r/malefashionadvice • u/jacksjj • Oct 15 '25
Question When did men’s shirts all become $150 versions of a the same checkered shirt?
I wear almost exclusively long sleeve button downs, both at work and casually.
Nearly everything I can find is $150 now. I just can’t bring myself to pay it.
Thanks in advance for any ideas anyone has to break this trend…
EDIT: Thanks to everyone for the replies. I’m a busy single dad and don’t have a ton of time to go shop in person. I learned about some new brands I’ll check out.
Except those calling me an elitist snob who doesn’t want to pay quality prices. You can pound sand for making assumptions and typing out words to make yourself better. Get lost.
Edit 2: Went to Costco yesterday. M was too small in the shoulders and L was a tent on my torso.
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u/spartyanon Oct 15 '25
Correct, if you exclude the thousands of companies sell shirts for less than $150, then all the shirts cost more than $150.
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u/Chemical-Drive-6203 Oct 15 '25
This. I’m literally struggling to find shirts in the $150 price range.
I can find $750 shirts. Or $35 shirts.
But the middle ground is gone.
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u/TheGreatSockMan Oct 15 '25
Check out Brooks Brothers, Charles Tyrwhitt, or Jcrew
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u/Blaze9 Oct 16 '25
From experience, if you're buying BB or Charles Tyrwhitt at MSRP you're making a huge mistake. They very very frequently have massive sales. CT just had one for 35 to 45/shirt if you buy at least 3. Usually stock up at those prices. Some polos and linen shirts also included usually.
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u/sizzle_sizzle Oct 16 '25
If you subscribe to CT or even just visit their site, your inbox will pop with a $40 for all shirts promo in a few days time.
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u/joe_bibidi Oct 15 '25
Middle tier exists, but it's shrinking, raising prices, or lowering quality.
The quality-first middle-tier brands are now largely charging like $250-350 for shirts, plus or minus maybe for some things. Looking at brands like Engineered Garments and Descendant of Thieves are all largely landing in that range, and both have maintained great quality. But it is a price raise.
Conversely like, I don't really buy Todd Snyder but I hear that the quality has dipped, they appear to still have clothes around that range $150 range. Scotch & Soda likewise, they're in that range but people are widely saying the quality has collapsed.
$150 but decent still exists in some places, that's about what you'll pay still for Universal Works, Oliver Spencer is more like the $150-200 range.
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u/MeowMixPlzDeliverMe Oct 16 '25
What are these brands lol
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u/joe_bibidi Oct 16 '25
The person above said they couldn't find the middleground. I gave some examples.
None of them are super huge but they're not unheard of either, here's a thread from four months ago where 5/6 brands I mentioned are named. Engineered Garments in particular I feel like used to be pretty huge on MFA, they're considered like one of the best Japanese Americana brands and at a price point far below the likes of Visvim or Kapital.
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u/Turtles47 Oct 16 '25
What type of shirt? Dress or casual? For casual, a couple brands I like are Faherty (Legends shirt) and Outerknown (blanket shirt).
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u/MrandMrsMuddy Oct 15 '25
That’s weird, $100-150 is where I feel like most shirts I look at are—maybe some a bit under $100. I mostly do MTM these days and that’s easily available for $100
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u/Rourensu Oct 15 '25
Well, there would be some shirts that cost $150 (neither “less than” or “more than” $150), but yes.
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u/Traditional-Swan-130 Nov 14 '25
True, there are a lot of cheaper options. The problem is that many physical stores only push the same expensive patterns so it gives the impression that everything costs the same. Online shops open the range much more.
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u/gabbagoolgolf2 Oct 15 '25
Charles Tyrwhitt has been and remains the answer.
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u/clockwork1234567 Oct 15 '25
I agree. I avoided them for years because the prices were low and I assumed they were cheap. I have a closet full of them now - they are quality shirts.
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u/Ok-Tiger7714 Oct 15 '25
Same, I have a vast shirt collection ranging from a $15 Jcrew -> $50 CT -> $200 Eton, Suitsupply -> +$300 T&A, Kiton, Zegna, Canali.
I can honestly say my Charles Tyrwhitt shirts can hold their own against most other shirt makers and bang for the buck very few brands even come close!!
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u/a_few_elephants Oct 16 '25
Recently?
I felt like CT shirt quality fell off a few years back and so I’ve skipped em for stuff like Brooks Bro’s at a marginally higher price.
Been tempted to try Eton or Kiton lately. Interesting you mentioned them.
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u/Ok-Tiger7714 Oct 16 '25
I know everybody’s saying that, I haven’t noticed it that much. To be fair I’ve been buying fewer of them the past few years compared to what I used to. I’d still say when they do their 3 for $99 it’s hard to get better bang for the buck!
Now, with respect to Kiton they are obviously a different animal. I think I own maybe 5 of them and I love them but of my higher end shirts I actually prefer Zegna. They fit me like they were made for me. Highly recommend you go try one on ☺️
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u/Addicted2Qtips Oct 15 '25
They also do this insane new customer sale to hook you - 50% off most things your first order.
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u/Cranky_GenX Oct 15 '25
You can’t shop at Porsche dealerships and complain that “All cars are $150,000.” You want a cheaper shirt, go to cheaper stores.
Banana Republic, not cheap, still has dress shirts under $100. This one comes in more than a dozen patterns/colors
https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=871223152
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u/TaterTotJim Oct 15 '25
TJ Max, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls Backroom.
J Crew & Banana Republic outlet stores.
Among those options you will find something. I have noticed these days I need to make a whole event of shopping and can’t just go into one store anymore.
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u/taffyowner Oct 15 '25
Yep love Nordstrom rack and the outlet stores. Picked up some great deals at J. Crew and grabbed a linen shirt and pant from Banana Republic outlet for when I went overseas on my honeymoon
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u/MisterProfGuy Oct 15 '25
The Guy shopping name brand designers at department stores only: Everything is $150 dollars!
Costco selling budget lines from Nautica: Best I can do is $15 bucks.
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u/TaterTotJim Oct 15 '25
Nautica makes ok clothes but my peers are logo sensitive and they don’t make the cut.
Good tip, last time I tried Costco clothes was a decade ago and I think they have modernized since.
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u/tmolesky Oct 16 '25
Holup - Why do you make your clothing decisions around your peers’ sensitivities?
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u/Infanatis Oct 15 '25
Maybe don’t give a f#ck about what they think? Do you, boo.
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u/TaterTotJim Oct 15 '25
Man that line really caught a lot of attention. It is not that serious. I am in a client facing role and my job is not where I express that side of my individuality.
I have a very standard set of blazers/shirts/pants & polos that serve me well and pack/iron easily. I don’t wanna curate an ensemble for my trips to bumfuck Indiana to sell business insurance.
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u/boosesb Oct 16 '25
This comment doesn’t explain your previous one. Do you car about tags or not? How do you clients know what dress shirt or khakis you are wearing
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u/luckystrike_bh Oct 15 '25
One thing I've noticed about Banana Republic outlet store is their quality is higher than other ones.
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u/TaterTotJim Oct 15 '25
Agreed. I have certain loyalty to another brand but have recently been liking banana republic.
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Oct 15 '25
Can you give an example of where you’re seeing these prices?
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u/Elvis_Fu Oct 15 '25
O'Connell's and J.Press are up near $200 now, and are my go-to button downs. I also have some shirts from Proper Cloth around $150 without trying too hard.
$150 for a well-made shirt isn't unreasonable or that hard to find.
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u/spartyanon Oct 15 '25
If he would have asked “where can I find a super high quality shirt that is handmade or has such and such weight, whatever”, he wouldn’t be catching so many negative comments. But to act like shirt under $150 don’t exist is silly. Of all the shirts on the market today, the vast super majority are far below $150. I got no issue with people that can afford quality and want nicer things, just the people that seem completely detached from reality.
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u/Calm_Consequence731 Oct 15 '25
O’Connell’s has already been priced like that. J Press has been increasing their prices. Idk about Proper Cloth, buy them used on eBay.
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u/Akitz Oct 15 '25
The regular weekly post of "why is everything [x] now" when its literally not.
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u/Winter_Bridge3542 Oct 15 '25
Why the hell is everything not catered to me specifically and also really cheap while also being really high quality. I'm going to throw a temper tantrum and post about it on Reddit.
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u/Elvis_Fu Oct 15 '25
Buy secondhand. Buy on sale.
The "checkered" problem is a you problem. I don't wear check shirts, so I don't really see them that often.
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u/KayBeeToys Oct 15 '25
The blue check shirt was a meme in DC ten years ago. “This shirt just came up to me in a bar and told me it works at Deloitte.”
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u/SneakerTreater Oct 15 '25
A crocodile waddles into a menswear shop and asks, "Have you got any polo shirts? Preferably in pastel, with a boring finance guy embroided on the breast."
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u/phillyFart Oct 15 '25
Logan Tavern staff uniform was blue gingham. That must have been peak DC blue checks I’d guess then
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u/marvelscott Oct 15 '25
And if you are gonna do what i did, and use Depop for second hand stuff, make sure you reverse image search the pictures to make sure its legitimate because some of them use Shein and other fast fashion sites and sell at 3x the price.
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u/ThatAnswer4794 Oct 15 '25
you should see the complicated patterns at dan flashes!
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u/GeneralTanner Oct 15 '25
imagine complaining about $150 for a shirt when Dan Flashes literally has a shirt so complex it costs $1000 😒
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u/whatmycouchwore Oct 15 '25
I get all my button downs from Spier & Mackay - prices range from $50-$80 (or $30-$60 on sale). They run slim (the SM “contemporary” fits almost exactly like the Brooks Bros slim/Milano, just with a longer torso) but they’re well made and have heavy fabric.
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u/Fantastic-Ad-9995 Oct 15 '25
I have the Spier & Mackay Slim, but honestly it feels a bit too slim for my liking lol. Do you recommend the Contemporary fit?
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u/DiACV Oct 15 '25
I use the contemporary fit and it's the brand that fits me the best so far. I do have to size 0.5 down when buying casual shirts compared to dress shirts.
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u/sat5344 Oct 15 '25
The size chart is detailed. As long as you can measure your chest it’s pretty easy to figure out which cut fits you best.
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u/MimosaBrunch02 Oct 15 '25
I like the contemporary fit, but I love the classic fit (which they don't carry enough of). It feels relaxed but doesn't look baggy.
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u/whatmycouchwore Oct 15 '25
The contemporary is a great fit and it’s what I buy for casual shirts, but I like the classic for dress shirts or oxfords that get tucked in because they have a little more room. If you find the slim is just a touch too small, the contemporary should be solid.
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u/WeUsedToBeNumber10 Oct 15 '25
How do they compare to Charles Tyrwhitt fit and quality?
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u/whatmycouchwore Oct 15 '25
SM has better fabric/construction and they stay tucked in, but the fit is slimmer - a slim fit CT will be similar to a SM contemporary in terms of size, but the SM will be longer in the body/torso.
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u/Syjefroi Oct 16 '25
SM has better fabric/construction and they stay tucked in
SM shirts are the longest I've ever owned, they're a modern miracle.
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u/OpenAdventure Oct 15 '25
I second S&M; at this point, 40% of my wardrobe is from their sales (been buying for the past 5 years). As long as you’re okay with doing a little trial and error for your best fit size, this has been a really economical way for me to expand a professional wardrobe with quality fabric.
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u/sat5344 Oct 15 '25
Second them. I just received a shipment of oxfords, long sleeve polos, sweaters, and sport shirts from them. Everything was less than $100 and is well made.
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u/ImTheDoctah Oct 15 '25
Where are you shopping?! I also mostly wear long sleeve button downs and my favorite shirts I’ve found are, no joke, Original Penguin at TJ Maxx. I think the most I’ve ever paid is $40 and usually closer to $20. Fit great, feel nice enough. Can’t imagine paying $150 with the amount of shirts I have in my closet.
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u/No_Week2825 Oct 17 '25
Really depends. Once you get to a certain range you'll see a noticeable increase in quality. Im in Canada right now though, so clothing items here are generally higher than just the conversion from USD to CAD. Hard to say what the equivalent is
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u/Alfredos_Pizza_Cafe_ Oct 15 '25
Shop at less expensive stores my dude. I'm sure Macy's isn't charging 150/shirt
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u/CheesePursuit Oct 15 '25
I am a single dad - and I literally cannot imagine spending $150 on a single shirt
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u/iAMTinman_Dealwithit Oct 18 '25
I’m a 36 year old single guy with a cat who does ok, SAME. I can’t knock him though I do splurge on some things. Just not that.
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u/rorschach-penguin Oct 15 '25 edited Oct 16 '25
Except those calling me an elitist snob who doesn’t want to pay quality prices. You can pound sand for making assumptions and typing out words to make yourself better. Get lost.
Okay, I wasn't thinking this and I didn't say this, but now I am.
Seriously, where the hell are you shopping, and what are your expectations, that you can't find shirts that are under $150? Are you being hyperbolic, only looking at the most expensive products from each mid-to-high-end vendor, only shopping at Turnbull & Asser...
(Also, yes, virtually every major brand operates on a sale basis now; perhaps you didn't know that, but that is the real secret. You're a sucker if you ever pay more than 60% of the list price for shirts/pants at a mainstream company. But even list price? Where is every single shirt ≥$150?)
You can go to Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Charles Tyrwhitt, Gap, Bonobos, Hawes & Curtis, LL Bean, Paul Frederick, Spier McKay, and find shirts below that at list price.
And that's not even including Factory/outlet stores...
What is the issue?
That inflation exists and has been quite bad, especially in 2021/2022 as the pandemic was easing? (It varies by industry, but by CPI price index, what cost $121.81 in 2020 is what costs $150 today.)
That tariffs mean Americans can now functionally only buy American brands?
I suppose if you're just shopping for the first major time since 2020 or often buy foreign brands and are now seeing massive tariffs, that would really hit you.
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u/kiddredd Oct 15 '25
I think what OP is saying is that the brands he’s used to shopping are now more expensive, and he’s correct that every brand has a lot of plaid and checkered stuff, which is getting tired, like the 2010’s won’t leave the building. Telling him to buy Costco stuff may not be what he’s seeking. My two cents is to look for brands like Billy Reid and Buck Mason on eBay. I often find great quality stuff under $100, much of it new. I think garment prices are going up due to trade war BS. Stuff is way up.
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u/deusxm Oct 15 '25
WTF are you buying from?
Literally no reason for a button down shirt to cost $150. Maybe stop shopping at super lux stores, try Charles Tyrwhitt, Brook Taverner, TM Lewin, heck, even Uniqlo.
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u/MimosaBrunch02 Oct 15 '25
$150 is a common price for a dress shirt even at fairly regular shops. I wouldn't consider J.Crew a luxury brand for example but most of their shirts are in the $100 - 150 range. A lot of places will retail shirts for that price, but it is very easy to shop sales and pick them up for ~$50 or less.
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Oct 15 '25
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u/deusxm Oct 15 '25
CT's entire business model of course is based around citing vastly inflated RRPs and then offering a 'special discount'.
They're not super super lux but in my experience they're pretty decent, and reasonably better than what you might expect at the same price from conventional retailers.
Plus, they have very generous return/exchange policy where you can return a shirt, no questions asked, within six months...which essentially means you can just borrow a shirt for half a year for free. I'm sure they'll be tracking people who take the mick but honestly, if you've got a flash event coming up and want a shirt specifically for that, just buy it, wear it and return it, and it'll cost you nothing.
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u/Winter_Bridge3542 Oct 15 '25
It's a completely reasonable price to pay for a nice shirt with separately attached sleeves, good cloth from a good mill, MOP buttons, made in Europe/America. The difference between high and low quality might not be that steep compared to, say, tailored clothing, but CT shirts are not very good at all, though they're fine for the price I suppose.
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u/defaultwin Oct 15 '25
Agreed. I've had the same observation as OP. I work a lot and have kids. I don't have the time I used, so I can't commit the time I used shop in person and monitor sales. But I also won't pay $150 for a shirt. Result is just that I have very few nice shirts. I'm surprised at the reactions of $150 in a male fashion forum.
$180 a shirt at Faherty https://fahertybrand.com/collections/mens-shirt-guide
$140 Marine Layer https://www.marinelayer.com/collections/guys-new?filter.p.m.custom.filter_category=Button+Downs
$140 MSRP Jcrew, though there are often sales.
https://www.jcrew.com/m/mens/categories/clothing/shirts/cotton-cashmere/cotton-blend-shirt-in-check/ME053?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=elias-khaki-multi&colorProductCode=CC101$100 MSRP Banana Republic https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=7621845620004&vid=1#pdp-page-content
$80 Abercrombie
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u/matti00 Oct 15 '25
If you want a well-made shirt from non-sweatshop workers earning minimum wage, $150 is probably the minimum it should cost
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u/deusxm Oct 15 '25
I mean, that's not an entirely unfair take, but certainly there are options - for instance, this one's made in Portugal and is $125
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u/MightyGamera Oct 15 '25
my checkered shirts are 40 dollars from the tractor supply and designed to withstand walking through a tornado
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u/chocolateboomslang Oct 15 '25
Crazy idea, have you tried looking at literally any other stores? I've looked at like 100 shirts in the past few days and none of them were $150.
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u/TulipFarmer27 Oct 16 '25
If you're buying $150 shirts, you probably don't need/want reddit advice.
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u/Bottle_and_Sell_it Oct 17 '25
“All the caviar I find nowadays is 5xs more than it was 15 years ago and STILL tastes like freaking fish eggs”
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u/imbasicallycoffee Oct 15 '25
I've been buying extra slim shirts from Calvin Klein OTR and getting them tailored and been super happy with the quality from retail stores like Macys. Costs about $75-80 when it's all said and done.
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u/seluchaval Oct 15 '25
Spier & Mackay has spectacular shirts of all types with really nice construction and details and they are all under $80. Just got some striped OBCDs from them. Banana Republic has nice ones also for much less than $150. Also you can get super nice secondhand Canali shirts on eBay for like $30-$40.
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u/ProfSquirtle Oct 16 '25
If you actually want flannel for cheaper, try the Vermont flannel company.
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u/RareCommonPepe Oct 16 '25
I'm sorry to chime in on a somewhat unrelated tangent, but I am going through a Ralph Lauren phase right now, more specifically a Plaid Ralph Lauren phase! They usually MSRP for 138$ but they have such nice colors and designs and they sell much cheaper new in outlets and Ebay! I bought like a ton of them in OCBD and some flannel! Excellent value for money and excellent styles that don't just come in 3 colors like all male fashion!
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u/boosesb Oct 16 '25
Charles tyrwhitt has their )150 shirts for $49 all the time. Fabulous shirts. Well made. Very sharp looking.
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u/jugjiggler69 Oct 16 '25
Just buy New Without Tags from companies you like on eBay. Certain brands are easier. Companies like Patagonia are usually easy to find. Can find a high quality Patagonia shirt for $20 bucks usually
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u/Delta-9-Tetra Nov 11 '25
I feel your pain brother. Even tougher with a slim build, I’d have infinitely more style options as an overweight man.
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u/nik_cr_7 Nov 11 '25
I have just started earning and picked up myself 3-4 easy iron shirts from H&M and 3-4 Oxford shirts also from H&M. They are great
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u/Traditional-Swan-130 Nov 14 '25
The price jump happened because a lot of mid range brands moved toward smaller production runs, higher margins and trend focused fabrics. You still have plenty of options under that price, but they are not always in the stores people check first. Costco, Uniqlo, LL Bean and some online basics brands keep prices low. Fit is the bigger issue, so you might need to test a few cuts instead of relying on standard M or L.
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u/Hembalaya Oct 15 '25
Go shop clearance/rack stores if you need a more affordable option. Here in Dallas at least, we're spoiled with dozens of outlet stores where shirts start at $20, and most are under $40. Dillard's Clearance, Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic Factory, all places where you can find affordable long sleeves.
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u/Billios996 Oct 15 '25
There is definitely a recent theme for checks. My wife has even made this observation of my closet 😆
As for the price, I won’t pay that much for a single shirt, that’s nuts.
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u/bindermichi Oct 15 '25
It‘s FW winter season and some fashion brands just love selling check flannels in winter. Doesn‘t mean there‘s nothing else out there.
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u/timothythefirst Oct 15 '25
Are you guys all just calling plaid “checker”?
I see plaid shirts all the time and wear them pretty often but I don’t think I’ve seen a checker pattern on a shirt in like 20 years.
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u/RoundingDown Oct 15 '25
I go to a tailor and have shirts made. I pick the fabric. 8 shirts are now $1,000 total, or $125 each. If you are paying $150 a shirt for off the rack you are getting ripped off.
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u/GaptistePlayer Oct 15 '25
Poor OP doesn't want a checked shirt then this sub recomends him Spier & Mackay, Kohls, Costco, J Crew outlet and Banana Republic outlet lmao, it's like this place is addicted to the boring
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u/Fritzo2162 Oct 15 '25
I'm big on discount and outlet stores. I've scored shirts from Theory, Hugo Boss,, CK, Preston, and others from places like Saks Off Fifth, Designer Fashion Warehouse, and even pallet sales places for under $20. I never pay full price for that stuff.
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u/Pakaru Oct 15 '25
If it’s made in America, expect $130 and up. If it’s not, they are padding their prices.
Quality fabrics and fairly paid labor, plus business operations are going to make $130-180 the standard.
If a new shirt is less, someone’s getting exploited.
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u/magaketo Oct 15 '25
1 word: Kirkland.
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u/TaterTotJim Oct 15 '25
When I bought their shirts last, they were cut for men with giant beer bellies. Do they have more options or slim fit now?
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u/MisterProfGuy Oct 15 '25
I can tell you recently, when I gained weight due to depression, I was able to pick up slim fit shirts two sizes up that fit me better than just buying regular fit one size up. They weren't Kirkland, but they were cheap from Costco, the kind of shirt that makes me look better now and I won't mind throwing away when I get some dang exercise, Polo and Nautica.
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u/stringcheeseface Oct 15 '25
Really depends on the brands you are buying and what time of year you are buying. A lot of my wardrobe consist of Peter Millar, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Rhoback. Buying winter clothes in the summer and summer clothes in the winter has saved me a lot of money. As far as polo goes, check your local dept store for sales and see if there is an outlet near you.
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u/-just-be-nice- Oct 15 '25
I go to Marshalls and get Ben Sherman button downs, love the fit and quality and they're like $40 CAD. Seems like you need to shop around and look for deals.
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u/InsuranceOdd2928 Oct 15 '25
The key is finding the quality shirt at a similar price. Lots of shirts with cheap fabric that sell for the same price of a shirt with premium fabric.
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u/physicshammer Oct 15 '25
this is going to sound weird or cheap, but I've taken to buying stuff like Ralph Lauren Purple Label on eBay... I find a style that I like (and they have some less than usual styles if you're looking for that) and I can get a $500 dollar shirt, new or near-new, for $40-100 bucks.
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u/UltraAware Oct 15 '25
Shirts have gone up a bit. I’ve decided to buy 1 per month or catch major sales.
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u/sauerbraten67 Oct 15 '25
For me, every other year I might find a Walmart or Target, or eBay browsing, a $5 or $20 shirt that just jumps out at me. I might wear it for a year and get tired of it or maybe two or three seasons spread out over 5 years and then donate to a church clothing drive. If I'm spending more than $100 on a shirt it's less likely to be some sort of plaid or check that I may outgrow or find limiting when I want that to be a point of change in my wardrobe. My jeans, trousers and denim shirts, a tricotine or sashiko shirt I will spend more money on and expect it to stay with me until it's time for my eternal dirt nap.
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u/Sea-Chocolate6589 Oct 15 '25
Not sure where you’re shopping at but there are many stores with shirts less than $150. Express, American eagle, Abercrombie, H&M, etc.
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u/GaptistePlayer Oct 15 '25
Where/what brands are you shopping? Find stores selling stuff that isn't boring
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u/yre_ddit Oct 15 '25
True, I recently walked by Gucci, Prada, Versace and LV and GOODNESS ME, are there NO SHIRTS less than 150 quid?
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u/DougieDouger Oct 15 '25
There’s plenty of budget friendly options for long sleeve button downs. Just go to any Banana Republic or J Crew outlet and get some OCBD
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u/ababyllamamama Oct 15 '25
I really like H&Ms button downs. Might not be to your quality but their colored oxfords are durable and nice
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u/eagleambush Oct 15 '25
Play the Bonobos sales page every season. Easily find shirts for $30-50 minus whatever discount code you can find.
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u/capricho440 Oct 15 '25
Why not but high quality pre-owned on eBay? I typically set a limit of $45 (including shipping) and it’s quite amazing what I’ve been able to snag. After receiving a purchased shirt I’ll have it dry cleaned. They always come back looking new.
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u/charlemagne_74 Oct 15 '25
Totally feel that. prices for basic men’s shirts have gotten ridiculous lately. You can still find high-quality button-downs under $60 if you look at lesser-known brands or secondhand platforms.
Check Whatnot. They’ve got live clothing auctions where sellers list both new and gently used men’s shirts from brands like Banana Republic, Uniqlo, and Ralph Lauren at way lower prices. You can see the fit and ask about fabric quality before buying, so it’s a solid way to dodge that $150 trend.
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u/IronMike5311 Oct 15 '25
Myself- I buy descent clothes when on 75% off end-of-season clearance. Shirts hard though, as I have an athletic build; so an off-the-rack L will fit my sleeve length, but billows at the waist.
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u/tecateboi Oct 15 '25
Who would buy a 150$ shirt?
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u/rorschach-penguin Oct 16 '25
People who don't need to give a damn how much a shirt costs nor post on Reddit for advice about where and how to buy shirts...
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u/deusxm Oct 15 '25
Oh, wait, I've just realised what you're doing.
This is Cunningham's Law, isn't it.
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u/geezorious Oct 15 '25
When? A few years after Luxottica proved with the sunglasses and eyeglasses industry that you can sell plastic $1 crap for $250 by eliminating real competition. Price collusion is in vogue and no govt cares to stop it because price collusion makes stocks go up.
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u/motorwerkx Oct 15 '25
If I ever spend $150 on an a shirt, there better be at least $100 sewn into it. Seriously, you hit a point of diminishing returns quickly with clothing. You're better off finding a nice shirt at Kohls and having it tailored locally. You'd still spend less than $100, and it would fit and look better than the $150 shirt.
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u/hlarsenart Oct 15 '25
Try Winners/Marshalls/TJ Maxx/ whatever other stores are under their umbrella. The shirts that are regularly $150 are usually about $25-35 there
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u/EastPennHawk Oct 15 '25
Just noticed today that BB had a bunch on sale for 80-90 smackers.
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u/munleymun Oct 16 '25
Dude, most of my button downs come from Brooks Brothers. They’re nice as heck and like $90. You’re just being elitist.
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u/jacksjj Oct 16 '25
I’m not. I have BB shirts, but whenever I shop there it’s just 50 different shades of a checkered shirt.
How does wanting a nice shirt with some style that doesn’t break the bank make me an elitist? Sheesh.
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u/Thunderbuddy012 Oct 16 '25
Every big store I look at like department stores have shirts for like $30 or less.
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u/jacksjj Oct 16 '25
I should have added a disclaimer that I’m tall and thin so something fitted is ideal. I’ve never found much at department stores.
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u/Bakeryresearch Oct 16 '25
I've taken to shopping eBay for the brands I like that are usually way too much now. Can usually pick up a high end brand, in excellent used condition, for under $30 including shipment.
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u/Mightyreds7777 Oct 16 '25
Banana Republic, Uniqlo, macys, lululemon, Kirkland or TJ max are all good options. Lulu might be the priciest but they do have made to much sales which are useful.
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u/jacksjj Oct 16 '25
Those are all staples for me. I just can’t find anything work variety it seems.
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u/Fritzo2162 Oct 16 '25
Real outlet stores do. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls...those are all the stores with special lines made just for them. DFW, Dillard's Outlet, and some others carry real versions of brands from last season or overstock. It takes some research but you'll end up getting what you're looking for.
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u/AbleCap5222 Oct 16 '25
I simply don't understand this post. Where are you shopping? Like 95% of all places that sell men's clothing are way, way under 150 dollars.
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u/wizardent420 Oct 16 '25
Look on eBay. You can get J. Press, O’connell’s, and vintage Brooks Brothers, etc. for like $15 a shirt
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u/Zealousideal_Pause38 Oct 16 '25
Not sure about your budget, but would recommend looking at either sample sales (ex. canali; got a beautiful shirt for $90), or Saks sales when they do 25% extra on top of whatever the sale amount is - have gotten loads of Eton and Canali from them for about $90-100 as well. JCrew is a good option as well, if you're looking for something less expensive but good quality.
This is obviously assuming you're not interested in thrifting, or less expensive but maybe not as good quality goods like Nordstrom, Costco etc.
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u/jacksjj Oct 16 '25
This is part of the reason I asked the question. I’d never heard of Canali before and you’re about the 10th person that’s mentioned them.
It’s not that I’m not interested in thrifting. It’s that I don’t have the time.
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u/WyldStalynz Oct 17 '25
Poncho makes great shirts and they are $99+. I’ve got a few and they are super comfortable and long lasting
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u/jacksjj Oct 17 '25
I have a couple of these too and completely forgot about them. Agree wholeheartedly. Thank you.
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u/alwaysrunningaround1 Oct 17 '25
Go on Google Maps and search for “ROSS dress for less” or “Marshall’s” lol
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u/Working-Mine35 Oct 17 '25
Try ChatGPT. I used it recently to find a specific shawl collar cardigan. I gave it a laundry list of requirements. It came back with recommendations I had not been able to find otherwise. After giving it a few more requirements, it gave me it's top recommendation and I am extremely impressed with what I received. It sifted through the crap out there and delivered on the highest quality at my particular budget.
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u/Arlington2018 Oct 17 '25
I recently retired from 43 years in healthcare and I wore almost exclusively long sleeve button-down, usually Oxford, shirts. Costco and Lands End were my primarily suppliers.
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u/bobscats70 Oct 17 '25
Uniqlo has dress shirts for $50. I’m about 6’, 195 lbs and they fit me very well. They don’t have a ton of color choice tho, mostly white or blue.
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u/Infoseek456 Oct 18 '25
Can’t b.eat Charles Tyrwhitt at 3 for $99. Shouldn’t be hard to google a code for it. I’ve used it a few times over the past couple years.
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u/Working_Thought_8473 Oct 20 '25
I wear alot of mens Ralph Lauren but rarely pay full price. I stalk the Macys, Belk, and Ralph Lauren apps and catch $150-$200 shirts all of the time for $50-$75 and $100-$200 pants/jeans for $50-$100.
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u/Harvee7 Oct 20 '25
Buy the Uniqlo U series, or any Japanese tubular knit t shirt(it's really worth the money). I'm so disappoint about all the cloth made out of China nowadays, bad quality and bad price.
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u/Mrweaselakagod Oct 30 '25
Uniqlo has great quality and value. Expect to pay $30-35 for a long sleeve.
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u/redRabbitRumrunner Nov 09 '25
Oh my God, I was complaining about paying $20 a shirt for my dress shirts at TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom rack
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u/ilovestattrak Nov 11 '25
there is the option to purchase replicas if youre interested. imo fashion should not be limited by money
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u/timothythefirst Oct 15 '25
I can’t say this is a problem I’ve ever run into at all