Menswear Guide

Helping Gentlemen Dress Better - Look Good, Feel Good

How to Use Beard Oil

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No-shave November might be several months away, but you can get a head-start on your facial hair by using beard oil.

What is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is a moisturizing product that’s applied to facial hair and skin. It’s designed to keep a man’s beard soft, shiny and smooth by mimicking the effects of natural oils produced by our skin.

Our skin contains thousands upon thousands of pores through which natural oil (sebum) is released. Some people assume that oil is bad for your skin, but this isn’t necessarily true. The natural oils produced by our skin help to moisturize and protect against dryness. Beard oil works in a similar manner by replicating the characteristics of sebum to promote a healthier, better-looking beard.

Benefits of Beard Oil

Why should you use beard oil? As previously mentioned, it moisturizes the skin and beard, protecting against dryness. Furthermore, it prevents facial hair from becoming too weak or brittle, which is a common problem in cold and/or windy climates. Beard oil also minimized dandruff and flaking. And lastly, some beard oils contain vitamins and other beneficial nutrients, which may help your beard grow faster.

Steps to Using Beard Oil

There are several different ways to apply beard oil, one of which is the smear method. Basically, you apply a small amount of beard oil to the palm of your hand and gently rub it into your beard.

Depending on the type of beard oil you choose, you may be able to spray it directly onto your beard. After doing so, though, you’ll need to go back with a comb or brush to evenly distribute the oil. Run your brush or comb through your beard until the oil is evenly distributed. Congratulations, you now have a moisturized beard!

A third method is the eye drop method. If your beard oil is in eye-dropper, you can simply drip it onto your beard. Tilt your head back and squeeze a few drops of beard oil. But again, you’ll still need to evenly distribute the oil by using a comb or brush. This method only works if your beard oil is in an eye-dropper (or you can transfer it to an eye-dropper).

Regardless of which method you choose, it’s recommended that you apply beard oil daily for maximum benefits, preferably after you shower or bathe.

References:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/09/09/diy-beard-oil/

 

Comparing the Different Types of Men’s Dress Shoes

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Dress shoes are an important component of men’s formal wear. They add the “final touch,” while complimenting the rest of your outfit. But many men feel lost and confused when choosing dress shoes. While there are dozens of different types, we’re going to explore some of the most popular choices.

Oxfords

Oxfords, also known as Balamoral, are among the most timeless dress shoes for men. They are available in countless colors, with brown and black being the most popular, and usually feature a 100% all-leather construction. Some of the heavier, more durable oxford dress shoes are known as Brogue oxfords. They look similar to traditional oxfords, but with a larger and bulkier design. Because of this, Brogue oxfords may not be ideal for formal events and occasions.

Derbies

Another popular choice for men’s dress shoes is derbies. Derbies look similar in appearance to their oxford counterpart, but have one distinguishable characteristic: open laces. While oxfords typically feature closed laces, derbies have open laces. You’ll see the eyelet/lacing sewn into the upper part of the shoe without any type of stitching running over them. The presence of open lacing allows for a more casual appearance when compared to oxfords. You can still wear derbies for formal occasions, though the open lacing makes them less dressy.

Loafers

A third option is loafers. The term “loafer” refers to any slip-on shoe with a low, lace-less design. Because they are slip-on, however, loafers typically lack the formal appearance of their oxford and derby counterpart. You should choose loafers only for business-casual or semi-casual occasions.

Plain vs Cap Toe

Something else to consider when choosing dress shoes is the toe. Whether they are oxfords, derbies, loafers or other dress shoes, most feature several different toe styles from which to choose. Plain toe, for instance, features no additional styling in the toe, while cap toe features a small “cap” around the toe. A cap toe doesn’t offer any functional benefits, but rather it’s used strictly for aesthetics.

Other common toe styles used in men’s dress shoes include wingtip, medallion, apron, and split toe, each of which has its own unique characteristics.

These are just a few of the most common styles of men’s dress shoes. Feel free to experiment with out styles to see what works best for your outfit. Who knows, you may find a new favorite style.

References:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2016/08/23/the-mens-dress-shoe-hierarchy/

Pleated vs Non-Pleated Trousers: What’s the Difference?

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When shopping for men’s new trousers, you’ll have to choose between a pleated or non-pleated front. While the difference is minor, you can distinguish between pleated and non-pleated trousers. So, which style should you choose and why?

Pleats

Pleated trousers are characterized by vertical creases running along the front of the trousers. Here, fabric has been folded and sewn together to achieve this detail. It essentially looks like someone pinched parts of the fabric together. Pleats have long been a popular choice among for men seeking a formal appearance, though there’s been a growing shift towards the use of flat-front, also known as non-pleated, trousers in recent years.

Flat-Front

Flat-front trousers lack the characteristic pinched fabric of its pleated counterpart. The fabric is completely flat, though it may be “darted” on the sides to achieve a more uniform design. Without pleats, they offer a cleaner and more tailored look, making them the preferred choice among men seeking a business casual appearance.

Furthermore, flat-front trousers typically offer a slimmer appearance. This is because the fabric is pressed directly against the man’s body, whereas pleated trousers have excess fabric that “puffs out.” If you want to achieve a slimmer appearance, stick with flat-front trousers for this very reason. It compliments your body by hugging against your wait and legs.

Why Pleats?

So, what benefits (if any) do pleated trousers offer?  Well, there are a few key advantages to wearing pleated over flat-front trousers, one of which is comfort. The excess fabric allows for greater movement, which in turn makes the trousers more comfortable to wear. Men with large bodies and/or athletic builds should consider pleated trousers because of its comfort.

If you plan to sit for long periods of time, you may want to choose pleated trousers as well. Sitting down stretches the trousers’ fabric. But pleated trousers feature just enough extra fabric to accommodate this stretching without causing discomfort in the process.

One or Two Pleats?

Most pleated trousers feature either one or two pleats on the front. Whether one or two, pleats are found on the front of the trousers, and they are designed for the same purpose: to create excess fabric for improved comfort. A single pleat, however, is a more subtle feature that’s not quite as overbearing as two pleats. Trousers with two pleats can look awkward, especially when worn by men with a slim figure.

References:

https://www.josbank.com/dress-pants-details

How to Wear Black Jeans

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Jeans are among the world’s most popular types of pants. Characterized by their rugged denim construction, they offer a unique combination of strength, style and comfort — something that’s not found in many other types of pants. While you can always stick with traditional jean colors like blue and indigo, many men seek to differentiate themselves with an alternative color like black. But if you’re thinking of wearing black jeans, there are a few things you should know.

Choose the Right Color Shoes

As with most articles of clothing, it’s important to wear the right colored shoes with black jeans. Being that brown and black clash, you should avoid sporting brown shoes. Instead, consider a shoe color that contrasts or otherwise flows cohesively with black. White is an all-around excellent choice that really pops with black jeans, or you can go for a more bold appearance with red shoes.

Go with a Slim Fit

Denim jeans are available in dozens of different “fits,” each of which has its own unique characteristics. Slim fit, however, is arguably one of the most versatile choices, especially for black jeans. Slim fit typically runs straight through the legs and thighs, creating the perception of a slimmer figure (hence the name).

Keep ‘Em Cleaned

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should keep your black jeans clean. Some men assume that black doesn’t “show” dirt or stains, but unfortunately this isn’t true. Whether it’s spilled coffee, ketchup, or just dirt, these and other stains can leave visible marks on your black jeans. So, try to get into the habit of spot-cleaning your black jeans when necessary to preserve their clean appearance.

Don’t Forget the Belt

If there’s one accessory you don’t want to leave home without when wearing black jeans, it’s a belt. Again, though, it’s best to avoid wearing a brown black with black jeans, simply because these two colors don’t match. Instead, stick with a black belt, or a color that contrasts with black.

Go Semi-Formal

One of the great things about black jeans is their formal, or semi-formal, appearance. If you’re seeking a business-casual appearance, for instance, you can easily achieve it with black jeans, a button-up dress shirt, and a blazer or sports coat.

These are just a few tips to follow when wearing black jeans.

References:

https://www.thread.com/tips/categories/jeans-and-trousers/how-wear-black-jeans-five-ways/

How to Shave with a Straight Razor

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Some men assume that straight razors are obsolete and no longer needed given the countless number of “safety” razors that are now available. However, a straight razor offers several key benefits that aren’t found elsewhere. They are cheaper to use than safety razors; better for the environment; and when used correctly they reduce the risk of razor bumps. But how exactly do you use a straight razor?

Prep Your Face

Before shaving with a straight razor, you should prep your face by either taking a hot shower or applying a hot towel to your skin. The purpose of this is to encourage your pores to open, making it easier to shave while also reducing the risk of razor bumps and cuts.

Next, apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the areas you want to shave. Don’t just place a huge clump of shaving cream on your skin, but rather massage it into your skin. This helps to distribute the shaving cream more evenly.

The Stroke

Shaving with a straight razor requires a different approach than using a traditional safety razor. Without a “guard” to protect against cuts, you’ll need to make more methodical strokes. So, start by making slow and even strokes by going in the same direction in which your facial hair grows (with the grain). This is particularly important, as shaving against the grain increases the risk of razor bumps.

When holding your straight razor, try to keep it at a 30-degree angle. When the blade is pressed at a higher angle, it increases the risk of cuts. So, try to keep your straight razor pointed at a 30-degree angle as you shave.

You should also be sure to apply an appropriate amount of pressure. Too little pressure and the razor will simply glide across the hairs without actually cutting them. If you apply too much pressure, however, you may accidentally cut yourself — and that’s something best avoided when shaving.

Other Tips for Using a Straight Razor

  • Apply additional shaving cream as needed (you should only shave when skin is moist and lathered).
  • Maintain a clean, sharp blade. If the blade is dull, replace it before using it.
  • Always shave with the grain and never against it.
  • Apply an aftershave lotion to help soothe irritation and prevent razor bumps.
  • If you accidentally cut yourself when shaving, apply styptic powder to the affected area.

References:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/10/06/how-to-straight-razor-shave/