Men's Fashion

Suit Size: How To Determine What Size Suit You Wear

Shopping for a ready-made suit today is like shopping for a new car. You walk into the store where you are cordially greeted by the happy haberdasher who quickly asks," What size suit do you normally wear?"

Seldom are you asked about any fit challenges you may have experienced in the past with regard to the jacket, discomfort of the seat, rise, or overall fit of your trousers. Furthermore, you are rarely placed in front of a mirror -- with tape measure in hand -- having your measurements taken and recorded so that you can accurately determine the correct size suit to select.

The following steps are your guide to knowing what size suit you really wear...

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Suit Fitting: How To Get Properly Fitted For A Ready-Made Suit

With fewer independent tailors who have real experience these days, it leaves the style-conscious man at the mercy of the over-anxious clerk at the store. And they are just anxious to sell you what is on sale with as few alterations as possible!

That is hardly the person you should defer to in matters of style or fit.

Well, here is the good news: The science of the correct fit for a suit is not as difficult as you may think. This is definitely something that can be learned.

Here's how to determine your true fit...

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4 Reasons To Buy A 2nd Pair Of Matching Suit Pants

When I started my career in the clothing business I had a small wardrobe and minimal cash to work with. My mentor in the trade shared with me the advantages of purchasing a second pair of matching suit pants with the purchase of the 2 pinnacle suits in a man's wardrobe: the navy solid and charcoal gray solid.

It was great advice 18 years ago, and it's great advice today.

In addition, it makes good sense to purchase one extra pair of matching pants for each of those suits.

Here's why...

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10 Basic Items Every Man Should Have In His Business Wardrobe

You already know that wearing the right suit for each business occasion will add to your personal enjoyment. You have been told that it will contribute to your financial success.

But, most important, the right business wardrobe will also save you money in the long run.

Overworking one suit, shirt, tie or pair of shoes cuts down the total wear for that item. Wool, cotton, and silk are all "live" natural  fibers. They get tired. Frequent rests between wearings preserve the life and elasticity of the fabric and add greatly to the total life of the garment. And just as your feet need rest, so do your shoes.

Once you build up a balanced wardrobe that gives you proper rotation of garments, the cost of replacing those items becomes less than the wasteful practice of wearing a few garments steadily until they are exhausted.

Here's how to build a balanced business wardrobe, without going broke...

Continue reading: 10 Necessities In A Man's Business Wardrobe

How To Save Money On Dry Cleaning: Men's Suits

I received a call from a client, and through a series of questions I discovered he was dry cleaning his suits every other week.

His reasoning:

• You can't help but brush against a dirty car sometimes.
   
• A suit may have lingering smells of coffee and food from the coffee shops and restaurants you've been in.
   
• It's impossible to avoid sweating in a suit on hot days.

Together, we determined that he was spending between $175 and $250 a month dry cleaning his suits!
 
Here is the solution. It's simple, quick, and painless. Not only will it save you money on dry cleaning, but it will also save the life and longevity of your suits.

Continue reading: Dry Cleaning Business Suits

Men's Grooming Tips For A Job Interview

It is good for a man to have pride in his appearance, and it takes extra time and attention for a man to dress well.

My grandfather used to say that he judged a man by his shoes. Perhaps he was saying that our external appearance is often the one most people see and judge us by.

Do you consider yourself well-groomed?

Maybe it's time to evaluate yourself before the job interview by considering the following standards of a well-groomed man...

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Appropriate Interview Colors & Attire

While in pursuit of a new job or advancing in your present company, you should dress for the position you aspire to hold, not the one you currently have.

Note: The focal point in all communication in an interview goes from a firm handshake at waist level to primarily your face; how you frame it is extremely important. With that said, stay away from geometric, check or plaid pattern neckwear that will ultimately reek havoc on the eyes of the viewer. You want and need them to be able to make strong eye contact with you throughout the interview.

Now let's look at the essentials you will need in creating that look of confidence for your job interview.

Continue reading: The Best Interview Colors & Styles

Dressing For The Job Interview

It is important to note that people in general will form their perceptions in the first 30 seconds, which more than likely will influence how they choose to interact with you.

While in a job interview, they are consciously and unconsciously judging based on your visual and verbal communication. The things that speak the loudest yet never utter a word are your clothing and overall grooming.

As business attire today runs the gamut allowing for more individual expression, it also is a path that leads to error. Preparation is key ... the candidate who shows up wearing the right clothes may gain a competitive edge.

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Top 3 Cedar Shoe Trees

You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can certainly judge a man by his broken down shoes.

Equally as important as caring for your other wardrobe essentials is protecting the investment of your footwear.

Put your best foot forward with these top 3 cedar shoe trees...

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Why You Need Cedar Shoe Trees

Trees for your shoes are like air for your tires... they provide longevity and performance.

For a moment I want you to think of your shoes without their shoe trees as a set of tires on your automobile facing the elements of their daily commute without their proper psi. Your tires, like the shoes on your feet, will face the heat of the pavement, rain, sleet, snow, uneven roads, debris and many other challenging environments.

Continue reading: Reasons To Use Cedar Shoe Trees