investing in first suit, need options and opinions

[Holdfast]

TBH, in that price range, there is no point in "investing" because nothing you can buy (unless you get super lucky at an outlet) of that quality will stand the test of time.

This.

The meme of "investing" in good clothing is a rather poisonous one in any case. I appreciate that falling stock markets have recently habituated us into thinking than falling asset values are the norm, but the normal purpose of an "investment" is that it increases in value over time. Clothing does not do this (outside of the celebrity/movie niche, and even then it's unpredictable). It is true than a decent rotation of high quality items lasts longer than a small rotation of poor quality items, so spending more upfront can mean less replacement need and therefore greater amortization over time. But considering a single suit purchase, esp. at this price level, as an investment is an unhelpful way of conceptualising the problem. Just get the nicest suit you can afford that fits you well.

Once you have sufficient finances to consider actually building a wardrobe with consistent regular purchases over time, you can start thinking about what kind of garments will give you the most flexible wardrobe for least long-term cost.

 

[Nicola]



, but the normal purpose of an "investment" is that it increases in value over time.

Or to generate a stream of income. Think strip bonds.

I could see clothing if used for work being thought of like strip bonds.

 

[Holdfast]

Quote:
LOL. OK, yes, I see what you mean, but don't strip bonds have a highly fluctuating yield? I can't quite see how clothes have that. Mind you, I'm not a financial professional in any shape or form, so I may be thinking of something totally different!

I suppose if one really wants to look at clothes through an economic lens, they're more like a capital expenditure (as in buying a new bit of plant machinery) that depreciates over time, but generates productivity until it depreciates completely or is superseded by a new model. Provided the increased productivity outweighs the cost, it's a successful "investment".

 

[Axel Ferguson]

Isn't the investment also always used to increase the value of whatever you have invested in? Or am I using a bad definition there?

 

[Nicola]



LOL. OK, yes, I see what you mean, but don't strip bonds have a highly fluctuating yield?

Strips are bonds split into two parts.Some people just buy the income . Others don't want the income over the life of the bond so just get a the rest.

 

[sportin_life]

Check out all the sales around xmas, you should be able to land a great bargain if you look around!

 

[tone76]



good advice, thank you, Allen Edmonds shoes look very nice, a bit on the conservative side, but I guess I need something safe to start out with. I'll visit their store in Houston when i get the chance. The online sales right now put some of the shoes I like around $200, which is very good. do you know if allen edmonds are all US made?
what do you guys think about this as a versatile starter shoe? lombard model in burgundy

I wouldn't, not as a starter shoe.

Every man needs a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenues in black. Those should be your first good shoe purchase. If you're patient, you should be able to bag a pair for around $200 or so.