Fashionable Straw Hats For Men

Straw hats for men are a welcome addition to men's wardrobe as they complete the men's fashion statement. For quite some time, baseball and modern caps became the in-trend, but with the recent fashion trends where vintage is in again, straw hats are making a strong comeback and can be worn whether you are sporting formal dinner wear or a casual wardrobe. More than the fashionable look you get from wearing one, the main purpose of such hat is to protect the head from the scorching heat of the sun.

For many years now, the material straw is popularly used as a high quality component in making hats for men. Hats for men that are brimmed and woven with straw as its main material are referred to as straw hats for men. It comes with several styles and designs, but the common factor for all is that they are made up of woven straw. The process of making one is similar to the way felt hats are made. First, the hat is softened with the use of steam or they can also submerse it in hot water and afterward, form the hat by hand or by using a block as mold.

One of the most popular types of straw hats for men is the Panama hat. It is much more expensive compared to other types of hats made of straw because of it has a more consistent and tighter weave. The straw from the Panama hat comes from the plaited leaves of a plant called toquilla straw. Most hats are named in such a way that that they represent the origin or the place where the straws came from. But regardless of the origin, straw hats for men are always durable, classy, comfortable and, most of all, fashionable.

Men's T Shirts Are a Style Basic

Almost every man in the western world is sure to have at least a few men's t shirts in his wardrobe if not a whole lot of them. It does not matter what you do for a living and even if you spend most days at work and in formal wear you still have to have at least a few t shirts for when you want to dress casually. All men have at least a few t shirts in their cupboards even if they have never bought them. It does not matter how they have got them or who has gifted them the t shirts, be it a mother, a girl friend, a wife or someone else.

The men's t shirt is probably one of the most democratic pieces of clothing that sells in retail outlets today and also one that is the most accessible. It does not matter what you do for a living whether you have a day job or you work as a freelance consultant, whether you are a white collar or a blue collar worker, upper management or a factory floor worker, the men's t shirt is the one piece of clothing that everyone wears.

Men's t shirts also cut across all age ranges and everyone from young boys to septuagenarians wear t shirts. T shirts have also been in fashion for almost as long as any one can remember. For the major part of the last five decades at the very least they have been the bare minimum amount of dressing that people expect when you are in public in most places around the world, hence the saying no shirt, no shoes, no service.

T shirts have also evolved over the many years and even decades that they have been with us and these days there are as many different styles of men's t shirts as there are scenarios where you might find men wearing them. Everything from the kind of bold t shirts with floral and paisley patterns that you are sure to find vacationers in tropic islands wearing, the ones that you can find at touristy clothing shops near beaches every where around the world, to smart business casual shirts that you can wear to work or even to a business meeting if teamed with a nice pair of well ironed flat fronted trousers.

Today's Mens Underwear Fashion - Boxers

Today the greatest change in men's underwear over the years has been its fabrics, and now there are loads of styles available in market made in polyester, cotton or silk blends. Traditional briefs were once marked by a prominent elastic waistband which sits at the waist, a Y-shaped front fly, about four inches of cloth which covers everything from upper thighs to waist and full coverage of the butt. Mid-rise briefs are the same in every way, but they sit two inches below the waist at the belly button.

Low-rise briefs rest about three inches below the waist, both of these styles goes well with low-rise jeans. All briefs gives awesome support to the genitals and they're a best choice for jobs which require sitting down all day and as you would know briefs are less likely to ride up than other types of underwear or for physical activities. Most fully cut briefs are inexpensive and white cotton. Low-rise and mid-rise cuts come in all kinds of colors and in better materials such as silk.

In many ways and for many people, today boxer shorts are the 'classic' men's underwear and women adore them! Boxers are considered to be loose, arguably the very comfortable. These boxer shorts have straight-cut leg openings and cover part of the thighs and the entirely your rear side; the length might vary from 8 to sixteen inches. Tapered boxers are very similar to the traditional cousins, with an exception that it has leg openings that fit into the thighs, with side vents providing more freedom to move around. Fly fronts are not standard on tapered boxers, but a front cup panel offers some support.

Boxers go really well with suits and with other loose fitting pants like cargoes and khakis. Interestingly, boxers are the only kind of men's underwear which can be tailored. Boxers do tend to bunch up sometimes, however they give precious little genital support. Boxers are a poor choice when it comes to physical activities and the good news is that boxers are known for their versatile designs and patterns. Solids, plaids and themed styles are all available in different fabrics such as cotton and wool.

And now here is a popular kind of men's underwear, especially with women, who find them extraordinarily sexy! As the name says, boxer briefs are middle ground between boxers and briefs. The underwear has a cut like tapered boxers, but it fits tightly, just like briefs. Boxer briefs have great advantages; for instance they give coverage and support in a way which sculpts the lower trunk also. This kind of underwear works under with all kinds of clothes, but is especially valuable during athletic activities and under tighter pants.

Dark-colored boxer briefs look especially good when you have a little extra 'weight' to hide; the dark colors give the shorts' slimming abilities. A good boxer briefs can be found in cotton and spandex. If you are ready to spend a little extra, then go for those made from spandex and Tencel blend; they will last longer and fit much better.

Men's Fashion - Wedding Attire With All The Bells & Whistles

Ah, the dreaded wedding invitation. Sure you love your friend. Hell, you've known each other since elementary school when he accidentally knocked you upside the head coming off the monkey bars. Your nose bled all over your shirt while he laughed hysterically and ran to get you some paper towels from the restroom. You've been friends ever since. You even kept in touch during the college years when he lived on the East coast and you lived on the West coast. When he realized he had met the girl of his dreams, you were one of the guys who got that e-mail where he rambled on and on about everything falling into place and how he had never known love quite like this. So what if you were thinking "What a whipped wuss" in your head as you read it; you were still happy for the guy. You get home from work, skim through your mail and a lavender card with your name in perfect calligraphy strikes your eye from behind the phone bill and seventh credit card offer. A card from your mother, perhaps? You rip it open and there it is. Your friend is getting married in 6 weeks to the woman who inspired the rambling e-mail and you have been invited. The plane ticket is no problem and you can just stay in the block of rooms he has at the local hotel, but this looks like it will be one pretty fancy wedding. What are you supposed to wear? The only wedding you have ever been to was your Aunt Katherine's when you were eight years old and your mom bought you a brown suit from the Goodwill. If only that suit still fit...

When preparing to attend a wedding, bringing a gift is only one aspect of being the perfect guest. You are going to want to show up on time and you will always want to dress the part. Nowadays, weddings run the gamut; from beach-themed weddings where guests only need to wear khaki shorts or sundresses with flip flops to the posh black-tie events where tuxedos are required. What about those weddings that fall somewhere in between, though? While some invitations might specify that the wedding is going to be more casual or more formal, most do not, so it is left up to the guest to determine what kind of attire to sport. In the case of our friend above, if his name is written in perfect calligraphy on the envelope, more than likely he will need to invest in a nice suit. The general rule of thumb when it comes to wearing a suit for a wedding is to go with a darker suit. A navy or black suit will work perfectly at a wedding. Fortunately, if you have never bought a suit before, there is no shortage of black or navy suits. Unfortunately, if you have never bought a suit before, no shortage of these two colors means racks upon racks of suits to wade through, which can often feel overwhelming without knowing exactly what to look for.

Before heading to your local department store, pop into a tailor and ask to get your suit measurements. One of the most aggravating things about shopping for a suit without knowing your exact measurements is trying on suit after suit hoping (or rather, praying) you'll find the perfect fit. You will scale down your shopping time considerably if you know exactly what size of suit to look for. Now, there are many different types of suits and styles. For a wedding, stick with a two- or three-button suit. This will give you a more traditional, conservative look. If you look at the back of the suit, there are vents. For a look that will take you from a wedding to a job interview, or even to a regular day at the office, stick with a suit that has a center vent. As for lapels on a jacket, there are two types: peak lapels and notch lapels. The safest bet for a wedding, and the one that is most versatile, is the notch lapel. Now the type of suit you will be seeking has been sized down considerably from the entire suit section to only half of the suit section. Hey, that's progress. According to GQ, when trying on suits in the dressing room, take in a dress shirt and shoes to get a better feel of how the suit will look the day of. Most department stores will allow you use of some dress shoes to take with you in the dressing room.

3 Fashion Faux Pas Men Commit

There's no denying that men have this carefree attitude when it comes to fashion and style. More often than not, men often make a fashion faux pas and don't even know it. As long as they have a decent pair of pants and shirt, then they feel like they are good to go. But for other people, be it the fashion police or just your ordinary observer, there are some male fashion faux pas that cannot be excused. Here are a few of the most common fashion mistakes men innocently commit.

Fashion faux pas #1: Wearing clothes that are printed with big or enlarged brand names. The only thing that these items can tell people is that you can afford them, whether they come in cheap or downright expensive. But in reality, it will make you seem like a walking billboard with those enlarged brand names. In the end, it would even appear like you are working for that particularly company or brand. Avoid doing this, gentlemen!

Fashion faux pas #2: Colored or plain socks when wearing sandals. Wearing socks with sandals? It's not exactly fashionable, or sensible for that matter! What's the use of wearing sandals when you're using socks? Sandals are usually worn during hot seasons like summer, and socks during cool weathers. If you really want to wear socks, then wear closed shoes or sneakers. Men should be able to coordinate their sense of style with the weather as well.

Fashion faux pas #3: Wrong clothing for the wrong weather. As mentioned in the previous item, clothes should be properly coordinated with the weather. Often times, we see men wearing sleeveless shirts during the rainy or winter season, and layers of clothing during summer or spring. Clothes are not only worn for fashion, but for comfort as well.

Men who are guilty of such fashion mistakes should be more careful of the kind of clothing they are wearing. Not only will they be strongly criticized of what they wear, but people will look at them differently. Avoiding such fashion faux pas will help give them a better and more fashionable appearance.

Dressing For Your Body Shape

Every man can look good once he knows how to wear his outfits. Fashion tips for men usually pay more attention to what is in style and not enough focus is given to other issues such as body type. Body type can heavily influence what type of fashions you can wear and be comfortable in.

Muscular Body Type

If you are muscular this can be sexy to women, but it can be a turn off if you do not know how to dress. Choosing an outfit for this body type may be difficult. You might be tempted to draw attention to your muscles, which is not recommended. Clothing is best worn with subtle hints than over the top fashions. If you have a muscular body, wearing body hugging clothing is not recommended because it tends to highlight all the muscles in your body.

Round Body 

If you have a full body figure, it is recommended that you stay away from bright coloured clothing as it tends to highlight your shape. Dark tones and shades are better suited to disguise and enhance what is there. Tight figured clothing should be avoided as it emphasizes areas one would prefer hidden.

Short Body Type

If you are short then you should stay away from baggy and oversized clothing. Boot cut jeans are best suited for you, it gives the impression of having longer legs. V-neck sweaters are also advised and can be worn in solid or soft colours as both works really well for the shorter man.

Funky and Bold Is the Tagline for Fashion This Year

Top 2011 colours for eye shadow and blushers are the flesh shades. Make artists, designers, and stylists advise women against using the glossy hot shades of pink, brown and maroon. The makeup trends of summer/spring 2011 lay stress on eyes shadows but the effect has to be subtle. Curled eye lashes, with silver eyeliner for the day and black for the night in contrast with relatively dull lipstick shades and highlighted cheekbones is in for this year. The funky shades of orange, green, blue, yellow and purple have to be handled carefully. In case of dark lipstick, the cheeks and eyes are to be touched with neutral or lighter shades. Remember to go for only bright matte shade for lips and that too during the night. Some of these lipstick shades which are in for the year, include: fuchsia, Bluish red, claret, blackish purple, pinkish purple, crimson, burgundy, golden brown and matte bronze.

Men's fashion trends of 2011:

Although men's fashion wears alter at a slower pace than that of women, yet there is much variety for wholesale designer clothing suppliers. This year, the formal dress i.e. suit is an elaborated combination of the savoir faire of 30s, the slick cuts 60s, and the formal Victorian vogue and all of that cut to enhance the masculinity of the gentlemen. The contrast of these formal suits with flashy bows, raw collar style, slim trousers, broad shoulders, and a slim waste can be your signature of the year 2011. About the casual styles, wholesale designer clothing suppliers can stock flared jeans, slim waste trousers with wider boot cut and a slightly high waste trousers. For the raw look, the leather pants, jackets, boots and accessories with lots of buckles, straps, zips and in puffy quilt style are the oven hot fashion items.

Women's Fashion Trends of the spring and summer 2011:

Women's fashion of 2011 is a mixture of all the hot styles of the past and is targeted at projecting one particular theme. For those who had been shy in going punk with their wardrobe and accessories can now do it with all the grace and zest. The glamorous yet sophisticated style of the 70s would beat its original glory this year. Take out all you leather satchels, long boots, blouses with big bows, slim glittery belts, long skits, bell bottoms, scarves and head bands and showy jewellery as you would feel yourself ancient without them. The wholesalers and suppliers should look out for the jumpsuits, stripped tank tops, crochets, Capri pants, hot pants, shorts, wide leg pants, crop tops, tail hem dresses, laced clothing, maxi styles outfits, chic lady like costumes of 60 and whatever appears more feminine as these are the attires of the year.

What's Fashionable in Men's Jeans?

If you are looking for the latest trends and best deals in men's fashions, there are a few things that you should know. First, you have to be aware that there is not just one kind of fashion. In other words, there is not just one look that will make you stylish. Instead, there are normally a number of different styles and fashions that are considered acceptable in any particular season, and it's up to you to make sure that you are finding a look that fits your personal style. At the same time, you should also be aware that when you look for the latest men's fashions that there are some classic looks that are never going to go out of style. In this article, you will learn about the latest trends in men's designer jeans.

When you are looking at the latest trends in men's designer jeans, there is one thing that you are going to realize. You are going to see that retro is in. This is one term that people hear and throw around all of the time, but they may not know exactly what it means. Something is retro when it brings back the look from another era. For the most part, if you are feeling adventurous, you may want to consider some 80's retro looks. A word to the wise, however, is that some of these styles and fashions went out of vogue for a reason, so you want to make sure that you are not picking a style that is too outlandish, unless of course you are interested in a fashion that is unique and a little bit daring.

If you want to pick men's designer jeans that are guaranteed to look good, you may want to consider some more classic retro looks. These are looks that have been around for ages and which are guaranteed to make you feel handsome, dapper, and stylish. Some of these jeans might be in the country western style, while others might simply be plain blue jeans. Whichever style you are interested in, you will be able to find good deals if you go online.

When you shop online for men's designer jeans, you will find that you are able to get the best styles for the cheapest prices. Many people also enjoy being able to shop without having to worry about salespeople looking over their shoulders and trying to sell them expensive brands that don't have the look they want.

Men's Fashion - What You Should Wear

Fashion changes and there are lots of things coming in and out of the fashion world. However, it is not only the women who are after the changes happening around this industry, as men are also keen to knowing different fashion ideas and apply them out to themselves. Well, there could be lots of men's fashion trends that you could take to help yourself. However, you have to take the season in the account for you to come up with the best Here are some of the latest trends for you to consider:

• Summer season- summer season is the best, most especially for the beach bums. If you are one of those people, then you could consider grabbing down floral shirts, pair it down with a board shorts that you could definitely use while walking at the seashore or swimming by the sea. This is totally something that you could be proud of, as you will definitely look good on it. Moreover, if you'll be going on the mall, you can consider getting a ½ length of shorts by measuring your legs and pair it down with a nice polo shirt or just a plain t-shirt. It will make you feel good and fresh, since the sun is up and hot this season.
• Off for the club- if you are off to the club and you would like to stand up among other men, then considering yourself wearing a nice polo shirt, good looking pants and a black shoes could take the best look out of you. You need to remember, you should not use stripped pants or slippers when you are in the club, as it will only make you look short and un-cool. Apart from such, girls could take you on the blacklist. No men ever wanted it to happen, so be you.
• Office fashion- it doesn't necessarily mean that though you are off to the office, your look will be simply just the way it is. You could always mix things up and make yourself fashionable. However, only use the items, and accessories that really do fit your personality. This way, you could feel look great and comfortable while working.

Men's fashion is always on the trend and you could certainly give yourself a nice look with it. Considering those fashion statements mentioned above will give you the chance to look good when and where you may go.

Western Clothing Is Not In Fashion - It Is Fashion

Not only are western clothing styles extremely romantic, they are also a staple in today's fashion world. From the sexy peasant tops popular on the runways to the fitted straight-leg or boot-leg jeans sold in most stores, western fashion is a part of the wardrobes of most American women today.

From the time of the cowboy, western clothing has made an impression on the fashion industry, both for men and women. The western look inspires women to choose styles that are both feminine and comfortable, while giving men a look that is rugged, masculine, and mysterious. One classic look in western fashion is the western-style button-down shirt. This is a style that is worn by men, women, and children alike. For women, this look is usually a softer version of the male design made with more feminine fabrics. For example, most designers add princess seams and floral prints to these shirts to give them a softer, more feminine feel without sacrificing comfort or practicality. For the woman looking for a more romantic, sexier top, you may want to shop for a classic peasant top. This type of blouse is usually fitted close to the body with sleeves that flare slightly. Peasant tops can be plain and simple, or covered with lace and embroidery. A peasant top can be worn with a pretty skirt for a special occasion, or with a pair of sexy, boot-cut jeans and some cowgirl boots for a casual get-together.

Though men's fashion often differs less than women's, men's trends also borrow from western fashion. Before any modern man can declare that he hasn't copied the cowboy's style a time or two, he should first ask himself if he's ever owned a flannel shirt. Western farmers and ranchers (cowboys) wore plaid flannel shirts because of their comfortable style and warm, durable material. And although many men wearing flannel shirts today aren't ranchers or even farmers, most wear this type of shirt for the same reasons: durability and comfort.

For women, it seems that cowgirl style has caught on to fashion and hasn't let go since. Almost every American girl with a bold sense of style has a cute cowgirl hat resting in her closet, waiting for the perfect moment to be worn. These same fashion-conscious girls may also have a rhinestone, cowgirl-style belt to wear with her favorite pair of boot-leg jeans. These thick belts, often with tassels and fringes, originated in western styles and traveled quickly throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

It is no secret that most women love shoes. For some women, the mere mention of the word "boots" causes a shiver of delight. One popular boot style today is the lace-up boot. Most styles of lace-up boots were taken directly from western culture. Women wore these types of boots in the early 1940's and into 1950's. At the time, these boots were worn for practicality and style-- they were used for horseback riding and ranching, and as an expression of personal taste. Each authentic pair of cowgirl boots is made with genuine leather and often has hand-sewn stitching on the sides and front.

In the world, it seems like each place has its own personal style-- common trends unique to its residents. There are only a few fashion trends that are universal, that carry from one place to the next. One of those fashions is western apparel. For example, the cowboy hat, cowboy belt, and leather cowboy boot are some of the world's best-known fashion staples. These items never go out of style.

Casual Wear For Men

Most men think style is all about jeans and t-shirts, don't you? If you're one of those then keep reading. There is a misconception about casual wear, they say "put a pair of denims and a t-shirt and you're a men in style". Do you think this is where it begins? let me inform you its not the beginning infact the end. Why the heck should people see you. You need to learn the art of presenting yourself and not allow people to build a wrong opinion about you. I agree jeans and t-shirts are integral part of Mens fashion, but with perfect mixes of colors and trends. Have a style statement; people should virtually try to copy you and not the vice versa.

Can you wear a jeans that was worn by your grandfather decades back? Do you think people will label you as a classy person? No guys....... Just imagine how funny you would look in that baggy and so called entique jeans.

It's is all about freshness in your dressing sense that matters. Lets see how trendy can we get and what are the most important requirement's to do that:

- Jeans represent modernism and all of us at least have a pair of them. A pair of black and blue jeans is a must. Jeans are manufactured with different styles and new cuts are added to them constantly, so I advice you to have a pair of classic jeans unless you can afford new jeans every time fashion changes. Have a pair with straight-leg jeans, because the slim fit trend would not be persistent. Try having faded jeans in blue, as they are going to stick around in time, also ensure that they fit you perfectly with quality in mind. Never compromise with quality. Finding a perfect pair of jeans is always a hardwork, I still haven't found that one as yet. As there are lot of brands and they have different standard measurements. Have you found that pair of jeans? lucky you...

- Ironically t-shirts are a staple here, perhaps they give a more relaxed look and doesn't restrict the comfort of the wearer, unlike the formals. I am sure everyone has atleast 4 to 5 tees. If not then go and get some, as they are ultimate mode of relaxation. Be specific while buying t shirts, ensure that it suits your personality. You have wide range of tshirts to choose from - round neck, v neck, polo, collared. Graphic t's are quite in fashion.

- You can prefer short slim fit shirts if you want to have an edge over other's. They give a semi-formal feel, but can grab attention if perfectly mixed. Roll the sleeves and you start feeling much better. Go for patterned, printed or checkered style. Fold your sleeves whenever possible.

- Semi-formal look is still trendy, combine a polo t-shirt with chinos and see, it looks cool.

- Blazers bring a hint of elegance, so I suggest you to go for it and combine it with jeans and t-shirt or with Khaki pant and polo shirt to have semi-formal feel.

- Slide into sneakers or trainers(not those school style canvas shoes) strictly when in denim.

- Accessories give a proper finish to your look, not compulsory though. A sporty wrist watch is a must, it steals all the attention. Slide in a printed or leather belt, moreover it's you who should be comfortable with it. A printed belt gives a more preppy look if combined with denim. For semi-formal wear go for leather belts with finely polished buckles.

- A narrow tie on a collar tee, can it get better than this? Just try it.

Interview With Clothing Expert - Andy Gilchrist on how Men Should Dress

Conversation between Adwin Ang & Andy Gilchrist 

Good day everyone and Welcome to our Interview with Andy Gilchrist!

Adwin:

Hi Andy, first of all I would like to thank you for taking some time off from your busy schedule for this online interview. I have read the materials from your CD; you bet they are highly informative products. Especially you use charts and picture to illustrate. Also it is a very good and fast reference guide.

My first question is Andy, what have made you decide to come up with a website's that focus on men's fashion?

Andy:

It was an extension of my natural and long time interest in men's clothing. I started out at the monitor of a men's fashion Forum that was connected to Men's Health magazine and liked the idea. I then decided to write a book on men's clothes, (The Encyclopaedia of Men's Clothes) which took me two years, and the website was a vehicle to sell the book.

Adwin:

I have read and saw the huge number of topics which you covered on menswear both on your website and CD Rom e-Book "The Encyclopaedia of Men's Clothes", the information really amaze me on what I have missed out all these years.

Where or how did you develop your fashion sense? Any special training or courses one need to take?

Andy:

Some of it came from my father, who living in the middle of Kansas (USA) and doing oil exploration work. But he was always interested in men's fashion and the quality of the various brands of shoes, suits, shirts, etc. 

And honestly I think it somewhat out of insecurity!! Not being born the best looking guy in the world (don't argue!) I realized that image and looks was important and that I needed to make myself look as good in public as possible.

Adwin:

It occurred to me men in my country aren't really dress to impress or know their dressing sense but dress according to what they think is suitable for the occasion.

For example: Some men would wear a polo-shirt or jeans for Wedding dinner. They find it more comfortable which is obviously

Where can we obtain the information on latest trends in men's fashion? Any websites which are your favourites?

Andy:

Unlike women's clothing, most men's clothing (even for the most formal occasions) are intricately comfortable. Women are always searching for comfortable shoes, while men would not stand (pardon the pun) for shoes that didn't fit well and feel good.

There is also a world wide cultural (or sexual) mind set that men are not suppose to dress well. They are "supposed" to be unkempt, rugged individuals. But if you study every male animal species you note that the male is the more colourful!

It's good to keep up on the current trends, but not necessarily to go crazy for each fad that comes along. The value of men's clothing is that they change fashion rarely since the styles have been evolving down through a 100 years to something that fits men's body types, activities and makes most men look great. Look at formalwear - every man looks exceptionally handsome in the classic (no frills, no updates, no changes) basic tuxedo. 

The "acceptable" colors for business (Navy or grey suit, white or blue shirt, etc.) compliment most gentlemen's skin, hair and eye colors.

Adwin:

You mention about the "Rule of Seven" a few times in your Men's clothes Encyclopedia. What exactly must we watch out on the '7 rules'?

Andy:

Just to restate that there is a "Rule of Seven" in women's fashion that applies to men as well. The "rule" states that there should be no more than seven points of interest on your body at any one time!

The theory is that too much visual stimulation detracts from the total look.

Points of interest could be a watch, pocket square, bright tie, blazer buttons, braces, belt buckle, cuff links, fashion glasses, facial hair, vest, anything that could draw attention to that item.

So if you're wearing an exceptional pair of cufflinks you don't want to overpower them by adding too many other visual excitement. 

When others are visually overloaded they tend to repel you. The mistake when you have too many points of interest is that the look is loud, busy and discordant (not harmonic). Too many patterns make you look like a clown.

Adwin:

The section which I find it most interesting is on casual wear." DON'T BE A CASUAL CASUALTY!" which you mention alot of people have misunderstood the meaning of casual dressing. I do agree and myself have always misunderstood it at the long.

What are the different types of casual wear and how should we wear to address the word "Casual wear" on our invitation card?

Andy:

Part of the problem is that the person sending out the invitation has no idea what the classifications of dress are and thus confuses the guests. There are 5 classifications of dressy and 5 classifications of casual and they all depend on the occasion. It's easy to get them all mixed up.

Adwin:

Ehm...Andy, as you know I am running a blog site on cuff links. My next question is in general how should we match our cuff links to the type of cuff shirts we wear, in terms of shirts and cuffs material?

Andy:

You can coordinate cuff links by colour with the rest of your ensemble for that harmonic impression.

You may want to coordinate the metal colour with your watch and ring, so that everything, for example, is gold, but that's not really necessary. Many watches contain both silver and gold and colour mixing is not scorned. 

Traditionally gold was appropriate for day, and silver for evening, but with the advent of a more casual approach both are interchangeable. Silver goes with blue, black or grey, and gold is best with earth tones.

Adwin:

About cuff links care, how should we store them to prevent scratches and should we clean them often for cuff links made of stainless steel?

Andy:

Store your cuff links in a felt lined jewellery case or use any other method that keeps the links from coming in contact with each other to prevent scratching.

If you don't have a jewellery case just keep them in the felt lined box they were packed in when you purchased them. Of if they didn't come in a box (where did you say you got these cuff links?) try storing them in a soft cloth in a drawer.

Adwin:

As you know, there are many type of cuff links in the market. For a person who intend to buy his first pair of cuff links what should he look out for? Is there such a thing as the main categories of cuff types?

Andy:

STYLES of CUFF LINKS:(from most elegant to least dressy)

Double-faced are links with two identical faces attached with a metal link. You push one face through the "button" holes of the cuff. These are the dressiest.Chain links -- A chain attaches the double-faced links. 

Snap on are made up of two separate pieces that snap together.

Push-through -- This style has a bulbous or globular end opposite the showy side, which is pushed through the cuff holes. Also see Silk Knots below.

Hinged back -- This type has a bar, which can be aligned perpendicular to the link then opened parallel, after it's pushed though the cuff, to secure the link in place.

Stirrup are cufflinks that wrap around the shirt cuff. Some consider these garish.

Silk knots have two knots linked together with and made of silk; one of the knots is pushed through the cuff hole to hold the cuff together. Silk knots are the least dressy style.

Adwin:

I have seen a few men's cosmetics store in Singapore but might be catering to a small group of people. But seems to me men nowadays are more concern of the way they dress themselves and they are more willing to spend on accessories.

Do you think men's fashion wear will continue to be more popular for the next 5 years or so?

Andy:

Absolutely. Men are realizing the importance to their daily lives of looking good. A good impression helps with business, love life, family and all relationships (getting through airport security!!) There will be a boom in men's cosmetics, quality and classic clothing (some with new high tech fabrics) and a greater willingness to spend money on items that make us look good.

Adwin :

Andy, having been in the men's fashion industry for many years, what are the common problems that are face by men nowadays in term of their dressing?

Andy:

The casual dressing era was welcomed by many men but then it became apparent that putting all those elements together properly wasn't so easy. Certainly not as easy as putting a suit (one element) together with a shirt, tie, and shoe and a belt that matched. It's more difficult to dress in casual mode and look good.

Adwin:

Coming back to the topic of cuff links, do you have any resources to recommend where readers here can draw information from?

Andy:

There must be a good history or a book on cuff links out there. If not, Adwin, let's write one!

Adwin:

From our last email exchanged, you are launching your a set of cuff links, do you intend to go into customisation cuff links for the Online community? How can they reach you?

Andy:

SmartTurnout, in the UK, in the UK, One of the sponsor's on AskAndyAboutclothes.com agreed to design a pair of chain style (double faced) cuff links with the Ask Andy hanger on one side and some nice blue tone stripes on the other. (so you could wear the ask Andy side out for Ask Andy get-together events and the other side out for day to day wear. I should have some news (photos, prices) very soon.

Adwin:Once again, thank you, Andy!, for sharing with us your knowledge on clothing's and await to see more of your exciting tips and cuffs launches. 

Take care and have a nice day!

Andy: Thank you Adwin! Really good thoughtful questions. Good luck on the great website you've started on cufflinks. I really like the layout and the information there is excellent.

Must Own Fashion Accessories For Men

When it comes to fashion accessories, men tend to own only one of each type. This is not to say that they are unimportant, since men's accessories can add polish and detail to casual and formal wear. The key to purchasing accessories is therefore versatility, meaning that they will blend in seamlessly with any outfit you choose. Classical shapes, colours and designs are the best way to ensure versatility, but this does not mean they have to be boring. In this article, I will look at the must own men's fashion accessories with an emphasis on being modern and fashionable as well as versatile.

A classic belt should blend in with the rest of your clothes, and therefore should not be loud and ostentatious. Ideally all men should own a dress belt and a casual/jeans belt as they are very different and should not be mixed up. A dress belt has a narrow width (usually 3cm or less) with a small buckle, and is made from shiny leather. If you are going to purchase one dress belt, it should be black as most men wear black formal shoes (as opposed to brown or tan). When purchasing a jeans belt, it is advisable to steer clear of flashy buckles unless you already own a classic jeans belt. For the ultimate in versatility, look for a reversible belt which gives you the option of brown or black leather. A chrome buckle is more modern than a brass one.

Looking at men's accessories for formal wear, every man should own cufflinks and a tie. Working attire has become more informal with a move to business casual, and consequently formal accessories are not as essential as they once were. There are always occasions when we need to dress up and it is vital to be prepared. For a tie that covers all bases, I would recommend a stripe tie with a predominantly classic colour such as navy or burgundy. Avoid very loud ties with busy patterns as they will not suit all occasions. A good idea is to match the dominant colour in your tie with your cufflink, although this may mean other ties won't match your cufflink. For a pair of cufflinks that will match any tie, why not choose a chrome cufflink which offers a sleek and elegant look. Stick to classic shapes such as ovals, circles and squares and avoid any novelty designs.

Men's bags are becoming increasingly popular, as designs are becoming increasingly stylish. The messenger bag is the best choice as it is suitable for all occasions and can be worn with casual or formal wear. The backpack is only suitable for travelling and walking, whilst the briefcase is a bit old fashioned and won't work with jeans and a t-shirt. A plain black or brown messenger bag made from leather and nylon is smart and lightweight, but not too formal.

For the Winter, gloves and scarves are essential for keeping warm and looking good. Plain black leather gloves work with all types of clothing, and a cashmere lining offers warmth and comfort. It is best to steer clear of woollen gloves in bright colours, unless they act as a second pair.

Every man owns a wallet, and it's one of those accessories that can last a long time. Be careful though that it does not become 'dog eared' and faded as this can ruin your image and look. A classic choice would be a plain black leather wallet, and stay away from velcro and large logos. If you like to dress more fashionably, then there are some very cool wallets by J.Fold that use perforated holes and great colours. The money clip is a bit old fashioned, and coin purses are too feminine. Perhaps the most important accessory a man will every buy though is his watch. Avoid oversized straps and faces, and coloured faces (white, black or off white is best). A stainless steel band watch offers a masculine and sporty look, and is very durable. A leather wristband has a timeless and elegant look, but is less durable and should not be taken into the water. Avoid oversized straps and faces, and coloured faces (white, black or off white is best).

Finding the Best Men's Jacket

It's quite typical for a man to dislike going shopping but sometimes the need to buy some new stuff crops up and you need to hit the high street!

This need not be a chore however because the high street of most cities conceals many gems in the form of high quality designer clothes that really don't cost the earth. You just need to know where to look, and what to look for.

Here we look at 3 tips for finding a high quality men's designer jacket that won't set you back a lot of money.

1. Head off the beaten path

Many city centres consist of a couple of main shopping streets with all the familiar names such as Burton, New Look and Topshop.

What a lot of people don't know about is all the independent shops that can be found away from the crowds. These shops often stock vintage fashion or second hand clothing. A lot of this sort of stuff is of a much higher calibre than the mass-produced clothes you will find on the high street - and most of the time it's a lot cheaper as well!

If you are looking for a new jacket, don't go into the old familiar stores - try something new!

2. Look for well-known designer labels

If you are not comfortable with wearing second hand or vintage fashion then your next port of call should be well known brands such as Superdry or Gio Goi. Some of the jackets these guys make are absolutely fantastic quality and they are usually available at well under £100.

You do need to shop around though! Quite often, the brand stores are not the best places to go because they will only stock clothing that is up to the season. If you look at other retail outfits that stock these brands however, you can find the clothing at knocked down rates from last season.

3. Use the internet

Nowadays most people are happy to buy clothing on the internet because they know their size and they have probably shopped with that particular supplier previously.

That doesn't mean you should not try something new however, and there are many fantastic deals to be had if you cast your net wider. Amazon for example is an online store that people don't first think of as a clothing supplier - but they don't just sell books anymore and some major discounts can be taken advantage of if you trawl the site at the right time.

So this is just 3 ideas that you can use to find your new jacket, there are plenty of other options you can seek out that will avoid having to hit the high street fashion chains and inevitably spend more than you wanted.

What To Look For In Men's Belts

Unlike women, men have limited fashion accessories to choose from, so they have to make the most out of what they have. Men's belts are the most beloved fashion accessory for men - and there are tons of different belts out there to choose from. In fact, the hardest part in choosing a belt for a man (or for yourself) is narrowing your options down to just a few. Let's look at what you need to know in order to choose the right belt for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Size

Men's belts are sold according to waist size, although they may be broken down into sizes like small, medium, and large. When sold in the S-M-L format, you will usually see a size indicator that reads 30-32 for small, 34-36 for medium and 38-40 for large, or something similar. Knowing the man's waist size is important if you are gifting the belt. As a rule of thumb, you want the belt to be a bit larger than the man's waist. So if he is a size 32 waist, a size 34 belt (or in some ways of measuring, a medium) will be the best option. It is important that the belt is not too big or too small. A belt that is too big will have too much strap left and will need to be tucked into the loops on your pants, which can make you look bulky. A belt that is too tight is not only unsightly, but also uncomfortable.

Width

It is likewise important that you get the right width when selecting a belt. Because different slacks have different size belt loops, you need a belt for each style. The belt should rest gently against the edges of the loop. It should not be squeezed into the loops because it is too wide, and it should not look lost within the loops because it is not wide enough. Having men's belts in various widths, from once inch to three inches, will solve this problem.

Material

The most common material for men's belts is leather. When choosing a leather belt, be sure to choose the highest grade leather that you can afford so that the belt will last longer. Other belts may be made from imitation leather (pleather) or from fabrics like canvas. Canvas belts look better with jeans and casual pants while leather is ideal for dress slacks.

Mens Bomber Jackets - Always Warm and in Fashion

Throughout the yeas few pieces of men's clothing have remained as constantly as in fashion as a bomber jacket. Now and then it gets a little push from a movie like Top Gun and that certainly doesn't hurt. But a bomber jacket is a great essential part of your wardrobe.

"You're the bomb!" is the usual thing we hear when someone means to say that we are cool. So wouldn't it be appropriate to wear a bomber jacket to make yourself even cooler?

Did you know that these jackets were designed for the military and ironic as it may seem, they turned out to be stylish and one of the fashion must-haves. It was created in the late 1920's as a piece of military clothing. However, it did not take long before the rest of the non-military, sophisticated people to notice its potential. There are bomber jackets for men and women and it has been worn for almost 100 years now. It is one of fashion's greatest inventions because it has stood the test of times. It has a very colorful history.

They say these jackets started to make its first appearance during World War 1. It was during that time when "bomber" pilots were the first military to be issued this long leather flying coat. These pilots were with the Flying Corps of Belgium and France. Fighter planes then were not enclosed so they had to use leather to protect those pilots from the cold elements - hence, they had to use leather. And the rest was history.

So whenever you feel the need to "take any girl's breath away", feel free to wear your Ray-ban aviator shades and your black leather bomber jacket! With those as a part of your ensemble, you can be rest assured that you can top anyone's gun, captain.

Top 10 Fashion Tips For Men

It's all about the Shoes Baby. You ever wonder why women are so obsessed with shoes? To tell you the truth I don't really know myself, but you should be aware that shoes are a big part of a woman's life and they will definitely notice what kind of shoes you are wearing. Always have 3-4 pairs of footwear that you keep clean, polished & in pristine condition; I recommend having 1 pair of dark brown dress shoes that will look good with jeans, 1 pair of sleek black dress shoes for slightly more formal occasions, get yourself some cool looking sandals for summertime outings, and when you go sporty go with a nice pair of white cross trainers. Never mix up sporty wear with formal shoes or the other way around, women WILL notice your shoes and if you're sporting some ugly kicks then she'll write you off fairly quickly as a guy who lacks style.

Don't be Afraid to Accessorize. A couple of cool accessories such as a nice watch, an interesting necklace or bracelet will add to your overall sex appeal. Get accessories that match with your overall style and appearance and remember not to go overboard with the accessories in terms of the bling factor. Use the power of three here, meaning you should not be wearing more than three accessories at any one time.

Get Your Haircut By a Pro. maintain a consistent hairstyle that you get cut at least every 2 or 3 weeks by the same hairdresser, in general you should choose a man to cut your hair since I find them to be a bit more in tune with the style I want to achieve whereas the women will try more experimental things and cut your hair in a more feminine way. If you don't know any good hairdressers then try out a few places in your area or find some opinions online about good ones in your area. Look at a few men's magazines and find a style that you would like for yourself, show this to your hairdresser when you go in and ask for a similar style. Oh yeah, always remember to tip him at least a few dollars if he did a good job and keep going back to the same guy every few weeks

Try a Tie? Yes, ties are really hot right now and women find them irresistible, you can wear them to work or even a night out. Don't think that you have to be wearing a full suit to wear a tie. You can even some wear some nice jeans, a blazer jacket and a cool tie, this can be a pretty hip and stylish look that women will notice. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit here with ties with bold colors and patterns, you'll stand out in to women in a good way.

To Beard or Not To Beard? Ok, maybe a full beard is a bit too much but a little bit of facial hair can be quite attractive to women, just make sure that you get yourself a nice electronic beard trimmer to keep it all trim & tidy. Unkempt facial hair is a big turnoff for women, it shows that you don't really have class and don't care about your appearance. In general it is true that most women will prefer a clean shaven man but sporting a nice trim goatee or some five o'clock shadow just may do the trick and make the ladies melt.

Don't Be a Walking Logo. Try to avoid wearing clothing with big logos plastered all over it, nothing shows lack of class more than a walking billboard. Pick your clothes based on the clothing design itself and the fit and not based on the logo or brand name.

Be a Hit with the Proper Fit. This is probably the biggest problem I see out there with men's clothing, which is wearing clothes that do not fit properly. Wearing proper fitting clothes is probably the best thing you can do to improve your overall look and feel, no more wearing your big brothers hand me downs or clothes from when you were a different size, it's time for you to shell out a few bucks and upgrade your wardrobe. You'll only need about 3-4 solid outfits combined with at least 3 pairs of nice shoes to really get up to speed. Your clothes should not be too tight or loose but rather they should snugly fit the curves of your body without feeling tight or uncomfortable. Most men tend to wear clothing that is too large and baggy for their builds, don't be one of them. Good fitting clothes will make you look much sharper and you'll feel more confident and comfortable & women will notice this.

Wear at Least one Interesting/Unique item. When you go out try to wear at least one unique item or accessory such as a watch, bracelet, hat, necklace, etc. The item should be unusual enough to stand out from the normal stuff you usually see people wearing. This serves two purposes, firstly it's known as the pea cocking theory which is to wear an item that is so unique that you will have women stopping you and asking about it or if you're already talking to a woman it can serve as a great conversation piece. Secondly, you may be perceived as being unique and interesting, it can also add a lot of depth to your personality if you can tell an cool little story about the item.

Never Mix Apples & Oranges. Try to maintain a consistent look throughout your outfit, if you have a casual look up top with a nice dress shirt but a sporty look at the bottom with track pants then you're on the wrong track. Keep your closet area divided up into three main sections: casual wear, sporty gear and formal wear. Also, follow the power of three when it comes to choosing colors, you shouldn't be wearing more than three colors at one time unless you want to look like a box of skittles. Remember to keep it simple and cohesive at all times.

Better to Be Overdressed than Underwhelming. If there's a choice between being a bit overdressed or underdressed than choose to go for overdressed. Sure, you may stand out a bit but trust me, women are very fashion conscious and they will notice and appreciate the effort you made to look your best. You may even become the topic of conversation amongst a group of females. Being the center of attention is always better than looking like someone who doesn't give a crap about his appearance.