The average shirt worn by a man is typically designed to serve a purpose: as a covering. It gives protection, and acts as a temperature regulation mechanism. However, even in these designs primarily aimed at pragmatic use, there can be found a lot of trends in fashion. Think back to the paintings of the classical painters wearing their collarless shirts with roomy, billowing sleeves. Compare that to the button-down shirts worn as formal attire in the twentieth century. As the marketplace becomes more and more global, it seems that men’s shirts and fashions are changing faster than ever.
One of the most interesting developments in men’s shirts and fashion of the 20th century was the development of the polo shirt. Some people have come to also call this a tennis shirt. It was actually invented by Rene Lacoste in 1929. Who was Rene Lacoste? He was a famous French tennis player.
The polo shirt provided a loose alternative for the tennis player to the rigid dress shirts they had traditionally worn. The commercialization of the polo shirt really didn’t peak until Ralph Lauren developed its Polo collection in the 1960s. This Polo collection stayed in fashion for many years. In fact, it was popular so long that it came to be considered a common clothing category. It isn’t worn by tennis players much anymore, but the polo shirt is still seen among common people of many cultures. Read the rest of this entry »
Much ado is often made in discussions surrounding men’s fashion about neckwear, blazers, dress shirts, and leather outerwear – often at the expense of understanding the rest of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Not only are well appointed and properly fitted pants and footwear extremely important to the overall look and image of any particular outfit – they are integral to your comfort throughout the day!
Considerations of Colour
Whether they be dress, casual, corduroy, denim, or any other fabric – pants are ultimately the most flexible and important part of any man’s professional wardrobe. Pants anchor the look entirely, setting the tone of the wardrobe conversation and immediately setting in motion the overall feel of any particular outfit. For example, corduroy pants imply comfort, a relaxed feel, maturity, and a sophistication not normally found in denim. Fine wool dress pants, on the other hand, send a signal of refinement, class, and high style.
Socks should, whenever possible, match the pants they will be worn with – the major exception being of course with denim, in which case they should either be navy (as worn with most blue jeans) or tan (as worn with brown shoes). Important to keep in mind when considering matching socks to pants is that they should preferably be within range of the shade of the pant fabric without being too much the same. For example, a nice chocolate coloured argyle print sock with blue accent colours might be an excellent match for a pair of tan or bark coloured casual pants coupled with a french blue sportshirt. Read the rest of this entry »
Selecting the Best Style and Fit of Clothes for the Office
Along with the suit and tie, the dress shirt is the main article of clothing that creates the proper look for a businessman. Dress shirts vary by style, size, fit and features.
Choosing a Dress Shirt Style
Under almost all circumstances, a dress shirt for business that is worn with a tie should have long sleeves. In some offices, or outdoor work sites, short sleeves may be appropriate. Look at the example set by your supervisor and respected colleagues. If these people wear short sleeves, then it may be okay in that situation…
When dressing to impress, do not follow the standard of the office non-conformist. Sleeves can always be rolled up if necessary.
Collars come in different styles, usually a normal pointed collar and a spread collar. Spread collars are newer and show a contemporary fashion. The spread accents the tie, and therefore look better with a wider tie. Some shirts have different color collars than the shirt which appears bolder.
Long sleeves are closed by straight cuffs with buttons, and French cuffs that require cufflinks. French cuffs add more flair to the look, but may be too fashionable for a more conservative setting. Read the rest of this entry »
Browsing through the aisles or displays at popular department stores will yield interesting results with regards to popular consumer menswear – an increasing amount of attention being paid to fit and cut, with an emphasis on providing variety to intrepid gentlemen seeking a shirt that fits like a glove.
Athletic Fit, Aggressively Fitted Dress Shirts for Slim Men
Athletic fit dress shirts have been popular for some time, typically marketed as “slim-fit” shirts for men who were looking for aggressively tapered dress shirts for wear to a bar or nightclub, or simply as a more professional alternative to the classic cut for men with slimmer or smaller builds.
Athletic fit shirts are becoming much more commonplace in consumer brands or retail locations such as Le Chateau or Banana Republic, having always been commonplace in designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Etro, or Geoffrey Beene.
The benefit of an athletic fit dress shirt is an appeal to modern sensibilities, a cosmopolitan, urban edge that will most certainly factor into the final look of your ensemble.
Modern Fit, a Moderate Taper, Semi-Fitted Dress Shirt
Modern fit is a relatively new entrant in the menswear circuit, although shirts that would commonly now be described as “modern fit” have existed in some incarnation or another for decades, simple alternatives to the more traditional, accommodating classic fit.
Modern fit describes a moderately tapered dress shirt, otherwise known as a semi-fitted shirt. This particular cut looks great on men of average build as well as leaning either way from that starting point – the somewhat slim and the somewhat heavy. Read the rest of this entry »
Suit anxiety should not be a problem for many first time suit buyers; young men going out to their high school prom or perhaps a college interview are always confronted with this somewhat daunting task.
In some instances, men later on in years who have never worn formal or business apparel may have to attend a wedding, funeral, or other function demanding of dress code may also find themselves in this set of circumstances.
Regardless of the situation, it is important to know what to expect from the experience – to look forward to it, more than anything!
Relax, and Be Sure to Bring the Personality
Buying a suit, optimally, is actually more like a service than a simple shopping occasion. Good wardrobe consultants and men’s fashion sales experts are a talkative, dynamic lot by nature and take a keen interest in discerning the needs of their client and presenting them with accurate, professional advice.
One should always be relaxed and open minded, be sure to engage in a dialogue with your salesman or saleswoman.
A well-trained wardrobe consultant should be able to offer suggestions and share knowledge on a variety of topics ranging from designer trends, accurate measurements, colour co-ordination, and general fabric care. Read the rest of this entry »