The best things in life are free.
The second best are very expensive.
Yes – I am quoting Coco Chanel.
But don't run for the hills just yet – this famous quote illustrates the subject of today's article perfectly. There are, quite simply, some things in life that you should always spend a bit more on.
These essentials are worth every extra dollar. Cheaping out on them is a big mistake. Why? Because doing so will have a detrimental effect on your confidence and your performance. It may even cause you injury!
So what are these items? And what it is about them that makes them worthy of your hard-earned cash?
Now without further ado, let's get to the 5 items worth spending more money on.
Item #1. Your Workout Gear
I don't often talk about workout gear (it's hard to look sophisticated in athletic clothing – there's no space for a pocket square) but I think investing in good-quality gym clothes is important just the same. Dressing out in sub-par athletic apparel will affect your performance and can increase the likelihood of injury.
I'll use myself as an example. I'm a keen runner – I ran at school and I ran track in the Marine Corps – but about 10 years ago, I started to feel pain in my foot so I saw a doctor.
It turned out the shoes I was wearing to run in weren't running shoes. I'd bought some sneakers without thinking and they had poor cushioning – which was causing me pain.
I also deadlift and as part of my training program, I send videos of my technique to my coach for feedback. His first piece of advice was to swap my shoes for a pair designed specifically for deadlifting.
These shoes should have thin soles (as opposed to running shoes, which have a thicker cushioned sole) and I hadn't realized this. I was risking injury through my poor choice of footwear.
In both of these examples, I did not have the right tools for the job.
An injury can put your workouts on hold indefinitely so it's well worth investing in clothes, shoes and equipment that will lower your risk of getting injured.
Click here to read my article on How Sports Gear Influences Performance In Sport & Exercise.
The right tool at the right time can make a huge difference in your performance. It's worth the investment.
Item #2. Your Razor
If there's one place you simply cannot afford to cheap out on – it's your face!
As men, we want the closest, most comfortable shave possible. If you've got face-to-face meetings during the day – or in my case, if you need to shoot videos – you don't want a face full of bumps and cuts. When it comes to shaving, you want a razor you can rely on and you need a perfect shave every time.
You're going to shave over 10,000 times in your life – so it’s time to start enjoying your daily shave. Turn it into a time for self-care. When you invest in a quality shave it becomes a powerful masculine ritual that makes you feel ready to conquer the day.
Remember, gentlemen: the best things in life don’t come easy or cheap.
Item #3. Your Watch
If you've been reading my recent articles, you know how much I enjoy learning about watches. A watch is so much more than a convenient way of telling the time. It's a statement: a signal that your time matters. It can quite often demonstrate status. In my case – it has quite sentimental value.
My Rolex Datejust 41 was a gift to myself (thanks Antonio!) and it has a powerful meaning for me – it symbolizes my business partner Aaron Marino and me selling out Menfluential, our annual conference in Atlanta. On the other hand, my Rolex Yachtmaster reminds me of the first year I earned 7 figures with Real Men Real Style.
And the Rolex Explorer I'm wearing in today's video reminds me of the importance of exploring the world with my wife and children.
I'm not saying you need to buy a $10,000 watch, but you do need a watch that means something to you. Every time you look down at your wrist, you'll be reminded of a specific event, achievement or milestone in your life.
Item #4. Your Suit
Think of your suit as your coat of armor. It should make you look and feel like a million dollars and should fit you like a glove. That's not to say it should look spray-painted on like suits often do on Instagram, but it should be well-tailored (meaning take it to a tailor!) and fit you perfectly.
Opt for a classic cut and seek to avoid fashion trends so you won't have to replace your suit every year. A good quality, well made suit will last decades and still look sharp the thousandth time you wear it.
Your suit doesn't have to be fully bespoke, nor am I telling you to sacrifice three months' salary to buy one, but be prepared to pay a little more and set aside some extra money to have it tailored to fit your body shape.
Avoid lower-end suits as they are often made from inferior synthetic materials like Polyester; materials like this are more rigid than Cotton or Linen, meaning they won't drape from your body like a higher-end suit would.
Click here to read my article – Rules For Buying The Perfect Suit.
A useful tip for you – by visiting thrift stores; it's quite possible to find high-end, pre-owned suits at rock bottom prices. And with a little tailoring, no one is going to know the difference.
Item #5. Your Shoes
Why would you buy expensive shoes? You should. Because they are worth it in the long run. Dress shoes are the foundation of any man's wardrobe. They also provide your feet with support -poor quality shoes simply can't do this job properly.
There is no reason a good quality pair of shoes can't last more than 10 years. If you take care to keep them in good condition, they are worth every extra dollar you pay.
Some men find it hard to justify paying more for shoes but once you understand the benefits of a well-made shoe, you will see it is an investment. Always make sure they're leather (top grain is ideal) and make sure your shoes have a Blake or Goodyear Welt.
Here's why.
The Welt is the way the sole is attached to the shoe, or the ‘upper'. A quality pair of shoes will have soles which are stitched to the uppers.
The advantage of these methods, over gluing, is that the shoe can be resoled when they become worn. Glued soles will degrade over time and once they fall apart, there is little that can be done to repair them.
A genuine leather shoe will mold to the shape of your feet with time, while remaining supportive. The leather, if properly maintained, will keep flexible and durable and will outlast any man made material like plastic.
Don't be afraid to spend good money on your shoes – the investment is worth it.
In Summary
So there you have it; these 5 items should never be cheaped out on.
- Your sports gear
- Your razor,
- Your suit,
- Your watch
- Your shoes
are all worth every extra dollar you pay for them. But there is one more thing you should invest in – and I've not covered it so far.
And that thing is: You.
