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Suit Coats & Vest Lapels

Oct 27 2014

I received this question from a reader: Can I wear a vest with lapels under my suit coat? This is what I shared with them: The beauty of custom clothing is being able to create your individual look—and that includes vest lapels under your suit coat. Be sure that the extra thickness of the lapels does not look overly bulky with your coat on. Remember that, with custom clothing, you always have options. You may save the vest with lapels for days that you’ll be going coatless for much of the time. If you’re unsure what look you prefer, please give us a call so we can work together to create a fantastic signature look for you....

J Kent Erickson

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Formal Attire

Options In Formal Wear

Oct 20 2014

Options in Formal wear are governed by an established set of style guidelines, and many gentlemen prefer their tuxedo to be traditional in every detail. However, others desire to create their own signature look with formal attire. If you find yourself looking to customize your tuxedo, the following customization options in formal wear can help you make your tuxedo truly your own. LAPELS: While peak lapels are the most common, and a singular option choice for style purists, excellent results in personal style can be obtained with your choice of a well-crafted shawl collar or even elegantly designed notched lapels. COLORS: White or black is always appropriate for formal settings, but you can mix and match: consider creating an ivory dinner jacket styled with a shawl collar. The jacket may be paired with black tuxedo trousers. Your shirt may also be either black or white - as may your tie. Creating an...

J Kent Erickson

Formal Attire

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Image & Lifestyle

What Your Wardrobe Reveals About You

Oct 06 2014

Mark Twain’s famous quote says that “the clothing makes the man,” but we believe it’s more accurate to say that the clothing reveals the man. A man’s wardrobe choices showcase his thinking, his beliefs, and his core values. Custom clothing allows you to make sure your wardrobe reveals the best side of you. A well-tailored wardrobe demonstrates to the world that you’re confident, willing to invest in yourself, and successful. When you’re ready to update your wardrobe, give us a call. We can help make sure that your clothing showcases your best qualities—both internal and external....

The Elegance of Italy—Right Here at Home

Sep 20 2014

The elegance of Italy, especially Italian clothing, is known around the globe for its well-designed style. Achieving “la bella figura,” a way of life that encompasses refined aesthetics in clothing and manners, is a traditional Italian goal—but it’s not limited to Italians. When you design your own customized wardrobe, you can bring the traditions of Italy home. Each minute detail of your tailoring can help create the sense of style and sophistication embodied in the Italian mentality. Sometimes, the traditional ways are the best: generations of Italian tailors have dressed their clients with style and elegance. Your custom wardrobe offers you the same degree of luxury in clothing—all without leaving the comforts of home....

Tracking The Trends: Fall and Winter 2014

Sep 06 2014

We keep an eye on designers’ trends for men’s fashion, and a few common elements are emerging for Fall and Winter 2014. While classic clothing of true style form the basis of a strong custom wardrobe, keeping in touch with the current offerings can help you keep your look fresh. Some developments worth noting are: Monochromatic ensembles. The darker colors of winter are tending toward single-toned looks. Some designers have focused on dark greens, while others favor black with white accents. Slim slacks. Crisp trousers, reminiscent of the early to mid 1960’s, are heavily featured this fall. A pleasing visual contrast is being made by pairing trim trousers with a boxier gym or weekend bag. Orange accent. We’re seeing designers couple items in brilliant shades of orange with dark neutrals. Adding orange to an outfit in grays is a particularly appealing combination. Formal in browns. One forecasted trend calls for formal clothing, which has...

Suits: To Press or Steam

Aug 20 2014

I received this question from a reader: Should I press or steam my suit? Or should I just take it to the cleaners? This is what I shared with them: Steaming is far gentler on your suit than too-frequent dry cleanings and the high-temperature commercial press. Steam it lightly just before wearing, instead of immediately after wearing it. This will allow any moisture to dry naturally and remove any wrinkles from storage. Your dress shirts should be pressed instead of steamed to smooth the fabric and give it a crisp look....

What’s Great about Gabardine

Aug 06 2014

Born in the middle ages and refined with current textile techniques, gabardine has come of age with surprising elegance. Originally intended for outerwear such as traveling cloaks, today gabardine is a refined, elegant fabric for a variety of purposes. In more modern times, gabardine has clothed adventurers and trendsetters as they traveled to such exotic locations as Antarctica and Mount Everest. Gabardine combines the strength and durability of a tightly-woven twill with a more supple hand than many other twills. The twisted weave that is gabardine’s signature element creates micro-ridges that allow light to almost bend around it, giving it a soft, almost luminous look. The fabric’s luxurious feel will complement the finer pieces in your wardrobe without looking overly formal. This fabric is also a fantastic choice for business-casual trousers. Gabardine’s durability stacks up well next to the twilled cotton that is today’s most common choice for casual trousers, while retaining...

Tips for the Hard-to-Fit Gentleman

Jul 06 2014

Part of the appeal of custom clothing is being able to fit a hard-to-fit physique. Whether you’re short or tall, stocky or slim, customized options can create your best possible look. For Shorter Men Keep the break in your trousers minimal to lengthen the front crease line. Place your suit coat buttons a little lower (two-button coats will be more flattering than three-button coats) and consider using peak lapels—the longer lines add the illusion of height. Enjoy the bolder fabrics that your taller colleagues can’t always pull off, such as glen plaid and Prince of Wales. For Taller Men To keep things in proportion, choose wider ties and a spread-collar shirt. Accessories such as a belt, a tie bar, or a pocket square can help break up the impression of height. Rounder toes on your shoes are helpful, along with ties with horizontal or diagonal stripes. For Stocky Men Unless you’re sitting down, keep your suit...

Coordinating Light Colored Blue Jeans

Jun 20 2014

I received this question from a follower: I have a pair of light colored blue jeans that I love. What should I wear with them? This is what I shared with them: Light-blue jeans can bring a great summer feel to your wardrobe, especially when paired with a breezy madras shirt. However, light-blue jeans (and other colors of denim) are very informal. You may choose to wear them with nicer knit shirts, such as a polo shirt, and dress up the outfit by including elements such as a light jacket or sweater. If you’re aiming for business-casual at work or a night on the town, leave the light-colored jeans in the closet for the occasion: crisp, dark-blue jeans are always dressier....

The Classic Khaki Suit

Jun 06 2014

Khaki, or tan, is best known as the color of choice for casual trousers and military uniforms, but it’s also a fantastic way to create an air of relaxed elegance. Instead of limiting your use of tan fabric to Fridays or weekends, consider crafting a sophisticated custom suit out of this appealing color. A cotton khaki suit never looks like it’s trying too hard. It brings a comfortable nonchalance to your business wardrobe. It also offers a great opportunity to try out a variety of new colors and textures in your shirts and ties that work well with the softer feel of cotton. During warm weather, the breathability of cotton can be a lifesaver in the heat, as can a tropical light-weight worsted wool. Pair your suit with tan, brown, or burgundy shoes instead of black for all-around style. To create a sleek look, consider selecting peak lapels and a single button for...

J Kent Erickson

Suits

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Newer Posts

Older Posts

Suit Coats & Vest Lapels

Options In Formal Wear

What Your Wardrobe Reveals About You

The Elegance of Italy—Right Here at Home

Tracking The Trends: Fall and Winter 2014

Suits: To Press or Steam

What’s Great about Gabardine

Tips for the Hard-to-Fit Gentleman

Coordinating Light Colored Blue Jeans

The Classic Khaki Suit

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