Here’s Why I Bought My Whole Work Wardrobe
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I recently landed my first job as an IT professional, and with my new job came a whole new dress code. The office required business casual attire — no jeans were allowed, and collars were required, but suits were not necessary.
Before this new job, I never really gave much thought to my clothes. I only shopped when I absolutely had to, like if I ripped a hole in the crotch of my pants. But during Sunday family dinner the week before my start date, my dad nudged me to start thinking about that first-day outfit. “Clothes make the man,” he said, “and they’re the first thing your new boss and co-workers will notice about you.”
At that moment, for the first time, I realized that I owed nothing first-impression worthy. Most of my khakis were pretty baggy, and now that I thought about it, they all looked pretty worn. Nothing I owned reflected the pride and care I felt for my work. How could I ask for a raise if I didn’t invest in the way I presented myself at work? It was time to cure my closet apathy.
I didn’t really know where to turn, but I did know that whichever brand I chose had to be practical and dummy-proof. I wanted my new pants to fit right out of the box, period. Although my dad mentioned something about tailoring trousers during our wardrobe conversation, I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking for one, let alone wasting time and money for better-fitting pants.
I really don’t like walking around the mall, so I decided to take my search online. I found an article about TAYLRD, an online clothing brand that offers high-quality menswear at accessible prices. TAYLRD’s line of henleys, t-shirts, button-downs, and pants came in a wide array of sizes, colors, and cuts. All orders came with free returns and exchanges, plus free same-day shipping on orders $75 or more.
Gravitating toward their Stretch Washed Chinos, I scrolled through 14 impressive colors, all of which were appropriate for my new job, yet interesting enough to wear on a date. Traditional tans and grays lined up right alongside less-traditional colors like Dusty Rose and Seafoam, all at just $75 each with free shipping. (Other brands I looked into charged almost double for the same pants!) On top of all that, a percentage of my purchase went to Tuesday’s Children, an organization that supports families and communities impacted by terrorism and other traumatic events. I felt good knowing my money would support a brand with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility.
TAYLRD made it super easy to figure out which fit was best for me. Many of the colors came in three styles — standard, slim, and fitted — and in waist sizes ranging from 29” to 40”. There were many pant lengths to choose from as well, from 30” to 34”. Plus, with a touch of spandex in the cotton fabric (98% cotton, 2% spandex), I knew that little bit of stretch would go a long way to ensure a comfortable fit. I selected one pair of Desert Sand and one pair of Port chinos, both in a standard fit, a 36” waist and a 32” leg.
The second I took the chinos out of the package, I could tell these pants were the highest-quality clothes I’ve ever purchased. The cotton felt light and sturdy in my hands, and the stretch was just enough to stay comfortable all day long.TAYLRD’s close attention to detail was obvious, too. The stitching laid flat, the colors were vibrant, and a cool complementary pattern showed when I cuffed the legs. I couldn’t believe that clothing this well-made only cost $75! I went right back to their website and bought three more pairs, one for every day of the workweek.
Most importantly, the TAYLRD chinos, well, fit like a glove. The pant leg hit right at the ankle, the waist laid flat against my stomach, and the rise had plenty of room to keep me comfortable without looking baggy — all without any extra effort. When the first day of work came around, I pulled on the Desert Sand chinos, paired it with a sharp button-down, and walked in the door with a confident smile. Thanks to TAYLRD, I felt ready to conquer the world — all at a price my wallet could handle.