Buying CHEAP work office clothes (male) ?

bp5678

I need to buy new office clothes. New shoes, new suit trousers and a new shirt.

Since this is a money saving forum, my main focus is to buy something that is cheap really. Or low in price but will last a long time.

Where is best to meet this description?

Debenhams, Next, ASOS, Boohoo, Topman, House of Fraser, Moss Bros, Burton etc?

comeandgo

For really cheap you might find something in a large Tesco or sainsbury. I love TK Max and you can get some decent bargains there but probably not cheap.

jenniewb

Look for natural fabrics, it's not an absolute but IME they last longer. Make sure though that you've actually held and felt the item so you can decide if the fabric feels sturdy enough to last or has simply been thinned out to save on costs.


If I were to recommend places, it would be TK Maxx, follow/sign up to brands that are slightly too much for you to afford as occasionally they will have offers, sample sales and there is also Black Friday coming up. Also, if you find something you really like you could find it on Ebay at a later date.


Other than that, charity shops can be useful but you need to keep checking regularly. Ask if they have a set day for new things to appear and ask if they will take your details in case anything of a smart/interview style mens wear description so they can contact you. Not all will do this and some may forget to contact you, and make it clear you are not expecting them to put anything aside so others can't buy (although you never know if you don't ask) just that they will let you know if anything is bought in to them so you know to visit.


Oh and if it is just a one off interview and you know you wont ever wear the outfit again; Primark, supermarket ranges and so on will be fine for single use, just don't place bets on their looking as good once washed. Some will, some wont and I find it's much more of a gamble in stores with rock bottom prices.

lindens

Buying cheap can be a false economy. A shirt for example will be washed many times and will start to wear out if cheaply made. Maybe investigate your local charity shops, for £3 or less you could buy a quality made shirt/s such as Autograph, Charles Tyrwhit etc.
Same applies to any office clothes really.

Ilona

If I need or want something first I see if I can make it. Then I look in charity shops and car boot sales. My friend has just had a sort out and given me some tops which will need taking in because she is a bit bigger than me. I can sew, but the OP probably can't.

Then, if all else fails I finally give in and look in a conventional shop. But I would never buy from the shops the OP mentions, all far too expensive for me.

Some good quality clothes and footwear can be found in charity shops.

ilona

serena9

Ebay, search for mens clothing bundles, both new and used.

Stoke

I tend to go Matalan

hedgesparrow

Do keep looking in charity shops, though good gents clothes are harder to find than stuff for ladies. I once bought a ted baker suit for my husband in a charity shop for £20 but never seen anything like it before or since. He is still wearing it. Ties are plentiful second hand! Regarding shirts, my husband has foud lots after Christmas that have cufflink holes. Still in the packet because some men don’t like the faff. But for that extra effort, you can get some great bargains.

Nile

Stoke wrote: »

I tend to go Matalan

I was going to suggest Matalan too. Their clothes are good quality and wash well and good value.

pmduk

jenniewb wrote: »

Primark, supermarket ranges and so on will be fine for single use, just don't place bets on their looking as good once washed.

I've had few problems with Primark's clothing. A female friend is pretty bitter stating they're better made than the women's items. Stay away from their shoes, however.

lessonlearned

You might try "Newly New" shops if you have any near you.

I used to have to push the boat out and look really smart for work but had a really limited budget. I needed to buy suits or jackets (im female by the way) and found I got on better with nearly new rather than charity shops for suits.

I agree though that finding good preloved clothing is harder for men. I think ebay might be worth a try.