What did you have to cut back on because of your clothing purchases

I cut back on my savings.

Having looked at most of the folks here, I must say that it's probably not an issue for many here.

And if it is indeed a problem, then you're doing something wrong.

One of two things is possible - it is either part of your lifestyle, or your hobby. If it is your lifestyle, it is something you do on a regular basis, and as such it should be affordable to you. If it is your hobby, then your hobby should never be at the expense of your life experiences.

Yes, I enjoy clothes. I've a few suits but I mostly wear business casual for work. Those few clothes are decent quality outfits that I've built over the years, but nothing so major that I've had to sacrifice other things. The fact is, for most occasions, I can just wear a sport coat and still look better than most of the folks that I work with. Unlike some folks here, I do not need racks and racks of bespoke suits -- my job simply does not require them on a regular basis to justify having them.

I have a dinner jacket, but it is nothing spectacular -- I go to less than 5 black tie events in a year, and I've a decent BB one that I bought a few years ago which more than adequately fits the occasions. If and when I will need better ones on a more regular basis, I'm hoping I will have the means that will accompany such a need. Until such time, I am perfectly happy with what I have.

One of the biggest ah-aah moments that I had after joining SF was from Mafoofan. I really liked the fact that he focused more on quality outfits over time rather than on quantity. I'm trying to get there, but it is incredibly hard, especially when you're used to buying "many" mediocre items at lower price points. Every time I go out shopping, it is hard to resist splurging some money on yet another MTM shirt or an ill-fitting blazer and instead wait and get fewer, well fitting items. The same logic applies to other accessories too - be they cuff links or watches. And I say this as someone who has collected way too many accessories, but only uses a handful (which are usually the really good quality ones that I paid a premium for). That is also the problem with sales and thrifting - you are too tempted to buy something just because it is on sale, rather than because you truly need it. And in the process, you are not entirely satisfied because you did not get what you really wanted, and you instead spent money on something you did not really need (and as such, something that will most likely get very little use).

At the end of the day, I think there is a fine line between looking good and "collecting" clothes. You can look quite good with a handful of well made items, but the trick is in buying "just enough". Of course, that point maybe moot considering how I'm at a "style forum", but I feel strongly that its validity probably still stands.

Travel, a condo (apartment instead), a car, and I've certainly racked up some credit card debt.

The ironic thing is that because of the way I dress a lot of people think that I have a lot of money.

It's just about priorities. Living in a condo with a view and a modern kitchen isn't nearly as enjoyable to me as wearing a finely tailored suit.

Originally Posted by Metlin

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One of the biggest ah-aah moments that I learned after joining SF was from Mafoofan. I really liked the fact that he focused more on quality outfits over time rather than on quantity.
Definitely this for me too. I have a list of a small "core wardrobe" I want to build over the next few years, and I put aside money each month to slowly do so. Plus everytime I come on SF I find more quality manufacturers that constantly surprise and adjust my expectations at price points. A recent case in point - Brook Brothers - BB for the most part epitomises the clothing I really like, and just recently their flannel trousers were on clearance sale for $90 or so. I would never have thought I could find such things before SF. I think SF will continue to educate me for years and years, it does seem to be an infinite resource - it's crazy - and for this reason I'm not in a rush, so don't mind saving each month and slowly building things up. This timeframe will also mean I learn more about colour and fits that work well for me, so I see it as a very cool hobby/ journey Specific sacrifices: My car is a rather humble 6 year old black VW Golf, which I now own outright. I intend to keep this car for a long time, as the £200 per month it saves versus leasing a newer car is disposable income and debt free living. I also find wearing nicer clothes infinitely more enjoyable than having say an Audi A5 versus my Golf. Besides my Golf-mobile looks perfectly nice anyway as I like car detailing

I tend to be pretty conservative with money, with a strong savings ethos. But I do allow myself a $400 monthly allotment for clothing (aside from gifts and the occasional minor purchase). Much of that is funded by certain cut backs in other aspects of my life:

• I do my own laundry and iron my own shirts, so that saves me at least $30 a month.
  
• I bring my lunch to work instead of eating out, which saves around $110 a month.
  
• Instead of paying $50 a month to park at work, I park on the street a few extra blocks away.
  
• Instead of paying $100 a month for membership at the local Racquet Club (where I only used the treadmills anyway), I run in the neighborhood, on the Seawall or at the city-sponsored Rec Center.
  
• Using a clothes brush has reduced the amount of dry cleaning I need to do, to the tune of at least $20 a month.

Conservatively, by cutting back in these small ways (none of which my wife would have begrudged me), I've been able to save over $300 a month, coming close to paying for my clothing expenses.

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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I tend to be pretty conservative with money, with a strong savings ethos. But I do allow myself a $400 monthly allotment for clothing (aside from gifts and the occasional minor purchase). Much of that is funded by certain cut backs in other aspects of my life:

• I do my own laundry and iron my own shirts, so that saves me at least $30 a month.
  
• I bring my lunch to work instead of eating out, which saves around $110 a month.
  
• Instead of paying $50 a month to park at work, I park on the street a few extra blocks away.
  
  • Instead of paying $100 a month for membership at the local Racquet Club (where I only used the treadmills anyway), I run in the neighborhood, on the Seawall or at the city-sponsored Rec Center.
• 
  
• Using a clothes brush has reduced the amount of dry cleaning I need to do, to the tune of at least $20 a month.

Conservatively, by cutting back in these small ways (none of which my wife would have begrudged me), I've been able to save over $300 a month, coming close to paying for my clothing expenses.

Very cool Vintage, I think this is excellent, especially the parts I have put in bold!

I do the very same things.

If I kept a shoe rotation of 3 instead of 30, and a tie rotation of 25 instead of 275, I would have had a downpayment on my Ferrari already.

As a colege sudent budgeting is always a part of life. I'm very fortunate that my parents can afford to pay for my education and also provide an allowance for me to live from. I guess I could say I cut back on going out or drinking, but I train so much during the week that I don't really go out too much really. Definitely not everynight! Just can't really... no fun vomitting all over an ergo during an early morning session! Even if i do go out a few nights a week I wouldn't drink (heavily anyway) everynight so it's not that expensive.

Don't think this typically counts as cutting back, but I now tend to put a bit more time into purchases rather than just buying stuff for the sake of having it like I did in my early teens. I spend more time deciding on what fit I like/works for me etc etc when buying clothes and usually avoiding mistakes or buying clothes that feel great in the store but inevitable end up living on a hanger!

I'd say Im the other way around. My clothing expenses make way to supplement my hobbies. I spend a fortune every year on a new bow and/or custom rifle, so something has got to give.

My solution: Wear crappy casuals dont spend money on them. Underarmour is about the most exclusive brand I spend money on regarding everyday or camo/cold weather clothing. Even Polo Ralph Lauren is too pricey for my taste regarding casuals.

Formal wear is about the only clothing I actually spend any money on. I would never buy a designer pair of jeans or a designer zip up sweater. I would, however, spend $2K on the right suit or $350 on a good dress shirt.

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

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If I kept a shoe rotation of 3 instead of 30, and a tie rotation of 25 instead of 275, I would have had a downpayment on my Ferrari already.

I think 3 shoes is a little skimpy, Spoo. However 275 ties is most outlandish. On the plus side, in superlative ties you can look good everywhere you go, whereas one only looks good in a Ferrari when inside it, or hovering close by.

I concede that simply having a Ferrari probably makes you feel epically good most of the time, however.

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

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I think 3 shoes is a little skimpy, Spoo. However 275 ties is most outlandish. On the plus side, in superlative ties you can look good everywhere you go, whereas one only looks good in a Ferrari when inside it, or hovering close by.

I concede that simply having a Ferrari probably makes you feel epically good most of the time, however.

Pre-SF, in your initial phases of dressing for business, did you really think there was a need for more than a black shoe, a brown shoe, and a loafer? I did not.

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

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Pre-SF, in your initial phases of dressing for business, did you really think there was a need for more than a black shoe, a brown shoe, and a loafer? I did not.

Sneakers, man. Sneakers. Add in running shoes and that usually brings it up to at least 5 (6 for me, since I also do climbing).

From there, it's a downhill battle.

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

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Pre-SF, in your initial phases of dressing for business, did you really think there was a need for more than a black shoe, a brown shoe, and a loafer? I did not.

Ah only for business dress, I think you can get away with 3 shoes. You need more for other purposes though. I'm thinking from a Mafoofan minimalist perspective.

Vacations.

Rather have another Rolex than go to Europe.

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

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I'm thinking from a Mafoofan minimalist perspective.