Recommendations | J. Kent Ltd.

Buying Cheap = Buying Twice

Nov 15 2016

We have all found ourselves tempted to purchase something because of a low price. However, if you buy something you don’t really need because it’s “a deal” or “on sale,” you may find that your impetuous purchase isn’t a good fit for you. Perhaps it’s a color you don’t really care for, or a seasonal fabric that you can’t wear often. It may end up being used only once or twice (or never), and then taking up space unnecessarily. Later on, when you replace that item with something more useful that actually contributes to your wardrobe options, you’ll find that having to make two purchases cancelled out the savings of buying something inexpensive. Instead of saving money, you’ll have bought twice. When buying clothing, you may also find that low prices can often mean low quality, including cheaper fabrics that wear out sooner, sloppy detailing, buttons that are not securely fastened, or...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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Escaping the Tyranny of the Store Buyer

Sep 15 2016

Ready-to-wear clothing sellers must concentrate on the merchandise they think they can sell in a short period of time. By economic necessity, their wares must appeal to the most customers possible. Each season they buy far in advance, based on forecasts of trends and fads—and they must move that merchandise quickly to have room for the next season’s fads. Stores may stock only thin lapels one year, and only wide lapels the next. Only flat-front trousers or only pleated ones. Only summer suits or only winter wear. As your custom clothier, we believe in a wholly different approach to developing style and image. When you choose custom clothing instead of limiting your choices to those selected by store buyers, you’ll find you have a myriad of choices for styling, fabric, color, and fit. You can build a wardrobe that bucks the current trends—or anticipates the next ones. We’ll create a look...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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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....

Easy Trick to Discover How Frequently You Wear EVERYTHING

Jul 15 2016

Clothing you don’t wear frequently can fill up your closet while giving you the unpleasant feeling that you don’t have anything to wear. This leads to overbuying, which leads to a cluttered closet. The solution is to figure out how frequently you wear each item, but trying to remember what you wore weeks ago—or even writing down your daily wardrobe selection—is a huge time waster. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution. Instead of arranging your clothing by type or by color, for the duration of this test, you’ll arrange it by date of wearing. When you rehang an item of clothing, put it on the most accessible end of the closet rod. The next item worn goes next to it, and so on. Soon you’ll see what you wear frequently, and what is simply taking up space and collecting dust in your closet. You can also use this trick to avoid over-wearing an...

Your Need-to-Know Necktie Refresher

Mar 15 2016

This season is a great time to review some essentials of style for your tie. We’re happy to share with you a few fun basics on ties compiled by GQ.com Q: How long should my tie be? A: The tip of your tie should reach the middle of your belt. This keeps your shirt from showing through when your coat is slightly open. Q: Why (and how) should I create a dimple in my tie? A: The dimple ensures your tie knot looks crisp and sharp. When tying the knot, make sure it’s tight—that will keep your dimple in place all day long. Q: What’s the purpose of creating lift in my tie? A: A tie that lies flat looks, well, flat. Bring an impression of energy and depth by creating lift. Use a tie bar to secure your tie to the shirt between third and fourth buttons. Be sure to pull the tie up a...

J Kent Erickson

Care & Maintenance

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

How to Get the Most from Your Custom Clothier

Feb 15 2016

You can maximize the value of your custom wardrobe by increasing the value you receive from your custom clothier. Here’s how: We have solved fitting and style problems for countless clients, so consider our recommendations when making wardrobe decisions. Of course, you make the decisions on your wardrobe, but listening to our thoughts before making those decisions can lead to a better custom wardrobe. Instead of thinking of your custom clothier as a valet who simply lays out your wardrobe, please think of us as an adviser on sartorial matters. We are pleased to offer you practical tips for improving the return on your wardrobe investment. Ready-to-wear salespeople are prone to offering flattery to convince customers that whatever they are trying on looks good on them. We will give you honest information (including accurate sizing) to guide you toward well-informed clothing decisions. Many gentlemen haven’t spent years learning the eternal principles of good style....

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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...

The Wardrobe Toolkit

May 15 2015

Just as a carpenter wouldn’t be prepared for his work without a toolbox full of the tools he needs to create excellence in carpentry, a gentleman should ensure he has a wardrobe toolkit with the essentials to care properly for his wardrobe. Hangers: Thick, well-shaped hangers help you avoid stretched-out or drooping shoulders. Shaped hangers also follow the natural curve of the back, which allows your clothing to hang in a resting state, instead of being pulled straight and taut. Suit bags: Use suit bags to store your off-season clothing. This avoids dust buildup and discoloration due to light exposure. Linen, cotton, or any other breathable fabric are preferable to plastic or vinyl, as they allow your clothing to breathe. Lint remover: Lint, dust, pet hair, stray threads, and more can be removed speedily with a dependable lint remover. Clothes brush: Keep this tool handy for a quick pick-me-up when a suit is looking...

J Kent Erickson

Care & Maintenance

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Recommendations Tag

Buying Cheap = Buying Twice

Escaping the Tyranny of the Store Buyer

Creative Coat Linings vs. Traditional Coat Linings

Easy Trick to Discover How Frequently You Wear EVERYTHING

Your Need-to-Know Necktie Refresher

How to Get the Most from Your Custom Clothier

FINE ART OF CUSTOM CLOTHING IS PRICELESS

Vacation Essentials: Clothing

Daring and Sparing: How to Wear Unusual Colors

The Wardrobe Toolkit

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