Why Less is More When Buying Men's Apparel
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Buy less clothes. Life is demanding, and so are your outfits. From the office, to the restaurant, to church, pickup basketball, around the house; there are so many roles for us to play. And with that comes a crowded closet where we feel like each item plays a part in a certain sub category of our lives. Check out some reasons below why you should buy less clothes and get more by doing so.
Multi-functional pieces, more space
A multi-functional piece is something that work across a broad range of categories and can be used for a variety of different settings. For example, while waiting tables, the owner instructed me that I was to wear non-stick, black shoes. As I contemplated this, it made sense to me that I should buy a pair of restaurant shoes that I could also use outside of my workplace as well. A few days later, I walked in with my brand new Adidas Sambas that not only did I wear to class beforehand, but was going to wear at my indoor soccer practice afterwards.
Focusing on pieces within your arsenal that can be used across a broader range of activities can be most beneficial when taking space and clutter into account. By all means instances arise where you might need a specific one time use item (shoutout tux rentals) but try to keep those purchases to a minimal and spend $ where you can add value across the board for yourself.
Higher quality, less clothes
Quality > quantity is a cliche that nearly everyone's heard and it's a popular motto for a reason. In apparel altogether that statement couldn't be more true. It's better to buy the $60 dollar backpack that will last you half a decade than the $15 dollar option that needs to be replaced each year. Better fabrics tend to hold up better over time, resisting wear and tear. As a result, you end up buying fewer replacements, which can save you money in the long run.
Consider the importance of the item as well, as the longevity of an item has already been factored into the price. Is it really worth it to save a few dollars on a backpack that carries your valuables throughout the day. Throwaway items and work clothes exist and that's totally fine, however when considering your most important and heavily worn items, adopting a quality > quantity approach will not only save you money in the long run, but headaches in the future.
Ditch the basics, better performance
As you may know, we're a big advocate for "Ditch the Basics" and stepping into the world as your best self. And for that you need clothes that fit you well and treat you right. Besides the point of aesthetically looking pleasing or finding comfort levels you've never felt; owning clothes that directly relate to your daily performance can be important. When it comes to your field, or the demands of your day your fit should not come second and you should prepare yourself at the highest quality you can afford.
When you dress well, you feel better about yourself. A good outfit can enhance your self-esteem and make you feel more capable and confident. People also often judge others based on appearance within the first few seconds of meeting them. Dressing well sends the message that you care about yourself, your appearance, and the impression you leave.
We can all be better
"Fast Fashion" in short describes the practice of making the trendiest, marketable products as cheaply as possible and in huge proportions. Higher-quality clothing often comes with a commitment to more sustainable practices. The materials used may be organic, recycled, or better sourced, and the manufacturing process may be more ethical or environmentally conscious. Investing in high-quality clothing can reduce the need for constant replacement, which helps curb the environmental impact of waste from fast fashion.
By choosing quality over quantity, you’re often supporting brands that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.
Better-quality clothing not only offers tangible benefits like durability, comfort, and fit, but it can also support your values regarding sustainability and ethical production. Over time, investing in quality clothing can save money and reduce the environmental impact, all while keeping your wardrobe looking sharp.