Far be it from this friendly neighborhood affordable men’s style website editor to try and offer Bonobos any sort of observations about their business… but man. Some of their longtime customers have got to be scratching their heads about Bonobos prices as of late.
Bonobos has done a terrific job building brand loyalty over the years, but face it, Bonobos is now firmly in luxury-brand territory for many of us. $850 suits. Almost half a grand for a velvet blazer. $98… sweat pants. Look, love the ninjas. Love that they like to participate in Reader Appreciation Week. But it’s getting tough, even during sales like this one, to find some goods that won’t break the bank. Doesn’t mean we won’t try though. At least… for now… You’ll need the code ITSALIVE for this thing. Here are the tiers:
Already on sale for $78, which is kindly just above that first threshold. A traditional, authentic looking basket-weave, but not in an enormous cut. Only available in their “standard” fit, but even the Bonobos standard fit doesn’t shoot out at the sides like a flying squirrel taking off. Besides, these types of sweaters are supposed to have more heft and warmth than a paper thin v-neck.
One of the few items that’s just above one of the thresholds. An investment, but a sweater you’ll probably use a lot, and wear for a long, long time. Big fan of the blue at the hem and cuffs. 100% lambswool, and the birds-eye pattern adds some nice visual texture. Ahoy.
Fourty two thirty nine fifty six… that right there is a whole lotta… cozy? (sorry). And it’s not just the alpaca blend (just 10% alpaca though) sweater that’s perfect for fall. The Beacon Boots are a fantastic, wear around the house/out for a quick trip casual shoe for the colder seasons. Surprisingly thick leather. Rawhide laces. And they look even better when beat up. Combining the two gets you above the $250 threshold, so you can knock $50 off. Obviously not a requirement. $128 and $120, respectively, if you buy individually and apply the $10 off deal.
Why get one pair of these when you can get two pairs of Levis? Great question. If you’re a fella with larger than average (yet not total hulked out) legs, the straight leg fit is absolutely worth a shot. Fits like a dream on some of us. Plus, you get the Bonobos fit in the rear, and the American Cone denim with just a bit of stretch is super comfortable. Also available in slim fit, an extra slim “slim tailored” option, and even bootcut. Yes, bootcut.
Perfect example here of an eye popping design, but gut. socking. price point. That warwick lambswool cardigan with the waffle knit is spectacular looking. And a kick to the financial groin. $203 if you apply the $25 off $150. But, add the pocket square (THIRTY TWO DOLLARS?!) and you can knock $50 off. Not a better deal, but a blue tipped pocket square isn’t a bad addition to the wardrobe. Still. Two hundred. Might as well use that cardigan as a jacket at that point.
Boots usually run $455 alone. Designed in Chicago, made in the USA. Horween Chromexcel leather. Goodyear welt. Actually costs less if you add in the sweater (on sale for $58, trips the $125 off $500+ threshold), which, I’m sure is just lovely on its own.
Super soft construction, an easy going but not sloppy vibe, and free shipping both ways. Still a lot of cash for a washed cotton blazer, even when on sale, but for those that have one, it most likely sees a ton of use. Available in both standard and slim fits. A warning about that slim fit… it’s really quite slim. So much so that if you’ve got any substantial circumference to your upper appendages, you may struggle to get in the thing.
Already on sale for $108 and another ten bucks off isn’t half bad. It is a looser knit (daylight through the back showcased above) but that cotton/linen blend might be a real winner.
For the denim heads who might want to take the Bonobos selvage offerings for a spin. Twenty five bucks off. Still insanely steep if you’re used to wearing Levis, but… again, for the denim heads.
Normally their washed chinos run $88, but this breaks down to $58.83 a pair. And that seems to be what what many of us would consider shelling out for a nice pair of chinos from, say, J. Crew or Banana Republic (using codes and sales of course). To get the cheapest price, you gotta buy eighteen.* At least you can get away without having to do laundry as often.
The Bonobos tiered “Monster” sale, and code ITSALIVE expires today, 10/27/14.
*This is not a real suggestion. Just illustrating how steep the threshold is to get to 35% off.
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