Suit Society

The Blues Brothers

Bobby Humphrey — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:34 +0000

The Blues Brothers

Perhaps they aren’t the best example of courtesy, perhaps they shouldn’t use their fedora hats to break in an entry, perhaps they haven’t got the best table manners of even money for cheese on their toast, but I love ‘em.

In 1980, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi released their movie ‘The Blues Brothers’. Their outfit made the suit something cool to wear for the normal man. When Jake Elwood (John Belushi) leaves the jailhouse in the beginning of the movie, the impound officer gives back his stuff: “One Timex-watch, broken…. Boots, black….. Belt, black…. One black suit jacket…. One pair of black suit pants…. One hat, black…. One pair of sunglasses…”. The slim tie, fedora hat and cool Wayfarer sunglasses make these guys true icons.

Hats; hot or not

How to wear the correct sleeve length of your suit?

Bobby Humphrey — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:13 +0000

How to wear the correct sleeve length of your suit?

Different people make different choices, but everybody should let their sleeves of the shirt pop out a little bit. How much exactly? That is where you can let your creativity kick in. You should always take two aspects in account; the sleeve length of your shirt and the sleeve length of your suit.

A sleeve is defined as something that covers your arm, not your arm and hand. From this basic principle, we can continue our story.

Notice that the sleeves of a Double-Cuffed shirt tend to stick out more than a Single Cuffed shirt. The reason for this is that the sleeves of the Single Cuffed shirt fall on your wristbone and the sleeves of the Double Cuffed shirt stick out a little bit further than your wristbone, almost at the beginning of your hand. So what is the correct sleeve length for a shirt? With the Single Cuffed shirt falling on your wristbone, it should show about 0,50 inch (or approximately 1,3 cm) underneath your suit’s sleeves. The Double Cuffed shirt is allowed to show more, think about 0,80 inch (approximately 2 cm).

The second aspect to take in account is the sleeve length of the suit. These sleeves should always end at the wristbone, with your arm at rest. This way the shirt has enough length to stick out underneath it. Please, never, ever demonstrate that your sleeves are too short by sticking out your both arms. First of all, you will never assume a position like that, unless driving a car. Secondly, you are not allowed to wear a jacket whilst driving a car.

I personally think that it is a great detail to have your shirt pop out a little bit underneath your sleeves. Especially when you are wearing a coloured shirt, the matching colours of your combination are a great additive to your appearance. Wearing your sleeves on the correct length also shows that you are wearing a suit tailored to your sizes and not some suit in somebody else’s size. So if you have your tricks up your sleeve, visit a tailor, and make sure you wear your heart on your sleeve.

Cheers,

Bobby

Your Favorite Watch

Lance Miller — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:00:30 +0000

What’s your favorite watch?

Mine is the IWC Portuguese Automatic. Check out this IWC movie with Jean Reno. I don’t have one, yet! My U-boat has been on my left wrist for the last 4 years..

The Watch:

Drop us a comment and list your favorite watch and a link to a photo

An alcohol test to find out if your friend is too drunk to drive; “Three witches were in a Swatch watch shop. Which witch watched which Swatch watch?” Ask him/her to repeat and you’ll know…

Snazzy PJS

Lance Miller — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:13:19 +0000

Have you ever watched the TV show How I Met Your Mother? Well, then you’re familiar with the suit-wearing, womanizing, Legen – wait for it – DARY character, Barney Stinson. I’m sure you’re also familiar with Barney’s catchphrase, “Suit Up!,” and that he wears a suit almost all the time, for almost any occasion.

Work, drinks at the pub, laser tag, being a contestant on The Price is Right, all suit-wearing occasions. A funeral, not so much because suits are full of joy and are for the living. A random knock on the door in the middle of the night by two tens who need to use your shower, well that’s a suit-worthy occasion, and one should always be prepared.

This is where Suitjamas come in. Because it’s about looking good ALL the time.

Legendary Suitjamas, an Australian-based company, took the idea one step further and now the famous Barney Stinson suit pyjamas, complete with a sleeping cravat, are available to those of us outside of TV land.

Now any man, or any woman really, can just hop online and order a pair. Facebook.com/Suitjamas offers Basic, Premium and Legendary options for the economical business man to the serious get-down-to-businessman. All Suitjamas are available in Barney’s classic Armani Grey, with an off-white shirt and black tie and come in satin or silk. The Legendary option also comes with a very important feature, the Emergency Contraceptive Pocket (ECP). This Bro-inspired innovation is located inside the left breast of the jacket, and ensures the wearer is always ready to “Suit Up.”

Suitjamas are guaranteed to make you look amazing and give you that extra boost with the ladies. Eighty-three percent of men wearing Suitjamas say they are happier and more confident. True story.

Guest performance by Jennifer Berube.

Football – a beautiful game…

Amber Hudson — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:55:06 +0000

The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is big business. It’s a celebration of the crème de la crème of football, the elite that make up a dream-team with an army of followers around the globe. The UCL is one of the biggest events in the footballing calendar, so when the top two teams come together for a show-stopping finale, it guarantees headlines. Barcelona and Manchester United, undoubtedly two of the best teams in the world played at Wembley this evening. Just a few minutes ago, Barcelona were crowned UEFA Champions for the fourth time – a hearty congratulations to them!

I was more interested in off the pitch shenanigans. I love watching the sartorial styling of the managers, who really know how to dress for the occasion. Like any headstrong opponents, I always think of them as trying to out-dress and out-psyche each other (they’re probably not, but that’s just my active imagination working overtime). Like boxing champions squaring up to each other in a pre-match photo-call, the rivalry on the pitch is only very slightly understated.

These managers know how to carry a suit and indeed what suits them (no pun intended). With the televised broadcast event expecting a viewing audience running into millions, the eyes of the world were watching the beautiful game and the ringside spectators. Sir Alex Ferguson’s anthracite suit matched his legendary stony demeanour, whilst his aubergine tie provided a subtle yet sombre flash of colour. This is great garb for an interview or a serious event – it shows you mean business, no matter what the outcome.

The winner of the evening for me however, was Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola’s get-up. The forty year old manager struck a dashing silhouette in his double-breasted suit replete with skinny tie. The white satin lining of the jacket gave the ensemble the wow-factor whilst beautifully underplaying the black block of colour. The clean cut lines of Pep’s suit only accentuated its appeal and gave the star manager’s outfit a contemporary twist. With a manager this stylish, the sky’s the limit. Barcelona, I hope you’ve cleared out the cabinet for future silverware, you’re certainly deserve it…

Prince William Suits up!

Lance Miller — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:40:53 +0000

Don’t you agree that it’s funny how the world couldn’t wait to see what Kate Middleton was wearing on the Royal wedding, and nobody cared about our main-man William?

Prince William is not the snazziest of all. He strictly follows the English suit etiquette, wide lapels, french collar, loads of checks and I have never seen him bring out a nice slim-fit tie. For a while he was carrying a beard that looked pretty cool, right?

Some of the wedding guests of honor matched the theme of the day, royalty. Check out David Beckham and his spicy girl: now that’s a snazzy couple.

Who designed prince William’s military suit? His Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes did the job, and as the have an excellent reputation I don’t dare question the quality, English fit and etiquette. But why so stiff? If you check out their site you’ll see they have awesome gear for sale. Nicely woven slim-fit tie’s, light fabric and light shades of grey colored jackets, iconic pea coats. I value traditions very much and belief that it brings meaning to life and honors those who set the traditions such as elderly within the family. Same for price William, his grandfather, father and uncle married in a military suit too.

Prince William wore these suits as well, making him stand out as a royal king of smiling!

American Apparel

Lance Miller — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:48 +0000

I am not sure if I like American Apparel. What do you think? Should we distinguish between the brand and the clothes?

- Dov Charney -

Brand: I think their philosophy and marketing is very cool.

The controversial advertising is catchy because we can connect with the models and their expressions. The photos are raw and not made to look like a freaking script was produced to organize a photo shoot. It feels real and since their models express themselves in way that you and I do too, we connect. Unlike the typical posing models on advertisements. When is the last time you posed when you were waiting for a taxi? Exactly.. American Apparal is pro expression of raw feelings and sexuality, in an authentic way. Non-perfection is key because we are not perfect, unlike Victoria’s Secret pretentious commercial strategy.

provoking advertising

American Apparel has the largest garment factory in the states and it’s sited in downtown Los Angeles.It pays out their employees more than most other garment factories and has the reputation of treating their employees very well. Free international phone calls. Free massages. Subsidized lunches. Paid holidays and you only get a job at American Apparel if you culturally and fashionable sync with the vibe of it’s founder, Dov Charney. An open-minded fashionista who’s got the world to pay 30 dollars for a white t-shirt. That’s skillful.

Clothes: quality-wise I have experienced good and bad. They started out as a t-shirt wholesale company, so they pretty much have this one covered. All the other items they started producing + selling are still up for the test.

Basics. Every store I have been, either in NYC or in Dublin, it feels like you’re teleported back to the 70’s. Most people that work in their stores are stunningly beautiful. At least, I like to think so since I was dating an American Apparel girl, hehe. In-store employee, not an adult film star we find on display advertisements J Yep, this shocked some folks when that news came out, or better, when guys recognized these models and don’t know exactly where they have seen them before!

If someone’s is entirely outfitted with American Apparel it often times looks like they’re trying too hard. While people that combine 1 or 2 pieces with other brands/styles often times look cooler. Is it because they have cool basics that need to be properly accessorized?

Paul Smith

Lance Miller — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:39 +0000

Paul Smith, contemporary Englishness.

Paul Smith is probably one of the most recognized fashion designers in the world since his garments are for the young and old, men and women, trendy and classis. I really enjoy wearing certain Paul Smith garments. His materials are good, either from Italy, France or the UK. And the designs and details are unique. You are not wearing a simple shirt or a trouser, the details Paul Smith adds makes for all the difference.

The man:

As a businessman he is doing rather well. Especially in Japan he became raging popular and has over 200 shops there. His history is somewhat different from those of the other fashion designers since he wanted to become a professional cyclist but was forced to quit after an accident and sort of rolled into the fashion industry. From then on, his creativity and playfulness in his designs and projects with other companies made him famous.

The Paul Smith colored stripes are typical Paul Smith trademarks and are popular. Many companies, including Apple and Vans do project based work with Paul. I feel Etro is somewhat competing with Paul Smith since both brands work a lot with colors and playful designs and details. Still, Etro is specialized in the fabric, suits and shirts. Paul Smith does shoes, suits, shirts, accessories and has licensed out optical and cosmetics under his name.

@ the catwalk:

PS projects:

Cool business-casual shoes:

How to wear a tie clip

Lance Miller — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:00:38 +0000

Would you wear a tie clip because it’s snazzy or to keep your tie away from your coffee?

Typically, it’s only waiters and old folks who wear tie clips. It doesn’t seem to be 1990+ BUT some of the snazziest kids around started wearing them again. As with all fashion items, it comes back every few decades or so.

Personally, I like seeing it when well executed on someone who knows what he is doing And by that, I mean someone who is consciously snazzy or an old gent suited up and ready to catch some of the old ladies on the streets, haha.

Would do you guys think about the tie clip, IN or OUT?

Taking Care Of Your Wardrobe

Hamilton Brown — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:00:57 +0000

For many people a good suit or good shoes are something they only wear for special occasions or don´t dare to put it on at all. With one thing I definitely agree: Someone thought well about the design of a piece of clothing and put many hours of effort in it so the least the owner should do is pay respect for that. I don´t know how many of you have ever witnessed a suit getting born from the beginning of the design until the finished suit, but those who have will have that respect for sure. But I also think you should still see a suit or shoes as a piece of clothing, which means you should wear it. You maybe shouldn’t play football with it but you can still wear the good fabrics for your daily activities. I always try to wear my own suits as much as possible and still keep them as “new” as possible just by following a simple routine.

My former boss always said that a suit needs time to rest. After a day of wearing it needs a day of rest and after two days of wearing it needs two days of rest otherwise you are going to see the spots where you knees are while you are sitting and the place your wallet is sitting. And for the resting you should put it on a good hanger that is similar to the width of your shoulders, don´t worry about plastic or wood because it doesn´t matter. Just make sure you empty all the pockets before you hang it up and let it breathe a little while before you put it in the closet.

If I ever need to iron my suits (I try to avoid that) I make sure that I put a humid towel in between to make sure the fabric is not going to shine at that spot. Usually I just put it hung up in the bathroom, turn on the hot water and let it hang in there for a little while. The mist is going to take care of little wrinkles and also takes away the smell if necessary. Especially a suit made of wool needs that humidity to stay elastic.

Everybody seems to have a different opinion about dry-cleaning and think I agree with the gentlemen from Savile Row that consider it as being unnecessary. All I usually use is a brush of real hair to brush it off after wearing it. For my finer cashmere suits I use a really smooth goat hair brush. That takes away all the daily dust and makes a chemical cleaning pretty much unnecessary.
I think I apply to almost all my clothing (especially the favorite pieces) certain rules to keep everything neat, because let´s be honest: nobody cares if your suit is custom made and cost a fortune if it looks like you have just been taking a nap on the street with it.

For my ties I just always make sure to unknot them and especially when knotting or unknotting, do that very carefully otherwise the structure of the fabric gets ruined and the tie is losing its shape. And most important: Never ever wash a tie!!! If there are any stains on it, just treat the stain and never the whole tie. Since a tie never touches your skin while wearing it you shouldn´t worry about regular cleaning at all.

With shoes I heard something interesting the other day from an Amsterdam shoemaker: never wear leather shoes 2 days in a row. Maybe you already knew this but I didn´t. According to him, the leather soaks in all the sweat from your feet (yes even if you don’t have sweaty feet) and that doesn´t only make them uncomfortable to wear but they will look old and shabby a lot sooner. So you should also give shoes a day of rest before wearing them again.

Who still needs kids right? Seems like well dressed men have enough to take care of
I´m curious what efforts you make to keep your wardrobe in a good shape!