When considering investment, one thinks of stocks, bonds, and commodities. While an investment in style might not top the list for your portfolio, adding quality, well-fitting clothes to your wardrobe can be an important long-term investment.
For Kevin Luedke of J.H. & Sons, investing in clothing is about more than the quality and long-term durability of a piece, but rather “it is more about how you feel when wearing the pieces you have invested in. If you are confident in the quality, look, feel, and fit of your clothing, you are going to feel great wearing them.”
So, what type of clothing is worth investing in? What styles will stand the test of time? And how can you elevate your wardrobe?
For Kevin, the short answer is a navy blazer. “I believe it is always important for a man to have a great navy blazer. In our world today, this can mean a number of different things — from a knit-jersey stretch travel blazer from Canali to a more sartorial, tailored jacket from Brioni. The navy blazer is a crucial piece of clothing our clients can use for any occasion.”
While styles come and go, a stalwart navy blazer can not only be a versatile piece of any man’s wardrobe but a piece that stays with a man for years, if not decades. Kevin recommends pairing it with a white and blue ETON shirt that will always “put you in the right direction.”
For those who wear suits regularly, having a navy, charcoal and black suit in addition to a great navy blazer is highly recommended.
The process of buying a suit, especially as an investment, can be an intimidating one. However, it’s a challenge J.H. & Sons is well prepared for. That process begins with working with a seasoned style advisor. “Our team takes the time to understand a client’s needs and works with them to determine the best option for their long-term investment,” says Kevin. This process involves establishing a relationship, finding the right fit, and exploring fabric options if made-to-measure is the best option to fit the need.
Paired with that suit, of course, are shoes. When it comes to investing in footwear, it’s “of course, all about the fit,” says Kevin. J.H. & Sons works with the Spanish brand Magnanni, and Italian-made Santoni, which are both showcased as sound investments. “Both collections offer remarkable quality and style. Magnanni focuses on Bologna construction, providing a high level of flexibility and comfort, while Santoni defines craftsmanship with their Goodyear welted shoes,” explains Kevin.
Increasingly, quality clothing and brands have expanded beyond formalwear. Finding elevated casualwear is yet another place where men can find quality, well-fitting clothing that will stand the test of time. Kevin recommends the collections of Eleventy, Gran Sasso, and Fedeli elevated casualwear. These brands stand out because of their “focus on superior quality, exclusive fabrics, and craftsmanship,” says Kevin.
For both suits and elevated casualwear, finding pieces that will stand up to the test of time is all about the “makeup of your clothing choices,” says Kevin. In a world where fast fashion dominates, “it is important to understand how the suit was made and the quality of fabric used. The same can be said for our great selection of elevated casual collections,” says Kevin.
So be it a great navy suit, a new pair of Spanish shoes, or simply casualwear that will stand up to Minnesota winters, J.H. & Sons can help men find the right pieces for their lifestyle.