Looking for new suggestions to explore (I'm on EU btw, if that matters). All suggestions are welcome, thanks :)
Looking for new suggestions to explore (I'm on EU btw, if that matters). All suggestions are welcome, thanks :)
Believe it or not, GAP.
They seem to have an ongoing Sale of 50-60%, especially online. Go with basic styles & colors.
Basics: Black, Grey, Green, Maroon, Navy Blue & White. Nothing with prints/designs. They will last you for years and you'll always look current (sweaters, t-shirts, Jogging pants, Jeans, Button Downs, khakis).
IMO, its not really about quality but more taking care of your clothes. Long lasting doesn't have to be higher quality per say. I could buy a raw denim jacket and wear it everyday and eventually it will break or rip or get a bad stain that I cant take off. Or I can get a polyester gym shirt from Ross and it'll last me years... because I rarely wear it. From my experience, cotton/polymer blends seem to last the longest because they dont shrink that much and dont stain too easy. I really like next level apparel. Also, levis denim is good, just remember the more the stretch, the most likely something like your keys will burn a whole through it. Thursday boot company for shoes has worked well for me as well.
Yeah, this. Don't wash the clothes more often than needed. Often just airing them out is enough. Washing visibly degrades my clothes (I own a shitty washer/dryer).
Free standing dryer rack and just take your clothes off it as you use it. If you have something still hanging on laundry day, maybe you don't use it enough.
Drying rack is really underrated. Most people just dont know how to wash their clothes properly. Either too much detergent, not the correct water temp, and dryers really rough up the material with their heat.
Jeans: just get a good raw denim. My Naked and Famous last around 3 years before starting to wear our. You just need two pairs and this makes the whole bottom part of the wardrobe.
T-Shirts: I bought 5 decathlon merino t-shirts (short sleeve) and 3 long sleeve. That's all I wear.
Shoes: Solovair.
[exemption: I do wear suits for work, but that hasn't happened that much due to covid].
I've been using a single pair of regular Levi's jeans for maybe 5 years. I wash maybe every 2-4 weeks. Less in the summer since I wear mostly shorts. I also don't wear them at work so that helps prolong them. But they don't show any wear yet.
Shoes I've been quite partial to innov8s. I have 1 pair for hiking, and 1 regular cross trainers for everything else. They have held up quite well to a lot of walking. I probably got close to 5 years out of my last pair of cross trainers, 10-25k steps a day.
Have you had to repair the jeans? I get less than a year before I have holes in Levi's
No repairs. Model 514 if that matters. I don't wear them at work or around the home so that cuts down a lot of wear time I think. Also, I'm not really wearing them much in the summer. I don't know how often you are washing, but compared to previous jeans I had - only washing every couple weeks or longer has increased their life substantially.
Typically was every 2-4 weeks. Basically when dirty, i live in them so maybe that is the difference.
Where do the holes form, and what do you do in them?
Crotch blow outs.. for holes at least, by a year in or less I get fraying on my right (cell phone) pocket and if the length isn't correct, right at the heel. The pair that I am wearing was due to the inside seam wearing on the material next to it assuming from walking.
I do anything and everything in them but I dont work too hard for a living anymore.
Sounds like you have big thighs and/or wear jeans that are a bit tight. You can try sizing up but if it's due to anatomy that's always gonna be an issue, no matter the brand. The other issues seem like they'd happen with any brand. Honestly, you might just be better off rotating Newton between 2-3 pairs of you're not already doing so.
I have tried different rises and last pair i bought were 541' athletic fit with a bit of stretch, hoping the stretch and looser fit was going to help. They are not skinny jeans on me.. Yeah typically I do rotate, this pair I wore solidly minus days in the wash and weekends, was trying to figure out how long a pair lasts. I was suprised that 7 months later there was the start of a hole and noticable wear.
Stretch jeans will always wear out much faster. Wash them in cold water, inside out with the zipper closed and air dry. Clothes last so much longer if you donât put them in the dryer.
Really, i would have thought that 1% flex would be benificial for durability. I do all the rest.
Howâd the fitting on the jeans?
I really like the groovy guy, but they are not for everyone. I guess that other minimalists would get their slim fits.
Generally, any raw denim would be a go-to; but if you just want a high quality denim that won't break the bank, than for 1/10th of the price you can get the Wrangler Cowboy Cut (less than $20). I have one and it is a great pair. They are comfortable, but not as open as the flare for the groovy.
Do you find your merino t-shirts to be quite see through? I've been looking for some online and they look a tad sheer. Shame that decathlon are sold out atm.
They are see through if you stretch them and bring them to the light.
Yo they got some fresh button ups, are those solid too?
never tried their shirts (if that's what you meant).
N&F button up shirts are solid too. Made in Canada. They're quite often up on eBay for pretty cheap too, I've only had a couple of second hand ones.
Is your partner okay with this ?
she's like me. So yeah; we both have "special occasion" clothes and work clothes, but generally it's a "jeans and merino tee" day for both of us.
I really like this. You are lucky to have someone like this. That's important. So happy for you
Thanks. It was a long journey to meet her. I've been lucky enough to spend the last 13 years with her, it was worth the 30 years of waiting.
Tiger of Sweden
I like asket.com very much!
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I am from the EU and bought a hoodie from AG 5 years ago. Other than some wear on the cuffs (which happens anyway and I will probably sew when I have the time), its still perfect. Sadly import taxes are super high and it was over 100âŹ, so I won't get another one. But well worth it.
My husband wears AG too. I would love to as well, but they don't make clothes for normal sized women.
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Yeah, my husband is like 5'10 and about 200 give or take. He's in the XXL and we have to line dry everything so they don't shrink. He's got a long torso and lots of t shirts are just cut too short.
btw, we both just tried this new custom t shirt service on Amazon. You specify things like the style of shirt (men's or women's) the neckline, the sleeve length and whether or not you want a loose or slim fit. You submit two pics of yourself from front and profile through their fit app and they custom make you a shirt, in the USA of 100% cotton (except for the heathered versions which have a poly blend). We got ours back and they were a really good fit. They came with a card offering to tweak the fit for free with a new t shirt, you just have to go in and specify where you want it bigger or longer or shorter etc. The cotton is nice, the shirts looked well made and I was impressed. Before I tweaked my fit, I washed and dried the shirts and measured them before and after....there was only 1/4 to 1" shrinkage on the shirt depending on the area. I highly recommend giving it a shot. Also, they allow you to make a custom label...I put the date on mine so if I buy several I can see how they wear over time. And no, I don't work for Amazon. :)
https://www.amazon.com/Made-for-You-Custom-T-shirt/dp/B08HPZ3RHR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=26M3UGYD81HAZ&keywords=made+for+you+tshirt&qid=1643842455&sprefix=made+for+%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-3
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Yeah it's worth a shot. I have not been able to find a decent fitting cotton t shirt for years now and I wear them till they are falling apart....if the next shirt they make for me is just a bit longer, I'm gonna buy several.
My boyfriend loves AG, although he did have to replace a hoodie after he got battery acid on it switching out the battery in my car đŹ
LL Bean for outerwear
I was about to say LL Bean, but I figured I needed to scroll down and see if someone else said it. Sure enough, I'm not the only LL Bean fan out there. All my outerwear are LL Bean except my filthy work coat, which is Wranglers Workwear.
They also make great bedding!
https://vuoriclothing.com/
Everything from Vuori Iâve gotten has been great and he held up well. Iâve had their clothes for 3 or 4 years and have zero complaints.
I fully stand behind these guysâŚ.
https://www.foreignrider.com/
I have 2 of their sweaters. Great quality, locally manufactured etc
The owner has a great story and ethos.
I am not associated with the company in anyway, just a fan.
Merino wool
A+ recommendation.
Carhartt makes very quality pocket tees that just have a small logo of theirs on the pocket.
r/buyitforlife might have some suggestions.
Patagonia, Asket, Arket, Cos, Reiss, Lululemon are my go-to's in Europe
If youâre in the EU, check www.seagale.fr, they have some very nice and classy techwear.
Reigning Champ is what you're looking for
I'm really annoyed that Camel Australia went out of business.
They had some very nice 2-ply Egyptian cotton shirts, very heavy weight yet soft like flannel, a few I'd owned for over 10 years.
You get some nice heavy 2-ply cotton shirts with long sleeves and French cuffs, you can wear them just about anywhere; well except for a workshop.
Western Rise, Outlier, Patagonia, SWRVE
Everlane
Uniqlo! they have good basic items and are of decent quality
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Thatâs a shame, is there anywhere else youâd recommend?
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This looks great, thank you! I sometimes buy from https://rapanuiclothing.com/ which is also made in Portugal :)
I have four of their UCrew shirts in white. Theyâve lasted two years of daily wear in a bakery w no stains and no wear. Very thick cotton, really nice. I found they run a tiny bit short so order a size up.
Came here to say this. They've got your basics covered for reasonable prices, and I know they're in the EU as well.
Lululemon any day of the week. Borderline lifetime warranty, amazing longevity, and virtually invisible branding.
Shaping New Tomorrow
I have shirts and jeans from Everlane that have lasted me years with minimal to no wear. I also only have 2 pairs of shorts from Myles Apparel that are waterproof and work for casual and workouts.
I can't remember if my pants are Levi or Wrangler, but I almost bought new pants from the hardware store instead of the American Ladle store like Walmart.
I dunno, see if your local screen-printing shop can get you a bulk-order of t-shirts in your size and color?
I do Rogue Territory for Denim. Jungmaven for tshirts and sweatshirts. They are made with organic cotton and hemp. Super breathable. Dehen 1920 for sweaters and knits.
All made in the USA. All quality stuff that i get years from.
Someone else mentioned that how you take care of your clothes is just as important (if not more) than the quality of the clothes. Dryers are HARD on your clothes. I wash in cold water and hang dry or lay flat to dry everything. It really helps extend the life of your clothes by not putting them in the dryer.
Filson
Not anymore
I've had the same pair of Levi's for about twenty years. They're my work around the house, go out in the woods pants and they'll probably outlast me.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Theory. I had their jacket for more than 10 years before replacing it with another Theory jacket. I also almost exclusively wear their sweaters - in black, of course.
Buck Mason
inspected.co.uk
They have taken over my entire wardrobe over the past 5 yrs
Nike dri fit
Anything from Dickies will last you forever mate.
It really depends on your budget and your style. Not knowing that, here are my go-tos:
- Business Shoes: Crockett & Jones, Trickers (for a more budget friendly option: Meermin) - they will likely outlast you and look absolutely great in years to come
- Denim: Blackhorselane - Great quality & repair service
- Misc: Berg&Berg - a certain style, have sales on regularly
- Chinos: Incotex
- Outerwear: Private White VC - lifelong guarantee
I have most of my stuff from there and don't think I'll need any more clothes (few exceptions) in the next 5-10 years.
For shoes, I usually buy Artisan Lab (https://artisan-lab.com/) it's a small UK/Italian brand that has Common Projects lookalike (apparently made in the same factory, but way less expensive but as good quality).
For clothing COS/Asket/Arket have been mentionned and are my go-tos. I'd throw in UNIQLO for basic tees and sweaters because even though it's fast fashion, their fit and prices are great and quality is pretty good depending on the materials you buy.
For basics I also recommend Organic Basics (https://organicbasics.com/) I've only bought their socks but they're ethically great, good quality and not too expensive! They're also based in Denmark so European shipping is great.
I don't have an answer for trousers and jeans because it depends so much on the fit you like. The only ones that look very good on me are Topman (which is only on ASOS now) but they don't last very long. At least they're cheap.
EDIT: Added suggestions.
What amt you can afford? Clothing is a spectrum. We talking gap or Deveasky?
Well money is not an issue. But I have limits on what I would spend on certain clothing items. But I ask with an open mind, with the intent to see what everyone is into.
Thoughts on socks? I destroyed 5 pairs of Bombas in less than a year :(
ARKET also probably good for this
UNIQLO!! i get all of my boyfriend's shirts from there and he absolutely adores it-- they have a great selection of tops, bottoms, outwear, etc.
I like Alex Mill for their jackets and pants
A big part of 'minimalism' IMO is longevity and sustainability. So with that in mind, avoid fast-fashion brands like the plague.
6'5 240 nature man here... I shop for name brand clothes shoes and jackets at Ross and Burlington coat factory. Discount name brand is the way to go in my opinion.
Minimalist tip : always buy second hand. Go for natural materials: wool, cotton, silk
I donât know if theyâll ship to you (Iâm in US) but American Giant is great. Iâm a woman but they actually have a much wider selection for men. They definitely cater to the male audience. Iâve had one of their simple black hoodies since 2015 and it still feels brand new. I try not to wash it too much. The material is thick so sometimes I have to put it in the dryer for 5 minutes before hang-drying it. My husband has a couple button downs, a couple hoodies, two pairs of jeans. Heâs had them for years. They are expensive. But our stuff will last a decade. Maybe longer! So I think itâs worth it.
Merino wool - unbound merino in Toronto They ship to the US Not sure about EU
Vaude
Fabrics and design obsessed here.
Hereâs my guide to buying lasting quality material clothes:
The general rule of thumb: pay attention to the label. Buy material, not just how it looks.
Cold weatherâcotton(not pima, jersey or washed), wool/cashemere 100% or blends. 1-30% of synthetic added to wool can be good, it usually helps to hold up the shape and longevity, or elasticity. But closer it gets to your skin, the less of synthetic it should be, period(see exceptions below) Over 30% synthetic in my opinion is lower quality, non breathing, sweaty, not temperature regulating clothes.
Warm weatherâ cotton and thinner woven cotton(pima etc.), lyocell/tencell (omg! itâs best you can find for heat). Lyocell is more breathable than cotton, it keeps you cool and conditioned., Also, silk and of course linen.
Pay attention to color: dark and blacks absorb the light and are stuffy and hot for hot weather; whereas whites and lightâreflect the light and keep you more cool.
I almost never buy anything synthetic: polyester/poliamide. Neither viscose.
Exceptions: windbreaker/swimwear/sportswear/raincoat/winter jackets. Poly blend with wool (no more than 40-50%) for things like skirt. It means itâs gonna keep you warm, not suffocating yet hold shape well and not stretch out.
Personally, I cannot recommend COS enough. I basically shop for everything there except socks and shoes. Theyâre well constructed, good contemporary designs, different designs/fits(slim or boxy), high quality (and most time sustainable) materials and more affordable than luxury brands. I also go to &Other stories but they have a bit less of natural fabrics and I mostly prefer their minimal/classic styles.
Very insightful guide. Thanks! I've been looking at most recommendations here and wanted to decide on 1 or 2 brands to use forever, and for almost everything. This, to simplify the process of shopping for clothes when needed, and avoid buying things I would end up not using or that would last just a few months.
Right on! My life has become so much simpler and more enjoyable (less shopping stress and time spent on it) since I âsubscribedâ to COS primarily. And everything automatically matches and I can wear any combos I want. Another brand for you to look at: Muji. They have great socks and clothes.
Apparently both of your recommendations have stores not far from where I live which is good news. I've never heard of Muji though but will have a look at it
Muji is a Japanese everyday/minimalism brand. They have an incredible household selection as well. Highly recommend
Muji and Uniqlo 100%
You can checkCharles & Camus. They offer eco-friendly hoodies, sweats and tees with minimalist embroideries.
Patagoniaâs longevity is outstanding. I have a few articles that are older than I am, and still beautifully functional.
Buck Mason makes well-made, simple, clothing that lasts (in my experience). American-based but from their website "We currently ship within the United States and the following international countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Carhartt pants last a long time for me, especially because I get the double front work pants. They are very minimalist and come in neutral colors. And I think they look even better as they age.
Caharrt !!
I buy Under Armour short sleeve button shirts for my husband. They last a long time, wash beautifully and normally do not need to be ironed (take them out of the dryer and hang while still warm). I pay $50-$65 USD. I buy them online from the IA website.
Try FashionTIY
Check out Outlier. Not cheap but plenty can be found second hand for good deals if need be.