The essential guide to buying pants.

Unless you are me, the majority of men hate trying on pants and shopping. Well I am going to try and make it a bit easier for you.

    Ready? Ok. Pants are a pain in the ass to shop for because you need to try them on and see how they fit, are they too tight, too loose too long too short. You get the gist of it.  So. To make things a tad easier, READ THE DESCRIPTION!!!!!!!  Companies that sell a wide variety of pants are getting very good at explaining how each set of pants fit. Whether they are using the words Modern, Classic, Straight, Relaxed, Slim, Bootcut, Pleated, Plain front.  You can figure out what they mean by just looking at these words. But if not then I will help you out.

It does vary from company to company but for the most part they all mean the same thing.

Plain front-This means the front of the pants are flat.  Dress pants and slacks have creases down the leg but they usually start at mid thigh.  This is a modern style and creates a nice straight line.  Should not be worn by guys who are bit heavier set or have huge thighs.  But if flat front is what you like and you are heavier set or have big thighs go with a relaxed fit.  It does not look good when your pockets are flaring out like elephant ears and we can see the outline front of your thighs. Also when wearing flat front pants, make sure there is no cuff at the hem. It is pointless and looks bad, but in the end is a matter of preference.

Pleat front- This means that instead of the pants being flat on the thighs, there is a few folds of fabric.  This allows for more room for heavier set men or men with bigger thighs.  Because of that, pleat front pants tend to have a bit more room in them and have a more classic or relaxed look to them.  The main pleat on the pants also give a very clean and straight line down the leg.  If you buy pleated pants they are usually cuffed at the hem.  This is fashion as well as function.  The cuff weighs down the pants and helps create that clean straight line. 98% of the time pleated pants will have cuffs, the exception is on khakis such as Dockers, St Johns Bay, and Hagger.

Modern (plain or pleat)-A up to date cut which is usually related to whatever the current fashion trend is but with modesty. Right now its all about slim fitting pants. Currently Modern fit is slim, but not skinny by any means.  Usually straight through the hips and thighs and with a modest slim line.

Classic (pleat or plain)- Usually classic fit is a generous fit.  Meaning relaxed in the thighs and straight through the knees.  Classic is timeless.  No matter what the trend of fashion is at the time, you can never really go wrong with classic fit, but be warned, because it is timeless they are a bit baggy on skinnier men and really don't flatter any part of you.  So this is a good go to pair of pants for a guy who doesn't want to try on pants all day.  Just know your size, and if it fits....voila! Pants shopping done.

Straight (plain or pleat front)-This and Modern fit pretty much go hand in hand, or in this case leg in leg (insert drum and cymbal sound followed by crickets). Straight fit is pretty much another name for Modern fit. So not much explanation is needed for straight fit.

Relaxed (pleat or plain front)-I don't think much explanation is needed for this.  It means what it  says.  Relaxed in the thighs and legs.  Perfect for the bigger guys out there.  Also a favorite of the older gentlemen of the world.

Slim (plain front)-Well this sort of explains itself.  This is popular with today's younger generation of men.  Do yourself and other people around you though, if you are a bigger guy or have big thighs or huge feet, don't wear I repeat DON'T wear slim of skinny fit jeans.  It just looks absolutely ridiculous.  Slim fit is for Slim guys.

Bootcut (plain front)-Typically only a style you see on jeans, but have been known to pop up and slacks and khakis from time to time.  It is not a recommended style for those however.  But these kind of pants are great for guys who like to wear Cowboy boots or riding boots etc.  Basically the fit is straight through the thigh and flare out (get wider) at the knees. Not like bell bottoms. 

    Well I hope this helped some men out today. If not, well sorry.  Rule of thumb, if you are ever not sure of the length, try them on.  If after you try them on and are still not sure, buy a little long and take them to a tailor to have them hemmed. Best 10 bucks you will spend on fixing your pants.  A good tailor will know exactly what to to do.  Just make sure you tell him what you absolutely don't want.  Thanks for reading.

Keep the class, kill the swag.

The difference between a Sport shirt and Dress shirt.

    Some men don't understand the concept, nor care to learn the difference between a Sport Shirt or a Dress Shirt.  I am here to explain and clarify the difference between the 2 and the importance of knowing the difference.

Sport Shirt: A sport shirt is basically a less formal version of a dress shirt.  The difference between the 2 are sizing, cut, and style.  Unlike dress shirts, Sport Shirts are sized like a normal t-shirt S,M,L,XL.  Also the collars are a bit different.  Sport shirts usually don't have collar stays (the plastic or metal stays that help make you collar stiff at the points) and are for the most part have button down collars.  I would not advise wearing a tie with a sport shirt but it is possible when a dress shirt is not to be had.  Sport shirts are also more versatile than a dress shirt and can be worn untucked with a pair of shorts, or tucked in with a pair of slacks.  As with any article of clothing you will want to try it on and make sure it fits.  Also to make life easy on you, sport shirts can be thrown in the laundry like normal clothes. Just read the care instructions.

Dress Shirt: A dress shirt is well...a dress shirt.  This is the kind of shirt you wear with a suit.  You wear it with a tie, but can be worn without a tie as well, and without a suit. But always at least with a pair of nice khakis or slacks.  Now I can get very very detailed about this, but I'll try to keep it to the point.  Instead of being sized by the standard Small, Medium, Large etc.  They are measured in numbers.

    First you start in the neck. The neck size determines your...you guessed it. Neck size.  This is crucial to buying a dress shirt. If you buy a size too big the shirt will be too big as will the neck. If its too small then you can't button the collar and not wear a tie.  It is not ok to unbutton the top button because the collar is too tight. If that's the case, then you need to size up.  The only time its acceptable is when you are getting down on the dance floor at a wedding or some form of crazy party.  Or sitting in your cubicle if you are unfortunate enough to work in one.  But Never in public.  Anyway, the sizes usually start at 14 and can go up to as high as 20.  These numbers represent the amount of inches around your neck.  Take a tape measure and measure the widest part of your neck, (around the adams apple) Whatever your neck size, go up a size or try on a shirt with a tie of the inches around your neck.
    Next is the sleeve length. Those are usually displayed as 32/33 or 34/35 or if you have monkey arms 36/37.  Try on different sleeve lengths.  This is very important.  When you put your arms out in front of you, the sleeve should not go any higher than your wrist bone.

     If all of that was too complicated to understand, then here is a very simplified version.  Generally speaking and this is not always the case, the neck size can be equivalent to basic sizing.  But it varies from brand to brand.  Anyway, when measuring neck size 14-14.5=XS-S. 15-15.5=M. 16-16.5=L. And it goes on from there.  Again, this is a general rule of thumb but always try on before buying if possible. It can make all the difference.
   
    On a final note, ALWAYS get your dress shirts dry cleaned, and for safe judgment go with light-medium starch.  To extend the life of a shirt don't take it in after every time you wear the shirt.  Invest in undershirts, they will save you some cash on your dry cleaning bill.  So will buying lots of dress shirts.  When done wearing the shirt for the day, ALWAYS hang the shirt up to air out, and if wrinkled heavily, iron before wearing again.

    I realize this was a bit more than anticipated but I hope it helps out.  There will be a post coming out soon that is going to be way more in depth on dress shirts in the future.  Happy reading and stay classy gentlemen.

McLaren MP4-12C

    Good morning.  This is just a quick link for any car enthusiasts out there.  If you cannot tell by the title well....then this probably will be of no interest to you.
    Now granted none of us or assuming none of us can actually afford this car, but damn it looks great. What is you dream supercar? And yes. I am starting a discussion board on this that will most likely not be a success because my blog is still new.  So share it with friends.
 http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/McLaren-MP4-12C-Spider-revealed-2012-07-03?imageNo=0

Still getting started/Summer attire

    Since it is hot as hell recently and most would like to not have to wear more than they have to, today I shall offer some useful advice on basic summer attire for men that looks good, and can keep you cool (temp and style)

   Keep in mind this all advice and my opinions so do not feel like I am attacking you with any of these comments.  The greatest thing about advice is that you have the choice to either ignore it or take it.  Anyway...
   
    The basics are relatively simple.  You wanna look good, and if you don't wanna look like a teenager and more like an adult I recommend a few simple pointers.

    DO NOT-Wear clothes that have gaudy logos/foil or crazy prints on them (Ed Hardy) cough cough.
If you aren't a fan of the polo, I suggest a basic T-Shirt. As just stated, keep the logos and print to a minimum.  Personally a small logo on the upper left chest portion of the shirt is ideal.  Colors can range from basic to bright and crazy.  Pastels are great if you are brave enough to wear them. I suggest avoiding neon colors.  Do you really want to look like a highlighter?
    If you want to dress it up a notch, go with a polo.  You can never go wrong with a nice polo.  You can wear it un-tucked and it still looks good.  Tuck it in for a more dressed up look.  Once again keep it simple.  Patterns such as horizontal stripes are definitely acceptable.  If you don't mind looking like a golfer, I would suggest investing in golf polos.  They are made of a sweat wicking fabric and really do a great job of keeping you cool in the summer heat.  Why do you think golfers wear them?  It is true that they don't fit as well as some may like, but they weren't designed that way. It's totally fine for the polo to be a bit baggy. Also another way to dress it up is a sport shirt.  But I will post about sport shirts another time.
   
    Some brands to look into are as followed with some pros and cons about each brand.
Southern Tide:
PROS: Great soft stretchy feel, minimal shrinkage, wear well when cared for properly, vast color range, many styles. Classic, Club and Tailored fits.
CONS: Expensive, hard to find a retail store that sells them, definitely should try on before buying.

Polo Ralph Lauren:
PROS: An American classic, wear well when cared for properly, vast color range and styles, Classic, Custom, and Slim Fits, Reputable Name
CONS: Expensive (Can be found cheaper at TJMAXX and Marshalls and Outlet Stores) Tend to shrink a little mainly in the length.

Lacoste:
PROS: Bright and basic colors, Classic, and Slim Fits, Reputable name
CONS: Inconsistent quality, run short, chincy fabric (more recently)  Shrink and warp after washing.

 I could keep going but this blog would never end.  Other expensive but great polos are made by Brooks Brothers, Psycho Bunny, Thomas Pink, Burberry.  Here are some more basic and less expensive brands but are still great IZOD, Old Navy, Chaps, Lands End.  To each his own, especially with this next comment, but avoid Abercrombie, Hollister,and American Eagle.  Unless you want to look like you are still in high school or never left.

    Next would be your lower half.  Shorts.  You can never go wrong with a nice pair of shorts.  Denim is dead when it comes to shorts.  But that's just my and the fashion worlds' opinion.  Great shorts for the summer are khakis.  Can be casual or dressed up.  Shorts also come in all sorts of colors, Khaki, Stone, White, Black, Brick Red, Yellow, Blue, Green etc.  Shorts are starting to get shorter in length but that's a matter of choice and preference.  11" (right at the knee) is always a great default, but they are making them as short as 5" (mid thigh).  Avoid cargo shorts.  Unless you use those pockets for something(like hiking or working outside) you don't need them.  Once again just a preference.
   
    If you want to wear pants in the summer, lightweight chinos are always great.  Also Linen pants, but they can require more meticulous care.  Lightweight fabric Khakis(can never go wrong with Dockers).  All of these are great especially if you want a more dressed up look, and just like shorts come in all sorts of colors.  Pastels are bold but if you can rock em, wear em.  You will turn heads.  Word of warning, if you are wearing bright colored shorts or pants, keep to a more basic pattern and color in your shirt.  If you aren't good a t color matching, ask for help from someone who has good color matching skills.

    Finally Shoes.  This one is totally up to you.  But some basic staples are boat shoes specifically Sperrys, Bass, or Sebago.  DO NOT wear socks with your boat shoes.  You can also wear variations of Penny Loafers (with or without socks).  Flip flops really shouldn't be worn unless you are going to the beach or using a public shower, but that's just again a preference.  Sneakers are fine as well as sandals.  NEVER sandals with socks.  NEVER. Don't even ask or think it.  If you have horrible foot odor or are self conscious about your feet, then don't wear sandals or flip flops.  Problem solved.

Well that about wraps it up for this long blog.  Sorry Ladies, but I do not do women's fashion. I will criticize it all day but I can't say much for you.  More blogs will come.  Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you for reading and look these brands up if you are interested in them.  You can also find some of them on Macy's, and Nordstroms' websites.  If you want to find out where to get these things, Google it.
Enjoy your day!

Matthew.

Starting up

Today I will start to try and keep up with my blog.  Please follow if you want to hear about Men's fashion and other things that peak my interest and grind my gears.