A couple themes that this blog is all about include good style, and good value proposition. I have a few tricks that me keep my closet lined up with those themes. As most of you know, I frequent thrift stores quite a bit. While I don’t buy a ton of stuff, there are some great finds that help offset larger purchases. I practice what I preach, and thought I’d pass one of these tricks on to the readers.
I’m a stickler for shorts. First: I can’t stand long inseams. This is the main reason I don’t play in the NBA. Second: I’m a 5″-6″ inseam guy (depending on the rise), which is actually really tough to find these days. Shorts that work for me are usually pretty pricy ($50+ per pair). My favorite shorts are Sid’s canvas shorts. I have a few pairs of these…the fit is spot on. Beyond these, Patagonia Stand Ups get some good traction, but mostly for weekend wear (more on this later).
I’ve come up with a really good trick that keeps my shorts drawer, and my wallet full. Since most shorts at thrift stores are of the 9″+ variety, I don’t pay too much attention, unless they are an interesting pattern or a great fabric. Instead, I find my shorts in the pants section.
When looking in the pants section, I look for waist size only. Inseam doesn’t matter. While there are a ton of pants that might be my size, I’m able to be very picky in what I buy. Not to mention that pants from Goodwill usually cost around $5. My process of elimination- Pants don’t get picked if they are (in no particular order): dirty/stained beyond tolerance, in need of serious repair (from the knee up), bad fit, or that weird really thin cotton material. Examples of what I do like are above. Details:
These shorts from Banana Republic are a really nice duck canvas, which wear very well. They were pants with a seriously long inseam.
These green gingham shorts from Polo had an 11″ inseam. I had to double-check to ensure that they weren’t women’s capris. Apparently some men do wear shorts that fall below the knee.
The cost of these shorts was $5 each. I brought them both to my tailors and had them cut to the right inseam for $8 each, and I’m in business. Think about that: I got a couple pairs of great shorts for under $15 each. Not only is this easy on the wallet, but it also allows a sort of laissez faire attitude when wearing them. If they get ruined, who cares? I’m only out a few bucks.
These are the latest pair that are lined up to head to the tailors:
These are a GREAT pair of nantucket red canvas shorts from Murray’s (retail: $79.50). Again with the long inseam…it seems like we need an intervention. Anyway, I found these a couple weeks ago at the Junior League store for $4. They’ll make a visit to the tailors this week and be brought to an acceptable inseam for $8. Then they’ll be ready to beat up.
More tricks to come, but I thought I’d get us going with something pretty seasonal-appropriate. Your thoughts?
Excellent post. Been doing this process for years! Found some Southern Tide and Polo shorts at the Buckhead Goodwill this spring and tailored to 6″ inseam. My tailor charges a bit more than $8 though 🙁
Great tip. I never really thought of doing it that way. My problem with shorts these days is that the leg openings are so narrow. I don’t have really think legs, but they are ridiculously narrow it seems. Plus, I think spending more than $20 for short pants is just plain stupid.
I’ve got a great pair of Lucky denims that I want to get to an acceptable inseam. How do you feel about doing that with one of those industrial paper cutters like you see in an office mail room?