J Kent Erickson | J. Kent Ltd.

How to Care for Ties

Feb 10 2014

I received this question from a reader: Do you have guidelines on how to care for ties? This is what I shared with them: Ties add a splash of color and personality to your ensemble, but are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance and storage. If you spend a little time on your ties, you’ll get a better return on your neckwear investment. Avoid stains. A vest or a tie bar can minimize the chances your tie may end up in your meal. When a stain occurs, blot it dry immediately, then dry clean if needed. Untie it. Loosening the knot then lifting the whole apparatus over your head can stretch the fabric fibers. Instead, reverse the tying procedure you used in the morning. Hang it up. Your tie will attract fewer wrinkles if it’s on a hanger in the closet than it will on the back of a chair or on a...

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Coats & Jackets

Dressing Up The Tweed Sport Coat

Feb 03 2014

Tweeds hail from the leisure traditions of the English countryside, and offer you a more relaxed look than your workday suit—but that doesn’t mean your tailored tweed sport coat can’t look fantastic. Tweeds are a perfect bridge between dressy and casual options in your wardrobe: it’s all in the pairings you create. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Consider adding a light-gauge sweater under the jacket. A vest offers another great opportunity to add a splash of color without overwhelming the eye. If you’re looking for a lighter option, skip the sweater or vest, and bring in one of your more casual ties. A tweed sport coat looks great over a checked shirt with a plaid tie. Don’t forget to accessorize—a pocket square can work with a tweed jacket. Be sure to choose colors for your square that work well with the jacket. Matte fabrics will often harmonize better with...

J Kent Erickson

Coats & Jackets

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Fabrics & Textiles

Khaki Slacks Go Custom

Jan 27 2014

Khaki began as a color—the dusty shade of the Indian desert—used by the British army in the 1800s to camouflage their previously white trousers. When applied to the cotton twill “chino” military fabric, the color and the style of slacks became synonymous. Khaki slacks are considered one of the most hard-working options in casual wear, but they never have to be average. Crafting custom-fit khakis specifically to your taste and build takes the ordinary to extraordinary. We can help you design your ideal pair of workhorse slacks, whether you prefer a flat front and a trim fit or a pleated front with a full fit—or anything in between. Contact us today to create your ultimate pair of khakis....

J Kent Erickson

Fabrics & Textiles

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Passion For The Craft: Custom Clothiers

Jan 20 2014

Custom clothiers are a world apart from the typical clothing retailers. We’re dedicated to offering the best quality fabrics, the most styling choices, and an unparalleled customer experience. Here’s where J. Kent Ltd. excels: Details. We pay far more attention to the myriad of details that make a garment a unique item than traditional clothing manufacturers do. We believe clothing should not only keep you comfortable, but help you create your unique image and style. And style is found in the details. Craftsmanship. There are places on a suit that demand meticulous workmanship. Careful hand-stitching in key areas, including lapels, armholes, and waistbands gives clothing the ability to move more fluidly, while also improving your comfort level throughout the day. Measurements. Custom clothiers take far more measurements than an alterations shop working on ready-to-wear clothing, giving you an unparalleled personal fit. You. Both the clothing construction and the fitting experience are focused on you—your colors,...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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Best Color Shirt for Interviews

Jan 13 2014

I received this question from a reader: What color shirt is best for job interviews? This is what I shared with them: Unless you’re applying to work as a graphic designer or other artistic talent, a job interview isn’t the place to show off every facet of your personal sense of style. Instead of wearing your most unique look, the best color shirt for interviews showcase your ability to create a professional appearance by selecting a traditional look for your interview. Your first choice for an interview shirt is standard white, followed by light blue. Save the shirts with stripes, checks, and bold colors for later. Your tie need not be limited to a “power tie,” but should be conservative in tone....

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Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

Choosing Shirt Collars

Jan 06 2014

The best type of collar for you is the collar that creates a flattering, powerful look-and that look depends on many factors, including your physical build, the occasion, and your personality. Here are a few common styles to consider when choosing shirt collars for your custom shirts: Straight collar. Thinner ties are at home with a straight collar. The straight collar is the most prevalent choice in menswear, as its simplicity creates elegance and professionalism without calling attention to itself. Button-down collar. This collar is the most casual choice for your shirts, and can be easily worn with a sweater or sport coat. Avoid wearing a button-down collar with a double-breasted suit. Tab collar. A tab collar not only keeps the points of the collar from moving out of position, it pushes the tie knot out slightly, giving it an appealing shape and prominence. Spread collar. If you prefer thick ties with a substantial...

J Kent Erickson

Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

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Patterns & Textures

Check, Please!

Dec 30 2013

Checked shirts are one of this season’s favorites—but they’ve changed since the last time they were this prevalent. Along with the micro-checks that came to the front of fashion recently, many designers are offering larger-scale checks than in years past, for a bold, confident look. Checked shirts can be comfortably paired with a solid, stripe, or contrasting-patterned tie for a great effect. Just be sure to keep the colors coordinated with each other, and vary the scale of the patterns. For example, if you’re wearing a light blue shirt with a larger check, consider a dark blue tie with a thin stripe or smaller check....

Small Changes, Big Difference

Dec 23 2013

Upgrading your wardrobe and clothing image doesn’t necessarily require starting from scratch. Most gentlemen can increase the value they get out of the existing elements of your wardrobe by making small, meaningful changes to your style choices. Keep your clothing working for you with these easy tips: Check your edges. If your shirt collar and cuffs aren’t extending approximately half an inch past your suit, you’re not getting full visual impact. We can adjust either your shirt sleeve length or your suit sleeve length (or both) to create this essential detail of the well-dressed gentleman. Include classic accouterments in your ensemble, such as a tie bar, pocket square, and a luxurious watch. These embellishments give you an opportunity to showcase your individual sense of style while adding fresh color and visual interest to your outfit. Keep shining. Make sure to shine your shoes frequently. Your efforts at creating a distinctive ensemble can be undermined...

Dress for Success

Dec 16 2013

Dress for the success that you’re working so hard for. Each day as you choose your ensemble, give yourself (and others) a visual reminder of your goals and accomplishments by creating the well-dressed look of a successful businessman in your field. Dressing the part also creates a subtle advantage for yourself in business negotiations—dressing in impeccable style increases confidence and a feeling of power. This strategy also works on the weekends. Casual wear doesn’t need to be sloppy or unappealing. You can craft the same sense of success and confidence with your weekend wardrobe by tailoring versatile sportswear to your lifestyle and taste....

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Detailed Choices in Style

Dec 09 2013

If five different gentlemen all wore the same type of suit, you would see five different styles emerge. What makes the difference? Their choices in detailing. Your own detail choices help you develop your own signature style. Whether you prefer a classic or trendy look, flavorful colors or a palette of neutrals, your individual style should be expressed in each outfit. Custom clothing allows you to be in charge of your clothing’s detailing decisions, including a myriad of individualized options for collars, lapels, pockets, buttons, hems, cuffs, and material. As your custom clothier, we can help you design clothing with colors and fabrics that bring out your personality and flatter your frame. Each decision plays its part in crafting your individualized style and image. Neckwear is one of the most important details about your attire. Your choice of tie each day is often the first thing others notice about your outfit. Wearing high-quality,...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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