Figuring out how/where to shop
Hey all, one of the things that's stumped me the hardest with trying to look for nicer clothes is figuring out the right way to shop for cloths, and where to start browsing around for things. Most of my shopping has been for tech stuff or other utilitarian things, where I can just look up reviews and compare products that are either not really that different in the first place, or have such obvious differentiating factors that the choice is easy. Clothes feels like a whole other world, I don't know what to look for, or how to understand different price points. I'm lucky enough to have a job that pays quite well, so I can afford pricier stuff, but is there even a point? Is there a reason to not just buy everything from Uniqlo???
Those "Where to buy ___ at $___" threads on the subreddit were a great help, but I don't think they've been ported to anywhere else yet. I'd like to end up being self sufficient at some point anyway, not needing to just check the reddit/discord hive mind eventually
If people want to give specific recommendations, I'm pretty much at the Basic Bastard level, right now I have a couple Chinos and button downs in addition to my classic huge collection of tees and jeans, and I'm looking to add more of those so I don't have to revert back to programmer-nerd-chic quite as often. Also shorts and button downs suited for warmer weather, I'm toasting right now
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I guess to complete the context at the bottom, I grabbed the button downs and chinos from Bonobos because they had a store nearby, making it an easy first step into better clothes. I have some issues with the chinos though, and generally I'd just like to know what else is out there.
Can I ask what general area you're in? Going into a shop and trying things in person might help answer why not just Uniqlo.
You're right that you can't minmax clothes and there aren't really objective measures. Fit, fabric, construction, formality, drape, color, pattern, texture, price point, etc. are all things you can use to judge if a piece is right for you, and that's different for everyone.
portland area
the oregon one
You could try and find a mens boutique near you
You can hopefully get the chance to ask questions about why things are priced the way they are and have someone walk you through it
Oh Self Edge is in Portland, great spot. You could also check out Filson. Machus and darkside initiative for more high end streetwear. Revolvr is a weird mix but more basic PNW guy vibes. If youre ever in Seattle Glasswing is cool, and the Nordstrom flagship.
Oh can't forget Danner in Portland, classic pnw brand! And an Allen Edmonds in Seattle if you want to try more traditional leather shoes
Thanks guys, maybe the secret is just to go browse around mens clothing stores and check things out, find brands I like by trying things on. I avoided this before to avoid socializing, but I am slowly inverting at this point and am now desperate to get out of the house so shopping is a good reason.
These places you recced are real cool but some are a bit pricey for me, maybe I oversold how well my job pays lel. A couple seemed right up my alley though, noting them down
Yeah definitely on the more expensive end. Since you're relatively new I'd explore without the pressure of buying things, and then if you see an item or style you like you can get more specific recs.
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