Korean Job Discussion Forums

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

Before I go to Korea(or after), I'm seriously considering re-vamping my wardrobe....I dress pretty nice, but it's getting kinda boring.

However, everyone says western goods and clothing is more expensive there, so is there higher end Men's Korean brands that are affordable or at least fairly priced? I'd feel gypped buying ultra marked up stuff I can get at home for cheaper(like premimum denim). Might as well buy before I go.....

Is there many boutiques or mens' wear stores. Any Korean fashion designers worth looking at. Is buying clothes here comparatively cheaper compared to buying the similar quality stuff in the USA?

I know sizes are smaller, but as a very broad shouldered guy(5'11, 170 lb), will getting a large size or higher be difficult? Shoes at size 11-12?

Lastly, do sales commonly occur?

The Archivist · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

ebay is still gonna be the best bet for denim. my girl and i have bought probably a dozen pairs of earnest sewn, paper or paige jeans for around $100 each, with tags. crazy cheap.
korean guys wear cargo pants, or baggy jeans with tshirts on, and baseball caps. they're straight out of an old navy ad, and they breakdance to lure women. if that's your style, you'll have a great time shopping. if you like things that are in style in the real world, you'll be hard pressed to find it unless you've got more than english teacher money.
i'm the same size as you, and had no trouble finding clothes as koreans, especially young guys are the same size as westerners. i have size 10 feet, and also had no trouble buying shoes.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

DrTommyTom · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Location: Suwon, South Korea

hey, does anyone if there are places to buy burberry clothing. Im a big fan of it and I hope to buy some once I do get to Korea, sometime in late march.

Plus, does Korean fashion follow the same trends as we have in the West? Like, the seasonal shows we see here for Armani, Versace, etc...would they be along the same lines for trends or do they have their own?

thanks for any responses...

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

nomad-ish · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

definitely revamp your wardrobe!

there are some good western clothing stores in seoul, like the gap, however last time i went there the selection was small and when i finally found something i liked (a sweater) it was $180...keep in mind, this sweater back home would go for $60-70. korean clothing i find cheaper than back home, however even though i'm thin and fit into the korean sizes, i find the pant lengths and shirt/sweater arm lengths much shorter than we're used to (you're about my height).

as for shoes, i'm a size 9.5 and i have no problem whatsoever getting shoes, but i'm a girl and there are a lot of shoe places here for us. i've seen some shoe stores around itaewon and it looks like they sell bigger male sizes

normalcyispasse · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject:

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

smurfetta · Joined: 03 Oct 2007

My suggestion is to buy clothing at home especially jeans. I've found that Korean sizing is not consistent and they don't fit the same as western clothes. Last time I was home I made sure that I bought some new jeans and cords.

Suwoner10 · Joined: 10 Dec 2007

You're a homosexual, aren't you?

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

nicholas_chiasson · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Location: Samcheok

-You can go to Busan and dress like a russian sailor/phillipino migrant worker pretty cheap.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

The well known western brands will be 2-3x's as much here in Korea. I laughed when I saw a GAP shirt for $60 when it is $20 on their website back home.

If I were you, buy as much clothes there before coming here, else be prepared to pay DOUBLE what you would normally pay.

If you want something nice and upscale, try going with Banana Republic. they have a new BR monogram collection that is their high end line. Their clothes look very nice and professional. I think the style would fits real well in Korea also.

Polo Ralph Lauren is marked up real high here too. I know you can find all sorts of Polo clothes on sale at department stores/outlets in the US real cheap.

I think a really popular Korean upscale brand is Beanpole. My opinion, stick with Banana Republic.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

170lbs, 5'11"? It shouldn't be a problem to find clothes (you aren't exactly big, you know), although you'll have to shop around because the sleeves of most shirts might be a tad short for you. You probably aren't big enough to wear size 110, but that's probably the best bet for you. The sleeves on shirts that are size 105 will probably be too short for you, especially if you have broad shoulders. But, the fit really varies from brand to brand, so make sure you shop around. One problem I've had with shirts is that, being muscular, they are sometimes too tight around the chest, arms and/or shoulders: a lot of 105-110 shirts are tailored for short and fat.