When it comes to almost anything in life, there's a minimum bar you have to cross to achieve results and get what you're looking for.

In clothing, there's a price point set for specific items that, if you cross over that bar, you generally get a good product in return.

Most guys have no idea how much clothing should cost. Every product has a price point that makes sense given what goes into its construction.

Let's take shoes, for example. There is an insane amount of work that goes into making high-quality footwear. Shoes are also in contact with the ground all day, and they have to keep you comfortable. Because of this, the materials and construction have to be top-notch.

Given all of the above, it makes sense that this would be an item that would cost a bit more (You're likely not going to get a quality pair of dress shoes for under $200). Plenty of guys balk when they see the price tag.

That 200 dollars is the minimum monetary bar. You go over that, and you'll generally get a pair you'll like that will be comfortable, look great, and stand the test of time; footwear you're proud to own.

Under that, you're likely going to experience discomfort, and it's going to look and feel lower quality than you'd like it to. You'll rebuy again and again, and nothing will ever look the way you want it to.

Get over that bar, and life is good.

It pays to do it right the first time. If you're a guy who has trouble spending money on clothing, it can help to have things put into perspective...


1. First, realize the cost over time. What you're not seeing when you cheap out is that the stuff you buy will need to be replaced sooner. You will then sink more money in to replace that item. You will also lose time having to shop for that replacement item.

That constant replacement is a hidden cost you never think about when you're first looking at an item. Factor in the question: How likely will I need to replace this item sooner rather than later?


2. Second, price anchor yourself. In our footwear example above, some guys think will think 200 dollars is a low price tag, and some will think it's high. It helps to know where the price of things actually fall.

Here's an example pair of black oxfords from British shoemaker John Lobb. The price tag? $2,045. And plenty of people are thrilled to buy those. I'm not saying that's right for you; I'm saying that you need to realize where things fall on the continuum so you can get an accurate read of how much things really cost.


3. Third, think about the cost per wear. Instead of thinking about the upfront cost, consider how much the item would cost each time you wear it.

If you love an item, you'll wear it more often, getting more wear out of it, lowering the cost per wear. Also, the thing will last longer, extending the amount of time you'll be able to wear it, thus again giving you more wears.

So that item you think is too much may actually cost less than the crappy cheap item once you view it from the cost per wear perspective.

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Spending money on clothing was a lesson I learned the hard way when I was younger. I spent far too much on the wrong items and not enough on the right ones.

But, I want to spare you from that because I guarantee you, in your own style journey, you will eventually realize you have to spend the money to get the result you want. It might take you wasting thousands of dollars and years of time, but ultimately, you will come to that conclusion yourself. Or, you can do it right the first time.

I'm one of the only people on the internet who gives style advice without having any vested interest in you buying clothing. In 8 years, I've never taken a single sponsorship dollar to recommend clothing. I don't work for any stores. I have no affiliation with any brands. I'm telling you to spend money because it's what you need to do to get the result you want, whether you like it or not.

Guys wonder why they have lousy style and one of the biggest reasons is that they refuse to jump over that bar and spend what is necessary to achieve their goals.

But, because this is what most guys do, it gives you an incredible advantage.

If you want to look better than most men, you have to do the opposite of what most men do. Most men buy cheap clothing they don't like from bad brands.

Instead, buy from good brands that make quality clothing. Spend the money where you need to. Buy the things you really want and need rather than just what's on sale. Be proud of the stuff you own.

In the long run, it will actually cost you far less than you think it does, at the same time getting to look better than everyone else, all because you were willing to make the jump over that bar and invest in yourself; a jump most men will never make.

Much love,

Patrick