Buy This + Consign That: Our Guide to Dressing Better and Cashing out
Spring is here, and with it the inevitable spring cleaning begins. While out with the old and in with the new is a good maxim, sometimes out with the just-dropped, in with the archival makes more sense. Our menswear experts are our shopping and consignment gurus, and if you’re looking for a true wardrobe refresh, they’ve got you covered. Read on to discover what to score now, and how to cash out.
Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
Buy: Hype Go-Tos
Jordan 1 Retro High OG Black Toe Sneakers; Junya Watanabe Commes des Garçons Patchwork Jeans; Off-White x Nike 2018 All Hallow’s Eve Blazer Sneakers
Jordan 1s are one of the most iconic sneakers of all time, and always a good investment. Grabbing the “Black Toe,” “Bred,” “Chicago” or “Royal” colorways will forever be your best bet as they are the most covetable and will hold the most value over time. Anything from the Off-White x Nike collection is a good buy too. Demand never seems to decrease for these, and their value has only been going up. The price for these “Hallows Eve” Blazers is still fairly low. The first Off-White x Nike Blazers from The 10 collection were about this price a year ago, and now they’ve more than doubled and sell anywhere from $1,400-$1,700 in mint condition.
I’d also advise buying Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons patchwork jeans for spring. They’re fairly inexpensive on the secondary market, and the craftsmanship and quality of materials more than warrants the price tag. The good thing about these jeans is that you can wear them twenty to thirty times and most likely sell them for the same price you paid for in the resale market. The wear adds character. And they’re a great introductory piece for an entry-level archivist.
Consign: Streetwear That Sells
Off-White 2017 Varsity Jacket; Yeezy x adidas 2018 700 V2 Static Sneakers; Supreme 2016 Box Logo Hoodie
Off-White’s varsity jackets are trending for spring, and we’ve consistently been able to sell these for 60-80% of their original retail price. With Virgil Abloh as the Creative Director of Menswear at Louis Vuitton and LVMH’s recent investment in Off-White, the streetwear brand will be increasing their production runs. There will be plenty more varsity jackets in the future, so cash out while the money’s good.
The sneakers you should let go of this season are the Yeezy x adidas 700 Statics. Their value has drastically increased over the past two months. Originally retailing for $300, they initially sold at about $400 in the secondary market but are now going for around $550-$600. They’re extremely coveted due to celebrity endorsement, exclusivity and a great neutral colorway. But there are multiple colorways of the Yeezy 700 releasing soon, and there’s always a possibility of a restock or re-release, which will lessen demand. Sell them now.
Supreme pieces with box logos are also great to consign — due to limited production, they’re always in high demand. Every season they release, and every season they sell out. If you were able to cop them, sell your Supreme box logo sweatshirts and hoodies now. They can sell up for 10x their original retail price.
Billy Garcia, Fashion Valuation Manager
Buy: Luxe Game-Changers
Balenciaga Triple S Sneaker; Thom Browne Blazer; Fendi 2018 Mani FF Logo Tote
Balenciaga Triple S sneakers are the game-changer of the sneaker world. Demna Gvasalia revitalized the sneakers at Balenciaga and all luxury brands followed suit. Their continued popularity is a clear indicator that streetwear isn’t going anywhere. Critics of the dad shoe trend, steer clear. But if you want the shoes that started the trend, invest in these.
When it comes to a good spring blazer, it’s all about the fit, and Thom Browne knows tailoring. The avant-garde designer’s DNA is in menswear and precision, and his classic blazer is a smart purchase. Browne is known to design some eye-catching clothing, but he’s also an expert at producing timeless pieces. He’s leading American menswear and, in my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before this huge talent is tapped to take on a historic fashion brand.
Now is the time to get the best that logomania has to offer. With brands like Dior and Fendi reintroducing classics and formulating new It pieces, there’s a whole new batch of staples that can be worn for years to come. Fendi’s FF print (formerly called “Zucca”) was once reserved for women’s handbags and accessories, but now it’s available for men to enjoy too. And the Fendi Mania collection is just a bonus of layered logos.
Consign: Most Valuable Icons, Old & New
Burberry 2018 Kingly Rainbow Check Sneakers; Saint Laurent Leather Moto Jacket; Gucci GG Marmont Belt
Over the last ten years, Burberry has come to the forefront of British cool with its new take on the Nova Check print. Former Creative Director Christopher Bailey changed up the color scheme last year with the Rainbow Capsule Collection, and now with Riccardo Tisci in control, Burberry pieces have been flying off the racks. Their streetwear influence has grown significantly, and the craftsmanship only makes it that much more coveted. Consign these and they’ll sell in no time.
A leather jacket is a staple piece, and Saint Laurent’s classic rendition is one that keeps its value. And when it comes to leather jackets, it’s the one brand you can get the biggest return on. These sell anywhere from $2,995 to $3,495. Gucci belts are also top sellers for us. Alessandro Michele has brought a second wave of rebirth to the brand (after Tom Ford’s first Gucci rejuvenation). The GG will forever be iconic and it shows in the resale market. GG Marmont belts in particular sell close to the retail price, new-with-tags or not. All variations are desirable, whether it be with a Web trim or smooth leather.
Dominik Halás, Men’s Category Expert
Buy: Archival Masterpieces
Jean Paul Gaultier Limited Edition Vintage Sunglasses; Yohji Yamamoto 2002 Blazer; Saint Laurent 2013 Jeans
Jean Paul Gaultier’s conceptual graphics and whimsical collection themes were years ahead of their time. Celebrities and stylists alike have been spotted in vintage Gaultier. This has driven interest in his older collections, which continue to appreciate in value year after year. If you’re thinking of buying and reconsigning later, Gaultier is a great option. As is Hedi Slimane-era Saint Laurent, with his archetypal approach to designing fashion. His iconic distressed denim and shearling jackets are examples of pieces so classic they’re desired by everyone, with craftsmanship so strong they’ll stand the test of time.
Legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto has always been a collector favorite, but interest has been spiking in recent years as buyers hunt for archival originals of today’s reissues. Invest in embroidered pieces, breathable wool gabardine and abstract tailoring.
Consign: The Stuff of Collectors’ Dreams
Raf Simons Document Holder; Dior Homme 2002 Bloodwound Embroidered Shirt; Prada Tessuto Waist Bag
Iconic Belgian designer Raf Simons has discovered a newfound audience in the streetwear and hype communities. Resale prices for early pieces grew tenfold over the last few years. I recommend consigning anything oversized or graphic from 2006 or earlier, plus new, bold items that might become future classics. And as Hedi Slimane continues to define his vision at Celine, collectors are looking to archive pieces from his early collections at Dior Homme. This Bloodwound shirt from Dior Homme’s Spring/Summer 2002 collection was featured in the Met’s “PUNK: From Chaos to Couture” show a few years ago and continues to rise in value each time another one hits the market.
Prada’s iconic ‘90s nylons are having a huge comeback and everyone is on the lookout for them. Sell on-trend crossbody bags and chest rigs that are aligned with fashion’s current utilitarian obsession to maximize your earnings.
Aaron McWilliams, Senior Men’s Merchandise Manager
Buy: Sartorial Spring Essentials
Yeezy x adidas 2018 Boost 350 V2 Static Sneakers; Balenciaga 2017 Logo Track Jacket; Louis Vuitton 2018 Monogram Pocket Organizer
I can’t emphasize enough the significance of Yeezys (still). Some might think that saturation and maturity have plagued Yeezy x adidas, but honestly, their reign has only just begun. Although there are a lot more styles on the market, they’re still on top. These sneakers are the most-Obsessed item in menswear at The RealReal, meaning everyone’s got them on their mind. Buy now!
And if you’re looking for the perfect spring jacket to put you on another level, go for Balenciaga. They quickly adapted to the streetwear disruption of luxury fashion and have reaped the benefits. Their particular blend of hype and luxury can’t be found anywhere else. Complete your fit with Louis Vuitton’s small leather goods. They’re iconic mainstays, and this pocket organizer uses the monogram print topped with an inverted Initiales design. It’s the perfect on-trend piece that’s also timeless.
Consign: Signature Wardrobe Staples
Prada 2018 Cloudbust Sneakers; Brunello Cucinelli Bomber Jacket; Louis Vuitton 2019 RGB Keepall Bandoulière 50
