Open Letter to Mid to Low-Range Retailers

Dear H&M, et al,

I must express my frustration to you. As a loyal shopper at your stores for many years (who can resist the allure of moderately priced clothing?), I must let you know that my shopping experiences of late have become increasingly frustrating. Where is the creativity in menswear? Where is the risk, the playfulness, the fun? Menswear does not have to be boring button down shirts and suits in neutral tones. There are more patterns out there than stripes or plaids (I don't care how many varieties of stripes you throw at me...they're still stripes). No matter what you think, "relaxed," "original, and "classic" all just mean baggy!

Seriously, when did you start being such tricksters? You sneaky queens put all the cute, crazy womenswear in the windows and in the front of the stores to lure me in, hoping the menswear will be just as fun. When I walk in, I see color, patterns, even metallics! I see crazy accessories, boldness, variety and risk-taking. My heart sinks, though, when I finally wade through all the fabulousness to the mens section and see boring sweaters and neutral colors that just seem even worse by comparison to the delectable smorgasborg I saw in the front. I mean, honestly, stop making carpenter jeans! You tug at my heart strings each time this happens.

Don't you know that guys need variety too? I know you have to keep your midwestern frat boy and banker in mind when deciding on product, but still...can't we have a bit more to choose from? Colors are important (and there are more colors than blue. Seriously.) and let's see some embellishment. Screen printing graphics and witty sayings on t-shirts can only go so far.

So, in conclusion, I guess I'm just asking to make your menswear a bit more like your womenswear. I'm not saying to try to sell guys dresses, skirts and purses, but to take a few more risks with the garments. You seem to have so much more fun with the women...and I know they are fun to dress, but spread the love. The guys deserve it too!

Love, Your Faithful Clothes Whore,
G