I went to the second hand shop today and came home with; one original 70's Loden overcoat and two fine shirts, practically unused. All for the price of €25.
The biggest problem I find when dressed well when out and about is everyone tries to charge you more for everything. Don’t dress well when buying a car for example, a good deal will be harder to achieve because the salesman will believe you have money. It’s part of their training to sum a customer up by his or her attire. I was trained to look at the watch the customer is wearing which is a good indicator that they have money.
Ebay is a charm. I buy Allen Edmonds shoes that retail for $350-$450 for $15-$65. Sports jackets from $10-$50. Cufflinks that are exquisite for $1-$25. I have a Hart Schaffner Marx black wool overcoat coming on Monday that cost me $100. Ascots, ties, winter and summer scarves priced similarly. My next adventure will be to find charity shops in the best parts of town. Great video, Ash! Great advice.
I bought a Pierre Cardin overcoat in 1997. I have never got rid of it and it still fits me the same as the day I bought it. Last rule is not to buy something for the sake of being fashionable and make sure to look after the clothing you have and alway follow washing instructions. This will save you £££££/$$$$$$ unless you want a complete change of wardrobe.
Made a thrift shop run yesterday. I live in a smaller middle income city of 50,000 or so most of the stuff is from dept stores or even Walmart , but you will occasionally find a big name quality brand for practically free. Love it when that happens. I came away with 3 light and airy casual collared shirts @ $5-6 each for the summer. Also a big find..decent pair of black wing tips that I can bring back to life quite nicely at a cost of a whopping 7 bucks. The soles were a bit towards the end of their useful life, but for occasional formal use they will last me several years. I cant recc enough checking out the thrift stores a couple times a year. Last summer I found a great wool overcoat for $20 and a nice bomber jacket for around $10. Just look the item over carefully for damage and make sure it fits and nobody will be the wiser.
Perhaps, you can make a video on how to efficiently pack and travel as a chap...what clothing, materials (wrinkle free , etc.), what colors are the best for mixing and matching in order to reduce over packing and so on!
Another great tutorial. Ash I think a series on how to recognize quality materials, design, construction, color, fit, and appropriateness for the occasion would be helpful.
I have a Hilditch and Key shirt, which I bought in its original packaging for £5. I also have a pair of Trickers cap toe oxfords, hardly worn, for £20. Both of these came from charity shops.
Love a proper overcoat! I bought a new custom made Loden overcoat in classic green two winters ago, and I feel lucky to own an Ede & Ravenscroft overcoat made from Loro Piana wool which feels like cashmere. Ash, your Brook Taverner coat is outstanding.
As someone who has just bought a pair of Cheaney brogues for less than £40, I couldn't agree more. An evening's enjoyable shoe restoration later, they are the first pair of shoes I've ever owned that got multiple comments, the first day I ever wore them!
So right Ash. I found a Harris Tweed sports jacket made in England at a charity shop in a nice area in a town near me for $10. It is brand new and even the button holes are still stiff. I also just saw a RUclips video where a gentleman in my state found a pair of $1700 John Lobb loafers for $15. Cheers Ron
I bought a Barbour Beaufort for £15.00 in a charity shop. Unfortunately a size too big for me. It went straight to a friend so no profit for me....just a sense of satisfaction.
I have a bespoke 2 piece suit - _valued around $3,000.00 (NZ)_ which I paid less than $10! And A tuxedo for $5 (NZ) and it's in good nick, like my black capped Oxfords $5 (NZ)!
In Russia i got 3 made in Italy wool greatcoats for 15$, wool Filson jacket for 6$, Barbour Northumbria waxed jacket for 20$. All brand new with tags on, but i bought them in second hand store. Some items were a little bit too large, so i took them to tailor and for 5 to 10$ they became fitted absolutely splendid.
I do the same thing Ash even my hiking gear some great bargains in February for top brands on eBay for hiking brand new Rab waterproof jacket around £230 new still labels on for £60 and most of my hiking equipment I’ve got this way really nice Belstaff out of season to iconic jacket will last for years , but great video and great content again 👌
Well, Ash, I wish I knew that Hugo Boss tip last summer, when I was enjoying vacations in London. Gotta check this out if I ever return. Great tips, thanks for the video.
Can’t lie, I’ve got two screens going and I’m on EBay looking for new black tie shoes that can also be worn with a plain black suit ( it’ll be my first one). Always valuable advice Ash👊
Greeting Sir! I dress like a King, _more like middle class,_ as I'm on a very low income! I posted on a web site that you may ne familiar with! _"Being a Gentleman today"_ It is so true, us chap's can dress well in a very limited budget!
I'm from Bangladesh Most of the fashion brands (Brands especially under the LVMH banner) have their clothes made here at a fraction of the prices sold in the EU and US so in way we feel blessed.
Excellent advice! It is absolutely insane what you can find in thrift stores if you're willing to be patient and know what to look for. It's where I have gotten most of my sports coats, blazers, dress shirts, and sweaters. My best find so far is a camel overcoat in new condition, which I bought for $20. I can't even imagine how much it was originally.
Excellent tips! My modest experiences in this regard took place in Australia between 1995 and 2005. I do not remember charity shops that sell clothes but I almost always bought clothes at the end of the financial year (July) when all the stores offer discounts ranging from 30 to 70%. I remember once buying two pairs of splendid, navy blue cotton cords in "JUST JEANS" for the price of one. My jobmates were surprised by the quality of my wardrobe considering my rather low wages. Thank you! All the best!
Hi Ash, some great tips there. I discovered Brook Taverner in December (Windsor store). I was amazed at the quality and prices, and lucky enough to catch some sales priced items in January. Being a big fan and wearer of Cheaney shoes for 20 years now, I came upon 'bargain of the year' in January 2023. A local menswear shop was holding its January sale and knowing they stocked Cheaney, I checked out their window. I couldn't believe the discount on some boots in the window, my guess was they had been in the stock room for some time. They had my size, and they fitted perfectly, and I paid 70% less than the list price on the box, which was significantly less than Cheaney currently charge for these boots. They deserved their own Instagram post, followed by a good conditioning when I got them home. I still smile when I take them out of the box, slip them out of their shoe bags, and pull them on.
Had an amazing thrift score today. Picked up a Crombie suit in houndstooth tweed for the super expensive price of... £8.00! Perfect condition and fit. Only alteration needed is taking up the legs by a couple of inches which even a clumsy klutz like me can do.
Got a couple of steals from M&S outlook shop a lovely herringbone overcoat for £80 and a Harris tweed jacket for £48. There's a great vintage stall in Durham market and I bought a jacket last summer for £40 and I wore it in the city at Christmas and got lots of comments on it. Get looking chaps there are some amazing bargains out there.
Excellent.. I'll tell you about my secret great glove brand once i get a couple more of pairs... been worn by two massively demanding characters from the public arena!!
I just picked up a pair of brown wool British Army dress pants, sheer luxury if you like a bit of vintage look for $20. About a week ago I picked up Clarks black desert boots for $60 and a handmade Irish wool cable knit sweater for $50 (I always wanted one in white but didn't want to spend $200, so my waiting paid off.) I've mentioned before a $2000 Burberry Car Coat I got for $150, but it would be worthless at any price if it was too short in the sleeves or too big in the chest.
In Tbilisi, Georgia we have huge second hand market, and most of them are full of UK brands, as well as German and Scandinavian. The best buys I`ve ever made was in the second hand shops of British origin, full of Barbour, sometimes even genuine Burberry you can find. You are right, first thing is Knowledge, because in my country many believes that Zara and H%M are top quality, and paying 100 Gel (about 30 Pounds) for a Zara shirt is fine, when in reality you can find some really great and stylish one in the second hand shop for 10-15 Gel (3-4 Pounds). In the winter time I bought 2 Harris Tweed blazers, each for 30 Gel(9 pounds) and the same in the shop is 300-400 Gel here. Thank you for the great video once again, Cheers.
I usually try sales and try at thrift/charity stores (sometimes I find a treasure in there), but I forgot about eBay. Some of the items in there are very good! I should also try estate sales.
Hi Ash, I find ties are a bargain in charity shops at the moment. I recently picked up 2 Turnbull & Asser silk ties for £1 each! My bargain of the year so far.
I have a work place background in two uniforms the same as you Ash, and have always viewed dressing smartly essential to the roles I have had. I have followed you for some years on this channel and very much embrace the thrift approach, having little concern for the fact I buy from the second hand market (usually). I have purchased some very cheap well made shoes over the years which definitely meet the 'dress like a king with the income of a pauper' approach 😄. My recent purchase is also an overcoat made by Dunn and Co, is probably at least 40 years old and immaculate (it could also have been fitted for me). The cost? £20. Perhaps not the most high end brand, but high quality, British made and I feel having a touch of the Cary Grant about it. I certainly look like I know what I'm doing at work, even if I may not 😂. To anyone in two minds about buying 'pre loved', forget it, buy it! Look good, save money. 👍 Keep up the good work Ash.
Excellent advice, Ash. Thank you. As a seasoned eBay buyer of pre-owned shirts, I have found it helpful to google and print off the size charts for the different brands of my desired shirt makers. I keep them in a file and have used a highlighter pen to identify my size options for each brand. For example, many makes offer different fittings (e.g. regular, slim fit, super fitted etc.), and the sleeve lengths vary too. Most of the quality shirt makers include the 'fit' and sleeve length on the collar label. For those that don't, this information can usually be found on their aforementioned size charts. We should all know our neck size, but not everyone knows their ideal sleeve length in inches or centimetres, or if they could comfortably wear a fitted shirt. Lastly, apart from the usual condition elements (stains, ironing burns, tears, and missing buttons), pay special attention to the collar and cuffs for signs of fraying, especially the left-hand cuff where a watch might normally have been worn. Happy hunting!😊
*UPDATE... Had to send back as felt a little small. Found them cheaper from 'Shop Outdoors ' for £99! Fit perfect and feel so comfortable. * Hi Ash, Great video! I have to admit that I love a good boat/deck shoe, particularly in blue for some reason. I've just learned about the original maker 'Sperry'. I'm unsure of the quality compared to yesteryear however last night I saw that British retailer John Lewis had the 'Gold Cup' on sale for £112, usually £150. I hope they are all they are cracked up to be so I no longer have to keep buying cheaper makes every couple of years 🤞🏼
I agree with you. Élégance is not a matter of money. And you can buy quality cheaper than a" logo" brand. Personaly at the british red cross you can find good stuff.(recently i've found a shirt from turnbull and asser for the price of a fashion t-shirt . Thé proof you don't have to spend a lot. Cheers
Buying off-season for signature pieces makes a great deal of sense, Ash. Even more important, whether shopping on eBay or at your local thrift shop, is to have a knowledge of brand names, and an eye for what constitutes quality fabric, stitching, and detailing. (All I have to do is look at the buttons on a shirt and the construction of the collar in order to tell if it is a high-end piece or not.) I am fortunate to live in a wealthy retirement community, which means that the quality of items donated to my local thrift stores is frequently quite high. -If I were living in a big urban center, depending on the neighbourhood, I think I'd have to sift through a lot more inferior quality goods before I came across something that was really worth purchasing. At least where I live, in small town southern Ontario, I don't think there's much chance of thousands of men suddenly racing to the local thrift shops for bargains. -I have my pick of a dozen designer silk ties each and every month, because NOBODY else in my community wears a tie, except possibly to a wedding or a funeral.
Good observation about charity shops and the relative prosperity of the areas in which they are situated. Well off peoples clothing ending up in charity shops, something which maybe ties in with that old adage about the last shirt having no pockets. :)
You told everyone now…. I have been doing this for more than 25 years firstly with shoes a local shop had a deal with Barker to take their returns that couldn’t be sold as new. Shame when they retired . I have built an extensive wardrobe buying out of season goods. Half the enjoyment is the hunting.
To act as a reference, please could you produce a video comprehensively detailing brands that you personally hold in high esteem and why, and for which items they're renowned for, and maybe which to avoid? I'm particularly interested in brands that still offer high quality, less pseudo quality like Brooks Bros for example, who've outsourced and also let standards slip in the chase for profit. Thanks.
i've got about 5 brook taverner shirts (all bought in their sales) and in fact when it was my birthday the other year they gave me a voucher for a free shirt.. with some online shops it's worth leaving them in your basket for a day or two and sometimes they'll send you a discount code for it.. also worth investigating when shops have their sales, i.e. trickers and loake tend to have them around christmas, and i got some good deals on some trickers for my lady and myself (40% off), and as you've mentioned on other videos - check to see if shops have an outlet / factory shop too..
Good morning Ash, what great video! As I've mentioned in the past I'll always factor in a cost for garment alterations so that will open up more options if you find an item that you like but would otherwise reject because it doesn't quite fit as you'd like. Bear in mind that making alterations to make a garment smaller to fit you is easier than making a small one larger. Sometimes a tailor-made suit will have extra fabric inside the seams for the suit to be taken out a little if the client puts on a little weight. You can sometimes squeeze the seams with your fingertips to feel if there's extra fabric in there. When I was younger there were many factory shops that were actually part of the factory building, nowadays they seem to be in out of town shopping centres and are nothing like they used to be. I remember one at the factory nearby me that makes very famous heritage garments, there were seconds, prototypes, all sorts of interesting things at very good prices but that's long gone now unfortunately. The mills where the finest suit fabrics are woven are nearby to me too, again there were opportunities to pick up clothing items made to display the fabric or roll ends which could be made into a jacket far more cheaply than Savile Row prices but using exactly the same material. I've done this a number of times. I know of a few of the London charity shops that you mentioned, one of the reasons there are some good deals is that an item will only be worn once then donated. In certain circles it's poor form to be seen wearing the same thing twice. Ridiculous to a working class northerner like me but it's their loss! Enjoy your weekend my friend. Kind regards, Rob
There is no dishonor in paying 50 cents for something that normally sells for a dollar even if you can afford the dollar! It's not about being cheap, it's about buying smart, even James Bond drove a accidented previously owned Bentley in the novels! I myself recently discovered a rather obscure Jermyn shirt maker (for North Americans) called Hawes Curtis which has quite the history and even with shipping cost to America and duties is over and above a better value than what is normally available here , it pays to look for value/quality over the more famous brands, not always but sometimes.
Hi Ash Great advice again ,l have just purchased an Aquascutum sports jacket on ebay for £20 You just have a keep looking and be patient for just what you want.
I build my wardrobe almost entirely out of secondhand items, except two pairs of dress shoes and custom jewelries. I spent quite a bit but not too much untill I can't afford basic means. I am lucky to be able to find decent to high quality clothings with modest price. This is both blessing and curse. I have become much selective for the quality of clothes because who don't want the best they can get for themselves, right? Everytime I see the price tag of new modern clothing when going shopping with my sisters I always compare the price with what better quality item I can get in thrift shops. I will be surprised with the cost of a new bespoke wool suit but that is the ideal aspiration if I can afford it. For now only thrifting is the best choice for me.
I buy almost nothing new, as I write this I sit on a leather Chesterfield sofa, surrounded by original artwork and beautiful solid Oak furniture all of which cost almost nothing! My Samsung flat screen TV was 28 quid!! I have recently acquired a pair of £1000 Church's custom grade shoes, a £500 Harvie and Hudson of Jermyn street linen jacket, Harris tweed jacket, Gurteen wool sports jacket, cashmere overcoat and more, most of which was unworn, for less than someone might waste in Primark on some shapeless elasticated garbage. Think smart, dress smart, work smart.
It's funny that you should make this as when I was watching your last brilliant Q&A with that other dapper chap it came across my mind, as I like the sartorial myself but have always been "dirt-poor" and learnt to make do on a budget. I thought "I would love Ash to make a video on not the new money, but the no money" Many thanks, Kind regards, Wanderer
@@TheChapsGuide there's not a video of yours I don't enjoy, I always make an effort to watch fully until the ending seconds for your watchtime algorithms and every second is enjoyed. Thanks for all of the content and for your service!
I'm currentlyon holiday in Copenhagen I was out today hunting the thrift shops for good quality overcoat I'm actually surprisedjust how expensive the theft shops are here I think it's better to stick to Ebay.
i have discover in my city a bunch of shops that sell old stock and returns , and was able to buy 2 suite jackets , a sport jacket , a overcoat , 2 pair of dress pans and few shirts , for 5-15euro each and most of thow items have cost between 200-300euro each i guess , the casual stuff in thows shops is not that nice but the classic stuff they have is quite good , am tall and slim so most out of ther rack fit me out of the box ,
Dear Ash Thanks for this video, which is delightful and brilliant as all your videos. You are an inspiration for me. However, I think you are not calculating correctly the real cost of this second hand clothes. I believe You have to quantify all the time you spent searching for all this items, and add this spent time to the cost. You will still be in the bargain area, no doubt, but the margins will be a lot smaller.
Learn to recognise the potential. I've bought suits and blazers with pocket money from thrift shops. Washing and pressing a wool blazer is actually quite easy, used stuff often is just smelly or dirty. After wash take it to a tailor if needed. Learn what tailors can and can't do. Shoes, again many second hand shoes(ooh the pun) just need some elbow grease, cleaning and polishing, a cobbler easily resoles them. Barker and Church Oxford brogues, Burberry Donegal tweed blazer, locally made leather blazer, Sand wool blazer etc. Yes you have to rummage a dozen second hand shops to find something, make it a hobby, an investment to your style. Learn to stretch and shrink wool, tailors do it too.
I just gave my cashmere overcoat to chariy because it became a little tight around the waist when worn over a suit. Now I have all summer to find a "new" one for cheap. Suits, shirts, jackets, trousers, hats... I hardly ever pay more than €10 a piece, for very good brands. My underwear and socks cost a lot more, because those are the only clothes I buy new.
Brook Taverner was a good tip and the coat looks great, signals prestige. However they are not a Royal Warrant holder anymore. How does this work, does the warrant expire or is it cancelled for some reason?
The Royal Warrants currently issued will fall into abeyance 2-years after the death of the issuer. I understand that existing RW holders are being reviewed by the autumn, when the King will issue his new warrants (and possibly the new Prince of Wales and Queen)
Just bought a $11,000 Kiton cashmere blazer, $9,000 Brioni wool suit and a Brioni Cashmere Jacket all For $6.99 each at goodwill. I sell clothing for a living...won't be wearing these fine pieces.
Great tips. Cant believe you bought that overcoat for 20 quid!!! Quick question, I’ve been following your channel for a while, were you at Swinderby in 1990? I’m ex RAF and I have a feeling we’ve met before? Or maybe St Athan not long after…
I went through Swinderby in 1987 and probably went through St Athan in early 1988 and periodically again over the years on courses. In 1990 I was in Gutersloh in Germany.
2 questions, gentleman Ash: What are these tiny little things your on your blazer? Looks like pins? I want to buy this and need the name. 2. I bought nice shirts. White, dark blue, etc. Do I need to wash them before wearing them? Because the dark blue one smells of chemistry. Thanks
Hi sir, I would wash any pre owned (or new) item to freshen it up. I'm not sure what you mean about the items on my blazer - do you mean the lapel badges?
@@TheChapsGuide What an amazing video. You UK gents with the store like Ede, Sanders, Travern, etc. Great! Yes, I guess it is called „lapel badges“. I saw them on your blazer. It is a little but nice detail. Thanks Sir!
Dear Ash for reasons that I cannot explain, I always wanted to buy a Neru Jacket maybe it was the influence of The Beatles in the 1960's I recently found a Brand New one in a Charity Shop by 'Device Designers' (Italy) beautifully made and as long as what they used to call a 'Drape Jacket' and I got it for the Princely sum of £5 Maybe because just like me no one had any idea what to wear with it, which is a shame as it fits like a Glove and looks a 'Million Dollars' So over to you Ash, what do I wear with this Neru Jacket of mine? Never seen one featured before on your Channel (maybe I just missed it?) also any truth in the rumor that President Neru never actually wore one? and have you heard of Device Designers of Italy
Back in USSR, as I was growing up, there was a proverb, "Prepare your sleigh in the summer and a cart in the winter"
And no one listened! )))
@@Vlad_a450 that's another story :-D
Вы с какого города?
@@Dmitriy_Kondratyev.хто экзекли?
Now I have that Beatles song in my head. 👍
I went to the second hand shop today and came home with; one original 70's Loden overcoat and two fine shirts, practically unused. All for the price of €25.
The biggest problem I find when dressed well when out and about is everyone tries to charge you more for everything. Don’t dress well when buying a car for example, a good deal will be harder to achieve because the salesman will believe you have money. It’s part of their training to sum a customer up by his or her attire.
I was trained to look at the watch the customer is wearing which is a good indicator that they have money.
Ebay is a charm. I buy Allen Edmonds shoes that retail for $350-$450 for $15-$65. Sports jackets from $10-$50. Cufflinks that are exquisite for $1-$25. I have a Hart Schaffner Marx black wool overcoat coming on Monday that cost me $100. Ascots, ties, winter and summer scarves priced similarly. My next adventure will be to find charity shops in the best parts of town. Great video, Ash! Great advice.
The return of the Sartorial Elegant man
Bring him back ❤
Just found a wool blend car coat $495 for $189. Winter clothes purchased in summer! Always a winner
That overcoat is splendid indeed.
I bought a Pierre Cardin overcoat in 1997. I have never got rid of it and it still fits me the same as the day I bought it. Last rule is not to buy something for the sake of being fashionable and make sure to look after the clothing you have and alway follow washing instructions. This will save you £££££/$$$$$$ unless you want a complete change of wardrobe.
Made a thrift shop run yesterday. I live in a smaller middle income city of 50,000 or so most of the stuff is from dept stores or even Walmart , but you will occasionally find a big name quality brand for practically free. Love it when that happens. I came away with 3 light and airy casual collared shirts @ $5-6 each for the summer. Also a big find..decent pair of black wing tips that I can bring back to life quite nicely at a cost of a whopping 7 bucks. The soles were a bit towards the end of their useful life, but for occasional formal use they will last me several years. I cant recc enough checking out the thrift stores a couple times a year. Last summer I found a great wool overcoat for $20 and a nice bomber jacket for around $10. Just look the item over carefully for damage and make sure it fits and nobody will be the wiser.
Perhaps, you can make a video on how to efficiently pack and travel as a chap...what clothing, materials (wrinkle free , etc.), what colors are the best for mixing and matching in order to reduce over packing and so on!
I'm in Canada and I find lots of great stuff on ebay. What sucks is international shipping. So I'll never get a 30 usd coat more like 80 but oh well!
I believe Mr. Ash has done one some time ago
ruclips.net/video/pBP_iAVdch0/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Another great tutorial.
Ash I think a series on how to recognize quality materials, design, construction, color, fit, and appropriateness for the occasion would be helpful.
Great suggestion!
Like the idea of the lesser know well made english brands
Oh! A real overcoat! Down to the knees! 🙏🏾
I have a Hilditch and Key shirt, which I bought in its original packaging for £5. I also have a pair of Trickers cap toe oxfords, hardly worn, for £20. Both of these came from charity shops.
Love a proper overcoat! I bought a new custom made Loden overcoat in classic green two winters ago, and I feel lucky to own an Ede & Ravenscroft overcoat made from Loro Piana wool which feels like cashmere. Ash, your Brook Taverner coat is outstanding.
Solid strategy. Knowledge is a force multiplier when looking at eBay and charity locations. Treasures abound!
As someone who has just bought a pair of Cheaney brogues for less than £40, I couldn't agree more. An evening's enjoyable shoe restoration later, they are the first pair of shoes I've ever owned that got multiple comments, the first day I ever wore them!
Congratulations sir - Cheney rarely ever fails to impress
I've recently discovered Sanders and Sanders here in Canada and my life is so much better for it.
I bought a silk Gant tie from the same shop in Kensington!
Saturday morning: Waking up with a cup of tea and this video. Thanks fine Sir!
Enjoy!
So right Ash. I found a Harris Tweed sports jacket made in England at a charity shop in a nice area in a town near me for $10. It is brand new and even the button holes are still stiff. I also just saw a RUclips video where a gentleman in my state found a pair of $1700 John Lobb loafers for $15. Cheers Ron
I bought a Barbour Beaufort for £15.00 in a charity shop. Unfortunately a size too big for me. It went straight to a friend so no profit for me....just a sense of satisfaction.
I have a bespoke 2 piece suit - _valued around $3,000.00 (NZ)_ which I paid less than $10! And A tuxedo for $5 (NZ) and it's in good nick, like my black capped Oxfords $5 (NZ)!
I got a M&S overcoat from eBay for 60 brand new. It was 240 in the shop
Thanks for giving away all of our secrets Ash! 😎
In Russia i got 3 made in Italy wool greatcoats for 15$, wool Filson jacket for 6$, Barbour Northumbria waxed jacket for 20$. All brand new with tags on, but i bought them in second hand store. Some items were a little bit too large, so i took them to tailor and for 5 to 10$ they became fitted absolutely splendid.
Great advice. I just picked up an absolute bargain from the Brook Taverner clearance sale! Very stoked, cheers
I bought a vintage Hardy Amies 90% cashmere 10% wool overcoat from eBay for £45. Navy blue. Perfect condition.
I do the same thing Ash even my hiking gear some great bargains in February for top brands on eBay for hiking brand new Rab waterproof jacket around £230 new still labels on for £60 and most of my hiking equipment I’ve got this way really nice Belstaff out of season to iconic jacket will last for years , but great video and great content again 👌
My friend Ash doing his part to bring back the trilby! Looks great, sir!
You know it!
Well, Ash, I wish I knew that Hugo Boss tip last summer, when I was enjoying vacations in London. Gotta check this out if I ever return. Great tips, thanks for the video.
Excellent work
Can’t lie, I’ve got two screens going and I’m on EBay looking for new black tie shoes that can also be worn with a plain black suit ( it’ll be my first one). Always valuable advice Ash👊
Greeting Sir! I dress like a King, _more like middle class,_ as I'm on a very low income!
I posted on a web site that you may ne familiar with! _"Being a Gentleman today"_
It is so true, us chap's can dress well in a very limited budget!
I love my 'bought used' clothing. Nothing wrong with them.
I'm from Bangladesh Most of the fashion brands (Brands especially under the LVMH banner) have their clothes made here at a fraction of the prices sold in the EU and US so in way we feel blessed.
Excellent advice! It is absolutely insane what you can find in thrift stores if you're willing to be patient and know what to look for. It's where I have gotten most of my sports coats, blazers, dress shirts, and sweaters. My best find so far is a camel overcoat in new condition, which I bought for $20. I can't even imagine how much it was originally.
Excellent tips! My modest experiences in this regard took place in Australia between 1995 and 2005. I do not remember charity shops that sell clothes but I almost always bought clothes at the end of the financial year (July) when all the stores offer discounts ranging from 30 to 70%. I remember once buying two pairs of splendid, navy blue cotton cords in "JUST JEANS" for the price of one. My jobmates were surprised by the quality of my wardrobe considering my rather low wages. Thank you! All the best!
Hi Ash, some great tips there. I discovered Brook Taverner in December (Windsor store). I was amazed at the quality and prices, and lucky enough to catch some sales priced items in January.
Being a big fan and wearer of Cheaney shoes for 20 years now, I came upon 'bargain of the year' in January 2023. A local menswear shop was holding its January sale and knowing they stocked Cheaney, I checked out their window. I couldn't believe the discount on some boots in the window, my guess was they had been in the stock room for some time. They had my size, and they fitted perfectly, and I paid 70% less than the list price on the box, which was significantly less than Cheaney currently charge for these boots. They deserved their own Instagram post, followed by a good conditioning when I got them home. I still smile when I take them out of the box, slip them out of their shoe bags, and pull them on.
Had an amazing thrift score today. Picked up a Crombie suit in houndstooth tweed for the super expensive price of... £8.00! Perfect condition and fit. Only alteration needed is taking up the legs by a couple of inches which even a clumsy klutz like me can do.
Nice one!
Got a couple of steals from M&S outlook shop a lovely herringbone overcoat for £80 and a Harris tweed jacket for £48. There's a great vintage stall in Durham market and I bought a jacket last summer for £40 and I wore it in the city at Christmas and got lots of comments on it. Get looking chaps there are some amazing bargains out there.
Excellent.. I'll tell you about my secret great glove brand once i get a couple more of pairs... been worn by two massively demanding characters from the public arena!!
I do follow those rules and have found some great buys in the local thrift stores.
I just picked up a pair of brown wool British Army dress pants, sheer luxury if you like a bit of vintage look for $20. About a week ago I picked up Clarks black desert boots for $60 and a handmade Irish wool cable knit sweater for $50 (I always wanted one in white but didn't want to spend $200, so my waiting paid off.) I've mentioned before a $2000 Burberry Car Coat I got for $150, but it would be worthless at any price if it was too short in the sleeves or too big in the chest.
In Tbilisi, Georgia we have huge second hand market, and most of them are full of UK brands, as well as German and Scandinavian. The best buys I`ve ever made was in the second hand shops of British origin, full of Barbour, sometimes even genuine Burberry you can find.
You are right, first thing is Knowledge, because in my country many believes that Zara and H%M are top quality, and paying 100 Gel (about 30 Pounds) for a Zara shirt is fine, when in reality you can find some really great and stylish one in the second hand shop for 10-15 Gel (3-4 Pounds). In the winter time I bought 2 Harris Tweed blazers, each for 30 Gel(9 pounds) and the same in the shop is 300-400 Gel here.
Thank you for the great video once again, Cheers.
I usually try sales and try at thrift/charity stores (sometimes I find a treasure in there), but I forgot about eBay. Some of the items in there are very good! I should also try estate sales.
Not to mention that each piece acquired second hand is a less manufacturated item that uses water and other resources. Be green and look amazing!
Hi Ash, I find ties are a bargain in charity shops at the moment. I recently picked up 2 Turnbull & Asser silk ties for £1 each! My bargain of the year so far.
Oh wow!
I have a work place background in two uniforms the same as you Ash, and have always viewed dressing smartly essential to the roles I have had. I have followed you for some years on this channel and very much embrace the thrift approach, having little concern for the fact I buy from the second hand market (usually). I have purchased some very cheap well made shoes over the years which definitely meet the 'dress like a king with the income of a pauper' approach 😄. My recent purchase is also an overcoat made by Dunn and Co, is probably at least 40 years old and immaculate (it could also have been fitted for me). The cost? £20. Perhaps not the most high end brand, but high quality, British made and I feel having a touch of the Cary Grant about it. I certainly look like I know what I'm doing at work, even if I may not 😂. To anyone in two minds about buying 'pre loved', forget it, buy it! Look good, save money. 👍
Keep up the good work Ash.
Excellent advice, Ash. Thank you. As a seasoned eBay buyer of pre-owned shirts, I have found it helpful to google and print off the size charts for the different brands of my desired shirt makers. I keep them in a file and have used a highlighter pen to identify my size options for each brand. For example, many makes offer different fittings (e.g. regular, slim fit, super fitted etc.), and the sleeve lengths vary too. Most of the quality shirt makers include the 'fit' and sleeve length on the collar label. For those that don't, this information can usually be found on their aforementioned size charts. We should all know our neck size, but not everyone knows their ideal sleeve length in inches or centimetres, or if they could comfortably wear a fitted shirt. Lastly, apart from the usual condition elements (stains, ironing burns, tears, and missing buttons), pay special attention to the collar and cuffs for signs of fraying, especially the left-hand cuff where a watch might normally have been worn. Happy hunting!😊
*UPDATE... Had to send back as felt a little small. Found them cheaper from 'Shop Outdoors ' for £99! Fit perfect and feel so comfortable. *
Hi Ash, Great video! I have to admit that I love a good boat/deck shoe, particularly in blue for some reason. I've just learned about the original maker 'Sperry'. I'm unsure of the quality compared to yesteryear however last night I saw that British retailer John Lewis had the 'Gold Cup' on sale for £112, usually £150. I hope they are all they are cracked up to be so I no longer have to keep buying cheaper makes every couple of years 🤞🏼
I wear gold cups and they are excellent...I was lucky to get an amazing deal at the outlet store.
I agree with you. Élégance is not a matter of money. And you can buy quality cheaper than a" logo" brand. Personaly at the british red cross you can find good stuff.(recently i've found a shirt from turnbull and asser for the price of a fashion t-shirt .
Thé proof you don't have to spend a lot.
Cheers
Buying off-season for signature pieces makes a great deal of sense, Ash.
Even more important, whether shopping on eBay or at your local thrift shop, is to have a knowledge of brand names, and an eye for what constitutes quality fabric, stitching, and detailing. (All I have to do is look at the buttons on a shirt and the construction of the collar in order to tell if it is a high-end piece or not.)
I am fortunate to live in a wealthy retirement community, which means that the quality of items donated to my local thrift stores is frequently quite high. -If I were living in a big urban center, depending on the neighbourhood, I think I'd have to sift through a lot more inferior quality goods before I came across something that was really worth purchasing.
At least where I live, in small town southern Ontario, I don't think there's much chance of thousands of men suddenly racing to the local thrift shops for bargains. -I have my pick of a dozen designer silk ties each and every month, because NOBODY else in my community wears a tie, except possibly to a wedding or a funeral.
Good observation about charity shops and the relative prosperity of the areas in which they are situated. Well off peoples clothing ending up in charity shops, something which maybe ties in with that old adage about the last shirt having no pockets. :)
- Great advice Ash, I actually bought some summer close last fall at a nice discount. Now if only Rolex had an off season 😞.
You told everyone now…. I have been doing this for more than 25 years firstly with shoes a local shop had a deal with Barker to take their returns that couldn’t be sold as new. Shame when they retired . I have built an extensive wardrobe buying out of season goods. Half the enjoyment is the hunting.
I treat it as a safari.
What a lovely title!
To act as a reference, please could you produce a video comprehensively detailing brands that you personally hold in high esteem and why, and for which items they're renowned for, and maybe which to avoid? I'm particularly interested in brands that still offer high quality, less pseudo quality like Brooks Bros for example, who've outsourced and also let standards slip in the chase for profit. Thanks.
Great video, I have a pair of sanders oxfords- got them for free. Thanks for tips
No problem 👍
Thanks!
Thank you sir.
Amazing overcoat
i've got about 5 brook taverner shirts (all bought in their sales) and in fact when it was my birthday the other year they gave me a voucher for a free shirt..
with some online shops it's worth leaving them in your basket for a day or two and sometimes they'll send you a discount code for it..
also worth investigating when shops have their sales, i.e. trickers and loake tend to have them around christmas, and i got some good deals on some trickers for my lady and myself (40% off), and as you've mentioned on other videos - check to see if shops have an outlet / factory shop too..
Great tips! Thank you.
Good morning Ash, what great video!
As I've mentioned in the past I'll always factor in a cost for garment alterations so that will open up more options if you find an item that you like but would otherwise reject because it doesn't quite fit as you'd like. Bear in mind that making alterations to make a garment smaller to fit you is easier than making a small one larger.
Sometimes a tailor-made suit will have extra fabric inside the seams for the suit to be taken out a little if the client puts on a little weight. You can sometimes squeeze the seams with your fingertips to feel if there's extra fabric in there.
When I was younger there were many factory shops that were actually part of the factory building, nowadays they seem to be in out of town shopping centres and are nothing like they used to be.
I remember one at the factory nearby me that makes very famous heritage garments, there were seconds, prototypes, all sorts of interesting things at very good prices but that's long gone now unfortunately.
The mills where the finest suit fabrics are woven are nearby to me too, again there were opportunities to pick up clothing items made to display the fabric or roll ends which could be made into a jacket far more cheaply than Savile Row prices but using exactly the same material. I've done this a number of times.
I know of a few of the London charity shops that you mentioned, one of the reasons there are some good deals is that an item will only be worn once then donated. In certain circles it's poor form to be seen wearing the same thing twice. Ridiculous to a working class northerner like me but it's their loss!
Enjoy your weekend my friend.
Kind regards,
Rob
Problem of buying out of season is size unavailability 😢
There is no dishonor in paying 50 cents for something that normally sells for a dollar even if you can afford the dollar! It's not about being cheap, it's about buying smart, even James Bond drove a accidented previously owned Bentley in the novels! I myself recently discovered a rather obscure Jermyn shirt maker (for North Americans) called Hawes Curtis which has quite the history and even with shipping cost to America and duties is over and above a better value than what is normally available here , it pays to look for value/quality over the more famous brands, not always but sometimes.
Hi Ash
Great advice again ,l have just purchased an Aquascutum sports jacket on ebay for £20
You just have a keep looking and be patient for just what you want.
A video in regards to the best brands for this type of clothing would be useful. Thank you for the great video.
Video 6:
Your secret's safe with me...
Mum's the word
*salute
I build my wardrobe almost entirely out of secondhand items, except two pairs of dress shoes and custom jewelries. I spent quite a bit but not too much untill I can't afford basic means.
I am lucky to be able to find decent to high quality clothings with modest price. This is both blessing and curse. I have become much selective for the quality of clothes because who don't want the best they can get for themselves, right? Everytime I see the price tag of new modern clothing when going shopping with my sisters I always compare the price with what better quality item I can get in thrift shops. I will be surprised with the cost of a new bespoke wool suit but that is the ideal aspiration if I can afford it. For now only thrifting is the best choice for me.
I buy almost nothing new, as I write this I sit on a leather Chesterfield sofa, surrounded by original artwork and beautiful solid Oak furniture all of which cost almost nothing! My Samsung flat screen TV was 28 quid!! I have recently acquired a pair of £1000 Church's custom grade shoes, a £500 Harvie and Hudson of Jermyn street linen jacket, Harris tweed jacket, Gurteen wool sports jacket, cashmere overcoat and more, most of which was unworn, for less than someone might waste in Primark on some shapeless elasticated garbage.
Think smart, dress smart, work smart.
I agree Gurteen massively underrated,Boughr a new harris tweed jacket for £15.00.
It's funny that you should make this as when I was watching your last brilliant Q&A with that other dapper chap it came across my mind, as I like the sartorial myself but have always been "dirt-poor" and learnt to make do on a budget. I thought "I would love Ash to make a video on not the new money, but the no money"
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Wanderer
Glad you enjoyed it
@@TheChapsGuide there's not a video of yours I don't enjoy, I always make an effort to watch fully until the ending seconds for your watchtime algorithms and every second is enjoyed. Thanks for all of the content and for your service!
Loake is super!!!
I'm currentlyon holiday in Copenhagen
I was out today hunting the thrift shops for good quality overcoat
I'm actually surprisedjust how expensive the theft shops are here I think it's better to stick to Ebay.
I can confirm that it's really hard to find good quality mens clothing in charity shops in Denmark.
Lots of great tips in this vdo! Thanks Ash
Glad it was helpful!
All good advice, timely for myself especially
i have discover in my city a bunch of shops that sell old stock and returns , and was able to buy 2 suite jackets , a sport jacket , a overcoat , 2 pair of dress pans and few shirts , for 5-15euro each and most of thow items have cost between 200-300euro each i guess , the casual stuff in thows shops is not that nice but the classic stuff they have is quite good , am tall and slim so most out of ther rack fit me out of the box ,
Dear Ash
Thanks for this video, which is delightful and brilliant as all your videos. You are an inspiration for me.
However, I think you are not calculating correctly the real cost of this second hand clothes.
I believe You have to quantify all the time you spent searching for all this items, and add this spent time to the cost.
You will still be in the bargain area, no doubt, but the margins will be a lot smaller.
Learn to recognise the potential. I've bought suits and blazers with pocket money from thrift shops.
Washing and pressing a wool blazer is actually quite easy, used stuff often is just smelly or dirty.
After wash take it to a tailor if needed.
Learn what tailors can and can't do.
Shoes, again many second hand shoes(ooh the pun) just need some elbow grease, cleaning and polishing, a cobbler easily resoles them.
Barker and Church Oxford brogues, Burberry Donegal tweed blazer, locally made leather blazer, Sand wool blazer etc.
Yes you have to rummage a dozen second hand shops to find something, make it a hobby, an investment to your style.
Learn to stretch and shrink wool, tailors do it too.
I just gave my cashmere overcoat to chariy because it became a little tight around the waist when worn over a suit. Now I have all summer to find a "new" one for cheap.
Suits, shirts, jackets, trousers, hats... I hardly ever pay more than €10 a piece, for very good brands. My underwear and socks cost a lot more, because those are the only clothes I buy new.
This is great.
Brook Taverner was a good tip and the coat looks great, signals prestige. However they are not a Royal Warrant holder anymore. How does this work, does the warrant expire or is it cancelled for some reason?
The Royal Warrants currently issued will fall into abeyance 2-years after the death of the issuer. I understand that existing RW holders are being reviewed by the autumn, when the King will issue his new warrants (and possibly the new Prince of Wales and Queen)
Just bought a $11,000 Kiton cashmere blazer, $9,000 Brioni wool suit and a Brioni Cashmere Jacket all For $6.99 each at goodwill. I sell clothing for a living...won't be wearing these fine pieces.
Great tips. Cant believe you bought that overcoat for 20 quid!!!
Quick question, I’ve been following your channel for a while, were you at Swinderby in 1990? I’m ex RAF and I have a feeling we’ve met before? Or maybe St Athan not long after…
I went through Swinderby in 1987 and probably went through St Athan in early 1988 and periodically again over the years on courses. In 1990 I was in Gutersloh in Germany.
Wow I can really relate iwth this
Does an ascot work with a polo collar button down shirt?
Yes, I think you can pull that off with the right ensemble.
2 questions, gentleman Ash: What are these tiny little things your on your blazer? Looks like pins? I want to buy this and need the name. 2. I bought nice shirts. White, dark blue, etc. Do I need to wash them before wearing them? Because the dark blue one smells of chemistry. Thanks
Hi sir, I would wash any pre owned (or new) item to freshen it up. I'm not sure what you mean about the items on my blazer - do you mean the lapel badges?
@@TheChapsGuide What an amazing video. You UK gents with the store like Ede, Sanders, Travern, etc. Great! Yes, I guess it is called „lapel badges“. I saw them on your blazer. It is a little but nice detail. Thanks Sir!
Forgive me for being late to the party, but where do you shoot your videos? Is that your garden, or do you film in a forest?
A small private woodland in the English countryside - bliss.
@@TheChapsGuide Nice! I was pretty curious. It's a very different set-up.
Dear Ash for reasons that I cannot explain, I always wanted to buy a Neru Jacket maybe it was the influence of The Beatles in the 1960's
I recently found a Brand New one in a Charity Shop by 'Device Designers' (Italy) beautifully made and as long as what they used to call a 'Drape Jacket' and I got it for the Princely sum of £5
Maybe because just like me no one had any idea what to wear with it, which is a shame as it fits like a Glove and looks a 'Million Dollars'
So over to you Ash, what do I wear with this Neru Jacket of mine?
Never seen one featured before on your Channel (maybe I just missed it?) also any truth in the rumor that President Neru never actually wore one? and have you heard of Device Designers of Italy
John, I will try and answer your question in a Q & A video I have coming up very soon.
@@TheChapsGuide Thank You very much Ash, that would be an Honor as I've never seen anyone wear one anywhere
Knowlegdeeeee IS POOOOOOOOWWEEEEEERRRRRR
❤
Lots of good stuff coming out of Ukraine and Lithuania. Thank me later
كلام معقول ، ولكن راه مزيان أخويا يغربلو بوزبال
Where’s the advice for trans ladies? Aspiring trans influencers need advice so be inclusive please.
The clue is in the title of the channel sir. Anyone who identifies as a Chap is welcome here.
Another great video Ash ..
Excellent style as always.
You could be the double of me without a doubt 🥂
Just subscribed to your channel Ash🥂
Welcome aboard!
Cheers Ash, a totally amazing channel. Keep the inspiration coming !