What Are Some Good Value Shops/Retailers to Buy Clothing from?

LTheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 09:36

Hello all, I'm 20 male currently studying at uni, and now I have a little more disposable income I'd like to wear some more quality clothes.
As a teen not having that much pocket money (no part time job) I shoped at BigW, Kmart etc always buying the stuff on sale, a bad habit to carry over now I'm older.
I'd like to buy more expensive clothes, quality clothes that look good but at the same time I don't want to lash at for overpriced stuff because its fashionable, you know a v neck by some italian brand.

Just wondering some good places (shops) to start, I live near a westfield so there are plenty of single brand clothes shops however I've been looking at David Jones and Myers on the Tuesday after Easter Monday. The clerk at myer told me I missed the easter sale, so I bought like two things at Myer for 20-30% but it still felt a bit pricey. I think I prefer the medium fashion brands at Myer rather than the much more expensive stuff at David Jones, super dry looks alright along with some other brands I saw at Myers.
My question is, people who buy clothes in this price range ($50-$100 RRP), do you buy outright or always look for a sale? Any justification or is it just they way you've lived up until now?

I do like the quality and look but for now it just seems pretty steep, should I check out the individual brand stores (I feel like they have less chance of a sale) and how do you guys spot a sale, just check their website regularly or perhaps theres a good website like ozbargain for clothing?

Cheers and thanks!

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • worlds_most_wanted on 26/04/2015 - 10:40
    +1

    No retail store will give you the range & pricing eBay retailers can. In general, on eBay you can find most clothing @ 50% off the RRP.

    You mentioned Superdry, so maybe G-Star is a brand you may also like. If you prefer shopping @ physical store, GLUE is popular and carried a wide range of brands.
    http://www.gluestore.com.au/ (they are in most Westfields). Urban & Urban Equipment are 2 similar stores. Most of the clothing & brands they offer are known for their streetwear (casual-smart everyday wear).

    I wouldn't worry so much about the brand, as long as you like the look & feel of an item, purchase it if you think it's value for money. But as I stated initially, nothing compares to eBay imo, the range is huge. Search for the particular brand or style you are after & see what results you get.

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 11:20

      Thanks for you reply man, some good brands I'll look at, yeah maybe I can pop into the store and check out how they feel and look.
      eBay would've never crossed my mind, previously I thought it was all counterfeit or same RRP, will definately give it a try, 50% RRP of the real deal is exactly what I'm after. Thanks again!

      • Tasmaniac on 27/04/2015 - 08:17

        Dude you need to know your measurements before you shop on eBay or your savings will be voided by a heap of clothes that don't fit.

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 11:28

      Oh and for the ebay, should I stick the official retailer (I'm checking out superdry ebay atm) or do they sell near 100% retail
      is it resellers who generally sell lower?

      • worlds_most_wanted on 26/04/2015 - 13:28
        +1

        I would resort to eBay once you are familiar with the brand, quality & sizing. So would be a good idea to check out stores, try things on & see if they have any sales on.

        There are fakes on eBay, but they can be spotted if you are familiar with the design, quality, material & even tags used by the brand..

        The official superdry store has a sale on.. upto 50% off (free delivery).
        http://www.superdry.com.au

        Official Superdry eBay store in the UK: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Superdry-Store
        Note: they have factory 2nds listed too (so you would need to filter what you want). Although shipping + exchange rates may take away any bargain to be had. It's good if you wanted something you can't find here in Oz.

        Not sure where you are located. But the Superdry store in the city (Sydney) often has 2 for 1, or 3 shirts for $59 sales on their basic tee's & V-necks range. And it is better to shop for opposite seasons for the discounts. Shop for winter range towards the end or even after winter & vice versa, as they start reducing prices & putting stock on sale as they are gearing up for the upcoming season collection.

        I had a fair few good websites bookmarked. If I can locate them I will drop back & post some good sites with sales.

  • RyanMK on 26/04/2015 - 10:54
    +1

    Some online stores like Asos or Hallensteins offer threads of decent quality and decent prices too, especially when they have sales, which happens quite regularly.

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 11:22

      Dam good suggestions, I checked out Hallensteins and they were already having a sales on jackets, in the winter too I might add. I'll keep an eye on those websites, thanks :P

      • atasnatas on 26/04/2015 - 19:36
        +1

        I haven't had the greatest experience with Hallenstein's. I was sent items that were completely different colours (white vs sand / red vs burgundy) and was simply told it was the lighting of the images and was lectured about how colours appear differently on monitors, after years of online shopping. I made a comparison photo in similar lighting and they said they would pass it on to management. They updated their images sometime in the next six months, to photos that were a much better representation. It would have been nice to get an email saying the issue was fixed, I may have even bought some more because the chinos (IFD Brooklyn Stretch Chinos) have an amazing fit and knowing the actual colours makes it a much safer buy.

        I was also sent the wrong tie bar and when I asked to exchange it, I was offered a refund. I again asked for an exchange for what I had ordered and they said it had been out of stock for a while and was missed. Instead of contacting customers and asking what they wanted, Hallenstein's sent a different tie bar as an "equivalent." They said that as it's not faulty, they wouldn't cover return shipping. It was a good few emails of excuses before I was given a refund.

        Lastly, an item was faulty. The backs on the collar tips I ordered were so loose that they both fell off as soon as I picked it up. It had absolutely no grip and was useless. Hallenstein's offered to pay for the return postage, but not the postage in sending a replacement to me, which they "couldn't guarantee" would be any different to the one I received. I really liked the design, so I tried out some earring backs instead, which fixed the issue.

        Of an order with two pairs of chinos, a tie bar, collar pins and a scarf, only the scarf was as advertised. The scarf is great. The chinos and tie bar are great beyond the fact they're not what I ordered. The collar pins ended up great with some tinkering. But it was such a saga and I really hope they're upped their game in the past year or so. They have so many wonderful products and sales, but I'm hesitant to order from them again due to the cost limitations that being in New Zealand seems to impose on their return policy.

        I think I was just particularly unlucky, but I thought it was worth mentioning just in case it's more common than I realise.
        If you do buy from them, let me know because I am constantly tempted to buy things from them. So many nice things. :)

        • robbyjones on 26/04/2015 - 21:32

          Wow, I have shopped with Hallensteins online half a dozen times and never had any issues. My only comment would be the quality is average and their sizing can be irregular between stylings. Having said that you get excellent value for the price you pay, especially if you buy on sale.

  • babylon on 26/04/2015 - 12:28
    +2

    Urban Outfitters (US site) has free ship over USD$50, they have good sneakers and shoes for cheaper than what you'd pay in Aus retail. They have sales so try and wait for a coupon code so you can buy stuff at 20% off or more.

    I wouldn't spend too much money on trendy clothes at your age. 20 years old is a transition period between casual street styles for youths and serious adult clothes. Plain t-shirts and chinos are fine but the extremely trendy stuff won't last very long.

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 14:35

      Looks good, I'll keep the clothes simple.

  • Kuro on 26/04/2015 - 13:21
    +2

    I spent a lot of money when I as 20 on trendy expensive clothes, which you realise later on that is goes out of fashion and you won't wear anymore. Waste of money!

    Nearly 10 years later I've learnt to keep it simple. It's all about matching your clothes and not the brands. I can wear a $7 v-neck from ASOS, $14 black skinny jeans from The Hut and a jacket from Hallensteins and probably still look better than the guy who can't dress (subjective) with an expensive branded jacket.

    Good places to shop for me are mostly online.
    Often mentioned on Ozbargain - Hallensteins, ASOS, The Hut, Zavvi, Banggood, Surfstitch (currency exchange not helping at the moment though)

    Retailers - Zara, Uniqlo, H&M, Topman, and General Pants Co.

    Stay away from places like YD and Tarocash.

    • ATTS on 26/04/2015 - 14:03

      just wondering, why avoid YD and Tarocash?

      • babylon on 26/04/2015 - 14:46
        +2

        Overpriced for quality. The shirts are $40 for thin polycotton that wears out in the elbows after 6 or so spins in the washing machine. If you want button downs or business shirts, MJ Bale and Charles Tyrwhitt on sale are the same price for much better quality.

      • Kuro on 26/04/2015 - 15:22
        +1

        They target the 'year 10 formal, naive just finished high school, first work shirt demographic'. Until you realise there's much better for the same or less money out there.

        Don't think I've read magazines for trends lol - when you buy clothes online, just look at how the models dress. IF you're on an expensive clothing site, just buy something similar from a cheaper place. Chances are they're probably from the same factory anyway.

        Banggood is a good example, unbranded clothes from China (Korean influenced fashion) that eventually hit the Australian market. Depends on your taste though as the sizing and styling can be a bit too fitted or slim.

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 14:32

      Good advice on becoming more trendy, I've noticed this too when I usually have good shirts but no pants to match. I guess I'll keep a look in magazines what looks good and keeping it simple

  • worlds_most_wanted on 26/04/2015 - 14:08
    +1

    Some International & Australian based online stores.. Good thing about International sites is that they stock items that can't be found here.
    Check out the sales sections on each site.
    You would have to weigh up shipping & exchange rates. May only be worth it if you were purchasing several items shipped together.

    International:
    http://www.mainlinemenswear.co.uk/cheap-designer-clothes.php
    http://www.reemclothing.com/
    http://www.revolveclothing.com.au/
    http://www.xileclothing.com/sale/
    http://www.bluefly.com/

    Based in Oz:
    http://www.gluestore.com.au/
    http://www.universalstore.com/shopby/on_sale.html
    http://www.theiconic.com.au/mens-clothing-sale/

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 26/04/2015 - 14:40

      Thanks for the links, good thing you gave a few and they sell a variety of brands, I'll let me be more flexible on pricing and style.
      Plus with many sites, there's no shortage of sales year round, I'll keep them bookmarked.

  • frutter on 26/04/2015 - 16:59
    +1

    buy clothes that you know you can wear forever i.e. fashionable goods that are a classic and 'ageless' e.g. that singlet with a half naked chick might look fashionable now but in 10 years time depending on how you mature it wont ever be worn again compared to a plain marl colored one. Go for neutral colors as well so everything in your wardrobe works.

    things to spend alil but more on: wallets, shoes and leather belts (although some may argue that even cheap ones last), as these are lifetime items

  • atasnatas on 26/04/2015 - 20:12
    +1

    My first suggestion is to try on lots and lots of things. It's easy to buy things, but it's also easy to end up with a wardrobe full of things that only go with certain other things and ultimately doesn't flow. Your goal is to have pieces that are versatile, but also to find your style. This involves a lot of trying things on and walking out of the store even if you want to buy something, to really consider what wear it would get before you buy anything. It's especially the case as you're just coming into this giant world of endless clothing options. Always remember to take a breather. It's better to spend $100 on a couple of things you adore and know will work, than it is to rush into spending $500 on a full wardrobe that you'll regret in a few months.

    Regarding getting some basics to experiment with, I suggest UNIQLO. If you get yourself a few pairs of button downs ($40 RRP, $30 on sale) and a pair of dark blue jeans ($60 RRP, $40 on sale), you'll have a really solid foundation for looking well-dressed without having to spend a bunch on outfits or put much effort in at all. They also have great t-shirts for low prices, but honestly Kmart or Target is fine for basics like that. UNIQLO also often has nice coloured jeans on sale, but whether or not you like that is subjective and getting colours that go with enough things can be tricky.

    Beyond that, I suggest checking out Reddit's /r/AustralianMFA. They have a listing of Australian online retailers.
    http://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianMFA/comments/u105c/where_t…

    I checked your profile for a location and did a quick search on the subreddit. There are lots of discussions about menswear in Sydney!
    http://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianMFA/search?q=sydney&restri…

    Oddly enough, of the major outlets to recently settle here, only H&M has an online store to check out. Topman, Zara, GAP and Forever 21 all have Sydney stores now, so they're worth dropping by. Also, Clear It! in Newtown is amazing so definitely go there! Go into every store you can when you have free time, even if it's just to try stuff on and develop an eye for what you do and don't like. It's certainly a journey and it's an awesome one you'll get more out of if you don't stress too much about needing to have a whole new wardrobe in a month. :)

    On the topic of sales, I do love them, but if I know something is fabulous and unlikely to stick around then I'll buy at full price. My usual is waiting for sales or at least throwing a coupon on, though. I check out /r/frugalmalefashion and occasionally /r/malefashionadvice itself for sales, as well as /r/AustralianMFA as mentioned above. I also like companies I really enjoy on Facebook, as sales and such thus come up in my feed and it's easy to scroll past if I'm not interested.

    A final note, think about shoes. You can have the most rocking outfit in the world and it'll look drab with the wrong shoes. They're the magic key to pulling an outfit off. Look at slim sneakers, brogues, boots or boat shoes. Investing in some good quality brown Redwing/Frye/Wolverine boots is a great start. If that's a bit expensive, there are lots of affordable alternatives like Clarks Desert Boots.

    Good luck! :)

    • TheOneWhoGotAway on 29/04/2015 - 21:50

      Thank's for the really in depth and meaningful advice atasnatas! I feel like I would've paid or shouted a coffee for something like that haha.

      Makes sense to shop smart money wise and fashion wise. Also I need to improve getting my outfit to work, I've got a better eye for nice button/collar shirts but not so much for pants and shoes.
      $30-$40 sounds reasonable especially they way you put it, solid foundations.
      Thanks for the reddit links, I was thinking a community page like that with regular updates could come in handy.

      I'll also probably spend some time in Syd (go there for uni anyways, thnx for going the extra mile searching nearby places for me), like you said, better to relax and shop, pick something good than rush it all at once.

      Anyways, I'll bookmark your tips, I'm sure it will go miles for and everyone else building up their appearance. cheers!

  • Baselayers on 27/04/2015 - 09:20

    I'd like to add some general comments about buying clothes especially in physical stores. The first thing is feel the fabric. If it feels soft and nice on your hand it is more likely to feel good on.
    Look at the fibre content to see if it has a high content of natural fibres. Cotton and wool are best and modal or viscose and bamboo are also ok. Avoid ployester as it is cheap, can easily pill and accomodates bacteria from sweat which will smell. Nylon should also be avoided or at least minimized in clothes as it can hold static electricity when it is the dominate fibre. Both nylon and polyester do not hold much moisture and do not breath like natural fibres. That is they do not allow the heat and vapour emitted from your body to be absorbed and passed through the fabricand will therefore will tend to feel less comfortable.
    Look at the stitching and if it is neat and there are no loose ends it is an indication that there has been some care taken in the makeup.
    I always find that this is better than looking at the brand first and the price….that's up to you as there are some good comments above.
    Good luck.

  • cupcake on 27/04/2015 - 15:26

    Shop at DFO and Birkenhead Point. You will save some dosh.

    Myer have cycles so keep an eye out when it's Sale time. Subscribe to their newsletters by email to find out when it is on.

    Always try things on if you can (when it's not on sale) and then see if you can buy it cheaper online.

  • goosegog on 27/04/2015 - 19:40
    +1

    Op shops - you'd be amazed at the great quality clothing some designer - that are sold for basically loose change from your pocket. Buy, bring home, either wash or dry clean & walk around with a great big smug grin on your face after people have complimented you on your outfit. - been doing it for years.
    One persons expensive mistake can give you a great bargain.

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