Silk | J. Kent Ltd.

Pocket Squares: Silk or Cotton?

Jun 01 2016

The type of fabric used to create your pocket squares determines the weight, dressiness, and appropriate folding methods. A silk pocket square adds color without weight. The lightweight, flexible fabric is more difficult to fold-but looks fantastic when simply gathered into a “puff” and slipped into the pocket. Silk also has a glossy sheen that is your best choice in formal occasions, as it’s inherently dressier than cotton. A cotton pocket square is matte rather than shiny, making it eminently suitable for everyday businesswear and summer suits. Cotton’s relative stiffness makes it easy to fold and achieve crisp edges if desired. Rather than limiting yourself to pocket squares made of only one of these fabrics, we suggest you collect several cotton and several silk, so that you can be prepared with the perfect square for any occasion....

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Care & Maintenance

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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Accessories & Jewelry

Folding Silk Pocket Squares: 3 Simple (& Debonair) Methods

Mar 17 2014

Pocket squares offer a quick, inexpensive way to add flair and color to your suit. For the best effect, learn these easy (and non-fussy) folding methods and you’ll get even more mileage out of that small square of color. Flat Fold Lay your pocket square flat. Fold it in half from left to right, then fold it in half from bottom to top, leaving the bottom edge just short of the top. Tuck in your pocket with a slight angle that points to your shoulder. The Puff Lay your pocket square flat. Pick up the center and let the corners hang down. Flatten as many of the creases as possible so it will lay more smoothly in your pocket. Grasp it around the middle with the opposite hand and gently tuck into your pocket. Single Point Lay your square flat with one corner pointing up. Pull the bottom corner up to meet the top corner. Now...

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Accessories & Jewelry

Tie Quality

Jun 04 2012

Ties add more than a splash of color to your work attire - the quality of your tie contributes to your image as well. The next time you're selecting new ties for your wardrobe, make sure they are of long lasting, high-quality workmanship. When measuring tie quality the first consideration is the "hand" or feel of the tie. Check that the fabric feels pleasant to the touch. A scratchy or stiff tie is likely to be of lower-quality fabric than one that simply feels luxuriant. This "touch test" applies equally well to thick and thin fabrics. Next, check the manufacture's tag to see what type of fabric you're holding. Silk or wool ties are generally preferable to synthetics. The natural elasticity of these fibers will stretch better around the neck, leading to a longer useful life in your wardrobe. Once you've approved the feel and fabric of the tie, check the details. Finer...

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Shirts, Vests, & Blouses

The Versatile Vest

Oct 04 2011

Vests can be excellent mix-and-match wardrobe pieces. Rather than limiting their use to the three-piece suit, use versatile vests as coordinating pieces for sport coats and trousers. Consider having vests personalized to your taste—lapels, pockets, fabric, and fit can all be custom-crafted to create timeless pieces that will give you extra options with your existing shirts, trousers, and coats. Traditionally, vests are made of the same fabric as a jacket or trousers. They can also draw on contrasting colors, or simply use a base color from the jacket or trousers. When creating combinations, keep fabric choices (tweed, silk, cotton, wool) similar enough to avoid an awkward pairing....

J Kent Erickson

Shirts, Vests, & Blouses

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Seasonal Attire

Summer Wardrobe

Jul 31 2010

The blustery days of spring turn into a distant memory when the weather warms up. And your warm winter suit, so helpful a few months ago, can soon seem too heavy to wear. Keep your cool this summer—without losing your professional look—by crafting a summer wardrobe with style. Your tools? Summer wardrobe-worthy fabrics in wool, linen, silk, and cotton. Wool can still be your wardrobe’s best friend during the sun-friendly months. Simply keep to lightweight versions (look for tropical or summer weight fabrics) to retain the breathability of wool’s natural fibers without the warmth of the winter weights. Linen fabrics offer a looser weave than wool, which lets air circulate to keep you cool without compromising style by dressing down. Minimize your linen suit’s wrinkles by tailoring the fit to your shape. Baggy trousers and an oversized coat will wrinkle more than a suit that moves with you. Silks and silk blends drape beautifully...

J Kent Erickson

Seasonal Attire

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