A few months ago I was reading this article on The Wall Street Journal, on how women’s fashion turns to menswear for tips, and I’ve been meaning to link to it ever since, because not only is it a really good read, but it affirms my own thoughts on the subject, which I’ve tackled before.
There are many times when my husband and I enter a menswear store and, to my amusement, he admits he can’t tell anymore whether I’m shopping for him or for me. It’s not only the basic, simple, classic, with no decorative flourishes styles that I crave, the kind of clothes you can forget about wearing, because you feel that good in them. Rarely does it happen for me to leave the store without analysing my outfit and thinking that I could have taken one item off when I left the house, even if I consider my dressing to be minimalist.
Apart from the men’s wardrobe being a lesson in restraint, something women could take more often notes on, the thing that puzzles me the most is how even in stores that carry both women’s and men’s clothing, the quality is indeed usually better in the men’s collections. And that’s because men know what the best is and that’s what they demand. I assure you, I would buy from the guys on a much more regular basis if I found pieces to fit me more easily. The cut is always better, even compared to womenswear that is supposed to channel men’s clothes.
Yes, men seek and are offered better quality – it’s clear when I compare my wardrobe to my husband’s and that’s not because I settle for less, it’s only because I obviously don’t get the value I pay for. But men also seem to take even more delight in their clothes when they get a little threadbare and worn. That’s when their style gains extra authenticity. Why don’t women treat fashion more reluctantly too?
photo: Mikael Jansson for Vogue Paris, August 2009 | “Diane K” editorial styled by Anastasia Barbieri
I so much agree with you, Ada, on the quality of men clothes in the stores. I am surprised about the once good brands that are turning into an acrylic zone now for women. Last weekend I went shopping with my boyfriend and I was once again surprised by the quality of those clothes. But I think men pay more for this quality, clothes for men are more expensive, but I would pay the same for mine if I could find better ones. Have a lovely day!
Florina, I have to disagree on the fact that men pay more for quality. As I was saying in my post, I think things stay the other way around.
Hear hear! Just recently I was waiting for my husband in a department store that also sells clothes. I was looking at some Christmas items while waiting when I spotted a navy V-neck in the next aisle. There was something about it that appealed to me, as I have been looking for a boyfriend V-neck for myself, but I was sure it was just another acrylic item. I certainly wasn’t expecting to see anything of quality in that store (the women’s clothes in there don’t even deserve my attention, just one look at that department tells me it’s all synthetic crap). Anyway, I walked over and to my surprise all the sweaters for men in there were made of 100% cotton, the seams looked solid and the biggest surprise was a relatively low price tag.
I don’t know the real reason for why women accept this acrylic-phase we seem to live in. I wouldn’t even be caught dead wearing acrylic sweater, no way. But I see women pay for these items without even looking at the label inside, they just grab the thing and pay for it. Maybe the majority of women look at clothes as something disposable while men look at them as something to collect. I have no answer, but now I’m done rambling and off to read that article.
Lisa, I’ve also noticed that in stores that have both women’s and men’s sections the men’s clothes made of natural fabrics are in a considerably higher percentage. I don’t understand why women accept so easily synthetic materials either and why they buy more than they need and at a questionable quality. It’s like if that piece of clothing is on the rack they have to have it, they can’t say no.
I often buy something in men’s store… The truth is clothing for men is always with better quality, colors and design. I am not sure what’s going with fashion for women… But more often I can’t find anything for myself in women departments…
i think it so true. one part might be because men (generally) buy less clothing so quality is important. that is something i have tried to learn as i get older, it’s so much better to have a few quality pieces that you love to wear every time you put it on, as opposed to that bargain item that feels fun to wear once and then you never wear it again. but i fall victim to those too 😉
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