Since the advent of the Web, there have been two camps: those who are pro-purchasing on the Internet and those who are against it.
Faced with the impossibility of seeing, touching and trying on a piece, we can understand the reluctance of some
That said, should we avoid online shopping? Aren't there certain tips to compensate for the lack of fitting? Even more, don't e-shops have advantages that physical stores don't have? And in this case, how to proceed?
Ready?
Why take the plunge?
That's true ! Why move to the Internet when men have lasted decades by making do with traditional stores?
All brands, from your sofa...
No matter how much we say, this is one of the main advantages of e-commerce. You save an incredible amount of time, simply switching between tabs to change stores.
His favorite brands without leaving home: Florian is a happy man.
In addition to the practical side, it is a real argument for those who do not live in big cities. No need to take the car or go to Paris, everything comes directly to you.
Brands without borders
Same logic as the previous point, taken even further! Thanks to the Internet, I can order parts directly from Japan, without leaving my room.
A matter of style...
For me, this is what motivates me the most to buy on the Web.
As our style develops, we become more and more demanding on the items we seek. This is all the more the case if you have a very distinct style, such as dark or sartorial, and specialized e-shops are often the most satisfactory solution .
Excerpt from the Beige Habilleur lookbook, an e-shop that has become known for bringing together many of the Pitti brands.
And when we finally succeed, we feel a real pleasure at having found the rare pearl...
To a lesser extent, it is also an opportunity to get out of stores/brands that everyone knows and to ensure a certain originality
Knowing your size: the prerequisite for successful shopping
It's a fact: you can't try on a piece on the Internet.
More than ever, it is therefore important to know your size . If in doubt, a tape measure will help you. Almost all shops today offer a size guide for each product, take advantage of it!
A doubt ? Refer to the size guide!
If you need a booster shot, we remind you how to do it in the drop-down menu just below.
Japanese sneakers? No problem, you will know how to convert the size!
We can now move on to the different types of shops!
The most accessible: the major e-shops
They are found in all ranges. From Asos to Mr Porter , you know them well.
Their advantages are numerous:
- they are very accessible, notably thanks to their advertising strategies
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- you can buy with confidence , with a generally free return for the customer,
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we find promotions almost all year round
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- the selection offered is very wide.
Precisely, this is the problem with these big multi-brands on the Web: we get lost because the number of references is so large. The brands/parts that are worth it often find themselves drowned out by the “useless mass”.
Quite a telling example here, where a pair of Asics running shoes finds itself among names like Givenchy, Balenciaga or Tom Ford (Mr Porter).
Unfortunately, you are not the only ones to know these sites, to be attentive to promotions and to know the good brands: some items go really quickly. And it's obviously even worse during sales.
How to benefit from it?
For now, there is no miracle recipe: sorting is essential.
That said, you'll find a "Refine Search" tool most of the time. Use it! You can already skim based on the color, the type of piece ... Selecting the size is also a relevant approach, it will prevent you from falling unnecessarily for clothes that are too big or small.
Also remember to subscribe to newsletters: it's the best way to be informed of a special operation or a restocking.
Finally, last tip, you can play on foreign currencies . Depending on the country chosen, the prices are not necessarily equivalent. Of course, this is to be compared with delivery costs.
In this regard, a savings scheme on Asos has been in the news a lot recently. A little convoluted but effective (and legal), I'll let our colleagues from Grazia explain it to you .
Private sales and outlets: the right plan?
Beware of the famous "VP"...
Who has never come across a private sales site with costumes discounted at 80%, or even "end of series" from major brands at reduced prices for three days?
Your common sense must guide you , friends: how can all these supposedly unsold pieces be available in all sizes?
These brands - often the same ones, in fact - in fact create entire ranges for private sales. The clothes are deliberately of lower quality, we try to fool buyers by playing on the name and image .
If this subject interests you, I invite you to watch this report by France 5 which summarizes things very well.
Outlets: same fight?
To ensure the honesty of an outlet, start by looking at the sizes available for new arrivals. If you find all the complete ranges from XS to XXL, there is something fishy going on.
Be careful, not everything has to be thrown away! Some do the job very well, like the Italian Yoox, which we will be interested in due to a wide selection and efficient logistics.
He generally buys back end of stock from creators and distributors , without it necessarily being scrap that no one wants. It can also be products that distributors have not found commercially interesting, or concern more confidential creators , who have not yet completely built their distribution network.
At first glance, the most highlighted products are those from mainstream brands like Marc Jacobs or Diesel. You will therefore have to arm yourself with a little patience... With more confidential brands, however, you can find much more interesting models.
Don't be fooled by the brands promoted. Once you get past it, I assure you that you can find great deals.
How to find your way there?
If you're looking for a specific brand, look in the "Creators" tab on the site to view the list and check for its presence . Maharishi , Harmony Paris, Gant Rugger , APC and Hartford ; many of the brands used in our columns are referenced there.
Another possible approach: go to mid/high-end oriented e-shops, such as Mr Porter. Find the brands you like and check their availability on Yoox, you might have some surprises!
As I told you, this outlet also references very confidential designers. If I go there with the idea of finding a pair of ankle boots, for example, then I refine my search by entering all the criteria, except the brand . I then take the time to examine what is offered to me.
This is how I discovered Savio Barbato , a little Italian shoemaker. The production is satisfactory without being spectacular, but the designs are really well done. Typically the kind of brands I wouldn't have known about otherwise!
The great forgotten: crafts
By artisan, we refer to these enthusiasts who create each piece to order, often by hand and in noble materials... for not much. There are also quite a few young creators who are just starting out and need to prove themselves.
This is what Robin, co-founder of the leather goods brand LaPerruque , told us in his testimony .
The best known platform remains Etsy , which puts you in contact with artisans from all over the world. There's everything, from Woodstock-style embroidered burlap bags to ultra-graphic sculptures.
I especially advise you to go there for the accessories .
It is not uncommon to find vegetable leather satchels, or clever little leather goods accessories. Significant advantage: sellers are evaluated by customers, which turns out to be a serious indicator of their reliability (and their products).
Also stroll through the jewelry side, you can find very pretty solid silver rings. On the other hand, the clothing section remains uninteresting, too much of a hippie with dreadlocks connotation.
A pretty key ring, offered by the artisan Lostkind who makes all his products by hand on the other side of the Channel.
The second-hand market: new ways to buy
An often overlooked path...
Not so long ago, buying second-hand - especially on the Web - was quite anecdotal. The most frequent objections still remain:
- hygiene: indeed, it is impossible to know how often the original wearer does his laundry or takes a shower. That said, a good dry cleaning at the dry cleaners does the trick in the majority of cases.
- the fear of scam: most second-hand clothing transactions are settled by PayPal, which is generally very favorable to buyers . In addition, like Etsy or eBay, the majority of platforms offer a seller rating system and a buyer protection code .
Mentalities are changing on the issue and more and more of you are taking action, although this is not a generalized practice.
The advantages of second hand
In a very down-to-earth way, second-hand goods have a major advantage: the price, which can sometimes even be negotiated.
This is also the preferred route when looking for a very specific piece, “the white bomber from the latest X collection”
Finally, this approach is part of a more “responsible” approach to our consumption, where we quickly stop wearing clothes that are still completely wearable. The environment thanks us!
eBay, the most famous platform
eBay is a general platform, its offering goes well beyond clothing.
That being said, you can get good deals there as long as you know what you hope to find there: the search bar is your best friend. Once again, it is best to work by brand to find interesting products.
In addition, it is especially accessories that are worth it on eBay, watches in particular.
To find as many options as possible, do your research on eBay.com. Seiko Military, among others, are legion on the US version of the marketplace.
The Seiko Military, a great US eBay classic.
Speaking of which, some brands are cheaper in certain countries, usually the one they come from. It is then up to you to make the choice between the amount saved on the price and the shipping costs.
Warning: in this case, be wary of size disparities from one system to another.
The most fashionable: VideDressing and Collective Changing Room
On these sites, you will generally find “trendy” or luxury brands.
We have already devoted a guide to it, do not hesitate to reread it if necessary !
The most editorial: Grailed
Grailed is one of the latest arrivals on the planet of marketplaces, without failing to get a lot of attention.
To begin with, it is entirely reserved for men . The site is extremely well constructed; each product is listed by brand, all directly accessible via the “designers” tab.
The selection is eclectic and relatively upscale . You will find beautiful brands like Officine Générale and Nigel Cabourn, runway designers like Margiela and streetwear references.
Furthermore, Grailed offers a rather well-done editorial section, in the HypeBeast spirit. To discover in the Dry Clean Only section.
Latest article to date : a visit to the Boris Bidjan Sabieri workshops, a leather juggernaut.
The forum alternative
This is an ideal solution when you have a small budget. You have the advantage of low second-hand prices, without the disadvantages of the too superficial contacts of eBay.
Prices are obviously the big strong point, with discounts of up to 50% for pieces worn a handful of times, which ultimately were not the right size or which did not match the seller's style.
It also happens that some members part with their coins for economic reasons, just to supplement their income.
All these reasons contribute to lowering prices, without calling into question the quality of the product.
In terms of sorting and curation, the task is easier: like you, the other members scour the Web in search of little nuggets... and it is precisely these brands that they sell to you.
Okay, the prices are ultra low but... I'm not in danger of getting ripped off?
Well, the chances are extremely slim. Generally, the forums function as a tighter circle, from which a real relationship of buyer/seller trust logically arises. In other words, the seller's reputation is at stake: he will not have fun damaging it.
In fact, he can even give you advice on how to wear the item in question or direct you to similar brands.
To name just a few, take a look at the DePiedEnCap forum
In the same spirit, more and more groups are opening on Facebook and functioning as a forum.
Bonus: Nicolò’s advice
Because this article would not be complete without the grain of salt from our high priest of the e-shop, I asked Nicolò to give you his advice for the road:
- If in doubt, contact customer service . Also in case of no doubt, if you are starting out and simply want to be reassured.
As with us, there are more e-shops that put someone at your disposal to help you. Do not hesitate to ask questions !
- Get to know your “standard” size in store, even in stores you don’t like. Over time, this creates a real benchmark allowing us to understand the sizes we are likely to make, and basic information so that a brand's customer service can advise us properly.
- Body measurements are not shirt measurements. 96cm of bust measurement on a shirt, for a 96cm wearer, is death by asphyxiation!
- If you can't try, you have to be really aware of your wardrobe . Know what we have, what we can do with it, what we are missing. Try on outfits in front of the mirror and imagine the piece fitting into it.
- For strong pieces, it is strongly recommended to have already tried a similar piece in real life.
- Brands that tell you that they do not accept returns for sale products are illegal. Exercise your rights!
- Take the time to weigh all your options: unlike a store, the Internet is vast and its access is instantaneous. Unless there is only one piece left at 70% off, your potential purchase is unlikely to evaporate. Think before you act . Is there anything else you want to buy first? Is it really worth it?
To go further, you can find:
- our list of the best men's fashion e-shops ,
- our opinion on hundreds of brands ,
- and our tips for successful shopping on video.
The final word...
Although buying on the Internet has its limitations, it offers many advantages.
Don't limit yourself to traditional sites: from crafts to second-hand goods, including outlets, there are several other avenues.
The basis remains knowing its size. Then, compare the shops and take the time to think about your options, it's easier to buy when you're just a click away from your favorite piece. The rest is up to you!
And you, how do you buy on the Internet? Where do you prefer to source your supplies? What are your tips? Tell us all about it in the comments!
