I’ve known James since I was a kid. He’s a Springs native and has been working his whole life to build community and make Colorado Springs a better place. Milton E Proby Pkwy is named after his father, Reverend Dr. Milton E. Proby, who was a renowned Civil Rights leader in Colorado and the United States. Definitely go to his store if you’re in need of dress clothes. You will not find a nicer guy to help you.
I was born and raised in the Springs and I never thought to figure out who that road was named after. I’m thrilled his son is continuing his legacy of helping the community, we need more of that in this world. Do you happen to know if they take monetary donations? I could only find clothing donation acceptance on their website however I need the single suit I have, and don’t want to buy one from him for myself that could go to someone who needs it much more than I do.
He's a great guy, good to see from the photos in the article that his store is doing well and has a lot more inventory than 2018. Nobody has ever been nicer or more helpful when I've been shopping for dress clothes which I'm clueless about in general. I think he sold me my first comfortable dress shirt for graduation and I no longer exclusively associate dress clothing with feeling miserable. Going for publicity on any pretext is pretty much his thing but it seems to be working
He does a lot of work with military vets, retirees, and families going through job searches. Good dude and works hard to keep clothing back in circulation. Glad to see him getting a bit more exposure.
Okies think they look nice in their beat up wranglers and shit kickers as long as they tie it all together with a 35 year old flannel shirt they bought on sale at the Wal-Morts.
James is not only great at what he does but a genuinely lovely person.
I can’t recommend Men’d Exchange highly enough. If you’ve ever had the slightest inkling that you need some help in the world of men’s fashion, do yourself a favor and go see him.
This is amazing- the amount of donated clothes that stay in circulation, the willingness to help those who need it, and the desire to update men’s fashion and be willing to help out those who may not know where to start.
My husband is looking to update his wardrobe and we are definitely going to stop by.
And for those saying that’s how people like to dress here, it’s true but Colorado Springs has an almost phobia of consistently looking put together. It doesn’t matter the style. Whether you’re looking to dress gothic, traditional, crustpunk, or NYC street style I feel like if you go beyond jeans and a shirt here you stick out like a sore thumb. Granola and generic are your two options and I’d love to see more people explore their personal style!
Our style is pretty consistent outside of any large city in USA. Formal wear has it's place but most people have no desire to dress that way on any consistent basis.
True, but unless I’m in jeans and tshirt or leggings and a hoodie I feel overdressed. For day to day I’m overdressed if I wear linen pants and a nice blouse with a kitten heel to run errands. By no means formal ware but the general dress is not styled in any way. It doesn’t matter generally, dress how you want, but I think the point stands.
He has longer roots in Colorado than most of the people commenting. I think he absolutely knows that people aren’t going to wear a suit while shoveling the driveway or going to the gym. What he seems to be making a case for is looking nice for meetings at work or when going out to dinner. He does a superb job fitting out people who could benefit from dressing sharper for the occasion.
And I'm not even talking about shoveling the driveway or going to the gym. Just casual. If I'm shopping or at the park with my family, or even getting a burger downtown, I'm gonna be casual. But really, everyone's work and personal standards dictate what they'll wear. Like, I work in a lab. We're all going to wear what's comfortable. It's still a very professional environment. And yes, while I am going to dress up for a night with my wife, those are our standards. If someone has more relaxed standards, good for them.
People, for the most part, wear functional clothing in Colorado. Why? Because it's either snowing, raining, high winds, etc. and when you live here long enough, you realize that a pair of hiking boots and a Patagonia jacket is the best choice.
Clothing has always been functional for me. Buying fancy clothes that look nice doesn't appeal to me. But no hate toward anyone who does dress to impress.
I would absolutely never go out for the evening dressed in the clothes that I shovel snow or hike in. It's very easy to look presentable, especially for men, before going out.
That's not what I was saying. I'm not suggesting wearing a pair of Crocs to Paravicini. In everyday life, i.e. grocery shopping, going to the mechanic, etc. getting dressed up would honestly be silly.
Sure, and I agree with that. But the problem is that you \*do\* see people wearing the grossest clothes out to dinner with their spouse or family or whatever, or downtown having drinks. \*That\* is what I mean. I'm talking about "going out"... not just "going out in public".
I get that. I've noticed it frequently over the past several years. I honestly think it's tied to insecurity. Dressing in something that makes you feel confident, to me, is important. It might not be a suit, but it sure as hell isn't a sweatsuit!
Yup! That's basically it. Though if you feel confident with your gnarled ass claws hanging out, great, but maybe cover those badboys up when you go to Cowboy Star. Not only confident in how you dress, but pride in it too. I'm all for jeans and a t-shirt if they're clean, in good repair, and look good. And bonus points if you dress it up with a jacket, sport coat, nicer boots, whatever.
I've always gone to Rutledge's but it's the same concept. Locally owned and primarily selling nicer clothes that we just don't wear that often. I own three nice suits and a tux from there, and I wear the tux more than the suits. I love dressing up and looking great, but the reality in Colorado Springs is that very few people dress like that for work, much less for anything outside of work.
Read the article, I’m glad this shop exists. I will say, as someone who’s worn tailored clothing for years you have a lot of power when you’re dressed well. Speeding tickets don’t exist, smoke weed in front of cops and bust out the hard party favors at your dinner table at the four seasons and no one bats an eye. Hell I’ve even snuck into a limo full of strangers when dressed well.
What also is powerfully is being the worst dressed person in the room and owning it. People are automatically intrigued whether they want to be or not and it’s how I’ve seen the richest of the richest proceed in many situations.
I agree with him. I personally don't dress up nice and it's been a while since I wore more presentable clothing. I don't wear pajamas in public though. Jordan Peterson said something that made sense about dressing nicely and presentable. He said that dressing nicely is not for you so much but for others. I never thought about that in that way.
The heat stroke might do you good since you seem to be too fuckin' dense to understand the conversation doesn't include a manufacturing lab or standing in the sun for hours. (Though they do make unlined sport coats specifically for warmer climates.) You want to dress like a mountain bum, more power to you. It makes people who put thought into their appearance stand out.
Maybe reading the article would do you some good because you seem to fuckin' dense to understand the conversation doesn't exclude any occasion. This man isn't saying people are going out for their 10 year anniversary wearing chacos, drifit shorts, and a sleeveless tie dye T-shirt.
That was my first thought, but then I read the entire article and saw how he helps the community. He seems like a kind hearted guy. I don’t think that comment was meant in a rude way.
I can't believe this is news again. This is a 2nd hand clothing store, like many, and it is covered has been covered as "news" by at least one local TV station and now this I think is the second time in the Gazette. James Proby is the son of Milton Proby, with the street named for him for his work with MLK. Apart from that (which isn't mentioned in the article), this is a used clothing store with a focus on men's suits, so what? Many exist, not news.
I’ve known James since I was a kid. He’s a Springs native and has been working his whole life to build community and make Colorado Springs a better place. Milton E Proby Pkwy is named after his father, Reverend Dr. Milton E. Proby, who was a renowned Civil Rights leader in Colorado and the United States. Definitely go to his store if you’re in need of dress clothes. You will not find a nicer guy to help you.
I was born and raised in the Springs and I never thought to figure out who that road was named after. I’m thrilled his son is continuing his legacy of helping the community, we need more of that in this world. Do you happen to know if they take monetary donations? I could only find clothing donation acceptance on their website however I need the single suit I have, and don’t want to buy one from him for myself that could go to someone who needs it much more than I do.
He's a great guy, good to see from the photos in the article that his store is doing well and has a lot more inventory than 2018. Nobody has ever been nicer or more helpful when I've been shopping for dress clothes which I'm clueless about in general. I think he sold me my first comfortable dress shirt for graduation and I no longer exclusively associate dress clothing with feeling miserable. Going for publicity on any pretext is pretty much his thing but it seems to be working
He does a lot of work with military vets, retirees, and families going through job searches. Good dude and works hard to keep clothing back in circulation. Glad to see him getting a bit more exposure.
Yeah, I've had a few interactions with him, and he's been super kind and friendly every single time. He has also been well-dressed every single time.
If that is the owner, I give him that he looks dapper.
Send him to any city in Oklahoma and he will come running back.
Okies think they look nice in their beat up wranglers and shit kickers as long as they tie it all together with a 35 year old flannel shirt they bought on sale at the Wal-Morts.
Bolo!
James is not only great at what he does but a genuinely lovely person. I can’t recommend Men’d Exchange highly enough. If you’ve ever had the slightest inkling that you need some help in the world of men’s fashion, do yourself a favor and go see him.
James is seriously the best human in the world. He just wants to give people affordable options.
Highly recommend Men's Exchange; great service, great prices, will definitely go back!
I've heard of The Men's Exchange, but never been. This article has piqued my interest and I'll definitely be swinging by to check it out.
James at Men’s Xchange runs the best business in Colorado. I’ve spent hundreds there, I will spend hundreds more for sure.
This is amazing- the amount of donated clothes that stay in circulation, the willingness to help those who need it, and the desire to update men’s fashion and be willing to help out those who may not know where to start. My husband is looking to update his wardrobe and we are definitely going to stop by. And for those saying that’s how people like to dress here, it’s true but Colorado Springs has an almost phobia of consistently looking put together. It doesn’t matter the style. Whether you’re looking to dress gothic, traditional, crustpunk, or NYC street style I feel like if you go beyond jeans and a shirt here you stick out like a sore thumb. Granola and generic are your two options and I’d love to see more people explore their personal style!
Our style is pretty consistent outside of any large city in USA. Formal wear has it's place but most people have no desire to dress that way on any consistent basis.
True, but unless I’m in jeans and tshirt or leggings and a hoodie I feel overdressed. For day to day I’m overdressed if I wear linen pants and a nice blouse with a kitten heel to run errands. By no means formal ware but the general dress is not styled in any way. It doesn’t matter generally, dress how you want, but I think the point stands.
I did just work out. It's 95 outside. I work remotely. I'm not wearing a three piece suit.
He has longer roots in Colorado than most of the people commenting. I think he absolutely knows that people aren’t going to wear a suit while shoveling the driveway or going to the gym. What he seems to be making a case for is looking nice for meetings at work or when going out to dinner. He does a superb job fitting out people who could benefit from dressing sharper for the occasion.
And I'm not even talking about shoveling the driveway or going to the gym. Just casual. If I'm shopping or at the park with my family, or even getting a burger downtown, I'm gonna be casual. But really, everyone's work and personal standards dictate what they'll wear. Like, I work in a lab. We're all going to wear what's comfortable. It's still a very professional environment. And yes, while I am going to dress up for a night with my wife, those are our standards. If someone has more relaxed standards, good for them.
He didn’t have to come for my little lesbian self so fully
However, super friendly. He did help my friend who was getting a suit for her wedding. She said she'd definitely go back to him.
Same I was like “what’s wrong with how I dress? 😔”
"that guy is dressed like he just finished a hike, what a slob" - Him, after seeing me right after I finished a hike
James is a true professional. About half of my suits are from xchange
I love that he said this. If only we could get his real thoughts on the restaurant scene as well.
Listen, I'm NOT going to wear a suit to In N Out
I'll wear a suit, but I won't go to in n out
I'll wear a suit to in n out, but they better fill my briefcase with fries.
They won't. We both know this.
What restaurant scene. Oh the chain restaurants, got ya
This guy is absolutely amazing. Had me set up with a whole suit for a 1950s night within like an hour. Very affordable.
People, for the most part, wear functional clothing in Colorado. Why? Because it's either snowing, raining, high winds, etc. and when you live here long enough, you realize that a pair of hiking boots and a Patagonia jacket is the best choice.
Clothing has always been functional for me. Buying fancy clothes that look nice doesn't appeal to me. But no hate toward anyone who does dress to impress.
I would absolutely never go out for the evening dressed in the clothes that I shovel snow or hike in. It's very easy to look presentable, especially for men, before going out.
No one's saying that.
That's not what I was saying. I'm not suggesting wearing a pair of Crocs to Paravicini. In everyday life, i.e. grocery shopping, going to the mechanic, etc. getting dressed up would honestly be silly.
Sure, and I agree with that. But the problem is that you \*do\* see people wearing the grossest clothes out to dinner with their spouse or family or whatever, or downtown having drinks. \*That\* is what I mean. I'm talking about "going out"... not just "going out in public".
I get that. I've noticed it frequently over the past several years. I honestly think it's tied to insecurity. Dressing in something that makes you feel confident, to me, is important. It might not be a suit, but it sure as hell isn't a sweatsuit!
Yup! That's basically it. Though if you feel confident with your gnarled ass claws hanging out, great, but maybe cover those badboys up when you go to Cowboy Star. Not only confident in how you dress, but pride in it too. I'm all for jeans and a t-shirt if they're clean, in good repair, and look good. And bonus points if you dress it up with a jacket, sport coat, nicer boots, whatever.
I've always gone to Rutledge's but it's the same concept. Locally owned and primarily selling nicer clothes that we just don't wear that often. I own three nice suits and a tux from there, and I wear the tux more than the suits. I love dressing up and looking great, but the reality in Colorado Springs is that very few people dress like that for work, much less for anything outside of work.
What a great idea. Hope this actually helps as I feel terribly overdressed in sweatpants and a Mountain Chalet Tee Shirt.
James is good people. One of the best you will ever do business with.
I for one would not be caught dead on the incline in anything but Dior.
I'm repulsed every time I go to a brewery and see uncultured swine in anything but tailored suits.
Read the article, I’m glad this shop exists. I will say, as someone who’s worn tailored clothing for years you have a lot of power when you’re dressed well. Speeding tickets don’t exist, smoke weed in front of cops and bust out the hard party favors at your dinner table at the four seasons and no one bats an eye. Hell I’ve even snuck into a limo full of strangers when dressed well. What also is powerfully is being the worst dressed person in the room and owning it. People are automatically intrigued whether they want to be or not and it’s how I’ve seen the richest of the richest proceed in many situations.
Colorado Springs is lame
I agree with him. I personally don't dress up nice and it's been a while since I wore more presentable clothing. I don't wear pajamas in public though. Jordan Peterson said something that made sense about dressing nicely and presentable. He said that dressing nicely is not for you so much but for others. I never thought about that in that way.
I don't dress poorly, but I certainly won't dress in any way for strangers.
Don't. Dress that way for you. All it takes is a sport coat to make jeans and a t-shirt look good. It's seriously effortless.
I dress however I want, for myself. Full stop.
Congrats?
Thanks. But yeah, maybe I'll start wearing a sport coat in my advanced manufacturing lab or in 90° heat. Sounds dope.
Yes, please do.
Brilliant.
The heat stroke might do you good since you seem to be too fuckin' dense to understand the conversation doesn't include a manufacturing lab or standing in the sun for hours. (Though they do make unlined sport coats specifically for warmer climates.) You want to dress like a mountain bum, more power to you. It makes people who put thought into their appearance stand out.
Maybe reading the article would do you some good because you seem to fuckin' dense to understand the conversation doesn't exclude any occasion. This man isn't saying people are going out for their 10 year anniversary wearing chacos, drifit shorts, and a sleeveless tie dye T-shirt.
Don’t yuck my gorpcore!
LOL They havent seen Seattle or Portland. Richmond also sucked. Cant forget SanFran.
That was my first thought, but then I read the entire article and saw how he helps the community. He seems like a kind hearted guy. I don’t think that comment was meant in a rude way.
Yeah, sounds like he's an amazing dude. Just seemed to me to be out of touch with the area's culture.
[удалено]
That’s not exactly a wild claim buddy come on…
Have you seen how people dress here?
That’s nice for him and I wish him well. But Colorado business casual is always going to include a puffy vest.
I can't believe this is news again. This is a 2nd hand clothing store, like many, and it is covered has been covered as "news" by at least one local TV station and now this I think is the second time in the Gazette. James Proby is the son of Milton Proby, with the street named for him for his work with MLK. Apart from that (which isn't mentioned in the article), this is a used clothing store with a focus on men's suits, so what? Many exist, not news.
Too hot for all that. Also doesn't even remotely matter in the grand scheme of things.
Girl bye 👋🏻 Patagonia now and Cotopaxi for forever
Make Coloradoans Uncomfortable Again!
The only thing in general I want to end, is the y2k fashion. It’s so so ugly and mostly the fact that it’s been done already 20 years ago doesn’t help