Is That Really A Thing?
There are a few things when it comes to Menswear that are completely bogus or cap as the kids like to say these days.
Before I knew any better, I used to think that some of them were truly a thing. So I wanted to record a podcast to debunk them.
If you prefer to read a blog post about them instead, you're in the right place.
Let's get to the list:
1. A Tight Fit Is The Right Fit
Nothing can be further from the truth.
A tight fit is the wrong fit in every sense of the word. Not only it doesn't look right, but it also doesn't feel right.
Your clothes also shouldn't fit like a box, you want to be right in the middle.
The right fit isn't too big and not too tight.
Back when I hated suits, and only wore one if I had to attend an event such as a wedding that required one. I used to wear them too big.
But once I started getting interested in tailored clothing and got myself a GQ subscription, I started wearing my suits too tight.
It's almost a rite of passage as you'll be hard-pressed to find a well-dressed guy who didn't take the same journey.
I released an entire podcast about how a suit should fit and also wrote a blog post.
But in conclusion, a tight fit is never the right fit.
2. Shoes Aren't That Important
Some believe that since shoes are not always seen, for example when you're sitting down, they aren't that important.
I feel the opposite. To me, your shoes are the most important part of one's outfit.
I often refer to shoes as the foundation that every great wardrobe was built upon. It's impossible to be well-dressed in bad shoes.
Picture a house with all the bells and whistles but with a weak foundation crumbling beneath it.
That's exactly what you have when wearing a nice suit, a nice shirt and tie with ugly shoes.
My recommendation is to think of the shoes first then everything else will fall in place.
3. One Shouldn't Wear Black Shoes With A Navy Suit
This is a "rule" that I never knew existed until 4 to 5 years ago. Somehow there's a misconception that Navy should only be worn with Brown shoes.
This doesn't make sense as Navy suits and Black shoes have been a great combination for ages.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when guys pair their Navy suits with Light Brown Shoes. And Frankly, it needs to stop.
I've always wondered why that look is so popular amongst the "Fashion" crowd but now it makes sense.
Not only do they think that one should wear Brown shoes, but not just any shade of Brown, but Light Brown to be exact.
If you're wondering, the reason why I hate that look is because it causes too much of a contrast between the darker trousers and the lighter shoes.
In that case, instead of looking at one's face where the attention should be. It drives the eyes downward towards your feet instead.
So I don't have anything against lighter shoes per se but they should be worn with lighter suits/trousers such as Light Gray.
4. Cell Phones Have Rendered Watches Useless
This one just sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? I don't even think I really need to say much more.
A dress watch with a nice exotic leather band is the perfect complement to polish off one's outfit.
Personally, I always match the color of my strap to my shoes and I think that it's a great touch.
But however you choose to pair yours, a watch is necessary as men don't really have a lot of accessory choices when dressed in tailored clothing.
And the time being displayed on your iPhone will never be able to duplicate that.
5. Dressing Well Is Too Expensive
This is an excuse more than a valid statement. You don't have to break the bank to look good.
A company that I always recommend is Spier & Mackay. Not only do they have a great product, but they're also priced fairly.
Their suits for example range anywhere from $300 to just under $700. These are unbeatable prices for the quality.
But a good price is subjective, so those may still be too high for some and it's understandable.
In that case, I would recommend thrift stores. I've seen guys score some really nice pieces at their local Goodwill for example.
At the same time, quality does cost. But if you look deep enough, you can usually find a good alternative for the priciest of items without sacrificing too much in terms of craftsmanship.
On average, I'd say good shoes start around the $400 price point. But if you take care of them, they will last you a long while.
Although I don't recommend that one skimp on their shoes, a company like Meermin has Goodyear welted shoes starting under $200.
My advice is to do your research and don't settle for items that are easily accessible at the high-end stores at your local mall.
6. I Get So Many Compliments Which Means I Must Be Sharp
I hear a lot of guys use this excuse whenever someone that knows better tries to offer them advice online about their outfit.
"Well, I get a lot of compliments whenever I wear it."
I guess that's cool and the compliment giver probably means well but you have to first consider the source of said compliment.
If that person doesn't know that much about Menswear to begin with, I wouldn't advise taking what they say to the bank.
Since dressing in tailored clothing is so rare nowadays, you'll get compliments just because you're in a suit regardless of how you look in it.
Back in the days when every man wore a suit, to get a compliment really meant something but nowadays, not so much.
Personally, when I get dressed, whether or not I get compliments or comments never enters the equation.
I know that I know how to dress and I wear my clothes because I like them. I don't put much stock on compliments unless it's coming from my wife or my sartorial peers.
7. A Custom Suit Always Fits Well
I've heard many guys in ill-fitting suits say that their suits fit well because it's custom-made.
I can definitely understand why one would think that but speaking from experience both as a clothier and as a custom garment recipient, that it's not the case.
The suit doesn't make itself. You're still at the mercy of the person taking your measurements.
Your clothier has to understand fit in order for the final product to be a success.
So no, a custom suit doesn't automatically mean that it will fit. That's the idea but not the reality.
The key takeaway is to get on the same page as your clothier and make sure that you're on the same page.
8. You're Not A Good Dresser If You Don't Know How To Match Multiple Patterns
If there was ever a Menswear urban legend, this is it. You have to be able to pull off multiple patterns in order to be well-dressed.
Isn't that a bunch of bull?
Matching patterns has absolutely nothing to do with dressing well. It simply means that you know how to match patterns.
Although I've done it, it was never with the intention that it proved that I was a good dresser.
For example, I've worn a chalk-stripe suit, with a pencil-stripe shirt, a striped tie, and a pocket square with animal prints.
Only because is what I thought looked good that day. Dressing well to me in its simplicity.
I feel just as sharp in a plain charcoal suit, white shirt, black Grenadine tie, and white pocket square.
Don't let the fact that matching patterns isn't your strong suit, no pun intended. You don't need it!
Conclusion
There is a lot of bad information on the internet. Always do your research thoroughly before believing everything that you hear.
The unfortunate part is some of them can discourage you and stop you before you can even start.
Hopefully, this blog post helped put your mind at ease.
Stay tuned for more style tips and tricks on "I'm Not A Gentleman" and always remember to stay stylish!
Peace!
