Image via Complex Original
We're just going to say it: it's perfectly okay to buy expensive gear as long as they're investment pieces. This means clothes, accessories, and footwear that improve with more use and last a long time are worth every penny.
Vintage is great, but you should also consider buying certain pieces in their prime. Why? It's awesome to break new things in yourself. Over time, the items will fit to your body and you can make it your own through several wears. Investment pieces can also have long lifespans if taken care of, so you'll get every bang for your buck, even if they cost a premium now. Not to mention, they're classic pieces, which means they never go out of style.
Now, there are items of clothing that deteriorate with time, so think about what you're purchasing before you pull the trigger. If you're not sure when to save and when to splurge, we broke things down to help you out. Here are the 10 Classic Investment Pieces That Get Better With Age.
Leather Jackets
Shown: Schott NYC Leather Jacket
Buy It Now At Bloomingdale's Stores
Most things get lamer with time, but leather jackets do quite the opposite. For one, leather takes some time to fit to your body. So the longer you have it and the more you wear it, the better it'll fit you. Not to mention, the leather gets softer as it ages. A brand new leather jacket from brands like Schott NYC can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars, but the more you wear it, the more valuable to you it becomes.
Watches
Shown: Rolex Day-Date Watch
Buy It Now At Rolex Stores
So many guys geek about quality timepieces like Omega and Rolex because they're classic and can last decades or more with simple care. They cost a pretty penny—a.k.a. thousands of dollars—but they'll go a long way. In fact, it's been said that vintage Rolex watches in good condition can go for close to the original purchase price. If you're ready to invest in one, be prepared to do your homework. Talk to watch shops, pore over forums, and chat up people that've also made the plunge. Think of it as buying a house or a car... except for your wrist. Don't just go in blind and drop that kind of money without knowing what you're paying for.
Cordovan Shoes
Shown: Alden Shell Cordovan Longwings Style 975
Buy It Now At Leffot, $645
Your double-monks may be cool now, but you can't go wrong with a pair of brogues. Wingtip shoes get better with age, and whether you're 15, 25, or 75, they always make any guy look that much more dressed up. Sure, they go well with suits, but you can also rock them with jeans and chinos. Plus, they're made out of hardy shell cordovan leather, so this is the kind of piece that will probably last longer than you do. When cared for properly, and refurbished as needed, these shoes can last for a couple of lifetimes.
Waxed Canvas Jackets
Shown: Barbour Sylkoil Bedale Jacket
Buy It Now At J.Crew, $379
Waxed canvas jackets don't come cheap but they are well-made and functional. Barbour jackets, for instance, are designed to protect you from all elements and look better after several years of wear. And if you value function over a sick patina, rewaxing them is a breeze. There are also plenty of ways to customize popular waxed jackets—accessories like detachable hoods and quilted down layers that double as vests make this one of the most versatile pieces of outerwear.
Wallets
Shown: Ettinger Sterling Purple Wallet
Buy It Now at Ettinger, $208
You whip this thing out so often that you better make sure it looks good. Wallets aren't just for ensuring fades on your raw denim or storing your Pinkberry customer card. A great wallet easily goes from a slim suit to a pair of jeans, and is likely to age even better than you will. Ettinger has been making color-blocked wallets for years, and even recently made a classy collab with Stussy Deluxe, a wallet like this is the kind of purchase you won't get tired of when you get older, and hopefully a little wiser.
Red Wing Work Boots
Shown: Red Wing 875 Heritage Work Moc Toe Boot
Buy It Now At End Clothing, $305
Two of the best things about a pair of Red Wing boots are how long they last and how they improve with age. Now, it may take some time to break them in (you'll feel it in your feet), but the initial pains bring much more comfort over time. The best part? When your chunky sole is worn down, you can replace it with something else like a ripple or crepe sole—it's like buying a totally different boot.
Trenchcoats
Shown: Macintosh Dunoon Bonded Cotton Rain Coat
Buy It Now At Mr. Porter, $1,895
Trench coats haven't changed much since their creation over 100 years ago. In fact, you'll notice that today's styles still resemble the coats Thomas Burberry designed for British officers in the Boer War. In other words, they last a very long time. Coats from Mackintosh are made from cotton bonded with rubber—meaning that they don't only look nice, they're actually waterproof. Unlike fashion brands, you're paying for the fact that this thing actually works, and will continue to for years. Plus, repairing it is an easy fix you can do yourself.
A Quality Suit
Shown: Epaulet Weller Sportcoat and Slim Walt Trouser in Super 120's Navy Wool
Buy Sportcoat Now At Epaulet, $595
Buy Trousers Now At Epaulet, $195
Quality suits cost anywhere from $500 to a few thousand dollars, so you'll want to know how to buy one before you make the investment. Navy or gray are your best bets for maximum versatility, and you'll want to look for details like canvassing, which allows the suit to mold to key areas of your body like the shoulders and chest—making you look even more boss. You don't have to spend a G—this one costs around $700, but is made in the USA out of luxe Super 120's wool fabric, and half-canvassed for a superior fit. It's a suit you might consider getting married in—then buried in.
Jewelry
Shown: 14K Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Necklace
Buy It Now At Amazon, $369
Jewelry can have long lifespans and keep their value if well-maintained. Plus, if you happen to invest in designer jewelry now and keep it in great condition, you could have a very rare piece in your collection. Not to mention, you could also make a nice profit later on. Vintage Chanel and Versace, amongst others, still cost a premium. Or you know, you could just learn how to buy a chain like most rappers have.
Luggage
Shown: Globe-Trotter Trolley Case
Buy It Now At Globe-Trotter, $855
You're a man now. That means no more throwing your shit into a garbage bag or canvas duffle. Nope, you need to travel with a suitcase. A sleekly designed piece from the likes of Rimowa, Globe-Trotter, or Zero Halliburton ensures the contents inside are kept safe through your numerous destinations, while ensuring you don't look like a schlub. Unlike other rolling suitcases, a piece like this actually looks cool. People will automatically assume the stuff inside is valuable, since you're willing to put in the money to protect it, as well as express your superior taste. Luggage like this also looks better after a few dings and scratches. Thank the TSA for adding character.