Wednesday, September 29, 2010

FAQs about Men's Accessories

 
Man wearing 
distressed jeans and wristwatch
With belts, hats, scarves and other stylish men's accessories available, creating a great wardrobe can be a snap. If you have questions about the right fashion accessories to buy or concerns about men's designer accessories, we have the answers you're looking for. Read on for frequently asked questions about men's accessories and tips on creating the perfect outfits.

About Men's Accessories:

  1. I've heard that the leather on my shoes and belt should match, but what about my watch band?
    It's true that men's belts made of black leather should be worn with black shoes and likewise for brown. Wearing a matching wristband could complete the look, but it's not essential to match watch bands with men's belts. If you want to wear a brown leather watch strap with your black belt and shoes, most likely no one would even notice. You can also wear other accessories for men, such as cuffs and men's hats, that don't match your shoes and belt exactly.
  2. I have cashmere scarves and gloves for winter, but how do I take care of them?
    Most labels on cashmere say "dry clean only," and you can't go wrong by following these directions. Dry-clean your cashmere men's scarves and men's gloves a few times during the winter if you wear them often, and make sure you have your cashmere cleaned before you store it away for the summer. If you're on a tight budget, you can hand wash cashmere with a very mild detergent, but be very careful not to wring it out; just let delicate men's gloves and men's scarves dry flat on a towel.
  3. Which men's accessories make the best gifts?
    Like with any gift, it's easier to shop for accessories for men when you don't need to know an exact size. Scarves, men's wallets and key rings all fit that description, and there are quality styles of each of those that would make excellent gifts. Men's money clips and men's hats also make wonderful gifts. Be sure the fashion accessories are worthy of the recipient; look for quality materials -- like cashmere, quality metals and fine leather -- or for men's designer accessories that are sold in stylish gift boxes.


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Monday, September 27, 2010

Formal wear for fire?


So ive been thinking of fun different things i could wear while I do my fire spinning and I think I wanna try spinning in a suit. Now as far as what kind of suit im not sure. I know i want to avoid white cause if i hit the suit at all itll stain and never come out as well as it just wont look good.I kinda want just a plain formal black tuxedo, just because a tux always looks really good.

Or maybe i should go for something a little more flashy like a shiny suit, or maybe a pinstripe suit. If plaid is still in I could go with this awesome plaid suit i found! I know the idea is original. Im just not sure where I wanna take it. If i want to stay with a classy suit, or if i want to really stand out with a metallic suit.

I know i want to stay away from fibrous suits that use wool or other really flammable fabrics. usually cotton or polyester fabrics hold up ok. And if need be I could always put a thin layer of stunt gel on the suit arms to help prevent a fire.
So If any of you want to share your opinion on what i should wear please post. Id love to hear!

Friday, September 24, 2010

How to Measure for Tuxedo Vests

 
Man in a tuxedo
A perfectly fitted tuxedo makes any man look like a million bucks, but if just one element isn't sized correctly, it can spoil the whole look. Measuring properly to make sure that each element fits is essential, yet many people only measure for the suit jacket and pants. Tuxedo vest measurements are just as important as other parts of formalwear, because the way the vest hangs will affect the look of the entire top half of the tuxedo. Here's how to make sure your total ensemble, especially your tuxedo vest, fits perfectly for your special day.

Measuring for Tuxedo Vests:

  1. Dress in the tuxedo pants and shirt you will be wearing. Make sure you also wear the belt and that your shirt is neatly tucked in.
  2. Find a friend to help measure you. Stretch the measuring tape from the bottom of the back of your collar to the top of your pants for the first measurement and record it.
  3. Have your friend measure the circumference of your chest at your armpits. Keep your arms relaxed but held slightly away from your body while the measurement is taken. Do not suck in or pull the tape tight because you will end up with a tight-fitting vest that you can't breathe in.
  4. Measure your waist just above the waistband of your pants. Again, do not measure your waist too tightly, or the vest will not fit correctly.
  5. Choose an adjustable vest if possible. This will allow it to fit your biggest tuxedo vest measurement if you make the proper adjustments. If the vest is too large in spots, choose a different size or have a tailor alter it to fit. Be sure that the neck strap is adjusted so that the vest hits your waistband at the right spot. This is particularly important when fitting vests for a wedding party: Everyone's vest should come to the same level underneath their jackets.
  6. Look for a size that accommodates your largest measurements. This is only necessary if you are wearing a nonadjustable vest. Have the tuxedo vest taken in to accommodate your other measurements. You may need to try several sizes to find the one that requires the least amount of tailoring.


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Thursday, September 23, 2010

How to Buy Men's Belts

 
Men's belts dress up pants
They hold up your pants, let you express your style with a bold buckle and add an elegant or funky touch to any outfit: Men's belts are an important part of every wardrobe. Whether you're looking for a men's leather belt, men's dress belt or designer belt, knowing a few things before buying a belt will help you find a style that looks good and fits perfectly. Read on for tips on buying men's belts.

Buying Men's Belts:

  1. Select a style for work. If you want a belt to wear primarily with dress pants and suits for work and special occasions, a men's black belt is your best choice. Look for a men's black leather belt with a shiny silver buckle to make a statement while still looking professional. Match a men's black belt to your dress shoes or purchase a men's brown belt to go with brown dress shoes or boots. To save money and time, especially if you change clothes and shoes when you get home, purchase a reversible men's belt that reverses between black and brown. A men's dress belt made of vinyl or suede is also a good choice.
  2. Choose a casual belt for everyday wear. The same men's black leather belt you wear to the office will also look great with jeans or twill pants. To complement a casual button-up, buy a men's brown belt that matches a pair of brown loafers or boots. A men's leather belt in grey or tan also works well with khaki pants and casual shirts, and a reversible men's belt gives you the options you need for a put-together look.
  3. Buck tradition with a stylish buckle. A men's belt buckle, especially a distinctive one on a designer belt, can give your look personality. Look for an oversized men's belt buckle to wear with jeans and sneakers for a casual weekend; or buy a designer belt with a trademark logo buckle to show your impeccable taste.

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How to Measure Yourself for a Men's Suit

Man in a suit and tie

Things You Need:

  • Measuring tape
A great suit is one of the most important pieces in a man's wardrobe, and the key to a great men's suit is one that fits correctly. Before you buy a men's suit, you will need to take several measurements for both your jacket and trousers. Taking these measurements beforehand will save you a lot of time when you compare sizes and fits of men's suits. Whether you're headed to a wedding, a formal business meeting or a nice evening out, these tips for measuring will ensure that you get a suit that looks and fits great.

Measuring for a Suit:

  1. Measure yourself for the suit jacket. You'll need to know the width of the widest part of your torso, which is just under your arms and across the chest. Don't hold your breath while measuring, or you could end up with a tighter suit jacket than you intended. However, don't measure too loosely, either. This measurement is important to determine your suit size.
  2. Determine your height in feet and inches. The chest measurement plus the height will determine whether the suit will be a short, medium or long. For example, men under 5'7 with a chest measurement of 36 inches to 46 inches should purchase a short suit, while men between 5'7 and 5'11 with a chest measurement of 36 inches to 54 inches should try a regular suit. Men who are 6 feet tall or taller will need to purchase a long suit.
  3. Measure your waist for your pant size. The pants will normally rest around the belly button, so start measuring around your torso at the height of the belly button. Stick a couple fingers between the measuring tape and your body so that the fit won't be so tight. When you sit down, you'll need that breathing room.
  4. Find your inseam measurement. Wear a fitted pair of pants when you're doing this to get a better measurement and stand with your legs apart. Take the measuring tape and measure from the crotch to the bottom of the shoe so that the pants won't be too short or drag on the floor. You won't be able to take the measurement properly if you try to do it yourself, so get someone to help you find the measurement at the shoe level.
  5. Measure your seat. Make sure that the measuring tape includes the widest part of the buttocks. Don't hold the tape too tightly or too loosely -- just enough that you can fit two fingers between the tape.
  6. Calculate your sleeve length. Start from the shoulder seam and measure to about two inches below the wrist. Most suit jackets are fitted using the standard formula of chest width and height, but in case you have different proportions, this measurement could be useful.

Suit Fitting Tips:

  1. Record the measurements in both inches and centimeters if your tape measure has both options. This will make it easier to purchase a suit from a different country.
  2. Don't buy a suit that fits to your exact measurements. Give yourself some room; two extra inches is enough. Too much room will make the suit baggy and unflattering, while too little room will make the suit fit tightly and make you uncomfortable.
 
 
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Monday, September 20, 2010

Best Formal Dresses for Your Body Type

 
Formal Dress
No matter what body shape you have, an evening dress for your next party or event is a wardrobe staple that should make you look and feel fabulous when you wear it. Whether you want to accentuate your hourglass shape, curvy silhouette or petite figure, you can find evening dresses for every body type.
  1. Show off your hourglass figure. If you have an hourglass figure, which is a defined waist and an equal length in the width of the hips and shoulders, look for flowing fabrics. These will skim the body and accentuate the waist. Wrap dresses are one of the best silhouettes, since they tighten around the waist and are loose around the lower stomach and hips. Formal dresses that feature a belt or contrasting fabric around the waist will also be as flattering as wrap dresses.
  2. Flatter your bust line. If you have a full bust, the best formal dress you can choose is one that has structure and support. Straps should be thick enough to give lift and support to the bust line. To balance out your body shape, choose an A-line dress that accentuates the waist and flows out at the hips to provide proportion to your lower half.
  3. Create curves. Evening dresses in monochromatic colors work best for women who want to create curves, especially white and light-colored dresses, which accentuate the body's shape. To look curvier, look for a belted party dress or one with gathers or darts at the waistline.
  4. Give the appearance of long legs. Party dresses in dark colors, such as black, navy blue, chocolate brown, eggplant and forest green, create the illusion of height, and a hem that hits around the knee is ideal to show off the legs. Showing leg and adding a heel are two simple ways to appear taller


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Thursday, September 16, 2010

FAQs about Men's Jeans

You've got your favorite pair of men's jeans to wear on the weekends and after work, but how do you keep those jeans looking great for a long time? Is it all right to wear men's designer jeans to the office occasionally? What styles and washes of jeans work best for your lifestyle and the time of year? Read on for answers to these questions and for other tips on wearing men's jeans.

Questions about Men's Jeans:

  1. Are jeans appropriate for the workplace?
    Of course, that depends on your employer. However, if your office has a relaxed dress code, boot-cut jeans should be fine. Keep in mind that "relaxed" doesn't translate to "slob," so if you do decide to wear designer jeans, make sure they maintain a professional look. A good rule of thumb is that the darker a pair of men's designer jeans, the dressier it appears. Try combining men's blue jeans in a deep blue wash with a pair of Oxford shoes, which will perfectly strike the balance between business and comfort.
  2. Do certain washes work better during different seasons?
    Just like the rest of your wardrobe, different boot-cut jeans look better in different seasons. In the fall and winter months, you will want to wear darker washes or raw denim jeans. Buy jeans to wear with a bold, solid-colored sweater for a warm, stylish look. As the sun begins to warm things up in the spring and summer, you can transition to men's pants in lighter washes. Nothing will make you feel the summer spirit like a pair of light straight-leg jeans and some new flip-flops.
  3. What is the best way to maintain my jeans?
    The most important thing to remember when you buy jeans is that denim is made from cotton, and cotton can shrink in the wash. If you buy a pair of straight-leg jeans because you love their perfect fit, avoid machine drying at all costs. Air drying men's blue jeans doesn't only keep them from shrinkage, though; it also saves them from the tough love of a tumble dryer, meaning they'll last longer. Wash your denim jeans in warm water without bleach, and if you want to preserve the wash of men's pants, especially designer jeans, put them in the washing machine inside-out.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

How to Choose Men's Jeans

 
Denim jeans
Jeans are an important part of any guy's wardrobe. They can take you from a casual outing with friends or a fun date to a day at the office. Finding the right fit and wash in your jeans is an important part of the shopping process because it will ensure that you have a pair of flattering pants. Use these tips to find a great pair of jeans for every occasion.

Choosing Jeans:

  1. Figure out which cut fits you best. Men's jeans come in many different cuts, which allow you to pick a style that's best for you. Men's bootcut jeans are cut slightly larger at the leg opening and are flattering on most men's body types. Men's skinny jeans fit very tightly from the waist to the ankles and are typically most flattering on lean body types. If your body type is average to muscular, relaxed fit jeans will fit well. Straight cut jeans are simple and fall straight from the hip to the floor, making them an excellent choice for men who want a flattering style without a lot of embellishments.
  2. Choose a wash. Look for stonewashed jeans and shades of dark blues or muted greys, which look classic and go with everything. Keeping a few pairs of timeless jeans in your wardrobe is a good idea, and it allows you to buy jeans in trendy colors and washes, such as dirty washes and acid washes, to keep up with current styles.
  3. Look carefully at details. Many premium denim jeans, or designer jeans, are designed with detailing on the back pockets and features such as flaps and deep front pockets. Men's bootcut jeans look classic with stitching on the back pockets. Pockets with screen printed images or lettering can give you a more urban, fashion-forward look.
  4. Consider the length. Think about which shoes you will primarily be wearing with your jeans. Straight cut jeans and relaxed fit jeans look great with athletic shoes, while bootcut jeans and premium denim jeans look great with dressier shoes and low boots. If you have the shape to pull off men's skinny jeans, try them with vintage-style shoes or designer sneakers.
  5. Comfort should come first. Whatever you decide about cut, fit and color, find a pair of men's jeans that are comfortable enough to wear to casual events and evenings out. If you find the right style, your jeans will be the clothes you reach for over and over again.

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