Solids: A pattern isn’t a requirement. Solid suit, solid shirt, solid tie. Nothing wrong with that.
More Precise Shirt Measurements: We’ve put men on the moon, and remote controlled contraptions on mars. Why are 90% of the dress shirts out there still coming with sleeve lengths that have ballpark measurements? 32/33? Why not just 32? And then 33?
Free Shipping and Free Returns: Going to a mall has changed in the last ten years. Hell, in the last five. In person, brick and mortar shopping just flat out isn’t worth it to a lot of us. The traffic, the food court smells, the badgering by sales assistants (no fault of their own… it’s their job). So when it’s free freight, both ways, we are absolutely more likely to buy in.
Semi Spread Collars: Full spread/cutaway collars just do not have the versatility of a semi-spread, which looks terrific either with a tie, or without. Why brands insist on making most of their shirts with full spreads is baffling.
Try getting these vertical lines with a cutaway or full spread. All hail the semi-spread collar.
Space: As in, in your pants. And in your jacket sleeves. In your jeans. Multiple things can be true, and thus, the following can coexist in the same universe: #1: The styles from the 90s were too big. #2. The styles from the late aughts and even up to today are often too tight. You can have an athletic looking suit or shirt or pair of jeans without being shrink wrapped.
Socks in the summer: When did bare ankles above dress shoes become a requirement in the hot months?
Wool: God bless cotton, but wool is far superior in every metric… other than cost.
Black: Maybe not in suit form (I see you reservoir dogs)… but shoes, belts, ties, etc… And yes you can wear all that black with navy. Just because richer, lighter browns were ignored for so long, doesn’t mean black has to lose out in some sort of binary, zero-sum game.
Black doesn’t have to be boring.
Humility: Not everything has to go on instagram. We’re a style website, it’s our job, and even posting every day to instagram feels weird. Y’know what many a date would find sexy? NOT seeing that you’ve documented how awesome you look on the web. So you can dress well. Big deal.
Non Functioning Sleeve Buttons: From high end to the most affordable, some brands see functioning sleeve buttons as a hallmark of quality. But many of us see these things as a complete and utter pain in the rear. It’s so much more expensive to tailor a functioning sleeve cuff, that in some cases, it’s just better to go with a different brand. Non-functioning should be praised instead of scorned.
Ratchet Belts: Don’t knock em’ till you’ve tried them. So much more comfortable.
The buzzed or shaved head: Especially on guys who are losing their hair. Yes, this is changing, but the amount of anti hair loss products that continue to be sold is staggering. Take it down close. Own it.
Business in the front, business in the back. All business.
Green: Blue, Grey, Brown, White, Black. Obviously all go-to colors in men’s style. But when you want to add a splash of color, without getting too showy, green is the answer.
The mid point between fast fashion and heritage craftsmanship: Self serving considering what this website is about? Of course. But that doesn’t make it any less true. Too many guys believe everything is either flimsy crap, or, bulletproof goodyear welted triple stitched full canvas bespoke wearable works of art made by 225 year old sartorial magi residing in a sacred temple built from stitched cordovan walls.
Burgundy/Wine/Merlot: There’s no way these should have gotten so cheap.
Flyover Country: We get it LA and New York. You’re stylish. But there’s plenty of style in-between the coasts too.
Cash: Apple Pay, Apps of all sorts, Cards. Sure its all super convenient. But so are flip flops. Look, I get it. If you’re in your mid 20s or under, there’s almost certainly gonna be pushback to this idea that cash is superior. But think of it this way. Cash is like wearing a wrist watch. There is very, very little true purpose to it. But y’know what? That super small purpose is seen as pretty damn attractive by some. And for good reason.
Cash is kinda like wearing a wristwatch.
Briefs: “But they look dorky.” Not if you’ve worked hard on carving out a pretty healthy body type. Plus, no matter what the commercials say, manufacturers have yet to create a trunks/boxer brief with legs that don’t ride up on some thigh shapes. And boxer shorts offer no support or control.
Your home, reflecting your sense of style: A lot of guys look great when they step out the door, but behind those walls it’s a hot mess of grime and clutter. You should feel as good, at home, as you do out at some swanky restaurant or bar.
Teetotalers: Seems like adding a glass of liquor neat or on the rocks to the hand of any well dressed man makes him “that” much cooler in photos. Or does it? For those that have decided that alcohol is just not for them? Much respect to your choice.
Thin, Subtle Stripes: Everything is gingham, checks, plaids, etc. Stripes? Especially thin, aerodnamic stripes? They’re the fastest point between A and B.
Lean and mean. The subtle thin stripe doesn’t get enough respect.
Solid Silk Knit Neckties: Knit ties aren’t just for the warmer months and/or for more casual surroundings. Of course a woven silk tie will be more dressed up, but a solid silk (not cotton) knit looks terrific with a tailored suit and crisp shirt. Must be that texture.
Knowing what you like and sticking to it: Sure it takes a little bit of guts to experiement. But at some point, after a while, experimentation for the sake of experimentation can be a waste of time and money. If you only ever wear white or light blue dress shirts? Then buy only white or light blue dress shirts. The idea that you have to have a “Fresh” look every day is ridiculous.
High Stretch Jeans: 98% cotton, 2% spandex does not = high stretch. Think the BR Traveler. They’re amazing, and it’s crazy that more brands aren’t trying to replicate their formula.
Good Looking, Classic, Casual Wear: The internet has really screwed up our priorities. One of the reasons someone dresses well should be: it makes me feel good (and not so much “because I’ll be famous on the internet). So… why not dress in an intentional way on your downtime? If you’re slobbing about in a t-shirt and stained dad jeans when kicking back, then isn’t there something inauthentic about how you present yourself to the world when you walk out the door?
Jeans & Sneakers can be done with purpose.