Need advice on clothing stores (mid end)

[brian]

I am going to build up my wardrobe and is somewhat bewildered by the choice of stores.

What are the differences(style, selection) between stores like Mexx, Banana Republic, etc? how do they compare with Dept store brands such as Nautica, Polo, Tommy?

Compared with the high end store (Holt, Armani) Is the price difference due to brand/style only, or are there differences in quality/material selection?

What are the differences between a regular BR and a BR outlet?


Thanks,

[DJ_Peanuts22]

I find that Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger are becoming more mainstream now, Ralph Lauren is a bit rarer and higher end. Mexx for me is usually hit or miss, sometimes their stuff is of high quality while at other times is complete crap.

[Becks]

From a woman's perspective...

Nautica, Polo, and Tommy are preppy, more classic american sportswear styles that have the blue, red, and white colour theme going on. Think "sailing, tennis, polo, country club". You can wear these clothes to the office on casual Fridays, thrown on with a khaki pant, and you will get along fine with the boss.

Banana Republic is supposed to be more upscale. So, that means you might have to always dry clean and iron your clothes to keep them looking sharp and crisp for the office.

Mexx is for a more youthful, casual, maybe sexier/trendier look. You would wear Mexx on a date or to express your sense of style. There might be more embellishment or patterns on the shirts, etc. Your Mexx shirt might be out of style next season.

At a high end store like Holt Renfrew, they carry designer labels that have high prices. These labels aren't usually found at many places, and they probably don't have many identical items in stock. So, if you like a particular item, and someone else buys it, you will have a hard time getting that particular item (you might have to get it from another Holt Renfrew store in Canada or you might have to order it off the internet). Usually, stuff is dry clean only because this is the best way to maintain a garment's "new" look. When you pay designer high prices, you are paying for the name on the label, the design, and the exclusivity. Usually, the items are of better quality in that there might be better fabrics (eg. 100% wool vs acrylic/wool blend, leather vs pleather, patent leather vs PVC, cotton made in India vs cotton made elsewhere), better finishing on seams, better buttons (mother of pear vs plastic pearl look), etc. Mainstream labels like Mexx or Banana Republic will always knock off styles that were first initiated by the designer labels, and so, there is a bit of a time lag before those styles trickle down to Walmart and Zellers. Oh, also, designer label stuff often is made in Italy or France, etc and the cheaper labels are made in China, Turkey, Vietnam, etc.

At Banana Republic outlet stores, I believe they sell some clothes there that are only sold at outlets. There might also be a difference in the return policy, but I am not sure.

Remember, the important thing when buying is whether you like it and it looks good on you. There are plenty of really ugly good quality designer clothing. You don't care if it's from a big name label if it doesn't make you look good. Also, you don't want to have a high maintenance wardrobe if you are a low maintenance type of guy.

[Becks]

An important factor for me is the return policy of the store. Some places might not let you return sale merchandise. Some places have a short return policy eg. Winners has a 10 day return policy. I often see stuff that I buy go on sale for a lower price, so I like to shop at places that give price adjustments. I hate places that are "final sale" or "exchange only".

It's important to see how clothes look on you while at home. When you're in the store changing room, the light might not be flattering, or the mirror might be off. It's good to see what clothes you already have that will go with your new purchase. If you have nothing that goes, then you're in a bit of trouble. There's no use buying something you like but having nothing to go with it, because that means you might not ever wear it.