Formal Dressing

January 16, 2010 by Sam Smith

With the vibrant times the milieu also changes, the only constant force time has changed many things along with it but few principles things have remained same at the core. It includes the basic needs of man. They still remain as food, shelter and clothes, though their formats have been modified and they have become more sophisticated. Here we shall discuss on the third requirement i.e. clothes.

From ragged animal skins to the ultra modern and supremely stylish ones clothes have transformed greatly. The greatest advantage that we have today is the availability of choice, which our ancestors lacked greatly. They had no option but to carry on with what they had, there is also a point that they had very specific needs. As compared to the current scenario an average person has to have three to four types of garments for different purposes. The most important ones among them are the formal clothes as they are ought to be used for important purposes.  Today they define the personality of any individual. They vary from country to country and from region to region, but the universally accepted garment that is acknowledged by the world is suits. They are the power dressings which define authority and responsibility. This is why we must own a suitable suit and it is important not only to own them but also to know how to own them? It is not a cakewalk to select a suitable suit, a suit also determines the nature and attitude of the person adorning them.

There are broadly two kinds of people one who have a casual approach and the other who have formal approach towards their objectives. The latter ones live life very precisely and have their own standards for their actions; custom designed suits are the first choice of these men. Custom made suits are designed according to the needs of the customer they are a sort of made too order clothes. There is a long inventory of the differences between the custom made suits and the readymade ones.

How and why to own a suit?

December 9, 2009 by Sam Smith
Men's Suit

Men's Suit

How do you judge a person without interaction? By his looks and conduct. The first thing that you notice is his appearance, others also have the similar view about your personality. When you are going for some important official meet then you may not necessarily communicate with every person, but you want to have an impression on each one of them. It starts with a simple step, dressing sensibly.

Suits give charm

Suits give charm

Suits are best attires for such occasions, they have the capability to modify the looks from lame to sophisticated. Suits have been used by the most influential and responsible people in the society since decades. They mainly belong to three broad categories:- European(i.e Italian), British and American, each one of them have their own specialties like the British one sports a military appearance with padded shoulders, two vents, pinched waist and flap pockets. European suits have padded shoulders, no vents, V-shaped jacket and flapless pockets whereas the American suits are the latest addition to this series. They started flourishing in the 1920’s and they have natural shoulders, one vent in the back, straight-hanging lines and flap pockets. Each one of them are apparently different.

To gratify your desire of being epitomized as an impressive, confident, responsible and authoritative personality you must have a sound collection of suits in your closet. However merely buying any suit won’t help so just ascertain some factors:-

  • Fabric:  Choose light weight wool or blended wool which is optimum to be used throughout the year.

Avoid knits and jerseys tweeds as they’re too casual and more difficult to wear with other wardrobe pieces. They should be avoided in the main suits.

Wrinkling of fabric should be examined simply by clenching a handful of fabric and release it. If the material winds up in a crumple then don’t consider it at all. A genuine fabric that is comfortable and long lasting should be mostly preferred.

  • Color: Neutral and light colors give a professional, sophisticated and versatile look. Avoid using loud or flashy colors. You can choose from black, navy blue or brown as they are evergreen official colors.
  • Fitting and finishing: Overview the fabric for unnatural ripples or gatherings, which are usually a resultant of inexperienced or unskilled work or use of incompetent material. Check seams for taut stitching that is neither loose nor pulled, button the pants should have a panty line and the crotch must not cling or hang too low. Make sure shoulders are not too round, pointy, or boxy, shoulder pads need to be equally positioned and the same size and the shoulder line must be smooth from end to end, front and back.. Buttons should be firmly attached and evenly spaced, with no loose threads.

What is special in custom made suits?

November 23, 2009 by Sam Smith

What is special in custom made clothes

custom suits

This is the era of technology where almost every task can be accomplished in few minute simple steps. For example now you don’t need to go and spend hours if you want to purchase something. It can be done just by a click and your demand will be furnished in a short span of time.  This example just gives a glimpse of the ease and mobility with which tasks can be done today.

Though there are still some fields where people prefer quality instead of time stipulation of task completion. One of such fields is formal dressing. Formal clothes can be obtained in two different methods, they are available readymade or they can be made to order. In the former case you just have to take pains of selecting the appropriate dress for yourself. Made to order clothes are also known as custom made clothes.

They are a more typical form of dressing where you have to use a bit of fashion, styling and dressing ethics. But one thing can be assured that if properly carried out then the custom made suits will be better suited as compared to the readymade ones.

Suit collection

Suit collection

Buying readymade clothes seems to be an comfortable option and it is indeed easier.

In custom made clothes you have to take care of every step right from the beginning. Choosing the right suit presents a closet-full of challenges and opportunities to those faced with building a wardrobe. From suit silhouettes, pricing and fashionable obsolescence to pant fronts, button counts and lapel widths, there’s much to consider.

There are just few minute details that should be kept in mind before ordering a suit. Only a competent and experienced custom tailors should be trusted. He must be briefed about your lifestyle, career, environment and the dress-code of your office. The benefits of full-canvas construction include attention to detail, durability and a freer and more natural appearance.

The second most important point to be kept in mind is that which kind of fabric should be selected? It should be suitable for long term use and all the above stated factors should be kept in mind.

Details about minute things like the buttons and lapels should also be briefed to the tailor so that he may provide you the best and what you had wished.

Branded wears

November 13, 2009 by Sam Smith

A common buzz among the consumers nowadays is about the branded products. Now the consumer is completely aware about the product that he is using. On contrary in the past people used to purchase objects without paying much attention on the features. It is a nice evolution in the society and should continue.

Branded products have their own advantages as they have earned a reputation and brand name by proving themselves over years. To maintain their name value they put in their best efforts and give finest quality to the customers. Branded products claim the trust and appreciation of people and companies cannot afford to loose it any cost. As it takes years to gain the confidence of someone but seconds to loose it.  And according to human psychology once the confidence is lost then it is very difficult to regain it.  Therefore it is worth spending  a little extra on them as they ensure quality.

We always want that the product that we are using should be trustworthy. Specially those which would be used for special purposes. Formal wears are the best example in this case.

Branded wears

Branded wears

When you have to go for any special event then you prefer formal dresses. People around you at such an event would be also well groomed so you ought to look elegant. At such a moment any malfunctioning cannot be afforded. For this you need the combination of quality and durability which is only available with branded wears.

 

Selecting accessory for men’s formal wears.

November 6, 2009 by Sam Smith

Perfection is the desire of everyone.  Though it is difficult to  achieve. For some people it is essential in all the spheres of life .  In the context of formal dressing where there are so many features that should be taken care of . Accessories are the part where usually people do not pay the required attention. But the perfection seekers do not ignore this part.

Men's accessories

Men's accessories

Accessories that are used along with formal dresses are cufflinks, tie, belts, suspenders etc. are very important. With the right accessory you can get distinguished in a crowd. These small objects can create a big difference.  But their selection is not as simple as it might seem to be.

For example selection of a suitable tie is also a skillful task though it might not seem to be.

yellow-blue-stripe-genesis-tie

yellow-blue-stripe-genesis-tie

Tie is such a thing that cannot be hidden. It remains exposed  and gets  noticed at first sight. Though it cannot overshadow the importance of suit and shirt but when you have to present your best then every feature should be thoroughly examined.

The most important things to be kept in mind are that the color and fabric of the tie should compliment the suit. A wrong selection of tie can spoil the charm of suit.

Pure Sterling Silver Cufflinks With genuine turquoise stone

Pure Sterling Silver Cufflinks With genuine turquoise stone

Pure Sterling Silver Stud Set

Pure Sterling Silver Stud Set

The importance of cufflinks can not be ignored.  If you are doing so then you are doing a big mistake. They are easily noticed and they tell the taste of the person. They can add a vigor to the personality.

Though belts remain unnoticed in formal wears but they should also be given priority equivalent to any other accessory. Though these are very minute aspects of formal dressing but they add to the valor of your personality.  They show your inclination towards perfection.

Fraser Belt - Reversible Black/Walnut Belt by Allen Edmonds

Fraser Belt - Reversible Black/Walnut Belt by Allen Edmonds

iMen's Black Mezlan Weave Belt

Men's Black Mezlan Weave Belt

What should I look for in a shirt before buying it?

November 6, 2009 by Sam Smith

Finely fabricated shirts

Something that stays close to your body throughout should not only appear good but it should also be comfortable and of fine quality. In the matter of shirts one cannot afford to be callous. Dress shirts can underscore your professionalism. Shirts are no more a mere garment  but they are now a prominent outfit.  Pick out a dress shirt that can underscore your sense of style. Deciding factors can include color, style and fabric. Of the three, fiber should weigh the most as it determines the quality of your dress shirt. The first aspect you should think about is color. For a professional look, a long sleeved white cotton dress shirt is always a good choice.

Oxford cotton is the most Cotton shirtspractical choice, simply because cotton will wrinkle less than other materials. Also, white dress shirts will go with any men’s suit you own. You may choose another light color besides white. Pale yellow, pink or blue are common choices, but will make choosing your tie more challenging, but adventurous.

Dress for success! The dress shirt is one of the 1st steps! How do I choose a Men’s dress shirt to wear? Dress shirts can underscore your professionalism. Pick out a dress shirt that can underscore your sense of style.

Deciding factors can include color, style and fabric. Of the three, fiber’s weightage should be the most as it determines the quality of your dress shirt. Choose a 100% cotton dress shirt – it looks more professional and will hold up better and longer than a blend.

The first aspect you should think about is color. For a professional look, a long sleeved white cotton dress shirt is always a good choice. Oxford cotton is the most practical choice, simply because cotton will wrinkle less than other materials. Also, white dress shirts will go with any men’s suit you own, so coordinating shirts and ties are easy. You may choose another light color besides white. Pale yellow, ecru, pink or blue are common choices, but will make choosing your tie slightly more challenging, but adventurous.

Style can also play a consideration in your men’s dress shirt wardrobe. Choose basic shirt styles such as shirts with point or spread collars and an assortment of barrel and French cuffs styles. Don’t be too adventurous in styling your shirts in building that initial shirt wardrobe. Keep it simple! No crazy collars and cuffs styles until you have the basic wardrobe established, then you can do more fashion oriented styles.

The ideal shirt wardrobe should consist of at least 24 shirts, because of the shirts that you own – typically at any given time: 8 of your shirts you wear, 8 shirts are dirty & 8 shirts are at the cleaners. The ideal 24 shirt wardrobe should consist of an assortment similar to this:

  • 8-10 white shirts consisting of plain whites and white on white jacquards barrel cuffs and French cuffs.
  • 4-5 blue shirts
  • 2-3 ecru or yellows
  • 1-2 pink shirts
  • 2-3 stripe shirts
  • 3-4 various patterns – stripes or checks

The key to developing your ideal shirt wardrobe is to build with the basics (listed above) first and then layer on the more adventurous colors and patterns – such as purples and browns and windowpanes. The basics will give you much more mileage and versatility to your wardrobe.

Importance of shoes

November 6, 2009 by Sam Smith

In case of formal wearing shoes are the most neglected part. But it is a fact that without the right pair of shoes formal wear cannot be called complete.  Importance of shoes is much more than the mere appearance.

Men's formal shoes

Men's formal shoes

Wearing the right pair of shoes puts great impact on the minds of people whom you have to deal with. It is said that the taste of a man can be judged by the type of shoes he is wearing.

They should be firstly comfortable. They must have a firm grip on the ground as slippery one can get you into trouble. When shoes deliver so much then they also demand some care. They are meant to be sturdy but a well kept pair will last three times longer. Leather is the most preferred material for shoes, but it gets moist after being used all the day.  Wet shoes can be dried in a warm place like near an oven, but rapid drying can irreversibly crack the leather.

Priority in the case of shoes is comfort

Shoes also serve the purpose of morale booster. A good looking pair of shoes provides confidence and helps you impress others.

How to select a trouser?

November 6, 2009 by Sam Smith

trousers

Trousers

As we all know that a trouser is a garment designed to fit the body from the waist to the bottom of the leg. It consists of separate tube-shaped sections for each leg. Prior to this date men had worn stockings and breeches. Fashion and clothing always keeps on changing therefore one should remain updated with the latest trends.

While buying a trouser certain features should be given importance like fabric, interlinings, trim and design. These ensure the life of the product. It should have a fully constructed waist band, a nylon zipper, pure cotton roomy pockets and plated or a plain front.

Another prime trouble is that most of the people do not know is the correct color combination that would compliment their complexion. It is observed that men generally prefer dark colors. It is not that they are the best but they generally do not look awkward and they shall never be obsolete.  To be on safe side people prefer dark colored clothes.

Main colors found in every other wardrobe are navy blue, black and charcoal gray. They all have their own features and importance. A few more colors are suggested which can enhance your impact in a professional getup,like brown which ranges from light brown to chocolate hue, tan color which is apt for warm weather and distinguishes from crowd, taupe which falls between gray and brown, can be used all the year round and gives a professional look, similarly light gray also but among all these the most soothing and firm look is provided by white color.

A trouser enabled with combination of all these features can be called a right choice for the customer.