Dress code definitions explained
photo by kevindooley
Very few people really understand what ‘dress code’ actually means. The situation gets more confusing as there seem to be more and more variations on the same thing. We at Amalfi Shirts are here to help, and have cobbled together some information to assist you determining what’s appropriate to wear, after receiving that invitation in the mail. Above all, common sense should prevail if you’re looking to dress to impress. If you work your way through our list and are still struggling we suggest you just wear a neat suit, shirt and tie combination which is sure to suffice in the majority of instances.
What does ‘black tie’ mean?
Lets start with one of the easier ones with little room for error. Black tie means black tuxedo jacket, matching black tuxedo pants, a white dinner shirt with bow tie, and formal shoes. More recently, a bow tie has been replaced by some with a black skinny tie- thanks rockstars. The decision to wear a bow tie or a regular tie may be predicated on the type of white shirt you are planning on wearing as some shirts are specifically designed for bow ties, known as wing-collared shirts.
What does ‘lounge suit’ mean?
You really need to put on a business suit here, which we define as a matching jacket and trousers. Quite often wearing a tie is optional. Handy tip: If you’re not sure if wearing a tie is required it’s always a good idea to stuff one inside your jacket pocket just in case you are the odd man out, and don’t want to stand out like the proverbial.
What does ‘white tie’ mean?
White tie steps things up a knot, and is your opportunity to pull out the black coat with tails, matching trousers, and white tie, vest, and winged- collar shirt. You don’t get the chance to do this too often so why not go all out- what about some bowling or penguin shoes?
What does ‘wedding casual’ mean?
This is one of those new age movements, which for most would be pretty similar to smart business casual. Guests just need to dress respectfully, but not necessarily fancily (basically, no jeans, runners, trackies or AC/DC t-shirts and you should be right!)
What does ‘business casual’ mean?
This may be also known as smart casual, and is the attire sitting in the middle ground between business formal wear (full suit and tie) and street wear (I’m a graphic designer man), although the standard may vary between organisations. In some workplaces you can get away with jeans and a collared shirt, however if in doubt you can’t go wrong with business pants and an open neck business shirt. Note that the interpretation of ‘acceptable’ jean condition can be questionable especially if you have some MotelyCrue diehards- too many holes is not a good thing…
Corporate fashion do’s and don’t’s
photo by misserion
Don’t
- If you’re wearing a tie, don’t loosen it. Either keep it tight and straight, or just take it off.
- There’s not really any situation when wearing a business shirt with shorts is appropriate.
- Don’t wear short sleeve business shirts. Ever.
- If your business shirt has a pocket, don’t put your pen it. It looks nasty, but can also result in some unwanted stains.
- If you’re not wearing a tie, don’t unbutton your shirt too low, or risk looking like Fabio.
Do
- Select subtle, classic coloured shirts. These styles will last longer, and also won’t leave you looking like last season’s fashion victim.
- When your wearing a business shirt with a suit, always keep your shirt tucked in.
- Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Comfortable = confident.
Business shirt ironing, industry secrets
photo by Vox Efx
- Be absolutely sure there are no creases on the lower layer of sleeve fabric when ironing the top layer of your shirt sleeve or alternatively slide a piece of cardboard between the two layers of the sleeve (when you iron, the cardboard will prevent the bottom sleeve layer from creasing).
- Always fill your iron with cold water, distilled if you can afford the extravagance (avoids iron spit and nasty rust stains on your shirt) When you are finished empty the water from your iron while still warm to reduce moisture build up in the water compartment of your iron.
- Steam (in the words of Peter Gabriel) is the best way to get out those ironed in creases, ideally it’s better if your shirt is slightly damp when you iron it.
- Buttoning the top button and the first button or two will help your shirt keep its shape post ironing when on a hanger.
- Old skool might the best school. Try ‘Crisp Spray Starch’ to assist with making your Amalfi Shirt crisp and starchy fresh.
6 easy steps to ironing your business shirts… if you’re left handed
photo by hortulus
While 4 of the 5 original designers of the Apple Macintosh computer were left-handed we’re yet to come across an ironing manual for left-handed people so we at Amalfi Shirts have created the very first (thanks to lefthandersday.com for inspiration!)
- Face the ironing board with the iron and the square end of the board to your left. Start with the cuffs, make sure the fabric of your business shirt is flat with no major wrinkles before you apply the iron. Iron on the back side of the cuff.
- Lay the whole sleeve flat and try to match previous creases, start at the top of the cuff and work your way to the top of the sleeve. Apply generous amounts of a starch-based fabric spray. Turn the sleeve over and iron the other side. Repeat the process with the other cuff and sleeve.
- Next put your business shirt face down towards the narrow end of the board so the back of the shirt is flat and the ironing board extends a little into one sleeve. Iron half the back before turning the shirt around to repeat the process.
- Now all that’s left is the front of your business shirt. It’s important to do this last so the front doesn’t later re-crease. With the collar to your right, place the right side of the shirt on your ironing board, making sure to iron around the buttons (not over them). Pull the shirt flat on the ironing board again and iron. Repeat this step for the left hand side ironing over the button holes.
- Next, put the shoulder of the shirt on the pointy end of the board and iron first the left shoulder, then the middle, then the right shoulder.
- Finally hold the shirt by the collar with the back of the shirt facing you and spread the collar out on the ironing board and iron the underside of the collar first.
The 6 easy steps to ironing your business shirts
photo by CarbonNYC
Prior to ironing your business shirt you will need; an ironing board preferably full size and steady, the best quality iron you can afford, your shirt, one can of ‘Crisp Spray Starch’ (available from most supermarkets).
- Face the ironing board with the iron and the square end of the board to your right (assuming you are right-handed). Start with the cuffs, make sure the fabric is flat with no major wrinkles before you apply the iron. Iron on the back side of the cuff.
- Lay the whole sleeve flat and try to match previous creases, start at the top of the cuff and work your way to the top of the sleeve. Apply generous amounts of a starch-based fabric spray. Turn the sleeve over and iron the other side. Repeat the process with the other cuff and sleeve.
- Next put your business shirt face down towards the narrow end of the board so the back of the shirt is flat and the ironing board extends a little into one sleeve. Iron half the back before turning the shirt around to repeat the process.
- Now all that’s left is the front of your shirt. It’s important to do this last so the front doesn’t later re-crease. With the collar to your left, place the right side of the shirt on your ironing board, making sure to iron around the buttons (not over them). Pull the shirt flat on the ironing board again and iron. Repeat this step for the left hand side ironing over the button holes.
- Next, put the shoulder of the business shirt on the pointy end of the board and iron first the right shoulder, then the middle, then the left shoulder.
- Finally hold the shirt by the collar with the back of the shirt facing you and spread the collar out on the ironing board and iron the underside of the collar first.
Top 5 Amalfi Shirts tips for business shirt stain removal
photo by aaron13251
- Firstly test your stain remover on a non-visible part of the business shirt (or a test patch).
- Try removing the stain as quickly as possible before it gets a chance to set in.
- Never rub your business shirt, but rather blot the stain gently with a cloth and a liquid stain remover
- If you having no luck but think your shirt may be able to be salvaged consult a professional dry cleaner (they’re the experts!)
- Some types of stains such as permanent ink can’t be effectively removed so it might be easier to cross your fingers that Amalfi Shirts has your favorite style & size in stock- that’s learning your lesson the hard way…