NEW MEMBER INQUIRIES & QUICK QUESTIONS- CLASSIC MENSWEAR: WK OF AUG 3, 2015

[Murlsquirl]

New SF member and not sure where to find the answer you're looking for? Have a quick question that doesn't belong in a current thread? Welcome, you found the right place.

This is a weekly thread where new users can ask quick questions and get a solid answer. If a thread already exists that would be more helpful, we will point you in the right direction. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.....so ask away!

 

[SirReveller]

Ya hi there: what's the deal w reputation and is that what gets those rankings going? Other than 'banned' obv hahaha

 

[Murlsquirl]

Ya hi there: what's the deal w reputation and is that what gets those rankings going? Other than 'banned' obv hahaha

"Reputation" is Styleforum's "like" button.

 

[theoldentimes]

As a novice buyer of bespoke clothing, I'm very nervous about spending a lot of money on something that doesn't work out ok.

Are there any simple suggestions for making sure a bespoke suit works out ok?

 

[ter1413]



As a novice buyer of bespoke clothing, I'm very nervous about spending a lot of money on something that doesn't work out ok. 

Are there any simple suggestions for making sure a bespoke suit works out ok? 

Yes. Don't buy bespoke at first.
But RTW and get it altered until you find your "look" and know what you like.

 

[theoldentimes]

Yes. Don't buy bespoke at first.
But RTW and get it altered until you find your "look" and know what you like.

I'm living in Hong Kong, where it's surprisingly difficult to buy RTW (at least, for my height), and tailoring is not nearly as expensive as it would be in the US or UK - does that change anything?

 

[Murlsquirl]

I'm living in Hong Kong, where it's surprisingly difficult to buy RTW (at least, for my height), and tailoring is not nearly as expensive as it would be in the US or UK - does that change anything?

Welcome to the forum. It changes things a bit. How tall are you to where RTW doesn't fit? If you're set on bespoke, you can check out our Hong Kong Tailors thread here http://www.styleforum.net/t/33568/the-hong-kong-tailors-thread

 

[vegasrealtor]

Hello,

I know this has been discussed numerous times but I am hoping someone can help me out with a few options for keeping shirts tucked-in.

The first thing to consider are shirt stays but it almost seems to me they would create a lot of tension and pull directly from your shoulder.

The second is Magnetuk. It seems like a decent idea as long as you keep your belt very tight and all of your shirts are the appropriate length on the sides.

Lastly the "Hidden Tailor" belt. It seems to be a promising choice but it looks uncomfortable and seems to not have much wiggle room once you set it up.

I should mention I have already switched to slim fit shirts but they are not that tight since I am still in the process of losing another 20 lbs. Which should also be taken into consideration because it seems like something like shirt stays could pull the shirt too tight against my body.

 

[tim221]

The first thing to consider are shirt stays but it almost seems to me they would create a lot of tension and pull directly from your shoulder.

I use "shirt garters" which clip to your socks and then have a Y at the top for clipping to the shirt.. works well and seldom have an issue. Here's a set of what I'm talking about at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Shirt-...&qid=1438649755&sr=1-1&keywords=shirt+garters

Not a real elegant solution, but pretty reliable and simple to use. No experience with the magnets or other options..

Tim

 

[vegasrealtor]

I use "shirt garters" which clip to your socks and then have a Y at the top for clipping to the shirt.. works well and seldom have an issue. Here's a set of what I'm talking about at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Shirt-...&qid=1438649755&sr=1-1&keywords=shirt+garters

Not a real elegant solution, but pretty reliable and simple to use. No experience with the magnets or other options..

Tim

Thanks for the reply Tim. When I mentioned shirt stays, "shirt garters" are what I meant. I have never tried them but could you elaborate on how the tension is on the shirt? I imagine it being like a rubber band connected to my sock where it pulls my shirt tight from the shoulders down.

 

[Murlsquirl]

Hello,

I know this has been discussed numerous times but I am hoping someone can help me out with a few options for keeping shirts tucked-in.

The first thing to consider are shirt stays but it almost seems to me they would create a lot of tension and pull directly from your shoulder.

The second is Magnetuk. It seems like a decent idea as long as you keep your belt very tight and all of your shirts are the appropriate length on the sides.

Lastly the "Hidden Tailor" belt. It seems to be a promising choice but it looks uncomfortable and seems to not have much wiggle room once you set it up.

I should mention I have already switched to slim fit shirts but they are not that tight since I am still in the process of losing another 20 lbs. Which should also be taken into consideration because it seems like something like shirt stays could pull the shirt too tight against my body.

Vegas, it has a lot more to do with shirt length. Even if shirt has a great fit through the waist, it isn't going to stay tucked if it isn't long enough. I'm 6'3" and my shirts are 33" long....they stay tucked without any extra accessories.

 

[tim221]

Thanks for the reply Tim. When I mentioned shirt stays, "shirt garters" are what I meant. I have never tried them but could you elaborate on how the tension is on the shirt? I imagine it being like a rubber band connected to my sock where it pulls my shirt tight from the shoulders down.

You can set the tension by adjusting the length of the straps, so it's not like a giant rubber band (unless that's where you set it). The tension doesn't need to be significant at all, just enough to keep the shirt in place, which for me is typically unnoticeable -- could be due to long wear I'm just used to it, but it doesn't seem like a lot of pulling, just enough to reach from the socks to the shirt. They are elastic so have flex as well.

One thing: when seated, they do tend to pull at the back of the knee, as they go to the shortest distance between sock and shirt, but after wearing a few times it's not noticeable.

Of course, as Murlsquirl says, well-fitting shirts of the proper length have less need for such things, but you mentioned you're trimming down so more likely the shirts have opportunity for billowing and so on.

Hope that helps--
Tim

 

[Style40]

Hi all, this is my first post on styleforum. I've done lots of research on clothing and improved my wardrobe dramatically in the past year. For more advanced questions, this seems like the place to ask them.

With that in mind, I am shopping for a quality blazer that I can wear to business casual and some social events. I am looking for a quality piece to invest in. I also want it to fit my frame well: I'm young and in shape, so I'm not looking for a full-cut item.

Thus, I'm looking at Brooks Brothers for their Fitzgerald-fit blazers in size 41R. Their "Fitzgerald fit two-button classic 1818 blazer" seems to have the quality and fit I am looking for, but I was hesitant to buy it because its color is a midnight blue that almost appears black. I do not understand the advantages or disadvantages of this shade of blue versus a more traditional navy blue. For comparison, see BB's "Fitzgerald fit two-button blazer" and look at the difference in color.

Link 1: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzg...var_MM00308_Color=NAVY&contentpos=6&cgid=0218

Link 2: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzg...var_MD00064_Color=NAVY&contentpos=2&cgid=0218

On the one hand, I don't want to wear something that looks like a black suit jacket, and I like the contrast of a regular navy blue against gray slacks. On the other hand, what I like about the midnight blue blazer is that it may be considered more formal than other shades and thus better for a business setting, and also I have high-contrast coloring that would probably look very good in it. (I have dark brown hair and eyes, and usually have a light to moderate tan. I'm white.)

Help me out please - what are your thoughts?

 

[Murlsquirl]

Hi all, this is my first post on styleforum. I've done lots of research on clothing and improved my wardrobe dramatically in the past year. For more advanced questions, this seems like the place to ask them.

With that in mind, I am shopping for a quality blazer that I can wear to business casual and some social events. I am looking for a quality piece to invest in. I also want it to fit my frame well: I'm young and in shape, so I'm not looking for a full-cut item.

Thus, I'm looking at Brooks Brothers for their Fitzgerald-fit blazers in size 41R. Their "Fitzgerald fit two-button classic 1818 blazer" seems to have the quality and fit I am looking for, but I was hesitant to buy it because its color is a midnight blue that almost appears black. I do not understand the advantages or disadvantages of this shade of blue versus a more traditional navy blue. For comparison, see BB's "Fitzgerald fit two-button blazer" and look at the difference in color.

Link 1: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzg...var_MM00308_Color=NAVY&contentpos=6&cgid=0218

Link 2: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzg...var_MD00064_Color=NAVY&contentpos=2&cgid=0218

On the one hand, I don't want to wear something that looks like a black suit jacket, and I like the contrast of a regular navy blue against gray slacks. On the other hand, what I like about the midnight blue blazer is that it may be considered more formal than other shades and thus better for a business setting, and also I have high-contrast coloring that would probably look very good in it. (I have dark brown hair and eyes, and usually have a light to moderate tan. I'm white.)

Help me out please - what are your thoughts?

Welcome to the forum, s40. It really just depends what you want. Both colors are extremely versatile and would work great with grey trousers...but....the gold buttons are a deal breaker for me. Look for something with dark brown horn buttons...much more versatile.

 

[vegasrealtor]

You can set the tension by adjusting the length of the straps, so it's not like a giant rubber band (unless that's where you set it). The tension doesn't need to be significant at all, just enough to keep the shirt in place, which for me is typically unnoticeable -- could be due to long wear I'm just used to it, but it doesn't seem like a lot of pulling, just enough to reach from the socks to the shirt. They are elastic so have flex as well.

One thing: when seated, they do tend to pull at the back of the knee, as they go to the shortest distance between sock and shirt, but after wearing a few times it's not noticeable.

Of course, as Murlsquirl says, well-fitting shirts of the proper length have less need for such things, but you mentioned you're trimming down so more likely the shirts have opportunity for billowing and so on.

Hope that helps--
Tim

Thanks for the clarification. Since I haven't found any in stores I have just been looking online and didn't realize they could be extended that far. As far as while wearing them. Can a normal person notice them on you? For instance, maybe while sitting they could make your pants look weird behind the knee or maybe while walking.

Vegas, it has a lot more to do with shirt length. Even if shirt has a great fit through the waist, it isn't going to stay tucked if it isn't long enough. I'm 6'3" and my shirts are 33" long....they stay tucked without any extra accessories.

That makes sense. So it sounds like my best option is to do the "bandaid fix" of shirt garters until I am down to my ideal weight. Right now it is too expensive to constantly have to be switching out clothes so I have been buying discount on eBay. I plan on getting MTM or custom shirts and suits once I get to my ideal weight.

-Bryce