For many, clothes have a ridiculously short shelf life. The weather, food, pets and the environment can all quickly wear down your favourite gear, and it’s frustrating. Nobody wants to invest some hard earned cash in an item of clothing, only to have it ruined shortly after.
Fortunately, there are ways around this. There are ways to make sure your clothes fit for longer and don’t go out of trend. There are ways to combat everything life throws at you, and everything that might cause damage to your clothes. With this in mind, here’s your handy guide to ensuring your favourite gear remains your favourite gear for a very long time.
Choose The Right Outfit For The Right Day
Look, everybody has that favourite pair of shoes. They’re the ones you wear to family gatherings, trips to the shop and around the house. But, sadly, they’re not going to match every occasion.
It’s pure common sense. As much as I’d love to wear my pointed, black, suede shoes to work, it just doesn’t fit. Working in the retail sector or in a warehouse (or a job that involves a lot of time on your feet) is going to wear that footwear down very quickly. It’d be far better to strap on a pair of steel toe capped boots or some tough sports trainers.
In a similar vein, going for a walk in the countryside will likely be a muddy affair. Don’t wear your favourite clothes, or the ones you look best in. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice fashion for practicality. You’ll get to wear all your best looking items when the time is right, and when they last you a couple of years, you’ll thank yourself for it.
Go Tailor Made And Choose The Right Size
We’ve all been there. You get home from the shop, or open your Amazon package, only to find that the clothes you bought just don’t fit right. It’s a sinking feeling, not least because you’ll have to endure the annoying returns process. You were looking forward to wearing that outfit to a party that same day, and now, that plan’s out the window.
However, there is a way to combat this problem. Many suppliers can offer you the chance to go tailor made, and pick an item that fits you perfectly. Custom jeans, for example, can ensure you get the exact pair of trousers you want. And, because they’re denim, they’ll last you absolutely ages.
The same is also true of t-shirts, underwear and practically anything you can wear. At the very least, pick a size that affords you a little room to grow or shrink. If it’s around the Christmas season, you’ll probably put on a pound or two, so buy a size that’s slightly bigger. If it’s the heat of summer, you may find your waistline slims, so plan accordingly.
Match Your Style With The Season
Don’t be that dumb looking guy who struts around in a vest top and baseball cap over winter. We’ve all seen them, and can admit they look ridiculous. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be you! Put your best foot forward before you step out the door, and account for the weather. Clothes should last you a few years, and that means wearing the right clothes at the right times. For example, wearing your pumps in winter will ruin them, and wearing your boots in summer will probably make your feet sweat buckets.
Color coordination is also important. Think about what you’re buying, and if you have any colors at home to match. Buying a pair of trousers when you don’t have an outfit in mind could be a financial disaster. You want your stuff to last a while by complementing the stuff you already have in your wardrobe.
Generally speaking, warmer colors in winter and cooler colors in summer is the way to go. You won’t look out of place, and you’ll fit the tone of the day. Ever seen someone wearing a Hawaiian shirt when it’s snowing outside? Probably not, and there’s a reason for that.
Buy Clothes That Look Good All Year Round
Some items are universal. Where shorts and vest tops have a relatively specific usage range, you can buy some things that look good no matter the time of year. Sure, you could wear that thick set woolly coat on a cooler summers day, but you’d probably look odd.
Suede jackets look stylish all year (here’s our top five) and because they’re thinner, fit in summer/winter with ease. Similarly, bomber jackets will suit you no matter the season. Their slimming, tight look should finely complement a set of chino trousers on any occasion.
In terms of headwear, snapback caps look ridiculous in winter, but beanie hats are usable 365 days a year. No longer will you have to suffer a bad hair day! Those men who like to accessorize with a scarf will look out of place in warmer weather, but a cravat is a fine fit if you’re after a similar style in summer. There are things to not wear in winter, and summer, so identify them.
In short, use your judgement when buying clothes. Think long term, and not just in the moment. Your purchase may look good on you now, but what about in six months? Two months. Buying a thin, brightly colored t shirt toward the end of August, right at the end of summer, is a baffling decision. Use your head, and your wallet will thank you.
Clothes, like most purchases, should last you a few years. It’s important not to be frivolous spenders. Believe it or not, but there are ways to stay on trend while watching your wallet. You just have to fight that instinct to purchase the first nice item you see on the store shelf.
Hopefully, these quick tips have helped you out in this regard. So get out there and dapper up, (smartly) because you deserve it. And so does your wallet!