Fit, care and budget
What to splurge on vs what to save on
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Spend more on what you wear most and what takes the most wear: shoes, a suit, everyday trousers, a good jacket and tailoring. Save on things that wear out fast or go out of style quickly: trend pieces, gym wear, basic tees and accessories you rarely use. The test is cost per wear: the price divided by how many times you'll realistically wear it.
| Splurge | Why | Save | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather shoes | Comfort, support, can be resoled | Trend sneakers | Styles change quickly |
| A suit | Worn at life's big moments for years | Gym wear | Wears out regardless |
| Everyday trousers | Worn several times a week | Basic tees | Replace often anyway |
| A jacket or overshirt | Seen constantly, lasts years | Trend accessories | Short life |
| Tailoring | Makes everything look better | Occasion-only pieces | Worn rarely |
| A watch | Worn daily for years | Sunglasses | Easy to lose or break |
What is cost per wear?
Price divided by wears. A pair of shoes worn three times a week for three years has a very low cost per wear, even if it cost a lot. A trend shirt worn twice has a high one. See quality vs quantity.
Why splurge on shoes?
They carry your weight all day, affect comfort and posture, and good leather shoes can be resoled. See the 5 types of shoes every man should own.
Why splurge on a suit?
You wear it at interviews, weddings and funerals, the moments that matter most. Fabric and construction show. See the benefits of owning a good suit.
Why spend on tailoring?
Because fit beats price. A small alteration makes affordable clothes look made for you. See why fit matters more than price.
Where is it fine to save?
Tees, socks, gym wear and anything trend-driven. Choose decent quality, but don't overspend. See plain T-shirts for where the line is.
How do I decide in the shop?
Ask three questions:
- How often will I wear this?
- Does it go with at least three things I own?
- Will I still like it in two years?
Three yeses justify spending more.
Questions
Is it worth spending more on sneakers?
On the pair you wear most, often yes. Rotate the rest. See building a sneaker rotation on a budget.
Should I spend on brands?
Spend on quality and fit, not logos.