[2023] My Top 10 Apparel Purchases

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From the apparel I purchased in 2023, I will introduce the 10 best items in a ranking format (excluding Uniqlo).

Conclusion: I feel that as I get older, I am carefully selecting what I buy, shifting toward items that are more valuable, easy to mix and match, and comfortable to wear. I'm looking forward to seeing how my 2024 purchase summary turns out 😃

▶︎ Apparel purchased in 2023

From the clothes, accessories, shoes, etc., that I purchased in 2023, I will summarize the 10 best items in a ranking format. Compiling this every year is useful because it helps me confirm my own clothing preferences.

Looking back at the clothes I bought in 2023, I hardly bought anything other than what is introduced here. I feel that as I get older, the amount I buy is gradually decreasing because I carefully select the things I buy.

■ 1st Place: CHANEL "Sneakers"

Seeing a woman wearing Chanel sneakers well made me think "that's nice," which led me to start researching Chanel sneakers.

I learned that 1) Chanel continuously releases sneakers in the same style but in different colors and materials, 2) sneakers are the only item in Chanel that comes in men's sizes, and 3) Chanel does not provide information on stock at other stores at all.

After various things, I was able to purchase my size at the store. In addition to looking good, another point is that they are extremely light and as comfortable to wear as New Balance. I thought, "Maybe the Chanel logo should be a bit more prominent," but every time I see someone wearing them with a "Chanel BAM!" look, I feel that "Chanel if you look closely" is more mature and better.

■ 2nd Place: UNIFORM EXPERIMENT "RIGID DENIM SAROUEL PANTS"

The pants I wore most often on my days off. In addition to being rigid and dark-colored, which matches various clothes, I also like that the sarouel silhouette has an edge.

■ 3rd Place: New Balance 2002R Protection Pack "Black"

Since buying my first New Balance (991, 993) in 2022, I was impressed by how easy they are to walk in, so I also bought the "2002." Because they are produced in Asia, they were at an affordable price for New Balance. I also like that they are black and white, making them easy to mix and match.

■ 4th Place: A BATHING APE "BAPE STA JJJJOUND" and others

The "BAPE STA" was something I had wanted for a long time. In the mood for simple court sneakers, I bought the two pairs that were just released (purchased at different times). Although the price is higher compared to NIKE, I feel that the comfort of the BAPE STA is superior. I like that they are easy to match with various outfits.

■ 5th Place: Chrome Hearts "KEYRING - CLIP CHAIN - CLSC" and others

I am continuously collecting Chrome Hearts. I attach the CLIP CHAIN to the grommet (eyelet) of my wallet. Also, this is the first ring I have bought since my wedding ring. I would like to gradually increase my ring collection, as long as they don't look tacky.

It is a shame that I cannot easily add to my collection due to the sharp rise in prices and the ongoing shortages caused by inbound tourism 😑

■ 6th Place: Cole Haan "CH X ATMOS OriginalGrand Longwing Oxford"

I bought my first pair of Cole Haan leather shoes in 2022. At the time, I was so impressed by the comfort that I thought, "I should just use Cole Haan for all my business shoes!." I like the new pair I bought because they are easy to pair with casual outfits or casual business setups. They are as comfortable as walking on clouds.

■ 7th Place: Supreme "Small Box Drawcord Hooded Sweatshirt"

The only Supreme item I bought (was able to buy) in 2023. As I get older, the appeal of the "box logo" with its prominent branding has faded (I have been gradually selling off the box logos I own), and I have come to feel that the small box logo is just right. The material of the hoodie itself is good, so I often wear it when I go out for a bit.

■ 8th Place: Gentle Monster "Maison Margiela – MM005 01"

Glasses I had wanted since I first heard about them. I bought them at the Omotesando store on the day they were released. Immediately after buying them, I had the lenses changed to non-prescription clear lenses at an optical shop and have been using them for daily wear. The Margiela logo on the temples has a nice presence.

■ 9th Place: "STRETCH LIGHT WEIGHT HOODED BLOUSON" and others

I bought this because I wanted a setup that I could wear casually when playing in the park or when visiting my hometown or traveling. The jacket is packable. If I wear a white T-shirt with this, the outfit is complete. However, it is a shame that there was no spring or autumn in 2023, so I had few opportunities to wear it.

■ 10th Place: Oakley "Oakley X FRAGMENT - Sutro Vented"

Purchased for a full marathon. Until now, I had never felt the need for sunglasses when running. However, I became interested after reading about the benefits of sunglasses in a Nikkei article. Also, just as I read that article, Oakley sunglasses in collaboration with Fragment were released, so I bought them.

In fact, wearing sunglasses made a huge difference in fatigue. I recommend that all marathon runners wear sunglasses!

■ Extra: Apple "Apple Watch SE", CASETiFY "Link Bracelet Band"

The Apple Watch I had been using would run out of battery if I kept it in running mode for even an hour. Therefore, I upgraded to the latest Apple Watch mainly to track my time during full marathons.

In addition to the watch, I also bought a CASETiFY metal band for everyday use. Since metal bands go with any outfit, whether it's a suit or casual wear, I would recommend them to all Apple Watch users.

▶︎ Summary

What did you think? As I get older, I feel that I am buying fewer items, carefully selecting them, and shifting toward things that are more valuable, easier to mix and match, and more comfortable to wear. Also, I am actively selling items that I wear less frequently. I'm looking forward to seeing what I buy in 2024 😃