Same here, but I have found that the classier, higher quality brands are usually fairly unobtrusive with their labelling. Not that I can afford them, I’ve just noticed it (except for the hideous Chanel bags, earrings and glasses with those obnoxious effing "C"s all over the place!)
Orvis. Manly, somewhat stylish and well made.
Smartwool.
I wear clothes like I still skate (Haven’t for years). But I love all my old school Stussy Shirts and hats. Some shirts I’ve worn strong for over a decade.
My winter hat is a Stussy beanie that I’ve owned for at least 15 years. I love it to death.
I own one too. It needs a good wash, but its so old I’m afraid it would lose its elasticity.
I’m a fan of Adidas shoes, personally. In fact, for the last 6 years or so, every pair of casual shoes I have purchased has been Adidas.
Levis 501s and Asics running shoes, because they fit the relevant body parts.
Levis 501s. I’m very particular about the way my jeans fit. I periodically try to find another type of jeans that’s comfy but I mostly just end up pissed off and heading back over to Levis. Besides, they’re reasonable priced. I refuse to pay more than $50 for a pair of jeans.
For when I have to dress like an adult I like Ann Taylor. Generally classy and elegant.
I realize this is gonna be TMI, but when I wear my Under Armour shorts commando style and walk around a lot, I tend to get chaffed “there.” I do commando often in other brand shorts and this tends not to happen. However I do hate arch slippage in socks, so on your recommendation I’ll have to try them out.
Seconding Under Armour. Their compression shorts are the only thing that keep the chafe away. I can exercise all day when i’m wearing those.
Also, Jones NY before they started using cheaper fabrics.
And Merrells. I’m wearing through the soles of my current pair, and can’t wait to have $80 free to buy the next.
Dickies pocket tee-shirts. Thick heavy well made.
Absolutely - their sports bras actually work and are comfortable AT THE SAME TIME.
Also, Ann Taylor has the best suits, bar none.
For work clothes and suits, Brooks Brothers. Even though they are expensive, they last forever and have that kind of preppy timeless quality to them. Like you can buy a shirt or suit and ten years later it will still be good.
Other than Ralph Lauren (and not the ones with the giant ridiculously oversized logo) I tend not to buy conspicuously branded clothes. Usually I shop at The Gap, J Crew, Banana Republic or Express for Men.
I’m also not big on going to Armani Exchange or various NYC boutiques simply because I don’t want to spend $250 on a shirt I’ll wear twice and then it will be out of season.
For outdoor clothing, I really like Royal Robbins.
New Balance Tennis shoes fit my feet just right. Speaking of feet, I’m also a Thor-lo and Smartwool fan.
Oh, and I only wear official Survivor buffs.
I don’t buy clothes by brand, but I’ve noticed that an disproportionate percentage of the shirts I buy are made by Anxiety Cafe.
Geoffrey Beene shirts for work. I ride a desk at work, and we have a formal dress code (ick - I hate ties!) I have found that the GB shirts made from sateen are the best. Machine washable, absolutely don’t wrinkle and very durable. Look good on my fat ass as well.
I generally replace my wardrobe about 4 times a year so for clothing I stick to mid-priced brands - I really like J. Crew and Banana Republic because their quality is nice, they have staples all the time and they fit my shape very well. I’ll then supplement the basics with a few designer pieces.
Shoes and bags I tend to keep longer so I don’t mind spending a bit more. I love Coach leather bags - they last better than everything.
However, I don’t buy nearly as much crazy expensive designer stuff as I did when I was younger. It looks sort of silly to wear a sequined Prada t-shirt to the office, ya know?
I have several shirts from Threadless.
I thought I would be unique and say Land’s End but apparently, it’s not so unique.
For shoes, I can only wear Mephisto. Every other brand I’ve tried makes my feet hurt.
I’m getting annoyed at BR and JCrew for deviating too much from basics lately. They seem to have both become very heavy trend-followers. About a month ago, I went into the local BR to find cotton button-up suiting shirts and all they had were puffy-sleeve versions! I left in a huff, I was SO angry. Trend-follow all you want, but KEEP THE BASICS!
I love Express jeans. Of course, I’m 5’6" and I have to wear their “short” size…
For footwear, I have a pair of Santana boots I’ve had for about 10 years now. I just got the rubber on the heels replaced. They’re still waterproof. For dressy shoes, Franco Sartos tend to fit me perfectly, and I find them incredibly comfy.