September 22 marks the first official day of fall. And with this seasonal transition comes cooler temperatures, which is why it’s a good idea to update your wardrobe with the appropriate outerwear. There dozens of jackets and coats from which to choose, but one particular style that’s becoming increasingly popular is the Harrington jacket.

Overview of the Harrington Jacket

So, what is the Harrington jacket exactly and why should you wear it this fall season? Originally created by apparel company Baracuta in the 1930s, Harrington is a jacket style that’s characterized by the use of lightweight fabric — cotton, polyester, wool or suede — and waist-length construction. While it was invented in the 1930s, however, it didn’t become popular until the 1950s and 1960s, during which iconic rock legend Elvis Presley was often seen wearing it.

Furthermore, a character in the 1960s soap opera Peyton Place wore the Harrington jacket, which is essentially how it got its name. Up until then, the style didn’t have a specific name. it wasn’t until Rodney Harrington was seen wearing the jacket in Peyton Place that it become widely recognized and known as the Harrington jacket. More than half a century ago, the jacket is still known as the Harrington jacket.

Why You Should Wear a Harrington Jacket

One of the greatest benefits of the Harrington jacket is its classic style. It’s a simple, timeless style that’s not going to fade from popularity anytime soon. Granted, there are similar jacket styles available on the market, but few offer the same level of classic aesthetics as the Harrington.

Another reason why you should wear a Harrington jacket is because it’s lightweight. Depending on where you live, a heavy coat may prove to be too hot for the early fall months. With its lightweight construction, however, the Harrington jacket is the perfect choice, as it’s guaranteed to keep you comfortable. Towards the winter, you may want to switch to a heavier coat. But for the fall, a Harrington jacket will probably offer a higher level of comfort.

When choosing a Harrington jacket, however, consider the material from which it is made. As stated above, you can find these jackets available in cotton, polyester, wool and suede. If you plan on wearing it outdoors and in the rain, polyester is probably the best material, as it’s waterproof. If you only plan on it wearing it indoors, however, you can choose an alternative, non-waterproof fabric.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrington_jacket

June 21 marked the official start of the summer season. And now that spring is in the rear view mirror, you should update your wardrobe to reflect the seasonal transition. So, today we’re going to explore some of the top men’s summer fashion trends for 2017.

Above-the-Knee Shorts

Granted, above-the-knee shorts have been around for decades; they were even popular back in the 1970s. However, there’s been a revival of sorts surrounding this style — a trend that’s expected to continue through the summer and beyond. Above-the-knee shorts offer a unique style that compliments a man’s body. Furthermore, most men will agree that they are cooler and more comfortable to wear during the summer than below-the-knee shorts.

Denim Shorts

Who says denim shorts are no longer in style? While they’ve faded from popularity in recent years, they’ve since experienced a revival. Denim shorts combine the benefits of denim with the style of traditional shorts. Denim is rugged, durable and offers a unique appearance. If you want to differentiate yourself from the crowd this summer, consider sporting a pair of denim shorts. Just remember to choose a “tone” that works with the rest of your outfit.

Linen Shirts

Of course, linen shirts are also a hot fashion trend for the 2017 summer season. As you may already know, linen is a lightweight fabric that’s made from the fibers of the flax plant. In addition to being used for clothes, it’s also used to make aprons, towels, bed linens, tablecloths, furniture covers and more. Linen is often preferred over other fabrics because of its exceptionally lightweight characteristics. Linen shirts embrace this element by offering a cool, comfortable style that’s perfect for summer.

Light-Colored Jeans

Some men assume that dark indigo-colored jeans offer the greatest aesthetic benefit. After all, indigo and other dark colors are typically associated with a more formal appearance. While it’s true that indigo is a better choice than light blue for formal events and occasions, there are times when light-colored jeans come out on top, such as the summer season. Unless you’re attending a formal event, it’s best to stick with light-colored jeans this summer. A pair of light faded, 100% denim jeans is an excellent addition to your summer wardrobe.

Bomber Jacket

Just because it’s summer doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to put away your coats and jackets. A thin bomber jacket is a great choice of outerwear for the summer. It’s light enough to prevent you from getting hot, yet it still covers your arms.

References:

http://www.gq.com/about/summer-style

Statistics show that the average person only wears 20% of the clothes he or she wears. Even if you have a wardrobe filled with high-quality dress shirts, sweaters, coats and other apparel, it’s doubtful you’ll wear them all. So, what can you do with your old clothes that you no longer wear?

#1) Dye Them

Assuming the garment of clothing is still functional and intact, you can give it a fresh new look by dyeing it. Fabric dye is available at most home goods stores for just a couple bucks, making this is an expensive way to repurpose your old clothes. If you have a pair of faded light jeans, for instance, you can make them darker with indigo-colored  fabric dye.

#2) Consign Them

You can get rid of your old clothes while putting some extra cash in your pocket by selling them to a consignment shop. Not to be confused with thrift stores, consignment shops are more selective in what they buy, typically only accepting gently worn, name brand clothes. Nonetheless, this is an option to consider if you’re looking to clean out your wardrobe.

#3) Swap Them

If you live in or around a major city, perhaps you can swap your old clothes with other like-minded individuals. Countless cities throughout the United States host events during which people can swap their clothes. You might be able to trade a pair of jeans, for instance, for a new shirt or jacket.

#4) Recycle Them

Another idea is to recycle your old clothes. While it’s doubtful you’ll earn cash in exchange for recycling your clothes, this is still a great alternative to tossing them in the trash (or letting them sit in your clothes unused). It’s a little-known fact that most clothes and textiles are near-100% recyclable. When recycled, clothes are broken down into raw materials, after which they are used to make new clothes and other items using the recycled fabric.

#5) Sell Them

Of course, you can always sell your old clothes as well. If they are premium, name brand clothes, chances are other people will be interested in buying them. Listing them on eBay is always worth a shot, or you can sell multiple pieces as a “lot” on Craigslist or other sites.

These are just a few things that you can do with your old clothes. If you aren’t wearing a particular garment — and you have no plans to wear it in the future — there’s no point in keeping it in your closet.

Traditional woolen suits are typically too thick and heavy for the summer. They’ll leave you feeling hot, sweaty and downright uncomfortable. So, if you’ve been invited to a formal occasion this summer, you should choose a different, more appropriate suit. Follow the tips listed below to find the perfect summer-time men’s suit.

Linen

As most men already know, suits are available in a wide range of fabrics, some of which include wool, cotton, corduroy, polyester blends, and linen. The latter, however, is generally recommended for summer use. Linen is a type of lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. In addition to being used in bed linens and sheets, it’s also used in men’s suits. Linen suits are the single best choice for summer time because of their lightweight and “breathable” properties.

Other suit fabrics to consider for the summer include cotton, fresco (a lighter type of wool), chambray and seersucker.

Light Colors

Another helpful tip to follow when choosing a summer suit is to stick with light colors. White is a great choice that reflects the summer season. And contrary to what some people believe, there’s nothing wrong with wearing white to a wedding. With that said, you don’t have to limit yourself to only wearing white. Regardless of the occasion, there are dozens of other colors that are suitable for use during the summer. Light blue, light gray, beige and other pale/light colors are all excellent choices. Just remember to choose a suit color that matches the rest of your outfit.

What About Shorts?

There’s been a growing trend towards the use of shorts instead of trousers for men’s summer suits. While not acceptable for all occasions, there are certainly times during which you can wear shorts. Assuming it’s allowed, this is a fun way to differentiate yourself from the crowd while maintaining a fashion-forward appearance. However, your shorts should still match your suit jacket. Maintaining cohesion between your shorts and jacket is essential to creating an attractive and formal appearance.

Roll Up the Sleeves

One of the perks of wearing a suit during the summer is the freedom it offers to roll up your sleeves. If the weather is nice — and you’re staying outdoors — consider rolling up the sleeves on both your dress shirt and suit jacket. This will keep you cooler while helping you achieve a more summer-appropriate style.

References:

http://www.ties.com/blog/gentlemans-guide-summer-suits

A vest, also known as a waistcoat in the U.K., is a type of sleeveless top that’s frequently worn over a dress shirt and tie but under the coat or jacket, as part of formal wear. When referring to a three-piece business suit, it’s the third piece (the other two being a shirt and jacket or coat). Being that vests are usually optional, however, many men don’t know how to wear them. So, if you’re thinking about wearing a vest but don’t know how, keep reading for some helpful tips.

Choose the Right Color

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a vest is the color. Because it’s worn with a jacket, dress shirt and necktie, you’ll need to choose a color that flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit. A good rule of thumb is to choose a vest color that’s slightly darker than the aforementioned garments and accessories, typically in a color that matches your trousers. As shown in the photo above, this allows for a deeper, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. And best of all, it simplifies the process of choosing a vest color.

Check the Size

In addition to color, you should also consider the size of your vest. If it’s too big, it will awkward and baggy. If it’s too small, it will restrict your movement, preventing you from extending your arms. Your vest should rest against your body, providing you with just enough “wiggle room” to extend your arms up, down and from side to side. If your vest doesn’t fit correctly, consider taking it to a professional tailor for adjusting.

Press it

Don’t make the mistake of wearing a wrinkled vest. Even if it’s the “perfect” size and color, a wrinkled vest isn’t going to enhance your appearance. On the contrary, it creates an unkempt appearance that hurts the rest of your outfit. Depending on the material, you may be able to press it with a hot iron. Some vests, however, are dry clean-only, so check the manufacturer’s care label before attempting to iron it.

The Buttons

Like a suit jacket, you should leave the bottom button on a vest undone while fastening the remaining buttons. This helps to define your appearance while also giving you enough freedom to move around with feeling constricted. Even if you’re wearing a jacket over your vest, you should still follow this basic rule when buttoning your vest.

References:

http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/mans-guide-vests/