Karachi is a great place for fashion conscious men. All the major international design houses have outlets in the city, but for rookie buyers, here is a secret: the flagship stores are located in the high-end area of Defence and in the less expensive commercial district of Lighthouse in downtown Karachi.

The Defence 'chain of stores' is so exclusive that it opens only on Sundays at an outdoor market. To hide its true identity, it is known simply as the Sunday Bazaar. If you are looking for a like new, zero-metre Armani jacket (regular price $1500) for Rs500, this is the the right place.

Here, Ralph Lauren shirts go for Rs200 a piece, so take two before the annoying bystander eyeing them greedily snatches these treasures from your hands.

A good eye and quick decision-making are essential here.

Time and Armani wait for no one

This is life in the fast lane – every word, every gesture, every bat of an eyelid matters if you are to get the best out of Sunday Bazaar.

If Rs500 for a designer jacket is too much for you – and I admit that it is a lot of money – you can head out to Lighthouse in Saddar, more commonly known as Landa Bazaar, where better bargains are on offer.

How to justify the visit

Many well-heeled customers are reluctant to turn up at this location for reasons of propriety. Those of this ilk who do turn up announce loudly for everyone’s benefit that they are looking for a shirt for their driver. According to experts, though, this overused tactic does not always work and ends up getting sly glances and snickers from all present.

What is important, therefore, is to turn up looking like a simple and humble person who is trying to feed a family of six on a limited income.

This is business, not pleasure

As with all bargains, be reminded that serious work is required to find a diamond in the rough. You have to use advanced mining techniques to dig deep into the pile of clothes on a cart.

But before you start digging, take a few moments to stand there and carefully look at the pile. Once you have developed a trained eye, you will be able to detect a fine piece very quickly. Tuck all the good stuff you find under your arm to reserve the item – this way no other customer can snatch away the fruits of your hard work.

What you do not see cannot hurt you

Keep a low profile. Blend in with the crowd and carry yourself with the casual air of someone who could not care less about the merchandise on display.

You don't want the seller to know you are enthusiastic about any of his products. To avoid bumping into undesirable acquaintances, keep your head low and avoid all eye-contact.