J. Crew Factory vs. Thrift Stores – Store Wars Rd. #2

STORE WARS: J. Crew Factory vs. Thrift Stores

Starting March 17th and running through April 7th, Dappered.com is hosting a bracket based tournament with the purpose of eventually crowning the all around Affordable Men’s Style Retail Champ for 2014.  For a full introduction see this post. The bracket on the right will be updated as the tournament progresses. Click on it for the full size. Make a case for your preferred competitor in the comments section, but don’t forget to vote at the bottom of each match up. On with today’s showdown:

 

Strengths: A finalist from last year. Their flagship Thompson suit separates (in wool-blend, all wool, and cotton) are as good as it gets for around $200 (if not much less). Their tweed-like winter blazers and merino wool v-necks are cold weather staples for many of us. Factory is also smart enough to NOT make their jacket sleeve buttons functional, or even bother with any accent stitching around them, that makes for easy tailoring. Lots of sales and codes, so if you’re patient and play the game, you can get some great looking stuff for an extremely reasonable price. Seems like they actually responded to requests by those of you who wear a 36R or 36S to start making their suit jackets and blazers in that size. $5 flat rate shipping is one of the lower shipping rates out there.

Weaknesses: Sometimes the fabrics used on the fall/winter blazers can disappoint (but other times, they’re great). Quality of their accessories seems to be lacking. They play the code game so you’ve got to be patient. Some of their basics (like tees) can seem strangely expensive. Suit pants can be a little baggy, but they have come out with a “slim” option for many of their suit pants in the last few months.

How they got here: Took on the strong Store Wars Rookie H&M in round #1… and completely annihilated them.

Strengths: Who doesn’t like a treasure hunt? Picking through the racks and finding something incredible at thrifting prices is extremely satisfying. It’s the way (other than ebay) for guys on a super strict budget to find heritage, sometimes luxury pieces. In our world where most affordable new clothes are made with some level of disposability in mind, you can still find extremely well made, built to last goods hidden in the racks and on the shelves of thrift stores. From furniture to cars, the variety of desirable, great-looking stuff can be tremendous.

Weaknesses: No matter how many great, in-depth guides to thrifting you read, if you live in an area that just does not send good stuff to thrift stores, you’re going to waste a ton of time. Some of us have flat out given up. It’s a gamble, and it can be addicting. And if you’re losing 99% of the time, but still head back on the hunt, is it worth it? Also, with the younger, internet & ebay-savvy generations aging, will thrift stores become less and less likely to acquire tempting stuff? Or will the previous owner choose to sell his more desirable items online?

How they got here: Didn’t even blink at the pricey Billy Reid in round 1 and easily moved on.

Your votes determine who goes on to the next round.  Cast your ballot below.  Voting closes at midnight ET.