Where to buy men’s clothes

Though it is not many men’s best hobby, buying clothes should not be a sore chore.

Peter Ojule is a fashionable engineer. Ojule attests to keeping up with fashion trends by knowing what is good on him and not.

For other men, a man’s shopping will be prompted either by an awful moment in clarity - like to impress a woman - or just the seasons. But even as the year unfolds, many are rushing to give their wardrobe an overhaul. Some men make mistakes when buying items from dealers, or even when they finally enter the boutique or shop, they will be faced with several decisions when it comes to size, colour, what is nice.

Shopping is hard work
It is often said of many men that shopping for your own clothes is like doing your own brain surgery - you just do not know when you have screwed up. “This is because finding shops that stock good looking affordable men’s clothes is difficult,” explains Ismail Mukasa, a sales personnel at G-10 boutique in Ntinda.

For those who usually find time and go down town, there are many retail shops mostly along the street. This is convenient for someone who wants to get something simple real quick.

Denis Kasekende, a salesman at Maria’s Galleria opposite Namaganda Plaza says, “Men want something good, but this usually comes at a cost.” So knowing what kind, type and colour of clothes your setting out to buy is paramount but more important is knowing the different places best for different items you want.

Kasekende deals in men’s garmets ranging from formal shirts, casual shirts, trousers, jeans and Khaki trousers. His shirts cost vetween Shs30,000 and Shs50,000; trousers range from Shs30,000 to Shs45,000. He can also help you get something specific from other dealers in town as long as you tip him well.

Just like we have various local outlets selling men’s things, there are different options when it comes to shopping for male clothes.

At Issa classics on Mabirizi plaza, they sell different types of shoes for men. Formal shoes range from Shs150,000 upwards a pair; boots fetch up to Shs90,000 onwards, and moccasins go for Shs90,000 to Shs100,000 depending on the type you choose. They import most of the shoes but they can also get you a specific type of shoe on order basis. G-10 fashion classics, Ntinda opposite Diamond trust Bank, is another place good for smart casuals’ especially shirts which range from Shs30,000 to Shs50,000. However, “There’s a discount for bulk purchase,” says Mukasa, a sales personnel.

The high end
If you consider other uptown shopping centres like Mr Price who specialise in mostly smart casual, you can get shirts from Shs60,000 onwards, formal trousers ranging from Shs80,000 to Shs100,000, Khaki shorts from Shs60,000 to Shs90,000 and polo shirts at between Shs35,000 and Shs40,000. According to Frank Ngolya, a sales personnel at Mr Price, most of the clothes they bring in depend on the season and what’s in or fashionable.

Other high-end shopping places like Winna Classic have almost all a man will need from suits to shirts and also jeans and casual shirts, wallets and shoes, which are all imported. This will provide you with comfortable shopping experience but at a hefty price as none of them come cheap. Select Garmets is good with the suits and they have a variety of suits by Ramsey and other designers. Suits vary from Shs500,000 onwards and a tuxedo for instance costs between Shs700,000 to Shs2.7m.

Downtown
If you prefer to go down town, then its best you identify where. Firstly due to the congestion there are many elusive thieves there who can make off with your property. In addition to that is the limited parking space available. This makes it important to identify a scout who knows your taste and size whom you can easily send there.

Andrew Semwezi says he goes directly to down own, Owino to select individuals who usually sell to him clothes and shoes. “I have a specific dealer who usually links me to all the other traders. I can also get a good designer shoe at almost half the price in the shopping malls.”

Jackson Odure, an accountant says he buys his shirts from Owino Market from traders who usually open their containers and boxes to sell to retailers.

He says many people including boutique owners usually scramble to pick out shirts. He adds, “All it takes is patience and you can easily get very good shirts at cheap prices.” He adds, “I only buy trousers and suits from the arcades in town.”

Shopping for men’s clothes can be a tedious affair but getting to know your different options will save you lots of trouble.