Clothes -- what do you skimp on and what do you spend on?

scrimshaw on 28/04/2015 - 22:52
Last edited 28/04/2015 - 22:53

So Winter is upon us and for some it's a good time to re-fit the wardrobe.

What are your standards when it comes to purchasing clothing?

I've listed a few clothing types and my hard 'limits' on these type of clothing

  • Suits - Sort of Skimp ($300 max)
  • Formal coats - Spend ($150 max, although I do own one $250 Country Road jacket)
  • Casual Jackets - Skimp ($50 max)
  • Shoes - Sort of Spend ($60 max)
  • Casual Jeans - Skimp ($45 max)
  • Casual Shirts - Skimp ($20 max)
  • Chinos - Skimp ($25 max)
  • Ties - Skimp ($10 max)
  • Belts - Skimp ($10 max)
  • Sunglasses - Skimp ($25 max)
  • Watches - Skimp ($40), unless it's a smartwatch, in which case it's ($150 max, I have a Pebble)
  • Hats — Skimp ($0) I don't wear a hat,
  • Haircuts — skimp ($22~24) depending on time and plce

and finally

  • Undies / Socks - Skimp, usually as cheap as I can find.

What are your standards, ladies / gents?

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • inherentchoice on 28/04/2015 - 22:58
    +14

    I wear $4 shoes and $10 jeans and $5 shirts. Mostly on clearance from Kmart.

    They seem to last me years.

    I have a $100 suit from a Vietnamese tailor including pants and shirt.

    • scrimshaw on 28/04/2015 - 23:01
      +10

      They seem to last me years.

      Really? I find even with the generic polo shirts they sell, most of their crap will lose shape after a few washes.

      How much do you spend on winter-type clothing?

      • inherentchoice on 28/04/2015 - 23:05
        +4

        I hang clothes out on a line rather than using a tumble dryer. Maybe that helps them last longer?

        Once took some friends trekking up a mountain. It was so dusty and we were scrambling over rocks. Their clothes were covered in brown dust. Yet somehow my white shirt stayed as white as snow

        Live in QLD, still pretty warm. Sometimes just layer a t-shirt with a long sleeve collared shirt.

        Bought a $7 hoodie from Aldi.

        Also bought a genuine North Face Gore Tex jacket and fleece in Vietnam for $40.

        Also bought a $10 waterproof jacket in kmart that seems to be just as good as the Gore Tex.

        I haven't really skimped on a watch ($100).

        • huydn on 01/05/2015 - 08:48
          +4

          You really know where to shop :D North Face stuff (and many other branded clothing) in Vietnam is indeed genuine but not 'official'. They are taken straight from the factories by many different ways and end up in the market with a much much cheaper price.

        • wittyusername on 02/05/2015 - 21:39

          @huydn:

          Source?

        • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2015 - 07:48
          +1

          Theres a product in washing detergents that make your clothes seem whiter/brighter than they are, under ultraviolet light (i.e. blacklight or under the sun). It's one of those things like scenting that's used which I despise. Generally the cheaper the detergent the less of that crap you'll get in your washing cycle, also it doesn't come out in the rinse cycle.

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_brightener

        • huydn on 03/05/2015 - 09:17
          +3

          @wittyusername: I'm from there and my uncle is a factory owner. Got free shoes and stuff all the time :D

        • zhenjie on 03/05/2015 - 22:30

          @huydn:

          This 'over-stock' thing is a myth. Factory contracts with big brands like The North Face, Patagonia, etc are so watertight you would never see a 'real' factory owner risk selling over stocks.

          Every indian, viet, etc seems to have a relative who does OEM for a 'authentic' brand. I call BS

        • huydn on 03/05/2015 - 22:55
          +2

          @zhenjie: Up to you hehe, not like I'm trying to sell clothes or something. You'd be surprised at the level of corruption over there. Money is money, people will do pretty much anything.

          And the difference between fake and real? The stock level! For real items, they only have like 1 or 2 for each size and most of the time not every size is available :D Cheers.

          P/S: and every indian, viet, etc.? Hahaha wth, where do you live man :O I'm seriously curious.

  • cypher67 on 28/04/2015 - 23:23
    +9

    I buy the good quality stuff for everything I own except maybe socks? I do a bi annual clothes shop and they last be many years. I found buying the cheap stuff you 1) Look Cheap 2) Feel Cheap 3) Replace them more often resulting in having to put up with 1 & 2 for the overall same cost. Im not saying I buy designed stuff, but just decent quality from sports & surf stores.

    • belongsinforums on 01/05/2015 - 08:15
      +4

      if they lasted many years, why the need to shop twice a year?

      • cypher67 on 01/05/2015 - 10:03

        Well clothes dont last forever, its the great circle of life (for clothes) my Bi annual shop is only say 20% of my total clothes, 10 years shelf life is acceptable

        • belongsinforums on 01/05/2015 - 14:02

          Assuming you start with 0, after 10 years you'll have 380% of your clothes. Well, that explains my ever crowding closet

        • cypher67 on 01/05/2015 - 16:39
          -2

          @tomkun01:
          Your math is out. 20% of 0 is 0 for starters. If I am at 100% and ive been doing this for over 10 years, then every 2nd years the 20% I purchased 10 years ago will be on the out and will be replaced with a new 20%. I dont think we need to get caught up in the math of all this. Lets just say I dont buy clothes very often and when I do they last me a long time, yeah?

        • belongsinforums on 01/05/2015 - 22:23

          @cypher67: assumed 0 to make it easier cos i don't know when you started. The real figure will be much bigger than that

        • tikei on 02/05/2015 - 16:08
          +1

          @cypher67:

          I think you mean you shop every two years, not bi-annually, which means twice a year :)

        • Jackson on 02/05/2015 - 23:59

          @tikei: I think the new age term for twice a year is semiannually, and you can often see biannually used now for once every 2 years. It's a bit stupid but I blame the Americans

        • mightyfes on 03/05/2015 - 06:04

          @Jackson: the two mean the same thing, once every two years is biennial.
          easy to confuse though!

        • Jackson on 03/05/2015 - 16:06

          @mightyfes: Yeah but since the switch to semi annually some people have been using it wrongly, and I have seen it in software for scheduling payment and the like, and its out there! :-\

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2015 - 23:31

    Suits - Spend - Avg. $600
    Work Shirts - Spend - $100-$250
    Work Shoes - Spend - Avg $300-$400
    Running Shoes - Spend - Avg. $180
    Jandals - Spend - MAX $8 a pair

    I skimp on almost everything else.
    Most of my casual and exercise clothing I buy once a year when I travel to the USA and buy big at the outlets.
    I used to buy branded sunglasses like Prada and Oakley, NEVER AGAIN!

    • Jackson on 02/05/2015 - 21:13

      Geez, and you are on OzBargain? Is that 3-400 for one pair? I agree on the US point though, even back when our dollar was at 47c it was still cheaper to buy over there.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2015 - 09:14
        +5

        Yeah. I figure I spend around 10 hours a day in a single pair of shoes, might as well be comfortable.

        Leather shoes with leather soles aren't cheap, but incredibly comfortable.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 01:32
    • Suits - I own one suit for job interviews only. No need for more unless my weight changes lol. Was a big spend for me but I know I still skimped when compared to average women's suit prices for nice ones anyway ($350 max)
    • Formal coats - $100 max.
    • Casual Jackets - $50 max, sometimes more if it's well made and I really dig it.
    • Shoes - $90 max (being my Chucks). Most expensive shoes I own are Doc Martens boots. Most shoes I buy/own are <$20.
    • Casual Jeans - $25 max and that makes me cry.. $20 max ideally. LOL
    • Casual Shirts - $15 is pushing it.
    • Chinos - I own no chinos
    • Ties - n/a unless cable ties..
    • Belts - no need for belts.
    • Sunglasses - $25 max.
    • Watches - hmm. $150 max.
    • Hats - I have a collection of beanies. Don't think I've ever paid more than $15 for one.
    • Haircuts - $20 max (usually less but I get charged for having long hair). Blew the budget a bit recently but was the first ever 'spend' on my hair, ever.
    • Undies / Socks - Salvos all the way.

    My limits are based on the fact I plan my major clothing spends and buy up when things are heavily discounted. Coats for instance.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 07:02
      +1

      Undies / Socks - Salvos all the way.

      I didn't realise that Salvos sold undies and sock. Are they brand new?

      • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 08:31
        +7

        They're… uhm… pre-loved.

        • Islund on 29/04/2015 - 13:31
          +1

          self-loved?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2015 - 15:26
          +6

          pre-loved

          A little bit of sick came up. :/

      • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 15:32
        +2

        Forgive my lame joke, wiki lol.

        Bonds for me when they're half price :)

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 16:03

          Can't believe I fell for that.. Lol

      • rompastompa on 29/04/2015 - 17:13

        Sold or Soiled? ;)

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2015 - 15:25
      • Belts - no need for belts.

      I can think of a few uses…

       >:)

      • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 15:30

        we always have yours..

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2015 - 15:41
          +3

          Unfortunately, I don't wear pants.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 15:48

          @Scrooge McDuck: You might not wear them, but they're usually.. around somewhere.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 16:24
          +1

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          unfortunately, I don't wear pants when Turnip's around.

          Understandable… but what about ozbargain? This is your first comment in weeks.

          JJB

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2015 - 16:29
          +1

          @wicket1120:

          I've been trapped in a dark and dingy bedroom.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 22:37
          +1

          @Scrooge McDuck: :O lanterns were provided!

        • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 19:16
          +2

          @waterlogged turnip: Aren't O'lanterns made of turni…Oh!

    • ilikeradiohead on 30/04/2015 - 19:37

      cable ties

      I hope you got them included in a tool kit.

  • Davo1111 on 29/04/2015 - 03:18
    +2

    It's a bit hard to compare because someone might "skimp" by only wearing Gorgio Armarni. It's a vague question, like asking 'what is a bargain'

    I don't pay full price.

    • johnno07 on 30/04/2015 - 21:46
      +16

      If you were wearing "Gorgio Armarni" - I'm pretty that's the definition of skimping.
      Georgio Armani on the other hand…

      • scrimshaw on 30/04/2015 - 22:38
        +4

        Same same but different.

      • ceebee on 01/05/2015 - 19:19
        +12

        Well, if you were wearing "Georgio Armani" — I'm also pretty sure that's the definition of skimping.
        'Giorgio' Armani, on the other hand…

        • johnno07 on 01/05/2015 - 20:18
          +3

          Goddamn Muphry's Law rears its ugly head.

  • mskeggs on 29/04/2015 - 09:05
    +3

    Similar across the board except I am prepared to skimp on business shoes as I wear them only a few times a year.
    I pay up for Bonds undies (on sale obvs) and socks (I get ones from the markets like Explorer type, but thicker, 3 for $20). I find the cheap generic undies and socks wear out fast. I have a $70 Seiko watch that I am fond of, and a couple of vintage mechanical watches I wear occasionally.
    And a $10 haircut. My daughter says even at that price I'm getting ripped off for the quality!

  • purplelady on 29/04/2015 - 10:29
    +1

    Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one not paying that much for clothes. I always want to hide in the corner everytime my colleagues talk about buying clothes coz they spend $80 to hundreds of dollars for clothes/shoes/haircut.

    My budget:
    •Suits - don't have a very formal one. Just casual suits for $20 I think
    •Casual Jackets - $40 max, prefer $30 though
    •Shoes - Flats $20 max, but generally $10. Boots $40 max. Running shoes are the ones I splurge on considering they can last years, $250 max for 2 pairs (I buy from Paul's warehouse, so always getting one of my sisters to buy 1 too so we can take advantage of buy 1 get 1 deal)

    •Casual Jeans - $25 max and that makes me cry.. $20 max ideally. LOL -> same as waterlogged turnip :P
    •Casual Shirts - below $40. $40 makes me think like 20 times before buying. Preferably $20 or less
    •Belts - below $10. Most of my belts were given by someone else or part of the clothes.
    •Sunglasses - $25 max for 2 lol. Plus 40% discounts on top of that when I was working in the store.
    •Watches - hmm. $40 max. Eventhough I did buy my parents $100+ watch for their anniversary. That's really a once off.
    •Hats - I think $20 max? but pretty sure my hats are all $10 or under.
    •Haircuts - Mine is generally $35-45 due to long hair. But last time I did pay $70 because they had that cut 3 times and the fourth free and it was the third. Felt stupid if I didn't do it. Plus the first of those 3 was half price, and the 2nd was half price too as I referred someone to that hairdresser XD. That works out $35 each visit.
    •Undies / Socks - Socks $10 for as many pairs I can get. But I found the $10 for 10 pairs socks' quality sucks, so I try to stick with $10 for 3 or 4 pairs. Undies…. $10 for 6? lol

    • scrimshaw on 30/04/2015 - 20:35

      A lot of my friends consider my spend to be very budget. My parents however think I spend way too much. E.g I bought a jacket from theHut for the equivalent of $40 AUD and their eyes went as wide as saucers when I mention the price.

      I don't think $40 AUD is too much for a jacket, when you consider a boutique store such as YD sells them for $129 and a even a nicer looking one from Target costs up to $60.

      • purplelady on 01/05/2015 - 11:42
        +2

        Yeah it really depends. But I don't think Target's price very cheap though. For their quality of stuffs, some of the items are actually expensive. Kmart and BigW I think are cheaper.

      • ankor on 02/05/2015 - 19:10

        YD is a boutique store?

        • frowny on 02/05/2015 - 20:26

          They sell rags, so maybe not.

    • sigh on 02/05/2015 - 12:42
      +2

      Be careful if your running shoes are lasting years especially if you are actually running in them, most aren't designed to last past 1000-1200k's of pavement work, some even less like lightweight racing ones may only be 100k before you may as well run barefoot.
      The reason is the foam cushioning starts collapsing. If you look at old pair of runners you'll notice that the foam that forms rhe main part between the 'shoe' and rubber 'sole' will show 'creases' or 'wrinkles'. This is because the foam is losing its structure and failing meaning you no longer have the cushioning it provided when it was new. If it doesn't fail evenly, in a perfect world, one side if the shoe is weaker then then other and your body has to adjust (micro adjustments) in order to maintain stability etc and it happens on a unconscious level. If you deviate from a normal stride by stepping on something uneven and the body needs to adjust to compensate you can do damage if your muscles go the wrong way to what they normally do. Done it myself, a biomechanics/masseuse friend helped me work out how i tore my calf muscle in three places at once. I didn't roll my ankle stepping on uneven ground but i could run for two months.

      • Jackson on 02/05/2015 - 21:28

        And lot of people on this Site will think this is just sales speak to get people to buy shoes. I actually don't pavement run so tend to keep my shoes til they wear out

        • sigh on 03/05/2015 - 08:36

          Used to think it was just crap too, especially when told to replace runners every 600km, which is like being told to service your car every 5000k, while thats good practice its not necessary, i normally look to replace mine every 12-18months after 1000-1500km average depending on deals on here ;). After that sort of distance you do notice the difference in the cushioning between old and new, i keep the old as spares to thrash on bad weather days and trail runs etc.
          Your lucky if you don't have to pound the pavement, i run 8-10k twice a week as minimum, more if get time, theres couple ovals nearby but extremely boring over that distance plus too many mums and 'step into life' people to annoy me. so pavement it is, follow railway lines near my place occasionally linear park or beach.

  • slow on 29/04/2015 - 12:29
    +1

    Sports clothes (running and cycling gear and shoes) - good quality

    Everything else - cheap, although I have some reasonable good stuff bought on hugely reduced clearance sales

    • 2ndeffort on 30/04/2015 - 15:47
      +1

      Agree on cycling clothes. If you do any decent length rides, the ride itself hurts enough, no need for your shorts etc to hurt certain delicate parts of you at the same time. I have some el-cheapo eBay cycling shorts that i wear to gym spin classes and whilst they are OK for that, no way i would wear them on an 'around the bay' '3 peaks' etc. Not to mention the shame of wearing them to a coffee shop at the end of a shop ride!! I lookout for Assos, Castelli, Santini etc on special. No way would I spend $700 on a pair of bib shorts but I have spent $200 on some Assos Bibs in a sale. On the lookout for a windproof jersey and some decent bibs at the minute.

  • red-hot on 29/04/2015 - 13:11
    +2

    I found the undies from Kmart, are a better finish than Bonds. $5 (half price sale).

    • Malathay on 30/04/2015 - 15:23
      +3

      Spent a fortune on Bonds undies because I thought they would last, but those bought from Kmart and Big W have outlasted them by years. Will never buy Bonds again.

    • ilikeradiohead on 30/04/2015 - 19:39
      +1

      Agree, I think the kmart ones are better quality and feel nicer on my, uh, legs than bonds do.

      • algy on 01/05/2015 - 22:47
        +2

        third leg

  • Islund on 29/04/2015 - 13:33
    +1

    I buy my undies whenever I visit the US and stock up.

    If they wear out in the interim then I go Commando

  • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2015 - 16:08
    +1

    I tend to skimp on the wearing of clothes rather than the cost. I feel too hot most of the time in this climate so the fresh breeze helps to cool my skin. I wouldn't own many summer tops if it weren't for the occasional harassment I endure.

    Now that the weather is getting cooler I've been able to get away with tights and a muscle top, maybe a jacket if it's freezing. For substantial articles like jackets, I tend to go for something which will last decades. Owing to my diverse heritage, I can pull off the Eastern European 10 year time-warp look. After that, well fashion cycles every 20 years doesn't it? ;)

    • scrimshaw on 29/04/2015 - 16:21
      +4

      Here is the magazine cover of Slavic Gentleman's wear.

      And don't forget your $3 pack of Marlboro Reds and a bottle of Vodka, for one is not true European until you get together with your friends, squat down in a public place and drink heavily.

      Bonus points for severe dental hygiene issues.

      It's the hottest fashion right now

      • ProjectZero on 01/05/2015 - 10:42

        Cheers for the guide mate! You can skimp on the marlboros seeing as they use generic packaging right? I don't know because I don't smoke but I can learn =)

      • Scrooge McDuck on 04/05/2015 - 12:29

        Here is the magazine cover of Slavic Gentleman's wear.

        I upvoted your comment when it just contained this. I'd wear that and I don't mind a bit of light-hearted and/or good-spirited racism.

        I can't recall revoking an upvote before this but when you edited your comment to add the other stuff I had to.

        I don't advocate censorship but it's quite hypocritical that this post stays when we've seen light-hearted jokes quickly unpublished because they feature the slightest implied racism against mainland Chinese people.

        Not cool scrimshaw! ¬_¬

    • inherentchoice on 01/05/2015 - 12:20
      +2

      I tend to skimp on the wearing of clothes

      That should help with your laundry costs too.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2015 - 18:27

      I wouldn't own many summer tops if it weren't for the occasional harassment I endure.

      The harrassments… are they of a sexual nature? Tell us more.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 04/05/2015 - 12:16

        Catcalling, honking, unsolicited phone number offerings, staring, winking and being looked up and down could be considered sexual, but I appreciate them.

        The unwanted harassment mostly comes from "security" personnel and public servants.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2015 - 19:37

          security" personnel and public servants.

          Are u in prison? o.O

        • Scrooge McDuck on 05/05/2015 - 11:18
          +1

          @Nick Larson:

          Not yet.

          The security personnel are those at shopping centres, sports grounds, banks and jewellery stores. To be fair the public servants who harass me are virtually only those employed in public transport.

  • dasher86 on 29/04/2015 - 17:06
    +2

    I guess my skimping goes more or less on my perceived value for money.
    If i see a business shirt that is usually $100 but it's been reduced to $25 etc I'll consider buying it.
    Yes I'm a brands shopper but i try to get most of the stuff for as cheap as possible as.

  • babylon on 30/04/2015 - 12:59
    +2

    The only things I will spend on things that I need to wear every day, will protect me in some way, or need to be perfectly fitted and comfortable.

    I don't spend more than $50 on any one piece of casual clothing or underwear.
    Backpacks and bags that I will wear every day and be comfortable I will spend on.
    Shoes and boots that I will wear every day and will drive me crazy if they don't fit perfectly I will spend money on, but max $400. Most of the time I'll wait for it to go on sale if it's really expensive.
    Sporting and safety gear for sports, outdoors, and work I will pay for, but if I can I will wait for sales.
    Businesswear and formal event clothing I will not spend more than $100 per item on. I subscribe to the buy cheap, get tailoring approach.

    The one thing that doesn't fall under any of the categories but I will pay good money for is fancy dress.
    I really do love a well-made historically accurate costume for those renfaires.

  • 2ndeffort on 30/04/2015 - 13:21
    +7

    Similar to most here but it is all about the bargain. I would rather a $300 suit that I got marked down from $700 than a $250 suit at regular price. Knowing I got a bargain is worth paying extra for me!!!

    I also have a thing for watches, pretty sure my cheapest one is worth several times the general consensus on here and i wont say what i spent on the Omega!!

    I also agree with good sports gear. Where the clothes have actual functional aspects, not just aesthetics it is worth paying more. No point wearing a cheap ski jacket if you are cold and wet. If you have to pay a little more to be warm and dry it is worth the $$ But then again, as with the suit I would prefer a $700 ski jacket marked down to $200 rather than a $150 jacket at normal price.

  • konazz on 30/04/2015 - 13:46
    +1

    I very rarely buy anything full price.

    When buying something, I look at potential failure (business shirt falling apart vs t-shirt ripping), what is expected (e.g. cheap suits won't fly well with clients when bidding on tenders), and how often i have to go buy something new (i hate clothes shopping).

    Sock/Undies - Bonds/Costco/etc. on special. Definitely not yumcha brands

    Business shoes - I wear decent shoes every day to work. I'm in them sometimes from 8am till midnight, and also go out in them… I've given up with $100 hush puppies/julius marlow. 2 years ago I sprung for a pair of RM williams comfort craftsman… I'd say i wear my chestnut brown shoes 3-4 days a week, and out to dinners and weddings. Best investment ever, and I'll probably get years of wear out of them. I've definitely made up my investment, rather than buying 2 or 3 cheaper looking HP/JM type shoes. They're also a lot more comfortable. I was lucky to buy my black RMs for $220 while travelling through Alice Springs in a stockman's shop.

    Suits - my 2 x day to day work one is $300 each from Thailand about 4 years ago. My client one is $1100 (I wasn't that impressed with the price, but needed a suit in a pinch). Casual evening jacket was $280 from $450… was happy with the price and I've had a few people mention how unique it is. Black dinner jacket (black tie events) was ex-rental from where we hired our wedding stuff… got the whole thing for about $120 and was practically spotless, got them to dry clean it before pickup!

    Pants - if I'm not in a suit, then my work pants are about $200 each… but they're sooooo comfortable i love wearing them at home, on the weekends when going out. Also really comfy when travelling (airplanes, etc.) and haven't faded.

    Non-work stuff:
    T-shirts… <$5 from Kmart
    Casual shoes - only when they're discounted by 50%+ E.g. Iconic has globe shoes for $25 a pop. I bought a couple a few weeks ago @ $35. Now i'll have 1-2 years worth of shoes. When they die, they become gardening shoes, and eventually dog chew toys.
    Jumpers <$10 from Kmart (or my OCAU jumper)
    Jeans… don't know, still wearing my US$30 Levi's i bought about 6 years ago
    Exercise gear… < $30 for shirts, <$20 for shorts, but i still want dri-fit style material
    Tennis shoes… $200 as I can't afford another ankle reconstruction
    I buy a lot of the King Gee / safety work gear for around the house and for camping and 4WD'ing. I have about 10 khaki shirts, with various levels of paint or oil or holes in all of them. But i don't care, and my wife hates it when I wear them out. I picked up heaps for about $15 a pop at Rays Outdoors.

    The things I won't skimp on, is a good winter coat. Considering when I leave for work some mornings its below zero, and add windchill some mornings it can be apparent temp of -10 degrees.

    • movieman on 30/04/2015 - 18:58

      Hello konazz,

      What type of work pants do you get?

      I'm after a good pair, and you're sound awesome!

      Link too, if you have.

    • Rorschach on 01/05/2015 - 10:28

      I'm interested in these magical pants as well!

      • konazz on 01/05/2015 - 15:43
        +2

        They're called 'Brax'

        I picked them up late last year in Munich… set me back about 130-150 euros from memory. I got 2 sets as my wife said they looked really good on and she didn't want to leave the store without them. That was an expensive hour… i think we dropped about 600 euros at the mens store in the centre of munich… mind you i spent 400 euros on my lederhosen, at least these clothes i could wear to work.

        Locally, my RM William pants have worn really well… they're in that $180-$220 range. I finally wore through mine last year after about 5 years of use. I still have an RM williams shirt i bought in 2007 (when i finished uni) that hasn't faded one bit!

        • algy on 01/05/2015 - 22:51

          On the upside now you own lederhosen.

        • konazz on 02/05/2015 - 17:16

          @algy:
          They are pretty damn awesome. Going to CiderFest in a fortnight in them. Wife is not thrilled (as she's driving)

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 14:16

    I've bought a wetsuit… $150.

    Easily the misty expensive clothing thing I have.

    • algy on 01/05/2015 - 22:52
      +1

      Aldi- $40. Honestly just as good as my old Quicksilver one.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2015 - 23:17
        +1

        Mines a quicksilver worth 250. Bargained!

  • mmd on 30/04/2015 - 14:29
    +1

    One of the things I don't skimp on are shoes. I find that you get what you pay for (well being an ozbargainer means I get good stuff cheap, lol). My runners retail for $250, but I bought it online for around $100. My most expensive shoes are my formal leather ones which cost $200 on sale. I have bought casual/ formal shoes for around $50 from GAP/Zara/ and the Julius Marlow ozbargain deal.

    Suits: Very hard to skimp on these if you want a fitted suit. Buying suits online is risky as sizing/ fitting is an issue. Having said that, I bought a suit from Hallenstein and it fits perfectly. I'm currently looking for a sub $200 100% wool suit. I will probably wait until I go overseas.

    Jumpers, Shirts, trousers, chinos: I usually buy clothes that are slim fit these days. If its on sale and fits well then I buy. It usually doesn't cost more than $50.

    Undies, Socks, Belts, T shirts: Skimp. I usually buy the Target undies. They're quite comfy!

    So generally I buy things when its on sale/ clearance. The only thing I pay full price on are my $4 Target 2 pack undies. :)

  • Cluster on 30/04/2015 - 15:05

    I tried $8 t-shirts from BigW and KMart but the collars usually lose their shape and the fabric fades unevenly. Since Costco opened locally I've been a big fan of their $18 t-shirts made in Guatemala. Good fabric, wears well, doesn't crease, quite cheap.

    For jeans I wear $15 made in Cambodia jeans from BigW. Pay just a little more to get something that looks decent and doesn't scream '$8 pants'

    Socks and jocks… 5 packs of Rio

    For sports clothing I prefer $10 shorts and $6 polyester light breathing fabric shirts. It's all I need. The clothes feel the same as something with a Logo Tax on it costing five times as much.

    Shoes are the only area where I'll spend a lot to get something good.

    • konazz on 01/05/2015 - 15:45

      I love costco shirts… PITA finding the right size and colour… but they're awesome and I can't seem to stain them.

  • scotty on 30/04/2015 - 18:46
    +11

    I pretty much skimp on everything — benefit of an engineer working from home. Even when I go out to meetings it would be $10 shirt, $20 hoodie when it's cold, $15 jeans, $20 Casio watch etc.

    Went to a wedding last Saturday and wore my rarely worn suits from 12 years ago. Yeah the style is a bit out of fashion (not that I know what's in fashion), but I just don't wear suits enough to justify spending on them.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2015 - 18:38

      I pretty much skimp on everything

      Number 1 OzBargainer in every sense lol. +1

  • movieman on 30/04/2015 - 18:57

    Hi OP,

    I use Exoficcio underwear.

    They are expensive. And amazing! I bought enough to get me through the whole week, and it's so much more comfortable that any of my previous pairs (and the best for traveling too).

    Highly recommended if you're looking to 'spend' not skimp.

  • doubleclutching on 30/04/2015 - 20:14
    +1

    Kmart everything for me except for shoes and band t-shirts, also I don't skimp on belts and wallets because the cheap ones usually wear out too quick.

  • belongsinforums on 30/04/2015 - 21:30
    +1

    Got leather dress shoes from the DFO. $20. Couldn't believe it. By far the most comfortable and snazzy looking shoes I've ever had. Can't see how anyone could justify $400 on a pair.

    • babylon on 02/05/2015 - 00:44
      +1

      The $400 shoes from Viberg, Allen Edmonds, Church's or Loake's are expensive because they're made from horsehide rather than cow leather and the soles are stitched on rather than just glue like cheaper shoes. The leather is thick and good quality full grain, and because the soles are stitched, you can to a cobbler to cut them off and replace them whenever they wear down.

      So people who justify spending that much figure they can wear the shoes for 10 years, which is $40 per year for some pretty nice shoes.

  • frowny on 30/04/2015 - 22:08
    +1

    Suits - Sort of Skimp ($300 max)
    Formal coats - Skimp, I don't actually have any use for a coat, I wear a suit's blazer.
    Casual Jackets - Skimp ($50 max)
    Shoes - Spend ($90 max)
    Casual Jeans - Don't wear jeans.
    Casual Shirts - Spend ($60 max, I wear nice polos/button down shirts even casually)
    Chinos - Skimp ($30 max, Giordano works well)
    Ties - Spend ($40 max, generally I get these as presents honestly)
    Belts - Skimp ($30 max)
    Sunglasses - Spend (prescription sunglasses)
    Watches - Spend ($400), quality watches are amazing and important)
    Hats — Skimp ($0) I don't wear a hat,
    Haircuts — skimp ($35) depending on time and plce

    Young University student that works and saves.

  • JimB on 30/04/2015 - 23:40
    +2

    Suits - I don't think I skimp, usually $500 Rhodes & Beckett on sale. Usually buy 1 suit a year and then donate the oldest one. Usually keep 5-6 and rotate and wear it once a week max.
    Formal coats - don't own one.
    Casual Jackets - up to $200
    Shoes leather- work or casual generally leather soled $150-200 from the UK. Never worn 2 days in a row.
    Sneakers- leather, I.e. asic tigers or converse $100.
    Casual Jeans - $50-$100 but haven't bought a pair in 5 years. Rarely worn.
    Casual Shirts - don't own any. But I own about 20 work/formal French cuff shirts from Jermyn St UK online stores $40-$50. I also own a shitload of polo tops. Use to buy RL, but these days mostly A&F $30, and got really great quality A&F copies from FOS in Malaysia for about $10 each. RL polo quality isn't that great and loses its shape.
    Chinos - $30-$100
    Ties - $20-$70
    Belts - $50-100
    Sunglasses - $200 usually Rayban
    Watches - $4k & $10k.
    Hats — Skimp ($0) I don't wear a hat,
    Haircuts — $10-$50. Oddly I get the same results, but I dont think the wash and massage is isn't worth $40! I don't think $20 is skimping on a haircut. The $10 cuts aren't due to skimping but convenience, walk in no booking required.

    Not really a brand snob, I look at the quality rather than the brand. Haven't been interested in advertising what brands I wear as I got older (clothes with massive logo's).

    I think shopping in the outlet stores in America has ruined my shopping experience in Australia! Haha the only thing I regularly buy locally anymore are Rhodes and Beckett suits as they are great quality and it's hard to get a good fitting suit when you can't try it on.

    Got a tailored made suit in Thailand made once, the fit was so bad, I never picked it up and forfeited the $50 deposit. I have heard you can get great tailored suits in HK but that will suit cost AUD>$500

    Everything else is mostly online or overseas, unless it's a great price locally.

    I don't think it cost much to look good, it's not about how much you spend, it's about buying quality clothes that suit your style and fits well. Not baggy, too long, or worn out clothes. I don't think I've worn tracky dacks or fleece tops out of the house in over 15 years.

    Pants/boots for doing the garden are free from my old man- he gets blue collar pants and safety boots free from work.

  • ProjectZero on 01/05/2015 - 10:37

    Suits - I have one suit that cost me about $300 and then I got it tailored so an additional $150… all I really need for a job interview. If I need more, another for $300
    Formal coats - $100
    Casual Jackets - $100
    Shoes - All of my shoes are < $60
    Casual Jeans - $70
    Casual Shirts - I'm going to assume Tees are included… so $20-$30 preferably <$10 if I find some sale on.
    Chinos - lol… no… jeans only…
    Ties - $10-$20, only useful for job interviews but gotta dress to impress.
    Belts - I have two belt, the most expensive was $40 which I bought second hand off an OzB'er
    Sunglasses - $300, but i need prescription sunnies and they last me a few years
    Watches - $150, thank you starjewel! Also, I only have 3 in total and I only paid for one of them so… unless you count my garmin FR620 then $450
    Hats — I don't wear a hat,
    Haircuts — $30 every month to a month and a half…

    and finally

    Undies / Socks - Cheapest I can find… no point in spending on these if you only wear them on the inside

    • JimB on 01/05/2015 - 11:44
      +1

      "Undies / Socks - Cheapest I can find… no point in spending on these if you only wear them on the inside"

      It's not about being seen, but cheap socks/undies are usually cheap cotton or polyester and make my feet/scrotum sweaty all day, some sometimes slide down.

      I'm not saying you need to buy $20 CK socks/jocks, but good quality cotton socks/jocks are only like $1-2 more than the cheapest ones. Given you can wear them over 100 times, that's like an extra 2 cents a day or less than 20 cents a week!

      • Jackson on 02/05/2015 - 23:10
        +1

        Ithink there's two camps here, people that feel their undies and people that don't. I can't say I could have ever noticed any difference wearing 99% of the undies I have ever worn. Can't saythe same for boarding, some just don't agree with me.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 04/05/2015 - 14:03

          Ithink there's two camps here, people that feel their undies and people that don't. I can't say I could have ever noticed any difference wearing 99% of the undies I have ever worn.

          That's bloody honest of you little fella. Have a +. ><

        • Jackson on 04/05/2015 - 14:21

          @Scrooge McDuck: I should add it's not for a lack of nerve endings

  • Mysterious on 01/05/2015 - 11:07
    +1

    Real OzBargainers used The Iconic vouchers from the ING Direct promotion to get their clothing.

    $0 to all of the options.

  • captobvious on 01/05/2015 - 16:15

    I go commando when the going gets tough. Only problem is getting the tackle stuck in the zip. A little bit of pain for a savings on jocks.

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