Credit Jason B. and Ben H. with the style tips on the cotton sport coat seen above.
The common joke is to call it Tar-ZHAY. Sounds more upscale. But in all seriousness, if you’ve got limited places to shop, you’re on a limited budget, or both, Target can be a surprisingly decent place to find solid stuff.
Long, long ago, our pal Barron from The Effortless Gent did a guest piece on the three essentials every man must own that he can find at Target. But it’s been awhile, and rumor had it Target has just started stocking a new cotton sport coat. A field trip was scheduled, and these five pieces have since been field tested to see if they’re worth the cash it takes to acquire them:
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The Blazer: Merona “Kensington” Cotton Two Button Sport Coat – $44.99
Old Navy used to be the source for decent, mega cheap, cotton sport coats. That’s not the case for now. This one from Target is just as good if not better than what Old Navy has been producing these last few years.
- Available in Navy or Khaki
- Completely unstructured, but not super thin like an INC ultra light
- Medium weight chino fabric isn’t too wimpy or too thick
- Off the rack fit is surprisingly good. Some could get away without tailoring. A medium fit my frame just fine
- Lower pockets are a patch with flaps hybrid
- Center Vent
- Sleeves run normal. Buttons aren’t functional, but there’s a flap there that might cause tailoring issues.
Is it worth the cost? Yes. Absolutely. Not available online, so check in store.
The Shirt: Merona Ultimate Dress shirt in “Railroad Grey” – $22.99
Can’t sing the praises of these enough. Found this one on clearance for around $17, but at full price they’re still a bargain. There’s some poly in some of these, but they aren’t wispy and scratchy like some department store dress shirts. Fit is good and there’s even side pleats on the back. Looks a bit like a cleaned up grey chambray. If a sharp white dress shirt seems too formal or too business like? Go grey.
Is it worth the cost? Yes. They also come in white, blue chambray, and some patterns too.
The Jeans: Denizen by Levi’s 218 Straight Fit – $29.99
A lower brand from Levi’s. Fit is somewhere between a 501 and the slimmer 514. The wash was a real nice, super dark blue, but the tonal whiskering at the ol’ pelvic area isn’t the most desirable thing. Stitching on the back pockets is a welcome generic two parallel lines running horizontally. They don’t feel like quality denim, but they’re not going to be at this price. Looks are decent enough though. Not available online in this wash.
Is it worth the cost? No. Just save up another $15 and catch a Levi’s sale.
The Shoes: Merona “Trey” Suede Chukka Boots – $39.99
I’ve been lucky. Every time I see someone leave a comment or write an online review about a cheap pair of shoes that goes something like this: “These blew apart on me in three days! The sole came unglued when I was crossing the street while being chased by wolves and when a Chevy Astro clipped my exposed heel one of the wolves tore off my BIG TOE AND IT’S ALL THE SHOE COMPANY’S FAULT WHARRGARBL!!!!” I honestly can’t relate. Cheap shoes have been good to me. But these, while decent enough looking and feeling in the uppers, they’re just a little too risky when it comes to the construction that I wouldn’t doubt that wolf/traffic scenario as a real possibility. Maybe.
Is it worth the cost? No. Pass on these and get a pair of Clarks. They’ll cost more, but they’ll last longer.
The Watch: Timex Weekender Nubuck Strap – $33.05
There’s a few more color combinations in this style now available at Target. And while the slip thru strap weekender will probably sell far more, the case on these is more of a matte. Ticks kinda loud, and it’ll be too small for the bigger fellas, but overall it’s a great looking watch for just over $30.
Is it worth the cost? Yes. Without a doubt.
Are you a believer in Target? What have you purchased there? Any other suggestions? Leave it all in the comments.
I really don’t get what the big deal is with the Target shirts. I’ve tried them on many a time, and as a guy who can usually fit a large shirt off the rack no problem, but even tucked in tightly they’re always extremely baggy.
Also, a word of notice, some Targets don’t update their selection as often as others. The Target near me rarely keeps their shelves stocked and up to date.
The shirts need tailoring, that’s for sure.
Overall, very pleased with my selections from Target, almost exclusively bought on clearance. The perfect Mossimo v-necks are now a staple in my wardrobe, and I’ve also found cheap henleys, fall coats, winter coats, dress shirts, flannel shirts.. you name it, I’ve found it. Scored some nice thin cardigans for $7.48 apiece last week!
While some of the shirts fit okay off the rack, I really need to get them tailored. There’s an alarming amount of difference from shirt to shirt, even of the same brand. I find the Mossimo shirts to be a slightly trimmer fit than Merona.
I’m a fan of the Mossimo brand carried at Target. Those clothes tend to have a more fitted cut better suited to a thinner guy like myself.
I feel like that kinda defeats the purpose.
I’m contemplating buying a Weekender. I’m just not a watch person and haven’t been since I was 11. Of course, I didn’t used to be a shoe trees/go to the tailor/tuck in your shirt person either.
I could really use a sport coat like this one. If only we had Targets in Canada. 🙁
$20 for a decent feeling shirt, $15 for tailoring, perfect(ish) fit for $35.
Ok, I have been going back and forth regarding this Weekender in particular. I have visited Target multiple times only to leave saying I don’t need it……BUT I want it. My mind can’t get over the fact that it is a Timex. Plus, not to be snobby in any way, there is something about the fact that any and everyone can simply walk up and purchase one. I proud myself on individuality “on a budget.” I blame Dappered with their introduction of Orient and other inexpensive watches. Ha!
Got that watch for christmas and have had a hard time getting it off my wrist since then…
Would definitely give that blazer a shot…
Target is coming….. That Zellers in your hood will be soon getting a makeover .
I am with you on the clearance items. I picked up a seersucker suit a few years back for $20. Also, Target is my go to place for undershirts.
Just went to Target last night and I saw the blazer and thought ‘Hmmm I wonder if I try on a S will it fit no problem?’ And it def did off the rack, didn’t buy because I was getting other items but next time Gadget, next time…
The blazer looks pretty good, but I’d like to feel the material in person. I am a fan of their merona brand sweaters. I find they fit great and come in a variety of colors.
The blazer is great but I just want to comment on the sizing. The medium fits like a true medium at about a 38R. However, the small is more like an extra small probably close to a 34R. I wear a 36R and the small in this jacket was way too tight in the arms, chest and waist.
That blazer looks really good. Are the armholes as high as they appear in the picture, Joe? Most everything else on cheap blazers that doesn’t fit me can be tailored, the biggest problem is finding decently high armholes.
Awesome post, and great tip on the blazer!
I love this segment. Such a great idea!!!
yeah i love it too
Any and all shirts will look better tailored
I bought the Trey boots a couple months ago and there are no noticeable signs of wear yet. For someone who wasn’t sure if I’d like the style or not, they were a good buy.
I can’t speak to Target’s clothing lines, but I can attest to their socks’ value. I just picked up 12 pairs for just over $20. They ranged from simple navy with white pin-dot, to the clearance priced seasonal mallard-in-flight pattern. Skull and cross-bone, rugby striped, herringbone, etc., they come in 2 packs (usually) and can be had for around $5 (much less when placed on clearance). The socks are roughly mid-calf height and have a strong enough elastic to stay up on a larger calf muscle without feeling too restrictive. They’ve survived several washes without an sign of wear (I’m extremely rough on socks and footwear). I purchase my clothing elsewhere – but when it comes to accessories and basics, i.e. undershirts and socks, I have no problem with Target.
No more Timex for me… can’t…take…the…TICKING
Ditto. I tried on a small and felt like I was squeezed into a sausage casing. I’m a 36R and always wear smalls so that definitely surprised me.
I get my underwear at Target. The Evolve stuff. Yes the packaging is cheesy but it fits well, looks good, and mine has lasted me ages – I’ve been wearing it for 4 or 5 years now and they still look like new. The material is a cotton blend. Comes in conservative but not boring colors like black, navy, and cranberry. $12 for a 2-pack last time I checked, which isn’t quite the same deal as $10 for a 5-pack of Fruit of the Loom tighty whities, but still better than name-brand department store stuff.
Other stuff worth getting – basic shoecare supplies like saddle soap, applicator brushes, edge dressing, buffing brushes, and even some extra shoelaces. Target’s also a good place to pick up workout basics like running shorts and sweatpants.
Another thing I saw there, but didn’t try on, were summery “go to hell” chinos in colors like faded red and green. Also, a few pairs of non-cargo shorts in interesting colors and patterns.
Agreed. Picked them up on clearence for around $15. Several weekends worth of stomping around, and they’re holding up nicely.
I got it for Christmas too; wear it almost everyday. Mine has an off-white face though. I really want to get a leather NATO strap for it eventually.
Charles Tyrwhitt slim or tailored fit shirts are $35 on sale though, and very nice.
Yes, but the shipping!! I have been wanting to try a CT shirt for a long time but cant get over the fact that the shipping is nearly a third of the price. Do they every do free shipping deals?
I agree. Great concept, Joe!
Not only do I hope to see more of these in the future, I really hope Joe stays away from the standard clothing stores (J Crew, Gap, LEC) and hit some more uncoventional choices (for Dappered, at least) and ones that might not just be clothing only. I would love to see Joe try to put together outfits in Sears, Walmart, Kroger, etc.
I am completely with you. The Mossimo shirts (polos, v-necks, henleys) are just fantastic and even though they are cut trimmer, they still look great on a husky boy such as myself!
Good luck on them. I never got the Trey boots but I have definitely given up on Target footwear. I use to get Target shoes/boots all the time. They would last for 6 months and then develop a major issue (squeaky sole or tear or something) and if I kept them going for a year, they would blow up.
The socks are great. Wonderful deal with great styles. My only caveat is that if you have big feet such as I, they won’t last. I have a size 13 foot and they will develop a hole on the first or second wearing. I have had to move on from Target’s socks with much regrets as those multi-packs were just one of the greatest deals for a man’s wardrobe.
And at $5-$15 a piece, they are a heck of a steal. I picked up a couple of henleys last week on clearance for $7.88 a piece.
They felt nice and high to me. No restriction of movement whatsoever.
Maybe the ratios are different between a medium and a large, but the mediums, while not perfect, are an excellent value for me. Sure there’s some fabric at the sides, but I’m almost always in a blazer or have a sweater layered over it, so… no big deal there (for me.) The substantial collar, low price, back pleats, and good color selection makes these a major win for me.
I didn’t need a new grey shirt. I’ve already got one. But I kept this one.
Great post Joe. Ballin on a budget! Some of my favorite clothes are from Target. I usually stick to the v-necks and henleys, but I think I might drop in during my lunch break to check out the sport coat and watch.
I think they’ll occasionally do one but you have to order 3 or 4 shirts to get it, which may defeat the whole saving money objective. I love CT but I have found that a lot of their shirts are SUPER thin, and unless you wear an undershirt (personally, can’t stand to) that you may be looking like your headed to the strip club as the next dance on stage.
Joe,
I actually tried on the Kensington Blazer last week at Target and I was highly impressed. Great post.
Another post that reminds me of why Dappered has become a regular go-to site for me. This is a smashing idea. I got a size-down Merona shawl collar cardigan for $18 on clearance and I’ve gotten plenty of compliments on it. Last summer I stocked up on athletic fit polos on clearance. As someone posted upthread, each store appears to have different clearance inventory. Shop ’round if you’re alread there for household goods…
You found seersucker at TARGET? My friend, you are a master shopper.
I have lots of t shirts and henley’s from target as well as socks. Love ’em. I also really like some of their athletic apparel. Just got a pair of workout pants for $8.50 with a nice stretchy trim fit. I’ve paid $30 for some similar pants at foot locker and $20 at TJ Maxx and I like the target ones the best.
Oh, hell yes. I am all about the Target socks. My girlfriend has to physically restrain me from browsing the sock section every single time we go to Target.
Oh, it is probably worth mentioning that you should definitely see those shirts in-store before purchasing. I, like Joe, am a fan, but for some reason some of their patterned shirts have a much worse feel than their solids. I have a narrow gray stripe one that you could use to sand finish off a table. Never had a problem with the solids, or most of the patterns.
Target is by far my favorite store. Every time I go, even for groceries or body wash or what have you, I always stop by the Mens department and find a couple things on clearance. The other day, I found a 1/4 zip cotton sweater for 7.48 (70% off) and a grey cotton sweatshirt a few weeks ago that has become a staple in my wardrobe. Mossimo is definitely better fitting, but Merona stuff is a little more grown up. I picked up a shawl collar cardigan at H&M 4-5 months ago for $50 only to find a similar one at target a few weeks later for just $40.
I’m going to pick up a pair of those red chinos BenR mentioned if they fit well next time I go (they didn’t have my size last time).
Maybe it’s just my viewpoint as a college student on a limited budget, but Target has always had the best fitting, best value clothes. Even as I type this, I’m wearing a purple Mossimo v-neck under a soft flannel button up shirt I picked up from Target a year ago for about $4.50!
Haha. I think it is more cheapness and luck than skill.
Another good Target article: http://expressionsrealia.com/2011/12/right-on-target-look-spiffy-in-under-150.html
The only problem I have with Target is that I can’t leave without spending at least $60. It is like a cover charge. Although I get to leave with the most random cart full of stuff.
I somewhat disagree about the Denizen jeans. My wife picked up a pair for me on black Friday and they are doing quite well considering that I’ve been intentionally wearing them hard the last couple of months. The color is great and I haven’t seen any tonal whiskering. The fit is a lot more comfortable than the 514 without being bulky. I’ve worn them dressed up with blazers and received some compliments on them. I would say they are worth it, especially if you can get them on sale.
For reference I am 5′ 7″, 150 lbs and wear a 30/30.
Heads up, guys–there’s new stock in Clad’s sale section. There’s a really nice pair of Fratelli Rossetti monk straps for under $175 and a ton of new Cole Haans.
Just went to Target today to have a look. The large blazer fit me really well (44R usually). Maybe a bit on the short side but I’d get it if I saw it on sale or felt like dropping $50.
I love my weekender. The strap isn’t very long though, so if you have thicker wrists, it might be a problem.
Got that watch for Christmas. Lovin’ it.
Hahaha you have a sick, sick mind.
It is possible, for sure. I just think it’s funny how you want to keep raising the challenge.
Since you bought them a while ago, it’s very possible that the whiskering is a new thing. So…you got them at the right time!
I usually wear Levi’s 514s in size 31×34, which have become increasingly difficult to find. I tried on a pair of the Denizen 218s in size 32×34 this evening and they fit almost as well as my 514s. The denim may not be as nice, but I paid half what I normally would and I didn’t need to have them shipped. Definitely worth it for me.
the BLAZER- once you cut open the vent it feels much better…..i am a 35 short and it fits like a 34 reg
Sleeves are kind of baggy on the blazer.
IT’S $45 FROM TARGET FOR CHRISSAKES. (Ahem… sorry.)
I picked up one of these jackets this afternoon. I admit, I could stand to lose about 10-15 lbs but I ended up getting the large – the medium felt *very* tight and constricting. But the large feels just a touch *too* big. It’s like I need a medium and a half or something. I’m wondering if it might shrink in the wash if I don’t get a chance to take it to a tailor soon….or I might just take it back.
The blazer really does look good in person, too. I was surprised by the quality, actually. But I didn’t try it on when I was last there. Now I wish I had. The problem for me is that I always want to look right in a khaki blazer, but I can’t ever really decide if I *do*. And I don’t wear navy. Too much childhood baggage for me.
But yeah, this is a great post, Joe. I really appreciate you doing this. It’s refreshing to see. Oh, and in my opinion, Target’s been kicking Old Navy’s tail for a few years now.
I’ve had the chukkas for about 6 months now, wear ’em 3 times a week easy, so far so great
Agreed :D. I’m buying one anyway. Just thought some might find that information useful.
Regarding the jeans, what is “tonal whiskering?”
Love this article and hopefully there will be more like it utilizing retail locations reachable even in remote areas like Target.
I think it depends on the particular jacket. I tried on the S in navy and it fit famously, but tried on the same S in khaki and it was squeezing my tight. I also wear a 36R. Keep trying! 🙂
Ive had those shoes for a month and they have held up, and still look, perfect. Theyre on sale for 20 bones now, such a great deal…plus everyone asks where I got my “clarks” and i tell em.
Great find, Joe! I just picked up the Merona blazer and it fits great off the rack, no tailoring needed. I usually wear a 40L so it’s not easy to find my fit. I like the unstructured feel. Looks like it can take a beating so I’m gonna wear the hell out of it. I also spotted some suit separates with the coat on clearance for $29.99. sweet deal!
Heads up – the Kensington blazer featured here is now experiencing a temporary price cut, bringing it to $35. As if you needed another reason…I bought it in khaki now too.
I just went in to Target to check out that blazer and today (27Feb) it was on Temporary Price Reduction to $35. At this point, it doesn’t matter how the cotton is, if it fits, it’s worth it.
I just picked up the blazer in tan and navy. Off the rack the shoulders, chest and mid-section fit great. The length is on the money. I really like the fabric for the weather we are having. The sleeves are a little bit long, but I will be taking it to my tailor to see what he can do for me tomorrow. I did have to call around to several Target locations to find them in stock. They seemed to be in stores located in affluent areas. Great post!
The Trey boots are 12 bucks on clearance at my local target. Picked up a pair last night. Even if they only last 6-12 months, I’m willing to risk it at that price. I also have the blazers in blue and khaki, and they are wearing quite well.
FYI, some of the patterned “Ultimate Dress Shirt” styles are on clearance at my local Targets. Some locations have different ones marked down. They are currently marked at $6.88. Now *that’s* a sweet deal! So far I have snagged a couple striped ones (white/blue bengal or maybe more correctly *candy* stripes?), pale-yellow w/blue&white shadow stripes), and a couple checked ones (white with light-blue/black, gray with light-blue/white – sorta Tattersall / sorta windowpane – I’m not very good with my pattern definitions – LOL). I wish the solid white, solid blue, solid black would drop that low, but they are at least “on-sale” for $18 this week too. Not bad, but it sure ain’t $6.88. Happy hunting, fellas!
I wandered over here from one of the new pieces posted today. I actually just ordered two Merona Kensington blazers (Navy and Tan). They were listed at $39.99 and if you got two it was 10% off. Over $50 you get free shipping and I found a ‘coupon’ thing on retailmenot that took $5 off. I ended up getting them for ~$67 + tax = ~$72. I figure that I’ll give them a shot and if they don’t work I can just bring one or both back.
On a side note, I really like the fact that they appear to have 0 shoulder padding. In a casual blazer (sports coat?) I feel that less defined shoulder (via little to no padding) is the best way to go. I don’t know if I’d feel right wearing something with noticeable padding and pairing it with jeans… Then again, I’m new to the casual blazer/sports coat look.