How to Invest in Clothing

I’ve been reading more about investing lately. I'm continually trying to find the principles behind what makes a good investment.

Investors like Warren Buffett and Peter Cundill have quickly become personal favorites. Their approach, “value investing", is all about investing money based on the fundamentals of a company rather than big hype or speculation.

It isn’t as sexy as chasing hot tech stocks, but it works. Warren is one of the world's top ten richest men.

I think of investing in clothing much the same way as Warren thinks about stocks.

People constantly ask what type of clothing they should buy: “Is this in fashion? What’s the hottest trend? What’s cool this week?”

It’s basically the same as asking for a hot stock tip: "Which crypto is about to pop? What startup is cool right now?”

See the similarity?

In shopping, similar to investing, it's good to have principles on what makes something a good buy.

For myself and our clients, the principle is: Wear what you like that makes you look good.

You is the important part of that sentence.

The goal should always be to focus on the fundamentals that are good for you—what colors flatter you, how to dress your body, what your personal style is—and build from there.

You should be looking at yourself and your characteristics to determine what you wear, not just blindly following trends or opinions.

Most people do the opposite. They lean on every external source around them to decide what to wear.

Their daughter tells them loose pants are in, so they buy them, even if that fit isn’t great for their body. Their wife likes florals, so they stock up, regardless of whether those colors work for them. A little internet research or a scroll through Reddit says “preppy” and “old money” style is trending, so they buy those clothes, even if it makes them feel like they’re wearing a costume.

You can guess the result. It's disastrous.

They're running in a million directions, and nothing comes together. Eighty percent of the wardrobe ends up unworn.

The reason? The approach wasn’t rooted in any fundamentals. It’s like picking stocks based on whatever your neighbor or your barber says is the "sure thing". It never is.

So next time you're ready to invest in clothing, make sure you're sticking to a principle.

And in my opinion, that principle should be, wear what you like that makes you look good.

I can't see the point in wearing anything else.

Hope that helps.

x Patrick


P.S. Ready to transform your wardrobe rather than wasting time and money shopping and trying to figure it out on your own?

Here’s how we can help you with our personal styling service. You can work with us with our online package or our in-person package to transform your wardrobe. We only work with 15 men per month.

If you have questions and want to talk about how I can help you transform your appearance, you can apply for a call with me here, and I’ll walk you through it.

Talk soon.