When dressing for a formal event, men should wear a suit with a tie. Granted, business casual attire doesn’t necessarily require a tie. It’s perfectly fine to omit this accessory from your outfit in this scenario. For all formal events and occasions, though, a tie is essential accessory that shouldn’t be overlooked. So, should you wear a necktie or bowtie with your suit?

Function

It’s important to note that neither the necktie nor bowtie serves any real function. They are worn strictly for aesthetic purposes, having no affect on the outfit’s function. However, there are some subtle nuances distinguishing bowties from neckties and vise-versa.

Formality

Perhaps the greatest difference between bowties and neckties is their formality. Bowties generally offer a higher level of formality, making them ideal for black-tie attire. While still formal, neckties are less formal than their bowtie counterparts. Men can wear neckties for formal events, but they shouldn’t wear them when attempting to achieve a black-tie attire.

Tuxedo

Furthermore, tuxedos should only be worn with a bowtie, not a necktie. Also known as a dinner suit, a tuxedo is a style of men’s formal wear that’s characterized by a suit with satin facings on the jacket lapels and buttons. Attempting to wear a necktie with a tuxedo isn’t going to work. Even if your suit jacket has satin facings on the lapels and buttons, it will look like a standard suit and not a tuxedo. Therefore, you should always wear a bowtie with a tuxedo.

Design

Both bowties and neckties are available in countless colors and styles. However, it’s usually easier to choose a bowtie design because of their simplicity. When in doubt, for instance, you can always wear a black bowtie with a black suit. Choosing an attractive necktie, on the other hand, is a little more difficult. If the necktie is too wide, too thin or features an awkward design, it will negatively affect the rest of your outfit.

Tips on Wearing a Tie

As you can see, there are some key differences between bowties and neckties. Bowties are usually reserved for formal events, including black tie attire, whereas neckties are slightly less formal. Regardless of which one you choose, there are a few things you should know when wearing a tie. For starters, choose a color that corresponds with the rest of your outfit. If your tie doesn’t match, it will create an awkward look. Secondly, choose a size that’s relative to your own body size. Whether it’s a bowtie or necktie, size is important when wearing a tie.

References:

https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-big-bow-tie-vs-necktie-smackdown

Sweaters are a staple component of a man’s winter wardrobe. When the mercury drops, you’ll need to trade in your sleeveless and short-sleeved t-shirts for warmer garments. With its long sleeves and thick construction, sweaters are the perfect choice of winter weather apparel. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of sweater fabrics, as each one has its own unique characteristics.

Cotton

The most common fabric in which sweaters are made, cotton is inexpensive, lightweight and cool. It’s also easy to maintain, sustaining minimal shrinkage when washed and dried. For these reasons and others, cotton sweaters are a popular choice among fashion-conscious men.

Wool

While popular, cotton sweaters lack the warmth of some thicker fabrics, including wool. Made of sheep’s wool, these sweaters are thicker, warmer and even softer than their cotton counterparts. This makes it particularly useful during the winter months. The only real downside is that wool sweaters cost more than cotton, though most men will agree that it’s well worth the investment.

Keep in mind, however, that there are different types of wool. Shetland wool, for instance, is a more coarse type of wool that often causes itching. In comparison, Merino wool is a softer, more supple variation. If you’re interested in buying a wool sweater, check to see what type of wool it’s made of.

Linen

Some sweaters are made of a fabric that’s lighter and thinner than cotton: linen. Derived from the fibers of the flax plant, linen is exceptionally thin and lightweight. Because of this, linen sweaters — as well as other linen garments — should generally only be worn in warm weather. Wearing a linen sweater isn’t going to keep you warm in the winter. On the contrary, it’s lightweight and breathable properties will probably make you feel cooler.

Cashmere

Of course, another fabric in which men’s sweaters are made is cashmere. Cashmere is actually a type of wool obtained by special goats. When compared to traditional sheep’s wool, cashmere is softer and finer, making a prized textile for use in sweaters.

Genuine cashmere sweaters are expensive, however, often costing several hundred dollars a piece. Additionally, they require extra care regarding cleaning and maintenance. If you want your cashmere sweater to last, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the care label. If it says “dry clean only,” avoid washing it in the washing machine and instead take it to your local dry cleaners.

References:

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/sweater-buying/

With origins dating back to the mid-1800s, the polo shirt is a classic garment that looks great on all men. Also known as a golf shirt or tennis shirt, it features a collared neck with either two or three buttons and an optional pocket. If you’re planning to sport a polo shirt, though, there are a few fashion rules you should follow.

#1) Leave the Collar Down

Don’t try to pop up the collar on your polo shirt. For whatever reason, some men assume that polo shirts look better when the color is popped up. However, this creates a messy, unflattering appearance that ultimately hurts your outfit. Always wear your polo shirt with the collar down — as it should be worn.

#2) Keep the Collar Crisp

While we’re on the topic of collars, it’s important to note that your polo shirt collar should have a crisp texture. Over time, it’s not uncommon for collars to develop wrinkles and creases. Thankfully, a simple solution is to go over your polo shirt’s collar with a hot steam iron. Assuming the wrinkles are minor, this should eliminate them, leaving you with a fresh, crisp collar.

#3) Choose the Right Fabric

Of course, you should also choose a polo shirt in the right fabric. One of the most popular fabrics for men’s polo shirts is pique cotton. Also known as marcella, it’s characterized by a unique weaving style in which cotton yard is used to create raised parallel cords. Technical jargon aside, pique cotton polo shirts are exceptionally soft and comfortable, making them an excellent choice.

#4) Leave the Top Button Undone

Whether your polo shirt features two buttons, three buttons or more, it’s best to leave the top button undone. Granted, there are a few exceptions in which it’s acceptable to fasten all the buttons on a polo shirt. Normally, however, you’ll achieve a more cohesive style by leaving the top button undone.

#5) Choose Bold Colors

If you really want to stand out from the crowd, consider wearing a polo shirt featuring a bold color. There’s nothing wrong with traditional colors like white or navy, but opting for a red or even yellow polo shirt is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

These are just a few rules to follow when wearing a polo shirt. Most importantly, though, choose a polo shirt that flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit, including your pants and shoes.

References:

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/polo-shirt-guide/

There’s no rule stating that you must only wear a single shirt or top. On the contrary, it’s not uncommon for men to wear multiple tops in the same outfit. Known as a layered outfit, it’s a great way to enhance your appearance while giving you additional style options in the process. However, there are a few things you should know about the do’s and don’ts of layering an outfit.

Do Choose Lightweight Fabrics

If you’re going to wear multiple layers, stick with thin, lightweight fabrics. Wearing a thick corduroy jacket over a wool sweater will probably make you uncomfortably hot. If you opt for thin fabrics like cotton and linen, however, you’ll create a more comfortable outfit.

Don’t Wear the Same Colors

One of the perks of wearing a layered outfit is the simple fact that you can use multiple colors. Unfortunately, some men stick with a single color, believing it’s a “safe” choice. But if all of your layers feature the same color, it creates a monotonous appearance that reflects poorly upon your image. Therefore, it’s recommended that you wear layers in different colors.

Do Wear Outer Hems Longer Than Inner Hems

When wearing a layered outfit, make sure your outer hems are longer than your inner hems. In other words, the cuffs and collar of your inner shirt shouldn’t be longer than those of your outer shirt (or any other outer garment). If your inner hems are longer than your outer hems, they’ll poke through to create an awkward appearance.

Don’t Wear Too Many Layers

There’s nothing wrong with wearing a layered outfit, but you shouldn’t wear too many layers. Attempting to wear two shirts, a vest and a jacket, for example, will probably make you look puffy. If you’re going to wear a layered outfit, stick with just a few basic layers.

Do Choose the Right Neck Cut

It’s also important to wear the shirts and tops with the right neck cut. Most tops are designed with either a crew neck or v-neck. If you want the colors from your undershirt to show, you should choose a v-neck cut. If you want to conceal your undershirt, however, it’s best to choose a crew neck.

Don’t Stretch Your Layers

If a shirt or top doesn’t fit on top of another layer, don’t try to force it. Attempting to wear a small sweater over multiple existing layers may cause the sweater to stretch. And once it’s stretched, it’s nearly impossible to reverse.

References:

https://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_200/215_fashion_advice.html

Now that winter is here, millions of people throughout the country are pulling out their cold-weather clothing to try and keep warm. While there’s no substitution for a high-quality jacket or coat, you should consider accessorizing your outfit with a scarf. This otherwise simple accessory can make a big difference in your appearance and comfort level this winter. So, what’s the right way to wear a scarf?

Choosing the Right Scarf

First and foremost, you need to choose the right type of scarf. As you probably know, scarves are available in countless colors, styles and fabrics. Regardless of what you are looking for, there’s probably a scarf out there with your name on it. When choosing a scarf, consider what you’ll be wearing with it and choose a color that matches. You don’t have to necessarily choose a scarf in the same color as the rest of your outfit, but it should flow together in a cohesive manner.

Regarding the fabric, the most common fabrics used to make scarves include cotton, wool, cashmere, silk, linen and various synthetic blends. There’s no single best type, as each fabric has its own unique characteristics. With that said, wool is typically the thickest and warmest, whereas linen and silk are thin with minimal warmth.

How to Tie Your Scarf

Perhaps the biggest challenge men face when wearing a scarf is trying to tie it. There are several different ways to tie a scarf, one of the easiest being the “city slicker.” Basically, this involves wrapping the scarf around your neck, creating a hook with one end of the scarf, and pulling the other end through the hook in the front. You can then tighten it according to your liking, after which you are good to go!

Another idea is to simply not tie your scarf at all. There’s no rule stating that you must tie your scarf. On the contrary, it’s perfectly fine to simply wrap it around neck.

Beware of Lint

If you’re going to wear a scarf, however, you need to keep it clean and lint free. Depending on what fabric the scarf it made of, it may attract lint. And if not cleaned regularly, this will create a awkward, unattractive appearance. To prevent this from happening, wash your scarf on a regular basis as per the manufacturer’s instructions. For on-the-spot cleaning, use a lint roller to remove stubborn lint and debris.

References:

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/10-masculine-scarf-knots/