Clothes replacement and wear

[STYLESTUDENT]

There's a lot of posts on how we generally maintain, refurbish and retain our expensive shoes. Some members are still wearing shoes they purchased 30-40 years ago and want to see pictures of "patinated" shoes.
But with regard to tailored clothes, how long do you generally keep a suit, trousers, coat or jacket? When and why do you look at your expensive suit and then take it, kicking and screaming, to Goodwill? I'm not talking about a disaster (the nail in the door jamb or the leaky fountain pen) or weight fluctuations. Myself, I'm unduly sensitive to any signs of wear, particularly any shine on trouser pockets and seat, so my suits and pants regrettably last only about 5 years. Sometimes I feel I'm on a treadmill replacing like with like. I keep sport jackets and coats for much longer, say 15 years. What's your experience?

 

[Tom]

I am only in my thirties, and typically have replaced clothes that I quit wearing, not because they wore out, but because my tastes changed. I still like my shirts when the cuffs are a bit frayed. I throw clothes away when they tear from being too thin.

-Tom

 

[johnnynorman3]

5 years is still a pretty good amount of time for the suit, I would think. I'm guessing you get a good 150 to 200 wears out of it.

Perhaps investing in a steamer would prolong the life of your suits? Alternatively, a good option may be inquiring about having a second set of pants made for you. If you go MTM, that might be the way to go (and it might be something I'll do with Chan).

For shirts, sweaters, and pants, I give those about a 2 year shelf life, unless it is something I love, in which case I will keep it indefinitely (my favorite sweater is a J. Crew lambs' wool v-neck that I've had for 6 years now -- a little bit of pilling now, but I bet I've worn in 200 times).

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Perhaps investing in a steamer would prolong the life of your suits?  Alternatively, a good option may be inquiring about having a second set of pants made for you.  If you go MTM, that might be the way to go (and it might be something I'll do with Chan).

Thanks, Johnny. That could be good advice.

 

[sirgarnetwolseley]

I prefer my clothes to show some wear. My favourite shirts are the one showing some fraying at the collars and cuffs. Shoes don't start looking really good until they have creasing and patination. In terms of tailored clothes, I have a vintage 3-piece 16 oz navy chalkstripe flannel suit where the "flanneliness" is wearing down around the cuffs of the jacket. It's about 40 years old and I think it looks great. But then, I am trying to cultivate the look  of a gentleman-hobo.

All other things being equal, the heavier fabric will last longer and drape better than the lighter one.

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Sounds elegant, Sir Garnet. I too am the proponent of heavy wool flannel for suits - it's distinguished. Who in any case can take issue with the look favored by a field marshal?