[Marco911]

Originally Posted by nipples

actually dude, up until a couple years ago when i discovered winners, all my boxers came from the bay. joe boxers were like 30bucks + tax a pair.
along came winners and you know what, they last just as long, and just as comfortable. but for like 9bucks a pair.

Now, I'm no expert on winners - I've seen some fake stuff there i know that. But i'm not sure how they get them to sell at such low prices, but even if my boxers are deemed 'fake', i really wouldnt care. why? well because they last and feel just like the real ones i got from the bay. unless the bay sells fakes too.

That's because Joe Boxers aren't quality underwear to begin with. There is true "luxury" and then luxury marketing b.s. Many American luxury companies are about marketing B.S. (ie Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, A/X, ANF) because many North Americans aren't sophisticated consumers and just look at brand appeal. Most of these clothing items have the brands prominently displayed on the clothing because they know their target market buys these clothes to show-off to others so they cheap out and make these clothes in third world countries, while pocketing high margins. Look at your closet of supposed luxury clothes and tell me how many are made in Europe or the U.S.? If it isn't made in a first world country, it's as good as a fake. I can tell you that 90% of my wardrobe is not made in 3rd world countries, and I buy my underwear from a small Swiss label (Zimmerli) that still manufactures in Switzerland using Swiss cotton. The quality is far, far superior to anything you can find at The Bay.

The real luxury items don't have the brand plastered anywhere on the outside of the garment, but you can tell by the cut, the quality of the materials used and the country of origin (Europe). From the way you describe yourself, it is apparent that you are putting money into things that are apparent to others, while skimping on the things that are hidden from view (underwear, wallet, socks), so I wouldn't describe you as a true luxury shopper. I like beautiful things and I buy them for its appeal to me. As an ancillary benefit, most people know I have great taste.

I guess the only reasoning I can think of is the following:
If what I'm buying - real or fake - is something that I will go through and ruin and have to replace time and time again, I will buy a fake or whatever. I don't think anyone here with say D&G boxers can tell me they lasted 29years. As such, I would definitely buy a fake belt, or a fake wallet. Mainly because I don't care about those items.

It's not just about how long they last, but the comfort, style and luxury these items bring you.

But the main thing is that just because you spent $2000 on a purse or wallet or pen, does not make you any better than anyone else - least of all the person who bought an identical looking bag for $20! Any notions you hold of superiority or exclusivity based on the origin of manufacture of your accessories or clothes are a direct reflection of just how easily your mind is swayed by the marketing department of those goods.

That's like saying just because you went to Harvard doesn't make you smarter than anyone else. It might not be true in every case, but generally it is true. You either opt in to play "the game" of cosumerism or you opt out. If you purchase aspirational luxury items like a nice watch, or a Lacoste top or whatever, you are opting into this game. Yes, that guy that buys the $2000 wallet is better than you (exceptions being people who spend a lot of money on clothes but have no taste i.e. mainland chinese)

My older brother is totally the opposite of me and completely opts out of the game. He's probably worth a couple of million $ but he does not care about luxury items whatsoever. He drives a Jetta Diesel and buys items for function rather than style. Since he has opted out of the game, then no, I cannot say I am better than him.

A close buddy of mine... his father is in the manufacturing business. the factory makes items for a variety of brands. high middle and low end. if you want goods for cheap, all u need to do is go there after hours and you'll see worker morale at its highest ever as they turn out products that will be sold on the streets later. what is the real difference between the ones made at 8am, and the ones made at 3am? oh about 80% of the selling price.
Anyone who says that the differences are easily discernible, is full of crap!! they're made with the same materials, in the same place, by the same workers, using the same blueprints.

This is a myth and is not how manufacturing businesses operate. As a contract manufacturer, the factory that makes polo tops for Polo Ralph Lauren charges the same if not less than if I approached the factory to make polo shirts for Marco911.