive tools in order to maintain it.
• Garment-Suspension Device – this is another name for a hanger. If you don’t hang your suit on this, you are actually cutting its life. You should look for hangers with good quality: strong metal hooks and generous thickness on the shoulders.
• Steam-Delivery Tool – dry-clean your suit once every year only. If you do this more often, the process will only weaken the material as well as ruin its shape. If you want the suit to look immaculate without dry cleaning, the ideal thing to do is to steam it.
• Bristled Cleaning Device – another way to put off dry cleaning your suit is to use a suit brush and brush it regularly. You must have seen your grandfather use it – before brushing, they air the suit beside a wide and open window, then they lay it flat either on a bed or table.
Esquire’s Guide to Longevity
When you purchase any piece of clothing, you are the one responsible for making it last. Here are some tips for you to use:
• When washing your jeans, turn it inside out in order to preserve its indigo dye and the cotton fiber structure (add 2 years).
• Wash cashmere and wool by hand, and use only detergents that are knitwear-specific (add 2 years).
• Roll untied ties rather than hanging them. This will allow the running stitch in the spine to relax (add 5 years).
Benedict Yossarian
http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/calling-all-men-you-can-still-look-good-without-going-bankrupt-739174.html
