He’s got the look – working through a fashion puzzle
photo by jurvetson
There is much to a man’s attire including business shirts, ties, jackets and pants, belts, shoes, cufflinks. If you want to make a positive impression in the office you must give some consideration to a number of these components, mess one up and the consequences could mean you a branded unstylish for life! (this may be a slight exaggeration but you get our point!). So let’s turn our attention to suit jackets and delve into the merits of single breasted jackets vs. double breasted..
Single breasted jackets have a single row of buttons that allows the jacket to overlap just enough to button together. Double breasted jackets have two rows of buttons; the front of the jacket overlaps enough to allow each flap to attach to the opposite button row.
Your jacket style is whatever you prefer…although Australian men tend to use the single breasted jackets. There are exceptions to this norm however- if you think you a some form of royalty or you own a mega yacht and a sailor’s hat!
Now, your suit jacket is going to have either one row of buttons or two rows of buttons. If you have chosen the single breasted jacket, you’ll note that it’s got anywhere from one button to four; however, two and three button suit jackets are also very common. It’s more traditional to see the three button configuration. Two button jackets allow the person to show more of their business shirt and tie and can give the person a slimmer look. When you have a two button jacket, the top button should be the only one used. Unless it’s one button jacket, the button bottom should never be done up.
A look at lapels
When you look at jacket lapels, you’ll see that they have an array of styles. There have also been numerous fashion experiments with them over the past few decades. In fact, it’s difficult to look at the styles of the 1970s and not shudder from the horror of seeing lapels extending toward the shoulders. No doubt, this was not flattering to the men of this time (but they sure thought so). Who knows flairs and big lapels may not be that far away from a revival…
As with any classic clothing, the best and timeless lapels are ones that are of moderate width and match the wearer’s proportions than the fashion trend of the time. If you can use the lapels that match your proportions, your jacket won’t look too big or small.
A look at the main pockets
Jetted pockets – When you’re going for a formal look, you need to have jetted pockets, which are pockets that are sewn into the jacket lining and a narrow horizontal opening will show on the jacket’s side. Jetted pockets are practically invisible and give a sleek, polished appearance; it’s often seen worn in very formal occasions.
Flap pockets – When you don’t need something so formal, you can go for a jacket with flap pockets. These are closely identical to the jetted pockets but it also includes a flap that’s sewn at the top of the pocket, which will cover the opening of the pocket. Most jackets have these pockets. If you want to, you can tuck in the flaps and mimic the jetted pocket look.
Get noticed for the right reasons – premium men’s business shirts
photo by D'Arcy Norman
When you need men’s business shirts, you’re going to find that they come in an array of colours. However, you may be like other men and stick with colours that have been tested for professionalism and individualism. You should always pay attention to your surroundings and watch for the unspoken dress rule. For example, law offices and search engine companies are going to have different dress codes.
Business shirts colours
Solid shirts
The most common business shirt colours are white and blue; most men have these colours in their wardrobe. You should always have several of these basic shirts in your closet and keep an extra at the office (just in case… accidents do happen). The colour white for business shirts goes back a long, long way. It’s been thought that men who wear white would do more work with their mind than with their hands; thus, their shirts would never become stained- also known as white collar professionals.
If you smoke or drink coffee and you don’t bleach your teeth, it may be best to use an off-white shirt rather than the brilliant white. A white collar loves to enhance yellowing flaws.
Striped shirts
A pin striped shirt adds just that little bit of flair to your business shirt. They fit in nearly every work office around the world. The thinner the stripes are on the shirt, the more formal the business shirt is. When you’re wearing striped shirts with a suit or tie, make sure that the patterns and lines are different from one another. This is where things start to get a bit tricky so if you think you’re not up for some basic pattern matching we suggest you stick to solids.
Checkered shirts
Originally designed for more casual environments and still often worn on weekends, checkered shirts have now well and truly made their way into the closets of corporate professionals around the world. Checkered shirts add you to add a little bit of individually to what can sometimes be seen as a boring outfit. They are a perfect choice for a smart business casual setting (ie no tie required). We suggest if wearing a tie with a checkered business shirt go with something as plain as possible.
Choosing cufflinks for a formal event
photo by Steve Snodgrass
When you’re going to a formal event, chances are you’re not going in a pair of jeans and ‘wife beater’ tank top. You’ll be going formal, which means pulling out a good quality business shirt, suit and tie. However, you’ll also need to remember to bring the cufflinks too. Formal events tend to require guests to dress nicely (usually a nice suit or tuxedo), which means you’ll need to include cufflinks in the mix, making sure they’re the right type of cufflinks for the occasion.
It would seem that choosing cufflinks is easy but turns out that’s actually easier said than done. If it’s not chosen correctly, the entire outfit will look wrong and you’ll come off looking like a total closet klutz who doesn’t know how to dress himself right… perhaps even scaring off any potential lady friends.
The World Wide Web has massively increased the amount of choice on offer, and made getting the right kind of cufflinks much easier. If you can’t find what you need in a brick and mortar store, consider the assistance on an online store.
Choosing cufflinks
When you’re trying to buy cufflinks, the first rule you need to remember is not to go cheap. Cufflinks need to say a bit about you and you certainly don’t want them to tell people you’re cheap and don’t know how to dress. Don’t get the fake silver cufflinks that’s supposed to pass for sterling silver ones.
Many cufflinks have actual stones in them, regardless of what kind of stone. You have a wide array of choices and because of the internet, there’s some steep competition. Thus, you should be able to get a decent price for them.
What type of event are you attending
Make sure you know what kind of event you’ll be attending. Some events are more formal than other ones. Some events want you to dress in a reserved manner while others want you to be a bit more extravagantly dressed.
Choose your cufflinks based on the event. You want to look good but too much uniqueness can be bad. While cufflinks are a small part of the suit, they still play an integral part in men’s formal wear.
Who’s going to be your date
If you have a date, then you should know what she’ll be wearing. Why? The cufflinks you buy can complement her attire that evening. Of course, if she’s the type of person to choose her clothing at the last second, you may have a problem with this.
If you’re able to pull this off, you can give yourself an extra bit of class, which will propel you to look better than the other guests who attend. You may be even more attractive to your date because you thought of what she was doing.
Never be ashamed about asking your significant other or date her opinion on the cufflinks. Her opinion is going to be invaluable since she’ll be able to see from a distance how you’re going to look with them on. Plus, it’s something the both of you can do together…something that’ll make her feel appreciated. If you involve her, the chances of you getting the right cufflinks the first time around are certain.
Casual or semi-casual: what constitutes business casual in your workplace
photo by wonderferret
If your job calls for business casual, what does this really mean? Believe it or not, this is the one question that has plagued working men for a long time. In fact, this very wondering has caused issues in the workplace. It could be the possibility of not using a tie, wearing a golf shirt or using menswear on that casual day. Casual Friday can vary greatly from workplace to workplace.
What does casual mean?
When you work in an office, you should know what it means by casual there. The quickest way to determine your workplace’s definition of business casual is by speaking to your colleagues but to put to rest your fears, maybe just talk to your manager. Co-workers may accidentally give you the wrong information; it’s not because they want you to fail, it’s because they may not fully understand the dress code/casual policy themselves.
What does semi-casual mean?
Businesses which have a very formal culture may have a casual day that only means not wearing a tie; thus, you’ll need to still wear a business shirt, dress shoes and jacket… no tie whatsoever. For some people, it would come across as why bother having the day?
What does very casual mean?
When an office goes truly casual, it tends to mean that employees can wear jeans… seen as very casual. These kinds of settings may even allow for t-shirts and sneakers rather than business shirts and suits. T-shirts and sneakers are generally seen with more artsy or creative businesses.
Go between very casual and semi-casual
There are many businesses that could be defined as having a ‘between casual’ stage. Usually casual days mean wearing a polo shirts, and semi-casual footwear such as sneakers rather than wearing a business shirt, formal slacks and dress shoes. This kind of wear is much more casual than the usually seen and worn jacket and tie; however, it’s not Saturday wearing of jeans, t-shirts and thongs (flip flops for international readers).
Whatever the case may be, you should find out what kind of casual your workplace has before you make the mistake of going too casual or not casual enough. Of course, going business casual is a great way to ease in to the weekend, as tempting as it is, just be conscious that it’s not the weekend quite yet!
Break up the monotony: important tips to remember when mixing and matching your business shirts
photo by antwerpenR
When woman shop for clothes, their tastes are often going to be as fickle as the market changes rapidly every year. However, the great thing with men’s fashion doesn’t vary as often. The general components of men’s closets consist of the business shirts, the pants and the jacket. So with fewer items to work with how can a man mix up his outfit from time to time if he is stuck with the same clothes?
How to break up the monotony of wearing the same style of clothes
Look at the details
Take a step back and look at your closet. What is the overwhelming colour in that closet? More than likely, you’re going to go, “Wow! I have a lot of white.” With so many different colours of business shirts on offer, you don’t have to have just white business shirts lining your closet.
Consider having shirts of different colours, pattern and cut. Switching from a standard cuff to a French Cuff for example can make a big difference on your looks. Little changes can make a huge difference in your outfit and keep you looking trendy all year long.
You can also stop looking the same way all the time by mixing the colours and patterns of your ties, business shirts and suits.
Standard shirts
When you want a change, consider going for a bold looking tie to go against your white business shirt. You can also go for an ordinary coloured shirt with a discreet coloured tie that will contrast with the shirt. Try a tie with patterns or shapes with a plain shirt.
Patterned shirts
Add some mixture to your shirts such as herringbones, stripes or checks. Make sure to stay with toned down colours even with the stripes and their thickness; this is especially important for your workplace. If you have narrow stripes, the shirt can be a bit more discreet. If you wear a patterned shirt, go with a plain tie.
Warning about patterned shirts
Patterned shirts with patterned ties are no-no’s since there are just too many things going on; it can hurt the eyes (not literally). You should never wear a striped suit and striped business shirt, as they don’t mix well together. It’s just too many stripes for a person’s eye. You either do pattered shirt or suit with a plain shirt or plain suit. Make sure to get your outfit right if you’re going on a date.
Now that you know what kinds of men’s business shirts, suits and ties there are, you should be able to stop wearing the same outfit constantly. The one good thing about being a man is that you need only a few general items for your attire and you can come off looking the money!
Making a lasting impression with business shirts and suits
photo by Richard Thomas
When people talk fashion these days, it’s not uncommon to have the subject turn towards men’s fashion. The term fashion doesn’t always relate to your clothes; it can also relate to your style or attitude. Regardless of your profession, having a good sense of fashion and dressing the part is always a motto to live by.
When you meet someone for the first time, your impression of them is going to last a long while. Guess what? The same can be said about them about you. Thus, you should always do what you can to look good when meeting someone for the first time. This is especially true if you’re going to a job interview, want a promotion from your current employer or are trying to woo a lucky lady.
Here are a couple of things you should know when trying to look good
First, you need to understand what are the ‘now’ looks… while at the same being careful to not be too much of a fashion victim. Flick through some men’s fashion mags, or if you’re working in advertising or marketing, your company may have a subscription to WGSN http://www.wgsn.com/ – the world’s leading fashion and style forecaster. There’s a portion of WGSN that’s open to the public without subscription where you can pick up some key themes on men’s style.
Second, always have a think about what you can do to mix up your outfit. Details are everything so think about accessories as part of your wardrobe, such as watches, ties, belts and cufflinks. Cufflinks for example can be great in turning crummy old business shirts into a stylish look.
It could be said that men have been lagging in the fashion area for many years. However, there are many reasons to step it up to make an impact on your boss and your significant other. Fashion isn’t just for women anymore. You don’t have to be heavily into fashion to get the most from it but remember it’s a complex part of life so it doesn’t hurt to focus on being a bit fashionable to get ahead. Just keep in mind – little bit of fashion knowledge can go a long way.
Gear your business wardrobe toward quality over quantity
photo by KB35
When you’re thinking about purchasing business shirts and suits, it’s important to consider quality rather than quantity. Think back to a time when you might have been studying at uni, and were hitting the clubs or bars every weekend. If you felt like you were wearing the same outfits repeatedly, you probably went out shopping.
You probably now see this act as money wasted, as you are older and realise that while the designer items were nice for a time, you need clothes that are actually going to last while not breaking the bank. Wouldn’t you want to pay for quality and have them last you for a good long while instead of maybe two or three seasons at most?
With the GFC in full force, this is the time to get crafty with your clothes and shoes and buy things that you know is going to last and still fit your personality. If you think you can pull it off, try shopping at vintage stores, as you’ll find all kinds of garments that are from the last several decades. You’ll find these garments are rather inexpensive as well. Consider mixing up your business shirts and suits with the vintage clothing you buy.
Look at your current wardrobe and put some thought into how you’re going to shape it up. If you have doubts about how you should coordinate, resort back to the threes-rule: never have more than three colours on an outfit.
Remember, it’s important to dress the part and be well-groomed if you’re going to keep up your gentleman-like appearance, even if you’ve been affected by the GFC.
Six must have closet essentials for any formal or semi-formal occasion
formal semi-formal occasion
There are several basic pieces of clothing that must be in a man’s wardrobe; items that will work across a semi-formal or formal occasion including a date, interview or wedding.
Six articles of clothing that should be in a man’s closet
Suit
Every single man should have one tailored suit in the closet in case of special occasions… regardless of how many times a year that special occasion occurs. When you have a suit on hand, you won’t feel embarrassed or cheap (which can be the case when you go to some occasions without wearing a suit)
It’s always best to stick with the common suit colours such as dark grey and black; it should also be single-breasted. Make sure you pick a medium weight wool because it’ll last longer, maintain its shape and is versatile in any season. Steer clear from the trendy cuts and stick with the classic style, which can be used for many years. Sticking with basic suits allow you to only change your business shirt and tie so that you keep your fashion sense current.
Slacks / pants
You’re going to need pants in that closet so why not make it a well-made pair of dress slacks? Make sure that the pants are in a black/navy blue. These slacks are versatile when you have an event that doesn’t necessitate the wearing of a suit but needs something more than just jeans. Make sure you choose medium weight wool so it lasts longer; it can also be used in every season and keeps its shape.
Classic sweater/jumper
Make sure you have a favourite woollen jumper in the closet… v-neck, cardigan or crew. Always wear a flattering colour and a fit. Sweaters are perfect when you’re going to a function that’s not very formal.
White or plain blue business shirt – This shirt type is a must have for your suits and dressy pants. Remember that white shirts will always be stylish and look good with pretty much anything. You can wear them underneath a sweater with only the cuffs and collar showing.
Several ties
It’s a necessity to have ties in your closet as they need to be worn with suits at more formal events eg Spring Racing Carnival, job interviews etc. However, they can also be worn with a shirt or underneath the sweater. Make sure to have several kinds of ties available, as you can mix and match them with different outfits or with your overall mood. Purchase new ties every year since styles can often change – skinny ties for example seem to be doing the rounds a bit at the moment. If you’re the type of person to always wear suits, then you’ll want to purchase ties every season that way you can change them up more often and mix up your wardrobe attire.
Black shoes and belt
A big fashion blunder when it comes to men’s attire is not to have colour matching belt and the shoes. If you’re wearing black shoes, you should also be wearing a black belt, as it will serve you on all kinds of occasions, formal or informal. Be sure you always have black leather shoes and a black leather belt in your closet. We like the range of men’s shoes at Aquila, there’s a lot of choice on offer and they’re reasonably priced.
Good quality shoes should last for a long time… depending of course on how much you’ll be wearing them. You’ll still need to take good care of them; belts can last just as long. Whatever you do, don’t spoil the look with the socks you wear. Go with the common black pair of socks made of wool, as these tend to keep their colour and shape.
Do’s and dont’s to wearing shorts: What you need to know to maintain your dignity when considering wearing them
photo by Banalities
When the weather turns warmer, there’s nothing better than busting out some shorts. Problems can occur at times, with the types of shorts people choose to wear. You want to avoid wearing shortie shorts or those which are more suited to speed walkers. If you want to look your best, here are some dont’s to think about…
The don’ts
- Don’t wear pleated shorts, unless you decide to start playing professional golf. Pleated shorts make you look like an old man. All you need is black socks, white shoes and a walker to complete the look.
- Don’t wear athletic/gym shorts when you’re going out to dinner, hanging around town or in the workplace. Regardless of how you look in them or how good you are in the sport, they are not a great look and should stay at the gym. You can, however, where them in your house… when no one else is going to be looking.
- Think twice before adopting the jean shorts/cut-off look, they make no fashion sense whatsoever. Wearing them just looks totally odd and makes you look a bit like a scout leader with a clip on mobile phone. Denim jeans are best kept long, and if it’s nice weather, you can always wear some thongs (flip flops for international readers!)
- You need to remember the ratio for the cargo short pocket and it’s based on the age of the person wearing the pocket. The older you are, the smaller the pocket should be. Large pockets are more suited to those in their teenage/uni years and from there, get increasingly smaller. By age 50, they should all but be gone.
- If it’s just the start of the warmer months, have a think about how pasty white your pegs might be. You may want to consider taking the edge of that moon tan with a bit of sun exposure before exposing them to the world.
Overall, we’re not against shirts here at Amalfi Shirts, apply the tips above, and you should be fine to pull them off.
Make your clothes last longer: Six tips to help you extend the life of your clothes
photo by Sh4rp_i
Most people are trying to save a bit of money these days, so it’s likely they’re spending only on items they actually need (not want). Regardless of what the world’s economy is like, this should always be done. One of the best ways to save money in the long run is to care for your clothes such as your business shirts, suits and ties properly. If you can do this, you can slash your budget and put more money toward something else… perhaps a night out on the town, or if your save enough, a holiday away!
Now you’re going to need a few tips to help you lengthen the life of your clothes. Many people already apply the tips below but if you don’t…perhaps you should.
The key way that clothes start to wear down is washing. Every time you wash, the colour will fade and their fibers weaken. You must wash your clothes… that’s a given, as you don’t want to scare anybody (including the ladies) off with your stains and odours. However, you can wash your clothes and still be gentle with them. Use the six tips listed below:
- Always use cold water to wash your clothes
- Separate your colours from your whites before you wash. Dark coloured clothes often have lint on them when washed with lighter coloured clothes; plus dark clothes have a tendency to bleed onto white clothes.
- Use the gentle cycle to wash clothes
- Wash soft and rough clothes separately from each other.
- Use a gentle detergent for your clothes
- Turn clothes inside out so the colour won’t fade; important when you’re dealing with jeans.
Don’t wash your clothes every time you get done wearing them. Wear them more than once to lengthen their lifespan. If it’s stained then do wash it but if there are no odors and stains, then it certainly doesn’t hurt to wear it more than once before you wash it. Of course, you do this mainly for jeans/pants, not underwear, socks and some shirts.
If you notice a stain is small, spot clean it rather than washing the whole thing. Not only can washers cause damage to your clothes but your dryer can as well. The low heat setting can still cause harm to the dryer. You know the lint trap you clean out every time you go to start your dryer? That’s the clothing fibers. If you’ve got really expensive business shirts, suits and jeans, consider air drying them. While you’re doing that, you’ll save money and energy.
Jackets and pants: an in-depth look at what you didn’t know about your attire
jackets and pants
There are other parts of a man’s suit you may never think about including its breast pocket, jacket vents and button sleeves. Here’s an in-depth look of each one:
A look at breast pockets
The breast pocket should always be open unless you choose to have a tailor close this for you. This pocket is generally reserved for one thing and that’s the handkerchief. Why? There are two reasons for this.
- First, any items that go into this pocket may project a bulge that can alter the suit’s usual sleek façade.
- Second, both the breast pocket and inside left pocket occupy the jacket lining. That means any items that are in the breast pocket can cause items of the inside pocket to be pushed into the wearer’s ribs, which is not what you want right?
A look at jacket vents
Now, the jacket vents are flap-like slits that can be found at the jacket’s back bottom. These allow for easy movements and can give the wearer easy access to their pants pockets. There are three styles of jacket vents:
- Centre
- Double
- Ventless
Centre-vented jackets – This kind of jacket is very popular; it’s just a single slit located at the back, which allows the jacket to expand when the wearer is sitting down.
Double vented jackets – Also known as the side vented jackets, you can easily know this jacket type by the two slits on the jacket (one slit on each side), usually located behind the pants pockets. Jackets that are double vented allow the wearer to easily move around.
Ventless jackets – These jackets have no vents whatsoever and are very popular for the Continental suits. Jackets with no vents have a sleek look on the back but they can wrinkle when the man sits down.
A look at jacket sleeve buttons
Have you ever wondered why jacket sleeve buttons are so popular? Actually, there are numerous reasons; some very old reasons as well. One big reason was that it allowed a man to wash his hands without having to take off his jacket (some see this as a mistake that should not be done when with mixed company). Another reason was that it encouraged gentlemen to use handkerchiefs.
For whatever reason buttons were designed on jacket sleeves, it’s now a vital part of the look for the jacket. Most have four buttons; however, it’s not unusual to find just three buttons on some of them. In fact, on some high quality made to measure jackets the buttons are useful and typically known as surgeon’s cuffs. Why? It was because doctors often needed to roll up their sleeves when working. When buttons are found to be useful, there is always a temptation to undo one button so that people will glance at the feature and ultimately the suit. However, this is entirely up to you.
A look at the pants waistband and pleats
When a man’s trying to bring attention to himself, he should not be doing it by his pants. The idea is to bring the attention to the jacket area or the shoes; something that could inconspicuously flatter the legs. However, you still need to be concerned with the design and fit of your pants.
You don’t want anything too tight that hurts your manhood and you don’t want anything too loose as to let air inside your pants. Pleated pants are fine for men who are a little larger than average or for someone who likes the extra room. Flat front pants are better for thin men. Keep in mind that pleats give some heft to a man’s figure, which can daw the attention to their midsection. Flat fronts will create the slimness illusion.
A look at trouser cuffs
There is one key rule with cuffs- don’t do it to yourself- please!
Dress for success: Business shirt must haves!
photo by Darwin Bell
Okay…so you’ve gotten your first job or you’ve gotten the promotion you so rightly earned. It’s your first day working or in your new position. What do you wear? Should you go with your favourite (yet somewhat worn) business shirt or do you purchase a new custom business suit with a new business shirt and tie to go with your new employment position? If you want to get your career going on the right track (and chances are you do) then you should follow the pieces of advice to help you make the right dressing decisions.
How to dress for your success
The way your wardrobe is going to look will depend on your professional environment. You’ll either be going business casual or stay completely professional; either way you make the look a reflection of your style and make no mistake you have all kinds of options to choose from.
If you want to make a big impression, it’s best to dress just one step above than the actual dress code. A true profession businessman (or want-to-be) may always wear a tie but he can always add in a tie bar or pocket square to the attire and put himself above everyone else.
The little details you do and show can speak a lot about your personal appearance and how much you care about it. This little difference that says you do take notice and appreciate the importance of such miniscule things.
Always expect the unexpected
It cannot be said enough that you should be ready for the unexpected. After all, you never can know when you’ll be called for a presentation or to meet with the Board of Directors who may want to know what a report says. Thus, you should make sure to keep extra clothes in your office such as white business shirts with a collar. A shirt like this can mix and match with just about anything and can be worn with a tie or not.
Make sure the shirt fits you well and if you can wear it, use a slim cut. You should also have a clean pair of underwear and undershirts along with another tie and blue blazer. When you have these on hand, you don’t have to worry with running home and changing.
Keep your fashion simple
The last place you need to be making a fashion mistake is at your office. This is place you want to make a name for yourself or show that you earned that title. Don’t use colours, fabrics or patterns that bring unwanted attention toward you; you want people to listen to you not your clothes.
Be sure to use one of these coloured suits:
- Black
- Grey
- Charcoal
- Navy blue
Use a combination of business shirts (not just white and blue) but you can use solids, patterns or strips in colours such as red or green (be sure these are used on rare occasions). Your ties can be solid or striped but they must compliment your outfit. Don’t make them stand out. Shoes ought to be 100 percent leather, well-fitting and slim with colours of black or brown; always polish them.
Your wardrobe can say a lot about you and your accessories are no different. Don’t forget to use a watch, have a shave and wear cufflinks. You can always experiment with your outfits. You want attire that matches your personality as well as your surroundings.
Be a major in the minors
Your wardrobe should always be well put together but dressing well is only the beginning. Remember to smile warmly, have a firm handshake and be respectful to your superiors and co-workers. You should also put a 100 percent into everything you decide to do. Use these strategies to help further your career and pay.
Build on your business shirt – helpful tips to wear a pocket square to add to your look!
photo by georgia.kral
When you’re trying to put a suit together, you have tons of options. Little details will give you the look and comfort and, in the end, your overall impression. The details you do can make you look like a genius. Consider a quality business shirt or adding in a pocket square that will boost your appearance and give you some elegance.
Why have pocket squares made such a comeback? Mad Men’s star Sterling Cooper resurrected this four-decade fashion loss. Any slim tailored suit with a somber tone can be complimented with cuff links, pocket squares and a premium business shirt.
Don’t distract your look: how to wear pocket squares
How do you wear a pocket square? You have several options to do this but you want to make sure it’s simple and doesn’t take away from the look you’re trying to portray. One of the best is the basic flat pocket square fold. Other options include:
Wear the pocket square to match either the business shirt or the suit’s patterns and colours. There’s no reason that it must match perfectly but have it be very similar. If you’re not sure what colour to use, go with the standard white, as it works with most colours and makes a huge impact visually.
Use silk, linen or cotton pocket squares. Silk can slip from slight, which gives off the impression of someone storing something. Make sure, to avoid this problem, that you go for a puff kind of fold so support is maintained.
Make sure you use pocket squares discreetly. You don’t have to wear one with every single suit; just when the circumstance warrants it. When you’re in a causal setting and not wearing a tie, a pocket square can give some formality. Make sure to use it carefully so you don’t distract your overall look.
Premium Business Shirts – Know what you’re wearing
photo by cuttlefish
When you’re looking at business shirts, you need to remember it’s a mixture of three things: fibre, thread count and weave. These three things will produce the shirt’s look and feel; they will be what determine the end product.
A look at the fabrics of business shirts
Twill – When you decide to use twill business shirts, you’ll notice that it has a diagonal pattern, which gives it a unique look. However, the texture is tough and only looks good on shirts that have one colour; thus the patterns are far more evident. It’s lighter than Broadcloth and Oxford but very robust; it also doesn’t soil as easily.
Cotton (fibres) – These kinds of shirts breathe quite well, are generally soft and are the most comfortable of any material. It’s a good heat conductor; it feels and looks natural and has the greatest overall quality. For those reasons, it can be quite costly at checkout time. Bear in mind that cotton wrinkles very easily. Thus, blended shirts (which are more common) are less expensive, free of wrinkles and can keep you plenty warm. However, it’s less comfortable than 100 percent cotton. Also, these should not be worn in the summer because they rarely breathe.
Oxford (weaves) – Oxford type clothing is very soft and durable, which makes it a very popular weave. It may be worn for either casual or formal events. It’s also got a basket weave appearance, which means the fabrics cross over in pairs. Pinpoint Oxfords are a high quality type of Oxford; it’s lightweight with a fine texture. Royal Oxford clothing is geared toward the finer, formal occasions.
Broadcloth – This type of fabric is tightly woven and has a silky texture, which gives the clothing a smooth and formal look. In fact, this is the most formal business shirt you can have in your wardrobe; it can be found in a variety of styles, colours and patterns. It’s wonderful to wear in the autumn and spring months.
Poplin – This material consists of 100 percent cotton and has a soft content feel to it. You don’t have to do much ironing to it either. This is the kind of shirt you want to wear. It’s got a smooth look to it although the shirt gives a visibly seen fine horizontal ribbed effect. Since it can drape the body well, it’s important that you get the right size.
Herringbone – If you want a custom business shirt, you can’t do much better than the Herringbone, which is a tightly woven fabric that also gives a fine ribbed effect. It’s used in conjunction with twill, which creates a weave that has rows going in opposing directions (zigzag pattern). This patterns looks best on solid coloured shirts since it can clearly bring out the shirt details. When compared with the Oxford shirt, the Herringbone is smoother and classier. It’s not a commonly seen weave but certainly original.
Understanding a shirt’s thread count
On your tag, you’re going to see an odd number; this is your thread count number. It lets you know just how many pieces of thread were used to design your shirt. The majority of business shirts use between 40 and 160 threads to make a shirt. The higher the number is, the better the quality (meaning the softer and finer the finished shirt will be). A lower thread count tends to mean the shirt is low quality. However, don’t be entirely fooled since it could mean it’s heavy fabrics used in the wintertime.
Ply is another factor when considering the thread count of the business shirt. Ply means the amount of thread that was twisted together just before the shirt was designed. Two ply means two strands twisted together to create a tough and smooth fabric. One ply is just one strand… this is usually found in low quality made shirts. It basically boils down to this scenario:
2-ply, 80 thread count business shirt is going to be better than the 1-ply, 120 thread count.
Our top tips you should apply when buying business shirts, suits and more
photo by sovett
When you want a successful business wardrobe, sometimes it’s more than the business suit, shirt and tie. Don’t get me wrong these aspects are vitally important however there are a number of things you need to have in your wardrobe.
Our top tips to dress successfully
Tip 1
Make sure to buy clothing that’s going to last. You want clothing that’s not going to go out of style that next season so you’ll need to purchase contemporary yet classic suits. Be sure that your premium men’s business shirts and ties personalize the statement you’re trying to make.
Tip 2
When you find yourself a good tailor, make sure to treat him/her right. After all, they can help you alter those suits and pants when you need something to look right on you.
Tip 3
Get creative when you’re trying to match your business shirts and ties. If you have a large patterned tie, it works wonders with a small pattered shirt. You can also do a small patterned tie with a large patterned shirt.
Tip 4
Be sure you always shine your shoes and wear shoes that are appropriate to what you are wearing. For instance, you don’t want to wear loafers with your suit, well you might if you’re going to see the latest instalment of Wall Street.
Tip 5
Any accessories you wear should work together; thus, your shoes, belt and socks should work with your pants.
Tip 6
Try to imitate your boss (not to the letter) but see how they dress to give you an idea of how you should be dressing.
Tip 7
Don’t wear something if you feel uncomfortable.
Make men’s business shirts last longer: Six tips to help extend the life of your clothes
photo by rileyroxx
Most people are trying to save money these days, so it’s likely they are spending only on items they actually need (not want). Regardless of what the world’s economy is like, this should always be done. One of the best ways to save money in the long run is to care for your clothes such as your business shirts, suits and ties properly. When you can do this, you can slash your budget and put more money toward something else… perhaps that holiday you’ve been thinking about?
Now you’re going to need a few tips to help you lengthen the life of your clothes. Many people already apply the tips below but if you don’t…perhaps you should. A big way men’s business shirts start to wear down is through washing. Every time you wash, the colour will fade and their fibers weaken. You must wash your clothes… that’s a given, as you don’t want to scare anybody (including women) off with your stains and odours. However, you can wash your business shirts and still be gentle with them. Use the six tips listed below:
- Always use cold water to wash men’s business shirts
- Separate colours from your whites before you wash. Dark coloured clothes often have lint on them when washed with lighter coloured clothes; plus dark clothes have a tendency to bleed onto white clothes.
- Use the gentle cycle to wash shirts
- Wash soft and rough clothes separately from each other
- Use a gentle detergent for your clothes
- Turn business shirts inside out so the colour won’t fade; important when you’re dealing with jeans.
Don’t wash your clothes every time you get done wearing them. Wear them more than once to lengthen their lifespan. If it’s stained then do wash it but if there are no odours and stains, then it certainly doesn’t hurt to wear it more than once before you wash it. Of course, you do this mainly for jeans/pants, not underwear, socks and some shirts.
If you notice a small stain on your business shirt, spot clean it rather than washing the whole thing. Not only can washers cause damage to your shirts but your dryer can as well. The low heat setting can still cause harm to the dryer. You know the lint trap you clean out every time you go to start your dryer? That’s the clothing fibres. If you’ve got really expensive business shirts, and jeans, consider air drying them. While you’re doing that, you’ll save money and energy.
Six tips to be the “best dressed”
photo by hosiery_advocate
If you’re trying to make an impact with your clothes wherever you are, there are six tips you need to remember to help you do this.
1 – Be nice to your tailor
At one time or another, you’re going to have a suit that will need to be altered. Your tailor can alter most things you need them to so that your suit will fit your body and build. If you need the sleeves narrowed, they can do this. If your pants are just a bit too long, these can be shortened. Just remember to be nice to your tailor so they want to help with your alterations.
If you choose to buy off the rack, you’ll need to purchase the right size. Your tailor can work with what you purchased to make it fit. Don’t buy a suit that’s too large for you since the shoulder areas are supposed to hug your shoulders. Have your tailor fix your business shirt sleeves so that they stop just at the hinge of your wrist. You don’t want your pants to be too baggy. Your tailor’s fix can be the difference between being stylish dressed or suitably dressed.
You can also have the tailor custom make your suits and business shirts. What does custom tailor mean? It means that everything is going to fit you right once all the alterations have been made on ready-made clothes. If you’re looking for an alternative that’s easy on your wallet, this is it.
2 – When to cuff clothes
It’s important to know when you should cuff your clothes and when you should leave them be. If you’re wearing a modern slim suit with a pair of flat front pants, don’t cuff them. If you like the idea of the classic suit with one pleat, then you should cuff it… just don’t go any over than one and a half inches deep. Who knows you might even land a role in the next Wall Street movie…
3 – Match socks and suits
When you’re buying socks, you should always consider what colour suit you’re wearing… not the shoe. If you plan on wearing a navy blue suit with a pair of black shoes, you need to choose navy blue socks. If you’re wearing a suit that’s light in colour, choose socks that are lighter than the shoes you’re going to wear but darker than the suit.
4 – Skinny ties
You may have thought ties would ever change but they have gotten a lot thinner in the past couple of years. Skinny ties, while not suitable for all occasions gives your look a more modern and contemporary edge. Remember, you want a tie that makes you look sophisticated and modern; you want to make a positive impact, so leave the characters for the cartoons.
5 – Slim down your wallet
There are many men who overstuff their wallet but that’s not the gentlemen thing to do. Instead, throw out all receipts, video cards and anything else you really don’t need in it. Make sure to slim it down as much as possible. You should also purchase a slim but elegant leather credit card holder with all your main cards. Fold your hard earned and put it in a money clip.
6 – Wear brown shoes with almost everything
While black shoes are simple to use and match with everything, brown dress shoes liven up the clothing but make sure they are dark brown rather than light brown. These shoes are bound to be noticed by all you come across especially when you wear them with khaki, grey or navy blue pants.
Other fashion tips you should know include
Purchase a slim fit suit, which can give you a slimmer, more smooth look plus it’ll show off your business shirt and tie better. Fashion experts say that the days of three button suits are through.
Mix up your wardrobe with bold and contemporary premium business shirts
photo by Incase Designs
Look in your closet… what kinds of business shirts do you have? Do you see a row of tired, dated boring white business shirts? Why not go for something a little more daring for a change? Go for a bold pin striped or contemporary check premium business shirt to break up the monotony you see. Who knows it might just give you the edge in the competitive work environment!
Striped shirts (unlike shirts with checkered patterns) are widely more accepted in formal settings. However, there are exceptions to be mindful of. These shirt types can be found in various amplitudes, colours and widths so it’s best to know what some stripe names are in case you’re having your suit tailored made. You should always come across as someone who knows what they are talking about.
Four common business shirt stripes men can choose from
Awning stripes – The stripes of these shirts are usually thick (more than one-quarter of an inch thick) and are distributed evenly with shirt’s base colour and the exact width of the coloured stripes. Awning striped shirts can also be worn as causal shirts. The stripes’ thickness tends to deduct the elegance you are trying to portray because the colours stand out- it’s a bit of a balancing act here so consult with your better half!
Candy stripes – These kinds of stripes are a tad bit thicker than shirts with pencil stripes. The base width is about the same as the coloured stripes. The thicker the stripes get the more causal the shirt becomes. Why? Thicker stripes means the colour becomes bolder.
Pencil stripes – Pencil stripe shirts are a bit thicker than those shirts with pinstripes. Many men tend to wear these shirts at the office. Suitable office pencil striped shirts have light coloured stripes with a white coloured base. Any base other than white do well at work but are seen as less formal and better for causal events.
Pinstripe – Pinstripes are thin lines, which can be regarded as broken lines. The pattern of these lines is more evenly spaced with the white section. Pinstripe business shirts can be used in formal and casual situations, work related or not- this style suits all situations
A look at shadow stripes
Stripes will also come in an array of variations and thickness such as the shadow stripe. Shadow stripe shirts will consist of at least two stripe types and is bordered by a dissimilar stripe colour, all to create the shadow effect. Some variations have a thick stripe that borders a thin pin/pencil stripe on either side.
How to choose your next business suit colour
photo by Flowery *L*u*z*a*
There are two factors that often play with a man’s decision to purchase a certain business suit colour. First, the salesperson tells them the colour looks good. Second, he’ll see it’s similar to a suit he’s bought in the past. The problem with using these factors is that they don’t fully know if the colours will compliment and enhance their complexion and looks. The end result from choosing the wrong suit colour is a costly one to say the least!
If you don’t want this to happen to you, this article will help you to know what fabric goes with what colours and give you the power to choose the fabric and colour that will compliment your sense of style.
Dominate colours in the business suit world: black, charcoal grey and navy blue
The biggest reason that the colours of black, charcoal grey and navy blue dominate the business suit industry is that men are usually complimented by the dark colours. They can easily be worn from one situation to another. Here’s a bit about each suit colour:
Black – A black suit is generally seen as the colour for funerals or weddings; rightfully so because it enhances the man’s complexion. Black gives the slimming effect and, depending on the colour of the business shirt, it can be worn at work then at any number of after work functions one is expected to still make an impression. The key thing with wearing black is to use it with a high contrast person who has dark hair with a skin tone of light to medium. The overall effect: a properly framed face to draw attention.
Charcoal grey – This suit colour can project an authoritative, professional and stable image, which is great for young men to use as their first suit. Charcoal grey is lighter than navy blue or black but is still accepted for business interviews and other business functions. It’s also a versatile colour so it looks great with nearly all business shirt colours.
Navy blue – The strength of using navy blue suits lies in sheer dominance. The majority of men own a navy blue suit and if you ever go into a business meeting, you’ll find that 50 percent of them are wearing one. How can you stand out if more than 50 percent of people are wearing a navy blue suit? Remember that your clothing will send signals about who you are so make sure you come across as unique. Try and compliment the outfit with a classic yet contemporary business shirt- we suggest a slim cut fit premium business shirt made from 100% Egyptian cotton. Young men are recommended not to use navy blue suits since it doesn’t accentuate their youth.
Two other colours for business suits: light grey and white
Light grey – When you want a colour that doesn’t bring lots of attention to you but actually sends out signals that you have a suave personality, are confident in yourself then you should go with a light grey business suit (especially during the warmer months of spring and summer). If you live in a warm client year round then this is fine to wear at any point. This suit colour goes great with pale coloured business shirts such as light blue, white, etc. If you have a light complexion, you can always go with a bolder shade.
White – Wearing a white suit is fine so long as you think you’re a legit rapper or want to make a statement at your next high school reunion… When you want to wear a white suit, you should probably compliment the outfit with a white shirt, white tie, white (or snakeskin ) shoes, white top hat and a big fat cigar (not that we condone smoking)
You can find the majority of these colours in any store that sells suits or for the white try calling Usher or Craig David… However, even stores that don’t specialize in suits alone will sell darker colours because they know men will buy them. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to brick and mortar stores; you can also buy your business suits online and have the online fashion house custom make your suit to tailor your fit and size.
Premium business shirt maintenance
photo by The U.S. Army
It’s not uncommon to expect that most young professionals will have an array of premium business shirts to choose from. Business shirts actually need to be quite versatile and used from boardroom to the bar!
These business shirts are a significant investment. Once you’ve got your right business shirt (collar, colour, fabric, fit and more), you need to make sure to extend its life especially if you want to save your money and not have to buy another business shirt six months from now. Here are some helpful tips to lengthen your shirts’ life.
How to care for your business shirts to lengthen their life cycle
Daily care – The best way to ensure your shirts are their best is to look them over every day. You need to ensure that there are no loose buttons, noticeable stains, rips and wrinkles. Be proactive about catching any problems and correct them before it’s way too late to do anything about it. Do this checking before you iron your shirt. You should also keep your business shirts a few inches away from each other on non-metal hangers. This allows them to breathe and drape naturally, which keeps them from getting into poor shape. A few minutes of your time every day can lengthen your shirt’s life.
Wash – You have two options when it comes to washing your business shirts: you can wash them yourself or send them out to a dry cleaner.
Washing shirts yourself – If you choose to wash your own business shirts, always look at the tag to see what the recommendations are. You may find that most business shirts must be washed on the gentle cycle in lukewarm water. If you decide to wash them by hand, separate your colours and be careful with the bleach. While white shirts should be fine, always consult the label for care instructions.
Dry cleaners – Many people turn to dry cleaners to get business shirts cleaned but it can be rather dangerous. First, they use chemicals that can alter the colour of the shirt and/or damage it. You’ll need to ensure that the cleaners know not to starch your shirt, as this can weaken the fibres, causing it to possibly tear.
If you want the crisp look, you’ll need to buy a high thread, well-made quality business shirt- we recommend 100% Egyptian cotton. Launder your shirt; don’t send it out to be dry-cleaned since they use chemicals that can cause major damage to them.
Iron – Don’t start ironing your shirt just yet. You’ll need to make sure the shirt has no stains. When you iron over a stain, it becomes close to impossible to remove. You’ll also want to ensure no loose buttons or threads. Your shirt should be slightly damp while you iron. If you can, use a good steam iron to quickly and easily remove those wrinkles and dry it out.
Stains – You’re going to need to deal with stains at some point so it’s best to act right away. If you’ve got mud or grass stains on it, apply stain remover. Oil/grease stains can be removed with liquid detergents. Make sure to hand wash using cold water. Armpit stains are very common on shirts so consider using an undershirt to stop them. Always put on cologne first and wait for it to dry before you put on your shirt, as cologne can discolour your shirt.
When you follow the above steps, you can lengthen how long you have a business shirt for, as you’ll maintain its quality, colour, fit and fabric. It is a must-have in your wardrobe so ensure that it lasts!