The New York Times recently published a piece about designer shorts and the exorbitant prices names such as Tom Ford, Armani and Thom Browne are charging for their wares. $650 or $775 for a pair of shorts? How about $1495 for something called a man-skort? Having followed fashion for many years now, prices such as these do not shock me. What I do find shocking is that these companies would have the gall to do so in an economy as bad as the world's is right now.
I have no doubts that these high-end clothiers will get their asking prices for these items but I'm finding it very hard to not pass judgment on them or their buyers right now. Maybe this has to do with the fact that for the first time in my life I am feeling the sting of an economic downturn. Maybe I'm just getting older and more pragmatic.
Since we're on the subject of pricey shorts I'll share a little story with you. I recently received a gift of a pair of very nice boxer shorts. They are made by Birds of Sausalito and they are easily the most beautifully made, perfectly tailored underpants I've ever owned.
Despite what their website states, these boxers are made from incredibly soft Pima not Sea Island cotton (both Pima and Sea Island Cotton are Extra Long Staple) and they fit like no other underpants I've ever owned. The elastic in the waistband is completely sheathed in cotton, the buttons for the flat-front closure and fly are real mother of pearl, and the seat of the shorts has a two-ply gusset where most people would expect a seam which makes for a roomy and durable tail-end.
Here's the bite. These are $76 boxer shorts. Seventy-six bucks for a underwear. Seventy-six bucks for something that exists, more or less, to catch the sort of stains men repeatedly administer to such articles of clothing. In comparison to a $1500 man-skort, $76 seems a paltry sum, but in the overall scheme of things, it does seem a bit princely.
Do I think these underpants are worth seventy-six dollars? Absolutely. Would I buy them? Totally. One caveat, though, for me to purchase them I think both the economy and my bank account would have to be in much better shape than either of them are right now.
photo: birdsofsausalito.com
Comments
But do they ride or bunch up? I hate it when they ride or bunch up. And I just can't stand to picture myself in tighties...therefore I have eschewed undies for many years. That said, when working in the summer sun, I often wish I had a sweat absorber to help prevent chaffe (ouch!) Still looking for the perfect pair.
No riding, no bunching.
I love a good fitting boxer, but my limit draws at a close at 30.00 bucks for a good feeling boxer!!!
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