Clothing Investments That Will Last You Years

In the age of influencer trends and social media fads, there’s rare wisdom in crafting a personal style that can guarantee timeless appeal. With prices on the rise and people feeling pinched to make ends meet, anyone can afford to take a fashion hint from the slower-paced, hardworking lifestyle that inspires Western wear.

That is to say, consider investing in clothing that you know will endure. The key is to search past this season’s trends. Go for styles that withstand the test of time, and trust in brands with hard-earned reputations for quality. These kinds of wise fashion choices, combined with essential care that extends the life of your clothing, can ultimately save you money by guaranteeing long-term value from your purchases.

Jeans

When it comes to timeless style, few items rival the legendary toughness and enduring appeal of jeans. Born from the need for sturdy workwear in the American West, denim jeans are now a staple of practical fashion around the world. Thanks to their durability and versatility, jeans are indispensable for both men’s and women’s wardrobes — but not just any pair of jeans will pass the test for long-lasting quality. A good pair of jeans should get a lot of mileage, so it’s worth sticking to brands that you know will hold up. For example, get a pair of Wrangler jeans that fit just right, and you’ll find yourself wearing them for just about everything, whether it’s tackling hard work or dressing for a casual night out. Wear them enough, and you’ll certainly earn that distinguished look of faded denim on your jeans. You don’t want the fabric getting too thin and risking tears in bad places, however, so you can use a few simple tricks to help your jeans age just right:

• Avoid washing when you don’t have to — simply spot clean when possible.
• When you do wash your jeans, opt for cold water.
• Instead of the dryer, give them a good old-fashioned line dry to preserve the fit and protect the fabric.

With a quality brand choice and the right care, even a well-loved pair of jeans should last you for many years.

Jackets

There’s a reason that kids grow up and grow into wearing mom or dad’s old coat — quality jackets just last a long time. By investing in a respected brand and using some simple care tips, your favorite coat will stay in the family for years to come, weathering both the elements and passing fads. To get the most bang for your buck in purchasing a jacket, go for a classic style that effortlessly transitions from casual to dressy occasions. Neutral colors like black, navy, or olive green will complement the broadest range of clothing, and you can’t go wrong with reliable materials like leather or cotton duck fabric. While it’s true that brand name isn’t everything, it pays to go with a name you can count on for durability. Take Carhartt, for example, a brand famous for rugged and enduring outerwear. Another is Ariat, a staple in Western wear and a maker of dependable jackets that’ll add a distinctive flair to your style.

Boots

Of all the items in your essential wardrobe, nothing needs to handle as much workload as your daily footwear. When you’re on your feet for hours, whether that’s working all day or kicking up dust all night, you need boots that don’t compromise on either comfort or style. You may think of work boots as being only for the jobsite, but some brands make boots for enduring tough conditions and still look good for any occasion. These are the ones that make the best long-term investment, thanks to their toughness and versatility. You can’t go wrong with a trusted name like Timberland, the stylish lineup of Twisted X, or, for cowboy boots, handcrafted leather from Corral Boot Company or classic Western styles by Ariat. No matter what boots you get, a few simple care instructions can help prolong their useful life and keep them looking sharp for longer. Here are some tips:

• Clean daily with a soft brush and a bit of water to keep dust and dirt from working its way into the material.
• Apply water-repellent spray to your boots each season.
• Condition leather boots regularly to keep them in the best shape and extend their lifespan.
• Allow boots to dry naturally, rather than with a heat source, and always store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

For both work boots and cowboy boots, you can find choices that fit your style and your feet by investing in trusted brands that you know will last, and with regular care you can take those favorite boots even further.

Hats

A good hat is one of the few pieces of clothing that can easily become a family heirloom. Cowboy hats in particular should hold up for years, even against the rigors of everyday wear. And when it comes to Western style, no brand stands out quite like Stetson. A name ingrained with the history of the American West, Stetson is the choice for generations of cowboys who don’t settle for less on craftsmanship. Though a Stetson hat may cost you more than some other brands, the name speaks for itself as a hallmark of Western fashion and a worthy investment in your personal style. Stetson is not the only name out there, of course, and you should certainly have more than one style of hat for matching outfits and occasions. When buying a hat, consider not just the reputation of the brand, but also how often you’ll realistically wear the item and what clothing styles it’ll pair well with. Then, make sure you choose the perfect fit or prioritize adjustability so you can wear the hat with various hairstyles.

Belts

Maybe the most underrated part of any outfit — but one you certainly shouldn’t go without — is your belt. More than just a strap of leather to hold up your pants, a good belt can make its own statement or match with a variety of looks depending on the design. That’s why well-crafted belts and buckles make a wise clothing investment for both style and function. When choosing belts and buckles, quality craftsmanship is paramount, and proper care will help them last even longer. Look for a belt made from genuine leather with reinforced stitching, attention to detail in the tooled designs and metal embellishments. The same leather care kit you use for your boots can work magic on a belt as well, and an occasional shine for your silver belt buckles will keep them looking new for many years.

Wallets

Speaking of protecting your hard-earned cash, you can’t go without a way to keep it safe. The right wallet or billfold can do not only that, but also handily complement your overall style. The look of a wallet can say a lot about its owner, in fact. Whenever you break out your money to pay for a date, you want your wallet to showcase your style and an appreciation for the little things. Look for a bi-fold or tri-fold design that uniquely suits you and that’s made of a durable material like genuine leather. Cowhide is favored for wallets because of how it softens and molds over time while still holding together. With a quality purchase and some basic leather care, a billfold can easily last you for years and will only grow to look more distinguished with time.

Handbags

Handbags and purses get shown off more than wallets, making it harder to choose just one as a go-to daily accessory. Though you’ll certainly have those special bags for certain settings, it’s important to have one or two that can go with you to most places, and these require careful consideration to match all kinds of outfits and occasions. If you want a handbag that you know will hold up and never disappoint, it’s best to stick with a reputable brand that uses high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Find a handbag design that matches your lifestyle and your typical fashion choices. With the right selection, you can purchase with confidence that your handbag — like your other timeless clothing investments — will make for a reliable and stylish companion to last you for years. From jeans and jackets to boots and belts, there’s nothing like high-quality denim and leather to last you years, even generations. Despite the popularity of influencer fashion and modern trends, classic clothing has a timeless appeal that can’t be matched and won’t ever go out of style. Avoid clothing that doesn’t hold up against harsh weather, hard work, or fast-changing fads; instead, invest in well-crafted items that are built to last.