GOOD AND BAD MEN'S CLOTHING BRANDS
We've been asked a lot about which big brands we can trust when we have reduced budgets: Zara ? H&M ? Celio ? And what is Uniqlo (really) worth ?
And can we really trust all these new brands born on the Internet which claim to sell "perfect" quality at knockdown prices thanks to direct distribution?
In fact, there aren't really any precise answers, because you can find good, bad... and very bad in all the clothing brands you know .
And as a preamble, know that for certain parts: you have to invest.
But for other pieces, you can find good things in entry-level ready-to-wear (that is to say all the big brands you know): this will be the subject of the second part of the article. And I might as well warn you, there will be clashes !
© We go on the hunt for counterfeiters.
REMINDER: IN MEN'S FASHION, INVEST FIRST WHERE THE QUALITY IS NOTICED
Our credo is simple: buy less but buy better . It is certain that you can find everything on the current men's fashion market. If the prices vary completely depending on the brand, know that the quality does too.
By investing in more expensive but better quality parts, you make a profit in the long term. Your clothes will last much longer and their appearance will be noticeably different. There are parts, materials, with which you cannot cheat. This is where you need to start!
DENIM, LEATHER, WOOL: WE INVEST
Leather (shoes, jackets, bags): let’s say it straight away, cheap leather is immediately noticeable. So there's no need to look for a leather jacket or beautiful dress shoes with minimal spending: for these pieces, you pay for quality.
On shoes, it is also in terms of assembly (and therefore lifespan) that poor quality will fail you. Yes... a nice pair of shoes starts at around €150 (with bootmakers like Meermin or Septième Largeur ). And know that those who promise you quality for less than €100 are bluffing...
The same goes for jeans: they are the essential piece of a wardrobe, but also one of the paradoxically most complicated items of clothing to choose (do not hesitate to consult our complete guide on how to choose quality jeans ).
We've already told you, start with raw jeans ( Naked & Famous , Edwin , APC , etc.) which will last a long time and become more beautiful over time (instead of showing signs of very superficial wear and fading). cheap ).
Good jeans cost between €90 and €130 , and they are NOT found in entry-level ready-to-wear (with the possible exception of Uniqlo jeans, with, at one time, Japanese paintings for less than €70, but I can't find any more at the latest news).
© A selvedge canvas stands out with its beautiful white border with red threads.
Wool for a suit or a coat: a beautiful woolen cloth, like that of a WooYoungMi coat, can also be paid for. The result would have nothing to do with it if you look at the "wool coats" from Zara and others.
I don't know about you, but when I read 80% polyester, 20% wool on a label, I call it a coat... Polyester (I can't repeat it enough: read the labels ).
© The question is: before or after wearing the piece?
Chunky knit: assembling large knit requires particular and much more meticulous know-how than for light knits. You will need to contact specialists such as the Scotland House of Cashmere .
But be careful: investing a good amount of money is in no way a guarantee of quality. Many brands prefer to go all out on their marketing spending, because they know that they will make up for it on low-end clothing with high margins.
As a general rule , avoid brands that are big advertisers in the paper press or on the internet . This is the current problem with the big paper or web magazines that you all know: their survival depends on advertisers (e-shops and brands) and the labels found there are very often the very ones that should be avoided. .
COTTON AND SMALL KNIT: WE CAN (A LITTLE) LET GO
Cotton: t-shirts, shirts, chinos, summer jackets... The renderings of cotton are almost all the same. This is particularly why we find everything and anything in all price ranges. So what makes one cotton better than another? To find out, I invite you to take a look at our Albini spinning test , everything is explained there.
Now again, the result of a high-end cotton fabric will be relatively similar to a more affordable fabric. This is why we can afford to invest less here. Of course, if your choice is high-end shirts or t-shirts, it is certain that their comfort and lifespan will be affected.
The small knit: yes, you can find very nice little Merino wools when you know where to look (at Uniqlo for example).
On the other hand, pay attention to the French brands of the new wave of the trail: Zadig et Voltaire, Comptoir des Cotonniers, The Kooples and company... The cuts are good, but without wanting to stigmatize: it is possible to find better quality for the same price .
Sneakers: In recent years, good deals have multiplied: and the best quality/price ratio at the moment can be found at Juch - Good: Very comfortable sneakers, from the first wear. Also good for Chelsea.
Lonesome Detail - Good: lightweight shoes at an affordable price. The manufacturing is comparable to that of Bobbies.
the brand was singled out by Greenpeace for its use of unsavory materials.
like here for example . The article is almost 10 years old, but look at the latest comments... Others also criticize the positioning of the brand , which is not sustainable in the long term.
Zapa – Good: Good quality of raw materials (notably cotton, cashmere and leather). All in a fairly timeless spirit. A great opportunity to acquire pieces that can permanently bring a little freshness to a classic wardrobe. Don't hesitate to wait for sales for better value for money.
Zara – Good: shirts, cotton, some nice accessories. Bad: shoes, knitwear, jeans. Warning: much more synthetic than elsewhere. Great for testing new cuts/pieces.
Zegna – The brand remains a benchmark weaver, even if expensive. The parts, despite the increase in prices, remain of very good overall quality.
Zespa – Good: minimalist sneakers made in France of very good taste and quality.
The case of creators (= brands that parade): Rick Owens , Marc Jacobs, Margiela , Dior, Ann Demeulemester, Lanvin , Givenchy… Good: Everything that relates to strong pieces and creation… within the limits (sometimes crossed ) good taste and “I can wear it outside of a fashion week show”. Warning: no need to buy your basics there! You will find the same and less expensive elsewhere (eg: Lanvin VS National Standard / ETQ sneakers that are too basic, Dior Homme VS APC basic jeans). Also note that design sometimes takes precedence over functionality and durability here, so keep your eyes open on what you buy.
You will have understood: Certain brands should definitely be avoided… you now know which ones. There is certainly something good about taking every other collection... but given the time it will take you to find the right pieces, you are more likely to end up leaving with the wrong ones.
So buy quality, not marketing (it wears off very quickly in the rain or in the washing machine…).
ANY QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK FOR CERTAIN CLOTHING BRANDS?
We have obviously forgotten some brands in our index! Do not hesitate to tell us and we will update the article gradually so that you have a more precise idea of the right addresses according to your needs.
Especially since brands evolve from one season to the next...
So see you right away in the comments 🙂
