Dressing well is a time consuming and costly endeavor. There are no short cuts when it comes to handcrafted goods. Despite your own desire for that luxury, your wallet may not be so desirous, or as yet able. What you might consider is starting small. Piggybacking off of my Buy Less, Buy Best post, I am suggesting to invest in smaller, yet beautifully designed pieces as an arrival into the arena of finely made clothing and accessories.
Pocket squares, socks, neckties, braces and shirts are all areas to gradually shift into more exquisitely constructed territory.
Chief among these is the dress shirt. Better dress shirts in department stores and boutiques can easily cost $150+. For that price, it is far more beneficial to travel the route of custom. The fit will be superior and the selection of fabrics far greater. I was recently discussing with Angel Ramos that, while someone may not yet have the means for one of his Angel Bespoke suits, a custom shirt is a fine addition to any wardrobe. Furthermore, it may not be as initially overwhelming as the suiting process is.
Jacket and shirt by Angel Bespoke
For the same money spent on two off the rack shirts, one would be better served to purchase one of better quality.
The approach is the same with other furnishings. Hermes makes some truly stunning pocket squares in addition to their leather goods.
Pocket square by Hermes
A smaller accessory, like the square, is a great start into more luxurious, intricately patterned pieces made of higher grades of silk. While the budget may not yet allow for an Ikire Jones sport-coat, a pocket square is a excellent way to familiarize yourself with Wale Oyejide’s menswear brand. The same can be said for a necktie from larger houses like Brioni and Kiton to the lesser known, like Vanda or Panta. It is a step into the world of expertly crafted goods for the discerning few.
It’s far better to purchase fewer well-made pieces and accessories of higher quality. Rather, the smaller, less expensive pieces grant you an opportunity to get accustomed to and appreciate the quality, the feel, the drape or fit that labels-whose focus is on stellar craftsmanship-offer.
