Discover the best investment fashion pieces for men and why creating a sustainable wardrobe is an ideal way for the fashion conscious to save money and the world.
For the fashion-conscious, keeping up with the latest trends is essential. However, achieving this requires a bottomless pit of money.
What's more, buying the latest trends has a negative impact on the planet too and is contributing to the fast fashion epidemic.
That's where investment fashion comes in. Buying certain garments with the future in mind will not only serve you well in 2020 but for many years to come.
Here's everything you need to know about choosing the best investment fashion pieces.
Why investment fashion can save you money
This decade is all about making a positive change to help preserve the planet for many generations to come.
One of the biggest problem areas is fast fashion. While going out to your local high street retailer and buying a cheap, generic trendy t-shirt might seem harmless, have you ever stopped to think about its origins, who made it and what it's made from?
Think of it this way, how many times have you bought something for an event or occasion and never worn it again? Or do you often find your clothes getting ruined after a few washes?
As the seasoned luxury footwear veteran and founder of her namesake shoe company, Tamara Mellon, says, "Fast fashion is fun, but only for a short moment".
You see, throwing clothes away lickety-split is creating a vicious wasteful cycle.
In contrast, buying investment fashion pieces is the quickest way for the fashion conscious to create a sustainable wardrobe.
Choosing quality garments made from quality recycled materials by ethical manufacturers will not only last longer but will remain timeless.
How to find the best investment fashion items
The ex test
Before you buy any item of clothing or a pair of shoes, ask yourself, "Would I want my ex seeing me in this?" Let's face it, we all want to look great when we accidentally (or intentionally) bump into our old flames. If you're having second thoughts about the garment now, then trust me, it won't stand the test of time.
Check the label
Most brands these days will highlight the eco-friendly materials it's made from either in their marketing or in the label of the clothing itself.
Avoid fabrics that use microfibres, as these often end up polluting the oceans are harder to clean up due to its small particles. Ideally, you want clothes that are made from recycled cotton and in a GOTS certified factory as this tells you that it comes from a company who monitors fair trade of the farmers and uses less water and pesticides.
Ask the brand
If you can't find the eco information you're looking for either online or in-store, don't be afraid to ask a representative from the brand about where the item was made, the supply chain process and what materials it's made from. It's your right to know!
The must-have investment fashion pieces in 2020 (and where to get them from)
Stretch black jeans
Forget strange dyes and rips, you can't go wrong with a pair of classic stretch black jeans. Especially when they come from Monkee Genes, an ethical and sustainable British brand.
Every pair is made in GOTS-certified factories and are made from organically grown cotton or recycled polyester. Choosing a solid black stretch pair goes with almost anything, making it the perfect investment fashion piece.
Navy overcoat
It was a toss-up between the overcoat and the peacoat. However, we decided on the overcoat due to its ability to smarten up any outfit.
When it comes to looking sharp, time is irrelevant. Just like a suit, an overcoat tells the world that you mean business.
We particularly like Everlane's ReWool Overcoat in navy, as it's made from recycled wool and the colour is easy to match with most garments.
White Oxford shirt
Whether you're on a date, going on a night out or are attending a big celebration, an Oxford shirt is a staple investment fashion piece as it doesn't age!
Pair it with jeans or chinos, trainers or shoes, a smart coat or jumper, the styling possibilities are endless.
For an eco-friendly and super cool choice, head to Brothers We Stand, where you'll find a range of ethically-made Oxford shirts. We love the white as it's so easy to style.
Oxfords (investment shoes)
At Percy Stride, our shoes are made in Britain to ensure we can regulate the quality of every pair. The Goodyear welt construction and classic Oxford design mean the shoes last longer, can be repaired and still look fantastic every time you put them on. The rich history of Oxford shoes makes them a true investment for the fashion conscious.
To buy yourself some 'investment shoes', take a look at our complete range here.