Recommendations | J. Kent Ltd.

Socks: Choosing the Right Color

Aug 10 2010

I received this question from a reader: What is the rule on sock color? This is what I shared with them: Socks, when visible, act as an extension of the trouser leg. Choose a sock color in a shade that blends well with your suit fabric. Matching suit to sock eliminates calling attention to the ankle in those moments when the trousers’ movement reveals the sock, such as when sitting or walking briskly. Trousers should be cut long enough to cover socks at all other times....

J Kent Erickson

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Seasonal Attire

Style for All Seasons

Jun 21 2010

Fashion fads come and go. Lapels and collars may widen or narrow, fabrics may trend toward light or dark, and trouser hemlines can change course over time. Rather than chase after short-lived concepts, the savvy businessman customizes his suits for his build, sense of personal style, and business habits. This allows his wardrobe to weather the seasonal swings of fashion, and remain in style. Any particular tailoring decision, no matter how popular, may not be the most flattering to one’s frame. When choosing your suit’s silhouette, we can help you choose a timeless, classic look which will last for years, maximizing your wardrobe investment. Consider your personal sense of style when fitting a suit: double-breasted suits are generally dressier than their single-breasted counterparts. Coats without a vent are sleeker. Fabric selection should follow your wearing needs. If you travel frequently in your suits, be sure to select heavy-wearing fabrics. A suit for occasional...

J Kent Erickson

Seasonal Attire

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Suits

Suit Selection: Fitting Your Form

Mar 24 2010

Mass-made clothing is, of necessity, sized for the masses. Dimensions are reduced to the most likely measurements and produced accordingly. While mass-made clothing may fit the greatest number of people, it can create an unappealing presentation for those without an "average" build. Rather than attempt to fit themselves into the average suit, those on the extremes of either height or girth, like anyone who wants options in their personal wardrobes, are best served by custom-fit clothing. Follow these suit-selection tips according to your build: For the taller gentleman, double-breasted suits add needed width, balancing out height. The same is true of pleats and cuffs on trousers. Paired with a high-quality cotton dress shirt with a small pattern and a striped tie, the ensemble makes height an asset rather than an inconvenience when sizing clothing. Those blessed more with girth than height may find a single-breasted suit to be a better choice. This slims...

Caring for Fine Footwear

Mar 31 2009

Like man’s best friend, if you love your shoes and take good care of them, you’ll be repaid with years of loyal service. There’s a huge return on a gentleman’s investment in acquiring and caring for a few pair of fine footwear. While they may not last a lifetime, with proper care and routine maintenance you can log substantial miles and years in a good pair of shoes. Pointers for extending the life of your loafers or beefing up the performance of your brogues: Invest in the best footwear you can afford, and re-sole and re-heel them as necessary, just like routine maintenance on your automobile. Regular tune-ups and even re-crafting over time will restore and extend the youthful vigor of your favorite shoes. Acquire and wear the right shoes for each occasion. Always rotate your shoes, allowing at least a day of rest between wearings. Let them rest on a good pair...

J Kent Erickson

Care & Maintenance

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