Dis-luxuries, un-luxuries, un-status symbols

[BraveBold]

So, with recent discourse on status symbols and lux items, what do we enjoy on the opposite end of the spectrum? Not including friends and family or non-material pleasures, are there things with modest price tags you prefer over luxury alternatives? Or things you cannot fathom spending big money on, regardless of ability to?

I will mention boots, t shirts and jeans.

I have some nice leather boots but none are as durable, nor as comfortable, as my Timberlands. Two pairs in two colors, they’re that good. Combined they cost a fraction of my other boots and in many ways more than their equal.

T shirts. This is a category I just don’t care to spend more than minimum on. I buy from the direct-to-customer wholesalers and the quality is excellent and so is the fit. I have maybe 20 or 30, different shades but mostly muted tones. Workhorses. On average $6-$8 each, maybe less.

Jeans. I have some of the nicer brands but the bulk are Levis. Better quality than the more expensive ones and, if you take the time, good fit (for me).

I am sure there are others but these are to get the ball rolling.

[Maleg]

Redwing boots, Zebco fishing combo's, and Wrangler jeans.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Redwing boots, Zebco fishing combo's, and Wrangler jeans.

Redwing has a superior reputation. In my book they are still luxury but with a great value proposition.

Almost bought a pair when I added some new boots last year but decided to buy Thursday boot co and a pair of Overland boots. I think Redwing construction is likely superior to both… by reputation, at least.

Do you like them?

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Redwing boots, Zebco fishing combo's, and Wrangler jeans.

Yeah, I have a wrangler outlet near me. Hard to beat $25 a pair. I also get my stretchy light work pants from Sam’s Club for $15 a pair.

I disagree on Red Wing boots, there are far cheaper options out there. Red Wings are a luxury to me.

I have no problem buying many items used. I often shop at thrift stores or garage/estate sales. I also drive older vehicles. Buy my new sneakers on clearance at Bealls. I drink Natural Light beer.


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[Krash]

I like wearing Nautica T-shirts. They come in all sorts of colors and fit great. It’s the only t-shirt that shows off my biceps while at the same time it covers my gut. lol

But seriously, usually you can’t have it both ways. It’s either cover up your gut and your muscles also get covered up or show your muscles and your gut hangs out.


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[AzPaul]

I have only good things to say about Kroger peanut butter,

[gamingdoctor]

Food, especially at restaurants. I'd prefer to go to a restaurant where I know where the food will be good even if not pricey. Can't stand "high end" restaurants with crappy food.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

Food, especially at restaurants. I'd prefer to go to a restaurant where I know where the food will be good even if not pricey. Can't stand "high end" restaurants with crappy food.

Amen to that.

We mostly cook, and use high quality ingredients. There are undoubtedly fantastic restaurants (expensive and inexpensive) but across that spectrum, we far prefer our own cooking. Some reasonably priced places are easily the equal of much more expensive places too.

I’ve eaten at many Michelin starred restaurants, primarily in NYC but also around the world. The majority are overpriced for what you get, with a few exceptions. I haven’t been to one in a few years and feel like I am missing nothing. That said, a great restaurant experience, regardless of price, can be a very memorable thing… mostly to do with the atmosphere and the company.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

Food, especially at restaurants. I'd prefer to go to a restaurant where I know where the food will be good even if not pricey. Can't stand "high end" restaurants with crappy food.

My wife and I are foodies. We eat at a lot pricey restaurants, but one my favorites is this rustic barbecue joint down the street. Best ribs and best banana pudding I’ve ever had. But it can best be described as a dive with great food.


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[Easy E]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

Food, especially at restaurants. I'd prefer to go to a restaurant where I know where the food will be good even if not pricey. Can't stand "high end" restaurants with crappy food.

+1. I would much rather have great food, than food made so fancy its nasty just to be creative.

[APhound]

Costco underwear and socks haha
I have all the fancy stuff but only want my Costco undies.


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[Maleg]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

Redwing has a superior reputation. In my book they are still luxury but with a great value proposition.

Almost bought a pair when I added some new boots last year but decided to buy Thursday boot co and a pair of Overland boots. I think Redwing construction is likely superior to both… by reputation, at least.

Do you like them?

Redwings are tough boots that last forever. I typically get 8-10 years out of mine, wearing them daily. The soles will wear out before the leather. The downside is they need to be broken in like a good saddle or your feet will feel it. But they are worth the effort.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Redwings are tough boots that last forever. I typically get 8-10 years out of mine, wearing them daily. The soles will wear out before the leather. The downside is they need to be broken in like a good saddle or your feet will feel it. But they are worth the effort.

Aligns with what I’ve read. Never tried a pair but have come close. Maybe I will add a pair.

Thank you.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Redwings are tough boots that last forever. I typically get 8-10 years out of mine, wearing them daily. The soles will wear out before the leather. The downside is they need to be broken in like a good saddle or your feet will feel it. But they are worth the effort.

Gonna sound crazy but hear me out. Put your new boots on (if they’re laced don’t tighten them yet), fill them with water, after a minute or two of walking around bend your knee so majority of the water drains out, (if laced, tie them) wear all day, after wearing for 5 hrs minimum take off and put boot on side with mouth of boot towards bottom of garage refrigerator door (butt it up as close as you can to the grate beneath the door). Next day your boots will be broken in perfectly. If you like them a little loose do the process wearing two pair of socks.


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[enjoythemusic]

Generally, i kinda look like a bum with long hair and an unkept beard. But guess the chosen timepiece kinda 'outs' me.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Gonna sound crazy but hear me out. Put your new boots on (if they’re laced don’t tighten them yet), fill them with water, after a minute or two of walking around bend your knee so majority of the water drains out, (if laced, tie them) wear all day, after wearing for 5 hrs minimum take off and put boot on side with mouth of boot towards bottom of garage refrigerator door (butt it up as close as you can to the grate beneath the door). Next day your boots will be broken in perfectly. If you like them a little loose do the process wearing two pair of socks.


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Ah, the good ‘ole trench foot technique.

;-)

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

Ah, the good ‘ole trench foot technique.

;-)

I mean if it’s not broken why fix it!? lol. Disclaimer- you’re not gonna get trench foot from 1 day of wearing wet boots. Also - don’t utilize this method in winter or temperatures lower than like 60 degrees.


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[Easy E]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

I mean if it’s not broken why fix it!? lol. Disclaimer- you’re not gonna get trench foot from 1 day of wearing wet boots. Also - don’t utilize this method in winter or temperatures lower than like 60 degrees.


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So, in other words, Canadians will never be able to do this.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Easy E

So, in other words, Canadians will never be able to do this.

lol. The 60 degrees Fahrenheit was just a suggestion, personally, wet boots in lower than that sucks badddd in my experience. I hope they get over 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer!!


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[Krash]

lol

This reminds of the time when I had a real bad case of the flu. Fever, lots of chest congestion, coughing, etc.

Anyway, I was on the phone with my boss, and she kept insisting that I should rub Vicks VapoRub all over my feet and put my socks on.

I kept saying, “no, that’s alright, I’ll be fine.” And she was getting mad at me because I wouldn’t do it.

OMG.

I can’t stop laughing thinking about it.


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[Shomegan]

Watches and sunglasses for me. I’ve had expensive watches before, but I always end up going back to my Casio F91W—it's light, reliable, and costs less than a takeaway. Same with sunglasses. I either lose them, scratch them, or sit on them, so spending big just isn’t worth it. I stick to cheap polarized ones, and they do the job just fine.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Gonna sound crazy but hear me out. Put your new boots on (if they’re laced don’t tighten them yet), fill them with water, after a minute or two of walking around bend your knee so majority of the water drains out, (if laced, tie them) wear all day, after wearing for 5 hrs minimum take off and put boot on side with mouth of boot towards bottom of garage refrigerator door (butt it up as close as you can to the grate beneath the door). Next day your boots will be broken in perfectly. If you like them a little loose do the process wearing two pair of socks.


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I did that in the Army with my boots, not intentionally, but it works great.

If you choose to do that, keep in mind that leather hates water. Water damage is what destroys good leather. After your boots dry out recondition them with a healthy dose of Bick 4 (Amazon for about $10 and safe on all leather). The Bick 4 reconditions the leather and prevents further deterioration. If your boots get wet a lot hit them with the Bick 4 now and again and they will last forever.

[~Ocho1~]

The 1st thing that came to mind were jeans. I normally wear Wrangler jeans, they just fit nice & are one of the few that offer a loose/relaxed boot cut. Other than Wrangler, Levi's.

I can't fathom spending $200+ on a pair of jeans!! They're not going to be better build than Levi's....

Super expensive shoes is another. My most expensive shoes are probably my Blundstone boots. By far the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned & so far they've been pretty durable. They run a little under $200, but I feel they're well worth it. But blowing $500-600 on a pair of designer shoes is just silly.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by APhound

Costco underwear and socks haha
I have all the fancy stuff but only want my Costco undies.


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Lmao, this is me too!

[edyu]

Living in CA, t-shirt is my every day wear because I'll just grab a coat outside my t-shirt when it gets colder. Because of that, I care a lot about what t-shirt I'm wearing and I'm more willing to spend more on t-shirt. The "nicer" t-shirts are nicer and you don't have to spend a lot more as you can usually grab them much cheaper in Nordstrom Rack or something but they will still run you about $30-$50. The reason is material as the more expensive ones sometimes use more expensive cotton or blend which are too expensive for cheaper t-shirts to use. Cotton is great and comfortable but it soaks up sweat so if I'm doing sports or traveling to a humid and hot place, I like the sporty blends more.

For coat or outside wear I like Filson and plenty warm for whatever weather in CA.

For underwear, I do like the ones you can buy in Asia (Japan/China/Korea) because they are usually much softer (because it gets super humid in China) but they are still cheaper than what you can get here.

[East Bay Rider]

Wrangler jeans are designed a little looser in the crotch, which is especially necessary if you ride motorcycles. Riding in Levi's left me feeling pinched and uncomfortable. I also think the Wranglers last longer than Levi's as well.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Wrangler jeans are designed a little looser in the crotch, which is especially necessary if you ride motorcycles. Riding in Levi's left me feeling pinched and uncomfortable. I also think the Wranglers last longer than Levi's as well.

I agree. Wrangler has always fit me better.


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[Barbara_C]

Now I can tell all....most of my shopping is garage sales..Most of my place chairs, junk....clothes came from sat morn drives around the woodlands looking for good deals

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by APhound

Costco underwear and socks haha
I have all the fancy stuff but only want my Costco undies.


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You guys and your undies! My husband only likes the brand from J. C. Penney: tighty whities! I like Jockey bikini briefs in all different colors, Levi’s jeans and tee shirts from concerts or sports teams.
I definitely like shoes and boots, too: nice comfortable ones to wear with my jeans.

Kat


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[brandrea]

Easy one for me; reading glasses. Ever since I turned 50 I started to find it just a bit tougher ….

I buy cheap drug store readers in packs of 6, so I can leave them all over the house