10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Sweaters, Drivers, Suede & more

Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Seventy Five dollars. It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, and some of them are much, much less.

 

UNIQLO Lambswool Stripe Crewneck – $24.90 ($29.90)

Yet another better-looking alternative to the bulky collegiate or plain zip-up hoodie. 100% lambswool will keep you warm but breathe at the same time. Since it’s UNIQLO, expect a trim cut through the sides (fingers crossed). The stripes lean casual, yet are nowhere near schlubby. Also available in black and grey, and red and navy.

 

Suitsupply Knit-Back Driving Gloves – $79.00

Just a hair over the $75 limit, but they ship and return for free… so we’re letting it slide. Leather palms with cotton knit backs designed for superior breathe-ability. They’re like these from Autodromo, only not so darn expensive.

 

The Black Keys “Chulahoma” on Vinyl – $10.99

Functional art. And if you don’t have a turntable? Then it’s just cheap art (and just might make you want to get a turntable). Stand it up on the backside of a bar, or get yourself an album frame. The swirling orange and yellow hues against the black background are as charmingly jarring as the snub nose subject. And the music is flat out fantastic. Streams free with Prime.

 

J. Crew Factory Suede Belt – $18.55 w/ GiltCity Voucher

An extremely friendly price for what appears to be a pretty versatile, fall-ready suede belt. And no, you don’t have to match it to suede shoes. Far from it. It’ll do just fine with casual leather shoes or boots, as well as sneakers. Big fan of the buckle shape that the designers decided to go with too. 1.25″ wide. Extra 30% off GiltCity Voucher is good through today, 10/19.

 

H&M Acrylic/Nylon/Alpaca/Wool Crewneck Sweater – $19.99

Another striped crew-neck sweater. But different enough from the UNIQLO option that it’s certainly worth a mention. AKA “The Beckham Sweater” that sold out (in the colors shown above) online almost immediately. Yet you can probably find it in store if you’re near an H&M. And it’s actually a pretty decent sweater for twenty bucks. There is alpaca in the mix, and cheap alpaca at that. So, it is kinda “hairy” for lack of a better term. But, it’s super comfortable, fits well, and has a good amount of stretch to it. Also available in grey with red stripes.

 

Hario Copper Coffee Dripper – $49.98

Hot pot of coffee! But… what if you don’t want a full pot? Good for the bachelor, the occasional home coffee drinker (not addict), or the addict who likes a cup of his (or her) own, fine brew at work in the afternoon, as opposed to that recycled-oil slop the company provides. Made in Japan. “Pretty” would be an understatement.

 

Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat – $99.94 (but always on sale?)

This thing has the potential to be a super-budget friendly, yet still dashing piece of outerwear. Can’t tell much by the photos (can’t stand it when brands do that) and haven’t found it in store yet… but it appears to be a super simple, single breasted, navy wool-blend overcoat that’ll cover your suit or blazer tail. Sleeker than a peacoat thanks to that length. 60% poly / 40% wool isn’t ideal, but it’s decent enough for the price. UPDATE: As of Monday morning, it looks like they’ve taken this off their site for now? It was labeled as a new arrival over the weekend, so, maybe keep an eye out for it? UPDATE II: And as of Tuesday morning, it’s back on the site, but the full price of $99.94 is slashed out, and it’s got an on-sale red price of… wait for it… $115.00. So, that makes zero sense. Might wanna sit tight and wait for this thing to settle down in terms of the list price. Thanks to Jay S. for the tip!

 

Suitsupply Grey Nubuck Card Case – $39.00

Nubuck is like suede with a buzz-cut. Gone is the fuzzy nap, but a subtle softness and matte feel still remains. And this nubuck comes with the extra bonus of a grain pattern to the leather. Just under forty bucks and ships & returns free since it’s Suitsupply.

 

Mitchell & Ness “Pump Fake” Vintage Tees – $80.00

Finding decent looking (and fitting) team gear to wear while watching the game with pals can be tough. Enter Mitchell & Ness, and their line of “pump fake” tees for the NFL. Vintage looks, and details like reinforcements at the shoulders and elbows. Looks and performs just as well out in the yard chucking the ball around, or while slowly disappearing into the couch cushions as the game meanders on. Ships free via EastBay, thus the fudging of the $75 ceiling.

 

Pulsar PT3419X Chronograph Watch – $61.01

A rugged looking casual chronograph perfect for fall. From the Seiko step-down brand Pulsar. Good for the larger wristed or just plain larger fella, since it clocks in at 45mm in diameter. And that price is awfully kind. 100m water resistance. Brown leather band with contrast stitching. Lightweight without feeling flimsy, and looks much more expensive than it is.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.