What do you think of buying "cheaper alternatives"?

Hey guys. I realized today my Vans were really tattered so I decided to get a new pair. The huge problem is I've been saving up for something else and didn't have money for it.

I walked past an Everlast shop and they had identical white slip ons too. I was surprised - I thought Everlast only did fighting equipments. Anyway, I forked out the $10 instantly, because they were exactly what I was looking for. It was a steal!

When I came home, I couldn't help but feel a little guilty wearing them. It's as if I'm cheap now, or a poseur of some sort.

Sorry I don't have examples to elaborate further but what are your thoughts on cheaper alternatives like these?

Most people spend money on things they think are worth it, such as dress shoes, denim, jackets/blazers/suits, and save money on sneakers, t-shirts, sweaters by buying cheaper brands like AA, H&M, etc... there's nothing wrong with this strategy. Spend your money on pieces you really like.

risky. sometimes things are cheaper because they are made cheaper and less durable.

it depends on a case by case basis and on what you are looking at for the original and the alternative.

an example of when it is not a good idea to look for cheaper alternatives is when the real thing is well made and rarely advertised - an example would be alden shell cordovan shoes - well made, poorly advertised. hence, most of the value is in the shoe (materials and construction) and the distribution itself, and some weird foreign made shoe with foreign processed shell cordovan is probably not a good idea.

on the other hand, if we're looking at something from a fashion designer (a good example would be shoes from Thom Browne), you can probably find cheaper alternatives that are just as well made, or even better made - such as the aforementioned alden's.

I think the key is whether there is a mark up for advertising and general brand whoredom. If so, the possibility of finding cheaper alternatives of good quality is certainly present.

I buy cheaper alternatives all the time; but I also am not fully satisfied with my wardrobe nor can i afford all the "real" pieces.

The stuff I think is awesome usually costs about 3-5x my budget. I find a lot of "cheaper alternatives" on ebay, I tailor thrifts and ebay items extensively, but by the time I actually have enough money to buy the item I originally wanted, I usually have lost interest. In the rare case that I'm still interested, when I do get the item it makes it that much sweeter. My jomons and reworked engineered garments bedford are examples of these. My to do list still has a red moon belt and some shell cord boots, and some mtm shirts.

My personal style and aesthetic is developing in a weird way; making the best of settling for lesser-than-ideal goods is pushing my look in weird directions.

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

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Most people spend money on things they think are worth it, such as dress shoes, denim, jackets/blazers/suits, and save money on sneakers, t-shirts, sweaters by buying cheaper brands like AA, H&M, etc... there's nothing wrong with this strategy. Spend your money on pieces you really like.


Agreed.

I finally graduated college and have a "real" job (and by "real" I mean, decent wages) and most of my clothes prior to that are what I would get when my mother would either buy me gifts for holidays and such, or when my mother gave me shopping money. So I picked up the best I could for what I could afford.

Granted, I had a handful of nice pieces over time, but most of my closet was mediocre. Now I set myself a certain amount I'm allowed to spend per month and if I want something more costly I save up over time. It works for me.

However, sometimes I just need a certain something to complete a look I want but I can't afford to just go nuts and buy top shelf stuff. So I get something similar as a place holder.

That's why I love factory defect outlet stores. You know, the ones that sell brand name stuff that didn't pass quality control. Like a sweater that has one sleeve 1/4 of an inch longer than the other, but it only costs $10 instead of $100.

Plus, sometimes, by the time I save up the money for something, it's on sale when I go to get it. Always a nice bonus.

I'll always buy the better version and if it's out of my range I will buy an extremely cheap version like from HM.

If it's going to be a staple in my wardrobe then I wouldnt buy the cheaper alternative. The times I have I've ended up buying the better version I really wanted anyways so it actually cost more in the long run.

But there are things I know I will only wear less than 10x/year in which case I would have no problem with a cheaper version. Just recently I picked up an H&M black trenchcoat for $70, which is perfect since it will get worn rarely but when I want/need it it's there and didnt cost nearly as much as a "real" one.

I have a far smaller budget than most. I would say my wardrobe is built exclusively on the 'cheaper version'. I try to get as many of my basics as possible at big box stores like wal-mart of target. If i go to the kids section an XL usually fits like a tailored small and I save several dollars. I try to save up for things, but usually end up spending those savings in other areas such as music or entertainment.

robbie

I totally disregard labels and tags,and go for quality and cut. If a piece is of decent quality and cost less than a "name-brand" piece, why buy it if it still looks good? Many here draw a line somewhere to where it's better to spend more money on a better item.......most buy cheaper socks/t-shirts/etc, but will pony up for certain items.

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

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Most people spend money on things they think are worth it, such as dress shoes, denim, jackets/blazers/suits, and save money on sneakers, t-shirts, sweaters by buying cheaper brands like AA, H&M, etc... there's nothing wrong with this strategy. Spend your money on pieces you really like.

You've described me to a "t". Boots, shoes, jeans, jackets, sunglasses, watches etc. get the bulk of my $. I've never bought really expensive t shirts, button downs, or sweaters, although I'm sure I'll eventually progress to that.

Originally Posted by Get Smart

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If it's going to be a staple in my wardrobe then I wouldnt buy the cheaper alternative. The times I have I've ended up buying the better version I really wanted anyways so it actually cost more in the long run.

But there are things I know I will only wear less than 10x/year in which case I would have no problem with a cheaper version. Just recently I picked up an H&M black trenchcoat for $70, which is perfect since it will get worn rarely but when I want/need it it's there and didnt cost nearly as much as a "real" one.

Ditto, especially about the first paragraph.

Almost everyone says it's okay, but I still find myself wearing my shabby Vans over the brand new Everlasts. Oh no.

my vans were destroyed in a fishing mishap and go a NO BOUNDRIES walmart knock off. I don't mind them, they were $10, and was always meaning to get a new pair of vans, but i'm really lazy and have been wearing these. My feet sweat a lot in these and my socks stink.

slip ons? I find my feet being more sweaty/stinky in my vans slip ons than any other sneaker I've got.

I buy for fitment and style above all else.

I have no issue buying many articles from retail outfits such as H&M. I get bored with individual garments so quickly I seldom run the risk of wearing them out. Thus, quality of construction and longevity aren't really a concern.

However, I do spend quite a bit on outerwear and denim.

A mix of high and low is the way to go.