Don't let China take our style, I'm going to wear a tie today to sit around and read a book.

@KadeBronson

27 күн бұрын

based

@finger351

27 күн бұрын

@@KadeBronson Baste?

@bkucinschi

26 күн бұрын

"In the war between Quality and Quantity, it's Quantity that always wins." Just don't remember exactly who said that....

Hi Ash, the death of style has reached eye brow raising proportions, whether it is at the office, at the shopping centre, or at restaurants, the lack of effort in getting dressed is beyond words, and unfortunately that has translated to the attitude of people. Love your channel. Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa

@adam_meade

26 күн бұрын

I usually don't care much about what other people wear, but recently at a very nice restaurant the guy at the next table was wearing an ice hockey jersey and matching baseball cap for his favorite team. I wanted to say "Come on man, this isn't McDonald's".

Greetings from Australia. Love your content. I always try to buy quality, especially when it comes to shoes. I bought myself a pair of RM Williams boots on my 50th birthday, I've worn them all over the world. I'm 63 this year and they still look new.

These days.....I don't buy these cheaply made clothes....as you say, they don't last and wear out quickly...spend a bit more on the quality ..and it pays for itself

My father always insisted that I should look at the quality and not the price. This obviously has its limitations based on your own personal income, but if you can afford to spend slightly more for a better product, go for it! My grandfather also had a similar mentality and kept saying that "we are to poor to afford cheap things"

First, I avoid buying online at all cost. The joy of buying is the result of getting informations about the item, visiting a local shop, trying on, feeling the texture, checking the quality..the thinking how to create outfits.. and of course a coffee.. Shopping this way satisfies, a great experience worth the extra penny.. The result is a smaller but good quality wardrobe without any chinese made crap.. Not to forget, it’s support of democratic countries who share the same values as I do.. thanks for sharing your opinions! 🇬🇧🇩🇪🇪🇺💪

@daniell2217

26 күн бұрын

Well said!!

@TuneinR

26 күн бұрын

Well the chinese made crap are from western brands😂😂😂😂😂

@tobias1752

26 күн бұрын

@@TuneinR Well it’s possible to check out, where the tissue is woven, the item is made.. many labels produce in Portugal, Romania or Italy.. or even the US.. good shoes are crafted in the UK.. so you‘ve possibilities.. for sure not the cheapest, but e.g. Pini Parma is 100% made in Italy, März b.Schwanen t-shirts are woven in Germany.. as a customer I decide where my money goes to..

@TuneinR

26 күн бұрын

@@tobias1752 i also have crab from those mentioned countries.Where it is made is not always equals to quality.Tell your western brands to stop making things in china and leave the chinese out of this.

@tobias1752

26 күн бұрын

@@TuneinR therefore I prefer personal shopping, to check the quality.. you‘ll find crap in every country of the world. At least in the mentioned countries the labour environment has certain standards…

Unfortunately I feel the type of people thay buy cheap clothing like this probably won't be watching these types of videos

@jeremyschipp

27 күн бұрын

Not everyone has a lot of disposable income so cheap is all that can be bought. I have a few well made pieces of cloth due to that reason but also where I am in Australia most people dress casually and cheaply and anyone who wears something of better quality is given strange looks.

@Rhysees

26 күн бұрын

@@jeremyschipp I can second this comment. I’m in Melbourne Australia and if I dress properly with quality clothing I get looks that range from angry to jealous and usually get cast aside as elitist by majority .. however that being said people still increase their respect for you magically.

Totally agree Ash, I tend to stick with mostly British brands like Crockett and Jones, John Smedley, Paul Smith and various Italian brands. I also am a fan of Mr Porter and mostly choose ethically made items. Temu are a pain in the arse! Their adds pop up everywhere. Great work Ash

I have always bought Paul Smith, saved and splurged. I still have shirts, short, long and Tee'd from 80's, 90's 2k's and current. As well as knitwear and jeans, still in vogue, wearable in any era. He has recently offered a "Refresh" service for vintage items of his clothing. I aint well off but i know a sharp, quality bit of schmutta when i see it. I do t need Rolex, i am and have always been happy with Rotary, cheaper and very reliable.

I visited Dege & Skinner yesterday in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are conducting trunk shows in the US. It was a fantastic experience. I ordered a bespoke waistcoat from Dege & Skinner. My final fitting is in London in September when I'm over there on business. What a fabulous experience. The Dege & Skinner staff were simply the best I've ever encountered. Repairing and enhancing IS the way to go. Its why I ordered my waistcoat to make my two piece all NZ wool suit into a 3 piece. My experience with Barbour's factory repair program (in North Carolina in the US) was also fantastic. Re-waxed and the cuffs repaired with a fine leather band. Fabulous service. Thanks for the video, Ash...

Great video Ash, you definitely opened my eyes. I have several quality clothes that I've had for years that I definitely plan on keeping for years!

I agree 100% the majority of clothes are not made to last anymore so i am trying as much as possible to buy high quality European made clothes to support what little remains of our clothes industry.

I fully enjoyed this discussion, and wholeheartedly agree we could all do more to combat blind consumerism. Fast fashion is mostly plain garbage nowadays. A few years back, long before Shein or Temu came onto the scene, I decided I wanted better quality clothes by sewing them myself. Fortunately for me i live in a tropical country so my go to choices for materials are cottons and linens and these are easy to work with. Even just by learning to sew one can easily turn that skill into mending. Learning to properly care for your clothes also helps in keeping them around for longer.

It's a fair comment and I see it in channels all around, reality is starting to bite and effecting ordinary people like you n me. Regardless of subject matter the things that are wrong with the world are showing up all over. It's the way people handle it and showing the correct attitude or outlook.👍👍👍

I Always buy quality and 2nd hand when I can. I have four Barbour coats one of which is 40 years old. It is a bit tattered. I also have a very nice UK made Harris Tweed jacket the same age that I still wear. When I was a lad I always wore Florsheim shoes and had the soles replaced when they wore out. Thanks for sharing Ash. Cheers Ron

Your videos are always enjoyable sir, but this may be the most important one you’ve done. Keep up the good fight!

Very interesting topic, Ash. I have become much more cognizant of these issues in recent years and I dislike the idea of buying mass-produced cheap products. I live in Canada and it distresses me how little we manufacture in this country anymore. If you go to some shops it’s difficult to find ANYTHING that is not made in China. I’m not a wealthy man by any means, but I actively try to buy higher quality and more sustainable items whenever possible.

You make some excellent points. From a personal perspective when finances allow we should try to buy well and buy once. I'm lucky to be in my sixties now and still have formal clothes I bought in my twenties including a DJ and a tweed jacket. Whilst the DJ doesn't get worn too often the tweed jacket is worn about once a week. It was made in England locally to me but was off the peg. Whilst it was relatively expensive the cost per wear over the decades is far less than had I bought a series of cheap poor quality jackets. Thanks for making the video Ash and for your channel.

There is great joy in researching and supporting your British brands!

I absolutely agree, Ash - well said! I am a major advocate of sustainability having driven this agenda across fashion, clothing and other industry sectors, including national/local government as well as within my own life . Having a joined-up understanding helps make more informed decisions - keeping it stylish, maintaining our heritage and craftsmanship. This week I've just sent my 20 yr old wax stockman coat for minor repairs (popper tears and lining frayed cuffs), cleaning and rewaxing. It may well cost me around £100, but that will be money well spent in my view. Yes I could buy a new one for a few quid more, but the quality, integrity, wear and comfort of mine is part of me (and appreciated/commented on by friends).

This last winter I moved away from traditional wool jumpers for outdoor wear and decided to buy a fleece. The first fleece I bought cost me over £100, the next three were each around £25. After listening to this video I've just had a look at the origin of these fleeces. The £100 fleece is a Danish brand designed in Denmark but made in Vietnam. The other three are all branded by English companies but marked made in PRC so I assume they are wholly Chinese. I've five heavy winter jumpers - all wool all hand knitted; two locally and three in Scotland - OED!!

Temu is the advertisement I got at the beginning of your material.

100% Ash! Thank you for the video. I have known all these points of view for years I am happy to see and hear you articulate it so well.

Great insight Ash. My strategy is to buy good natural materials, then repairs and alterations go further. My wool sweaters over 10 years old have been repaired, and are still wearing great. Sweaters with nylon and other synthetic products have a 5-6 year shelf life, and are not repairable.

Last year I threw all my clothes away that were made of cheap fabrics. I went online to buy better clothes made of natural fabrics like linen and cotton for shirts and trousers, and mulberry silk for socks. It was really expensive but don't have any regrets, and ever since I haven't bought cheap clothes ever since. I found out that linen, cotton, and mulberry silk is very ideal for the hot weather where I live.

@edbee8508

24 күн бұрын

I'm in Brisbane Australia and I've done exactly the same thing. The summer just gone was horrendous and I handled the heat better than ever.

Thanks for this video! I put a lengthy post on Real Men Real Style today addressing many of these points :). Looking into the local fibreshed for your area is a great way to buy local and support local if you can.

Very solid message Sir, well done.

Great stuff, Ash! Hope you are enjoying your retreat during this somewhat chilly and wet late English spring. I've always been a strong believer in the idea of "Show - don't tell!" And when it comes to clothing and style, the best way of achieving this is through one's own personal sartorial appearance. Make it a personal goal of making sure that one's own personal clothing is always appropriate to the circumstances. Never be afraid to dress like you thought about your appearance.. Take some time to make sure the colours in your outfits go well together. Make sure your clothes fit properly. That they are cleaned and maintained. That you hang and fold them properly. Don't buy junk. Don't be afraid to dress well, and to invest appropriately in quality items of clothing and footwear. As ZZ Top so eloquently put it: "Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man"

It's my birthday about an hour at the time of this comment! I'm turning twenty-four. (I'm in America, if that clears up any confusion about time difference.) It's a standard birthday tradition for me to wear morning dress for afternoon tea and white tie for dinner. I suppose this video comes at a good time for that. This year, a good friend is joining me for both tea and dinner. She has an exquisite sense of style! I know all of this is a bit of a non sequitur for this video, but I'm excited for tomorrow. Thank you for the content, Ash.

@TheChapsGuide

28 күн бұрын

Many happy returns - have a wonderful birthday sir

@themoderndandy713

28 күн бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you kindly! All the best.

@unbekannternutzer852

27 күн бұрын

Happy birthday!

@RaoulKunz1

27 күн бұрын

Just noticed I mistook the time, so I'll kick my paranoid superstitions under the table and wish you a direct Happy Birthday!😆🍻🥂 Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

@themoderndandy713

27 күн бұрын

@@unbekannternutzer852 Thank you!

Such a proper subject matter for our times, Ash. I have a number of items from some of the brands you have mentioned. It's true they aren't cheep, at least not up front. However, they get better with age and they last and most important, as you said they can be repaired and keep their quality. These days, I will not purchase anything as much as possible that is made in certain countries. If I am purchasing something from the USA, I want to know it was made there, here in Europe that it was at minimum made here in Europe and the same goes for Australia, that it was made there. Support good local brands/business BUT, they also have to give good service back, like most to the brands you have mentioned. I will say these days, I do have another category. If brands and or businesses get involved in any political nonsense, I drop them and never return. I think that is another topic though.

I think one of the major problems with these mega-companies is the ***VAST*** majority of the general public don't understand the difference between price and value. Cost per wear is the important metric, not cost to buy.

A fascinating video! I'll tell you, the title stopped me in my tracks. Some great points made, and I will be following your direction.

My wife and I started caring more and more about good clothing and now started to only buy tailored quality clothes, as they just provide a better experience and last longer. How people can buy clothes or even shoes online has always been a mystery to me.

I bought Italian handmade shoes from Officine Creative for 650€ a pair and they cannot be repaired. I’m flabbergasted.

Big hug from Portugal Ash!

Excellent video, couldn't agree with you more 👍

Thank you this interesting and thoughtful presentation. You are of course correct and I hope people listen to what you say.

Spot on!!! Thanks Ash. Remarkable and educational as always.

You are right on the mark. People should stop buying CRAP!!!

Excellent discussion and issues raised Ash. Thank you for tackling this subject and for your suggested "Action Items." You continue to inspire me with your insight, discernment, and the articulate manner in which you address important subjects for your audience. Keep up the great work.

Well said Ash, people need to be aware of this situation before it’s too late.

Spaniard here. I mostly buy items made in Europe. UK included. Since years ago. Expensive?, maybe. But I buy less. I repair more. We have in Europe an exceptional industry around clothing and complements, an exceptional quality. Let’s protect and nurture it.

Excellent post Ash; I couldn't agree more. I'm afraid this is an extension of our 'throw away' culture in general and will prove hard to reverse as already so deeply entrenched. I think the only way to at least partially mitigate is taxing such items heavily..but it demands a total change in mentality also.

great video.we will continue as we are,the rest may envy,step up,or continue as they are

cool video. you know how need put all together in clear line.

Hi Ash, I’m in agreement with what all you have said, however, while India makes Loake shoes , there’s no repairability available. I picked up a few Loake pairs on my recent visit to UK , however I will have no choice but to junk them as there’s no repairs in India. There are circumstances where you can’t exercise your choices . It’s sad but true 😟

@TheChapsGuide

28 күн бұрын

Only buy Loake 1880 models. They are UK produced and have a factory refurbishment programme

@rohitjacob5194

27 күн бұрын

I got the 1880 classic and 1880 country but will have to visit UK for factory refurbishing. They want 8 weeks to do them up so it’s not cost effective. They’re new now so I still have time . What’s your take on miss brothers suits ? Picked them up too with Hewes & Curtis shirts . So far I think they’re good quality 👍🏼

@vrdrew63

27 күн бұрын

Greetings and best wishes! I understand your issue and your frustration. My best advice is this: Keep looking. I'm highly confident that there are skilled and competent cobblers and shoe repair services that will be able to handle heel and sole repair on good quality men's dress shoes. There are a lot of very well-dressed gentlemen in India, and I doubt that all of them simply throw away a good pair of shoes as soon as its heels wear or the soles get thin. A good cobbler here in the UK can make £200 or more per day repairing shoes. And I'm sure a similarly skilled craftsperson would do equally well in India. My suggestions? Ask around. If there are lawyers or bankers or businessmen that you know, men who regularly wear suits and good shoes - ask them where they get their shoes cared for. You might need to ask older gentlemen. Or you could ask the concierges of luxury hotels for recommendations. One thing I can tell you for certain: One of the greatest - and most sincere - compliments you can bestow upon such a gentleman is to ask for his advice on a matter like this. The fact that you asked him for his counsel, wisdom, and knowledge is - perhaps - the greatest gift you could give him. Don't worry about "factory reconditioning." It's nice in theory. But a good quality cobbler (wherever he or she is working) can replace soles and heels just as well in Mumbai or New Delhi as an artisan in Northampton. Ask enough well-dressed gentlemen of your acquaintance, and I'm highly confident you'll find a good quality cobbler/shoe repair service in India.

Thanks för the tips. I live in Stockholm, Sweden, and certainly never before heard of tax reduction on repairs. I do service and repair as much as I possible can on my clothes and shoes, etc., but, partly due to the inflation, the cost is sky high.

Excellent video and happy to 100% support your aims. In the last year, I have bought either japanese denim jeans or jeans made in London by Black horse lane atelier. I have bought jumpers made in Hawick in the Scottish borders and even socks and underpants from Community Clothing, which is Patrick Grant's "made in the Uk" company. When my wife and I shop, we already consider where something is made and what material?. It may cost more but it is worth it in the long run.

The old saying “if it’s too good to be true then it’s mostly not” as well you gotta look out for brands that price there stuff pretty responsible but actual products are garbage for that price,I fell to that. So after some exp I now buy from brands that either have a physical store/dealer near me or somewhere in the world which tells me they are confident to show their product in person. There is always use on the internet or vintage shops. I believe people should spend their money the way they should but should also consider what they are buying if this gonna last them or be rubbish.

Why does the modern suits in fancy chequer designs never fit the wearer. Always too short, too tight, and with gaps where the shirt shows through at the belly. Is it because they were designed to fit Chinese people and sold to westerners?

@simonhodgetts6530

27 күн бұрын

Off the peg - no one gets anything altered to fit properly anymore. Also, a lot of suits are ‘slim fit’ - it’s the current fashion. Even Mr Sunak, who has his suits tailor-made for him has them too tight and too short.

@JamesAlexander14

26 күн бұрын

Get measured before paying good money on an off the shelf product. Nobody is average, but mass produced clothes are always made for Mr Average.

You raise some excellent points here, Ash, regarding companies operating out of China like SHEIN. Not only are the materials used inferior and the construction of garments incredibly shoddy, but there are major concerns as well regarding the exploitation of workers and damage to the natural environment. Unfortunately, more and more people feel they cannot afford to even buy middle-of-the-road clothing manufactured in the first world under union conditions where workers' rights and health and safety regulations are enforced. Middle class people simply do not have the incomes to be patronizing bespoke Saville Row clothiers. -As a retired high school teacher, the best I can hope for is that I can occasionally find a designer jacket or tie at my local thrift store/charity shop. I'd say that about 90% of all mass market consumer goods are completely superfluous to people living a comfortable, dignified and productive life. -Mass marketing to create artificial needs in the hearts and minds of consumers is, unfortunately, nothing new. (Ray Davies of the Kinks was writing songs like "Brainwashed" more than half a century ago.) An excellent video, Ash. As always.

Brilliant video again Ash. I was thinking, "they should remove all tax from clothing/shoe repair if done by the original maker"... then, you mentioned Sweden.

I strongly agree. Not clothing, but by a wide margin, the most unexpected example I've discovered. Colgate toothpaste! When I read the label on the tube I could hardly believe it so I rang the UK phone number on the tube and confirmed its origin. Shipping toothpaste from China seems crazy to me.

Hi Ash. Jason the actor is Statham not Stratham as mentioned in your hair loss video

Always better to buy 2nd hand quality than brand new crap.

I even try to buy as local as possible even when buying second hand (which is... most of the time). And I support local businesses after that. When I spend a whopping 20 or even more Euros for a great second hand suit, I want it to fit. And last. Seamstresses and tailors in my town are happy to help me there, for alterations and repairs I can't do myself - I can alter and mend my shirts and trousers with a good enough (for me) result, but for jackets I need a professional. And a local cobbler will take care of my (second hand) shoes, because those cost me almost as much as a suit. 10 to 20 Euros a pair. It's amazing what kind of hardly ever worn good quality items people are willing to practically throw away after paying hundreds of Euros for them, just because it's 1pm and the 11am style went "out of fashion" or whatever. Generations worth of clothing already produced? I absolutely believe that!

great video ash! since I learn about japanese (selvedge) products i never buy fast fashion brands..i would recommend to watch the documentary The True Cost its very sad to see what fast fashion affect our environment/people.

@TheChapsGuide

27 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

Fantastic video Ash, I couldn't agree more! Please tell me the brand of shirt/jacket you have on? I must get one!!

@TheChapsGuide

18 күн бұрын

it is a Costco 'Kirkland' brand T-shirt (£10) and an AndSons Carver Jacket (£160).

Style will never die. It might just change a bit. Style will always be able to handle the most important changes in society and implement gently, I think/hope 🙂

Fashions come and go but classic style always remains.

Well said, a small wardrobe of hand made quality items is all one needs. eBay and a tailor are your friend.

Just sent a link of this video to everyone I know. Might get a few funny looks, but we’ll convert them one at a time😊

I don't know about the state of glovemaking at Dents, but when I bought a belt from them it had a stamp saying it was made in China and arrived with some broken stitching. Feet of clay, perhaps.

Hi Ash. Can you recommend a brand that make business socks that stay up? Thanks in advance

@TheChapsGuide

27 күн бұрын

Corgi.

Style is something people display, and there we still have plenty of that. Broadly speaking - which is what you were talking about, is the evolution from fashion changes that occurred gradually over a few years, to the present when fast fashion is the rage. This trend is horrific from every angle viewed. Environmentally, is has severe consequences, from the use of energy and materials to produce and ship the products, to the overflowing landfills you've mentioned. It creates an expectation for people - mostly young people - to spend a significant part of their money on clothing, but also a significant amount of time devoted to searching for the next fashion thing to buy. This can damage the psyche - I think. It changes priorities from finding a style that suits you, the person, into you the clothes model for the new things. The fashion newness becomes more important than if it suits you

Hello Ash, Thank you for sharing this content with us. Sir, I have a question for you if you don’t mind answering it. Since you have sold your Rolex Explorer, the watch you used to wear when camping, which watch have you been wearing now? Thank you in advance, and keep out the great work. Cheers!

@TheChapsGuide

25 күн бұрын

I have been wearing my Nirvada Grenchen Depthmaster this summer. I actually have not missed the Explorer one beat.

@davixavier3261

25 күн бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide thank you for answering. The Nivada is a great watch! Nice choice. :) Cheers!

My wardrobe is 90% thrift store buys. Crombie, Allen Edmonds, Harris Tweed, Brooks Brothers to name a few for pennies on the dollar.

I agree with you Ash. So many traditional companies have disappeared or are a shadow of its former self. I love the old trench coats and raincoats from Aquascutum. What the current Chinese owner Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Co., Ltd has made out this traditional, british icon, makes me sad.

I think the biggest problem of these companies is, that for so many years now price and quality often don't match. Your example is extreme, comparing a traditional tailor to a conglomarate of fast fashion. But as you may know, the middle ground pretty much evaporated, when many of the regular shops decided to produce their products in the sweat-shop next door with nearly the same poor quality. So why now spend hundreds of Euros on a shirt, when it is practicly the same garbage, I can buy on the internet for say 1/10 the price. Another thing is, that you need to know about these shops. For example, I started my sartorial journey a year ago and I still have to wrap my head around all these styles. And sure my German mentality of "Geiz ist geil" gets the better of me all too often. So no, as long as our movement is growing strong, I don't think, that style is dying

Hi Ash, how do you square the circle of buying second hand clothing and supporting traditional brands?

@TheChapsGuide

25 күн бұрын

It is possible to do both

Refuse to download any of those mass market clothing apps. There is something about buying items that have some craftsmanship. Anxious for a day I can afford some bespoke items, but until then I try to buy as much as I can from traditional brands.

Some Savile Row tailors have been contributing to their own downfall for some time now. I watched a video a couple of years ago, where the tailor in Savile Row, said that after measuring the customer up, the paper templates were sent to China to be cut and assembled. The final fitting only were completed in the shop. All probably done through necessity, to lower costs, but will no doubt see the end of all but a few English tailors.

It’s a sensitive issue. I’m very mindful of where my clothing comes from, its quality, and by whom it was made. But I’ve accepted that means spending a much larger percentage of my income on clothing than most ordinary people would be okay with. Pre-owned is often a good option, but buying everything used doesn’t contribute to the livelihoods of people making new clothes being paid sustainable wages. Good clothes aren’t cheap, and cheap clothes aren’t good. But asking people to spend more can come off as elitist. I would love it if more people paid more attention to this topic, but it can be a hard ask in these times of high inflation. I really don’t know what the solution is for changing mass consumer culture, or if it’s even possible, it’s a rich topic for discussion though.

You look nice and cozy.

Hi Ash! Felly ti'n dod o Gymru, dwi wedi gweld cyfres Heddlu o Gymru ar y teledu...

A number of legitimate designers have clothes made of good materials in Asia and maybe Eastern Europe. While I would not put these items, for me shirts mostly, at the head of my clothing quality, they seem adequate to fill gaps, e.g., linen long sleeve shirts in summer. Is that a bad compromise? I did buy one Temu shirt and made the mistake of ironing it. The second one now only gets the a cycle in the dryer with a wet towel treatment, something that I learned on another channel.

Is this your back garden and do you camp out here Ash and does your family camp there with you? Would love to see a camping vlog!

@TheChapsGuide

26 күн бұрын

It is not my garden, but privately owned countryside nearby - I do indeed camp here several times a year and the family often come along too.

Men in America don’t dress up anymore unless for a special event. Work is casual too.

This is one for the books for sure!! Buy nice, not twice. This is a privileged position/opinion of course.

A walk around the shops in my local town reveals a majority of people wearing ill fitting leisurewear, trainers and with generally no awareness of or pride in their appearance. That’s their choice - but it’s a shame that people have become so apathetic. Personally, I choose not to follow that path. Unless I’m doing jobs at home, I try hard to dress well. I try to buy good quality clothes, shoes and boots, and look after them. I have a nice watch, remain clean shaven and always wear cologne or after shave. It’s not hard, or too expensive if you are savvy. It boosts my confidence no end to turn out to work, or a social gathering in a shirt and tie, jacket, pocket square, pressed chinos and polished brogues. If anything I’d like to send my style further back, and re-adopt the double breasted suit, pleated trousers with turn ups, maybe a hat and good overcoat. Finally, it breaks my heart when I have to ‘retire’ an item of clothing - I always end up looking for an exact replacement. It’s a pity that shirt collars can’t be turned anymore - that would have saved my favourite work shirt!

It is ironic that the companies that make durable, quality goods put themselves in a bind because their products do indeed last and thus they either have to charge more (less repeat business) or find new clients. Tricker's comes to mind: shoes and boots that can be repaired a lifetime after one purchase. What is Tricker's to do? As for the profit-seeking, labour exploiting, environmentally indifferent conglomerates---we can each commit to denying them our hard earned cash.

Sad but true

Great video! Unfortunately, the world is moving towards a trend of low-quality, high-volume, and low-price fashion. Young people, who dominate the fashion market, are accustomed to this. They love the idea of wearing a different outfit every day. However, in a way, this trend works to our advantage. Those of us who value quality, longevity, and craftsmanship will find the sartorial world, especially the second-hand market, tailored just for us. Of course, I care about the planet and future generations, but let's be honest-we can't change the course of fashion history just by avoiding brands like Temu or SHEIN. So, let's accept reality and preserve our traditions within our small community.

I remember seeing a picture of a young boy in Holland given a new pair of used shoes, he was just a little boy and simply ecstatic at the gift. Kep it simple stupid as they say.

It’s pretty dire. I work in a professional environment and fewer and fewer men, even executives dress even halfway properly. With shrinking demand it becomes more and more difficult to buy a good suit, some shirts and even shoes. I tried a few of the made-to-order custom places. Better than nothing and at least they fit - but not good quality - and made in third world countries. Trying to find local/US/European alternatives is increasingly difficult - especially when living far away from the few large cities that may still have these places. And I frankly refuse to go to places like New York these days (as insane as that would be to just go shopping from halfway across the country). If anyone has any recommendations in the South Eastern US, please reply.

@KadeBronson

27 күн бұрын

Dude, I wouldn't want to go to New York City either.

@swampscott2670

27 күн бұрын

@@KadeBronsonyeah. I used like going and spending some time. Today? No thanks. Happy to be far away from all this now.

I'm in Jerez right now for a month, 90% of people make an effort to dress well for an evening out, astonishing. The low is the young men still have a penchant for wearing sneakers with a suit. 😢 Still, it's a change from the UK where most adults now dress like infants and middle aged men wear Levis & Adidas Sambas to take their woman out....

Ash.. you have touched on the subject of economics. Global Economics. If you look at the global rising cost of living… mortgages, food, houses, fuel, clothing, holidays, air travel… and on and on… consumers ability to keep pace with rising costs has proved pointless. So… consumers look to cheaper products to help spread the increasing burden of rising costs on themselves and families. As a consequence low cost manufacturers businesses grow. The market becomes more and more saturated with these goods. Hence CHINA. This is the study of Economics.

@johnbunton9177

27 күн бұрын

Forty-five years of neoliberalism, starting with Thatcher in England and Reagan in the United States, which quickly metastasized to much of the industrialized west, has hollowed out the middle class to an empty shell. Today, you can either buy junk manufactured in sweatshops in China and India at Walmart, or you can buy bespoke from Saville Row. Stores that used to cater to middle class consumers are mostly gone.

In Traditional tailoring, one hears of the roll of the lapel. In Chinese "style" we have the egg roll of the lapel. Merely a cultural difference.

Aren't Shein and Temu auxiliaries of the CCP?

The tent!!!!!! Whats the make?

@TheChapsGuide

27 күн бұрын

I think it’s a Timberline.

@p33l3r

27 күн бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Any plans to do a video on it?

Well, I don't always get all gussied up to make a vid, either, BUT at least I don't think these new fashion companies offer much that I would be interested in or would find fit very well overall, anyway.

@Highland_Paddy

26 күн бұрын

BUT we already have massive pre-summer heatwave here, so once again a bunch of my spring-themed wardrobe got skipped when I went from flannel shirts to linen-blend and such things.

@Highland_Paddy

26 күн бұрын

Maybe we'll have more of a real longer autumn this year before comes cold? Holding my breath...

@Highland_Paddy

26 күн бұрын

But as I've pointed out, most of the people around here aren't really stylish at all. I'm not sure what's going on in ritzier places near Hollywood maybe, where they all want to be Reality Stars since they have none of the usual talents that made people stars in the bygone era, but most the wannabe rockers and comedians is just wearing dirty jeans and t-shirts and hoodies still?

Intriguing video, cheers.

The set and background noise are very disturbing.

Looking trim ash....diet?

@TheChapsGuide

27 күн бұрын

Actually put some on recently on holiday. I’ll be dieting next week….. honest!

If a change of management turned a business around, I doubt the problem is chinese manufacturer. More likely that the business no longer offered what people wanted and couldn't figure out how to renew themselves.

Never buy shoes you can't repair. Although to get trousers or a jacket taken in or out, long gone are the days of 4 inches of seam allowance unless you are buying bespoke.

I dont really think that you’ll ever convince me, any Gentleman who is interested in all things Sartorial and garments of quality, would seriously look at anything Chinese… that makes me laugh. 😂😂😂. Na. Cheep garbage clothing or accessories yes.. but thats not sartorial a gentlemen. That’s Hospice shop level shopping. Please … introduce me to one of them. I’ll buy you dinner at a flash restaurant……?

@Olyfrun

28 күн бұрын

Well, let's not denigrate all things Chinese! Certainly these big soulless corporations can go forth and multiply, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater

@PotsdamSenior

27 күн бұрын

​@@OlyfrunI'm absolutely sure the Chinese make excellent products, clothes and other. But they keep those for themselves and sell their rubbish to other countries.

@Fush1234

27 күн бұрын

@@Olyfrun - very low cost..very low quality..slave like labor..feel free to suggest a product that is reasonable quality. I can think of any

There's always going to be a market for quality over quantity. I don't think any of your viewers are going to buy anything from shein or temu. The big bubble that they've created is going to burst eventually, like all bubbles do, when people start realizing that they're paying money for garbage. Also, I think Mr. Grant rescuing Norton & Sons and making it a success proves that there's always a way to turn things around!

Everything coexists. Can't go lower than adults dressing like babies (as if big belly wasn't enough). Adults going out at night with ladies and wearing shorts... Luxury brands aren't better than fast fashion, all things considered. One piece of "better quality" is the price of 1 wardrobe or even one house. There is room for everyone.

@simonhodgetts6530

27 күн бұрын

I saw that this evening - couples going out where the man is wearing flip flops and shorts. The best dressed man I saw today was an elderly gent, who was wearing a nice linen jacket, loafers and some chinos.

Why do the executives of companies manufacturing Chinese plastic mass-produced products walk around in English tailor-made suits?😅