Personal Style | J. Kent Ltd.

Creative Coat Linings vs. Traditional Coat Linings

Sep 01 2016

I received this question from a reader: Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of a coat lining that’s bright and flashy instead of the traditional solid gray, brown, navy, etc. What do you recommend I line my next coat with? This is what I shared with them: Your coat’s lining doesn’t show often, but it does make an appearance now and then. That gives you a wonderful opportunity for an expression of your own personal style. You can certainly go with a traditional lining fabric—but if you prefer something bold (or even outrageous), we’re here to help! Our extensive fabric supply gives you access to lining fabrics that create a bold statement with a contrasting color, or add elegance with coordinating stripes or prints. The myriad possibilities include novelty prints, hobby- or sports-based prints, paisleys, jacquard weaves, and more....

J Kent Erickson

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Trimming Your Figure with Custom Clothing

May 15 2016

Certainly, those on the thin side can wear slim-cut suits—but what about the rest of us? Many people believe that a larger figure needs a roomy suit in order to be comfortable. You might be surprised to discover that, in reality, the opposite is true: having excess fabric in your suit can make it less comfortable. Gentlemen with a more mature figure can wear slim-cut suits—if the suit is perfectly tailored. When your clothing is made from exactly the amount of fabric you need and cut exactly for how you move, it develops a degree of comfort and mobility that a lesser suit cannot duplicate. By adjusting the dimensions of the chest and skirt areas of the suit coat, we can create a slimming look without a tight, uncomfortable fit. Even a change of one-quarter inch, if taken in just the right places, can make a big difference in look and comfort. In...

J Kent Erickson

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Crafting Your Individual Style: A Quiet Rebellion

Feb 01 2016

When you create a customized wardrobe that showcases your unique sense of style, you’re stepping away from the crowd’s choices, and charting your own course. There’s a bit of rebellion in creating something truly unique—you’re giving the subtle but unmistakable message to the world that you know your own mind, and you refuse to bend to the whims of others. Your favorite style may be one of timeless elegance, or you may choose to set trends. Traditional or edgy, demure or bold: no matter your preferences, you’re letting your own voice be heard instead of merely being an echo of others....

J Kent Erickson

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Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

Contrast Cuffs and Collars

Dec 01 2015

A shirt that uses a different fabric for the cuffs and collar offer an interesting variation from the traditional single-fabric shirt. Because they are somewhat unusual, they allow you to make a statement. Many gentlemen never try wearing shirts with contrasting elements, but for those who enjoy using their wardrobe to express their unique sense of style and image, it can be a good option. Building a custom wardrobe allows you to build this type of shirt using precisely the colors that you choose, along with giving you the perfect fit you enjoy on your other custom shirts. This style is most often seen as a blue shirt with a white collar and white French cuffs. Other color combinations, such as using printed fabrics as the contrast, will look more casual than the white-and-blue option, so consider the occasion and environment it will be worn in before you make your decision. You’ll look...

J Kent Erickson

Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

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How to Choose Cuff Links

Oct 15 2015

I received this question from a reader: How do I choose cuff links? This is what I shared with them: There are several good approaches to choosing cuff links. You may want to wear cuff links that carry personal meaning, such as an heirloom set or gift from a loved one. Your cuff links can also show support of a group you value, such as your political affiliation, your alma mater, or a philanthropic cause you support. Or, you may choose cuff links as a tribute to your culture or geographical region. Ideally, the best cuff links have visual appeal on both sides, instead of having one decorative side and one plain side. However, a fantastic design may be worth having a standard swivel on the back side....

Fall and Winter 2015: Trends to Watch

Oct 01 2015

The changing of the seasons brings several new trends worth watching. Whether you’re ready to update your wardrobe or simply enjoy noting new developments, here are four noteworthy concepts from designers’ Fall/Winter 2015 offerings: Go gray. This season, many designers’ lines are dominated by gray clothing, ranging from ensembles created with just a single gray tone to outfits that involve a range of gray hues and shadings. Heathers and stripes, sleek silks or comfortable cable-knits, are all dominated by gray. Add green. The second most sought-after color for this fall and winter are greens. Several designers focused on the heavier shades, including forest and military greens, which were often paired with neutral browns. Layer in style. Most cool-weather fashions involve some layering, but this season, designers have extended that concept beyond the traditional sweater by using multiple thin layers of clothing to create outfits that not only provide warmth but also style. Consider...

Achieving the Lived-in Look

Sep 01 2015

While a crisp, clean look is appealing, there are times when you don’t want to look too pressed, too starched, too new. Especially in your custom casual clothing, you may want to create a more lived-in look than your dressier wardrobe pieces offer—without sacrificing on style or fit. Your expertly crafted customwear will look—and feel—as comfortable and familiar as your long-beloved favorites. Your color choices can also help create a more relaxed look. Choose muted earth tones instead of bright, crisp colors. Mossy greens, camel brown, and heathered colors are good options when crafting that subtle lived-in look. Low-contrast plaids and stripes look more relaxed than contrasting colors. Denim is a perennial favorite for crafting the lived-in look. Its color intensity varies sharply with wear, yet denim offers long-lasting durability. Pairing a custom-made shirt in an earth tone with a well-fitting pair of denim jeans instantly gives you an appealing ensemble. Remember that...

J Kent Erickson

Casual Attire

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FINE ART OF CUSTOM CLOTHING IS PRICELESS

Aug 01 2015

The quote may be from a popular children’s movie, but the idea is true for grown-up endeavors as well. You may have heard it said as a variation of this: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” No matter how you say it, true quality takes time, effort, and skill. Custom clothing is its own kind of art, and it does take time to create high-quality customized clothing. Even in today’s frenetically paced world, where nearly everything seems to be “instantly” available, it takes time to create the kind of quality and precision that make your custom clothing a fantastic investment in comfort and style. If the dyeing process is rushed, the result is uneven colors. If the hand-sewn seams are rushed, the end result is puckered fabric. If the measuring is rushed, you’ll end up with a poor fit. Remember that your art (in this case, custom clothing) is worth waiting for—because...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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Vacation Essentials: Clothing

Jun 15 2015

I received this question from a reader: What essentials do you recommend packing for vacations? This is what I shared with them: When you’re heading out for a vacation, it’s easy to over-pack as you try to anticipate every possible weather condition or activity. Instead of trying to fit everything you might possibly need into your carry-on bag, consider this list of a few travel vacation essentials that can help you keep comfortable in unexpected situations. Even if you’re going to a warm climate, bring a light sweater in case of a change in weather. Bring a blazer for evening breeze protection (if you’re wearing the sweater, you can gallantly offer the blazer to your travel companion). Pack at least one dress shirt for evenings out. Bring dark jeans and comfortable shoes (that aren’t sandals). And of course, bring your sunglasses....

Daring and Sparing: How to Wear Unusual Colors

Jun 01 2015

The basics play an important role in a wardrobe, but sometimes you may want to wear unusual colors to add life and vitality to an outfit. When you’re deciding when—and how—to incorporate these colors into your ensemble, keep the following concepts in mind: A little goes a long way. Whether you’re considering lime green or sunshine yellow, be careful not to let it overwhelm the rest of your ensemble. A bright, bold pocket square or tie will usually serve the purpose better than a coat of the same color. Know your purpose. Are you trying to stand out in a job interview or showcase your inner creativity? A wardrobe piece that shows off your fashion savvy at a luncheon with those in a creative industry may not work as well in an interview setting. Keep unusual colors higher on the frame. A violet vest or tie is generally preferable to violet trousers, unless...

J Kent Erickson

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