Page 142 - South Mississippi Living - Ocotber, 2022

SHOPPING
FOCUS
Styles and preferences change, but proper fit doesn’t. This is especially true for menswear.
Although ties, lapels, and pants have seen significant changes in width, color, and fabric over the decades, the rules about how to wear them haven’t. Looking your “Sunday Best” all week long is simply a matter of paying attention
to details. It’s the little things that contribute to self-confidence and feeling comfortable in your clothes. When you’re comfortable and self-confident, presenting yourself well just magically happens. Listen up, guys! It’s all about the fit.
On the “dressing to impress” scale from one to 10, proper fit rates an 11. Dressing like a gentleman is so much more than purchasing the correct size, wearing the suit, shirt, tie, pants, jeans, or shirt correctly, flaunting an upscale brand, choosing quality fabric, or proper jacket buttoning. Proper fit is infinitely more important than the tag on your clothes, regardless of style or price. Fit is what others see and how they, correctly or incorrectly, form impressions up close or from afar. Make good fit work for you.
ON FASHION:
Individual body type is, of course, an important ingredient, but do not fall for the myth that heavy
guys should avoid close- fitting garments. That’s not
necessarily so. Too-large clothing is just as unflattering
as too-tight clothing. The same is true for all sizes, whether they be thin or
average weight. Proper fit, layers, and other tricks can
highlight and enhance the best aspects of any body type. No garment should be too tight
or too skinny, but should lie close to your body and allow easy
normal movement. I repeat the importance of comfort. Take note.
Length can make or break your look. So, what’s the right pant, jacket, and shirt sleeve length? For jackets and shirts, it depends on the cut, button placement, and cuff width. All these elements affect the best length for you, but the overall accepted measure for jackets is to turn your hand and thumb up, and the sleeve should fall at the end of your wrist where it meets the bottom of your up-turned thumb. Shirt sleeves should fall 1⁄4” to 1⁄2” below the jacket sleeve.
And pants? Please, please do not go too short or too long. Either is distracting. Pant hems should fall evenly against the shoe with a slight break in front and no break in back. Look at the seat as well. If a bit saggy, a tailor can easily fix it; if too
tight or the pockets pop outward, perhaps a size up would be
better.
Work wear isn’t what it used to be. For the most part, the old standard dark
suit, white shirt, and tie for the office
has transitioned to khakis or nice jeans partnered with a button down or polo shirt. The occasional addition of a relaxed blazer or quarter-zip sweater adds warmth and distinction. It’s an easy, popular look to pull together and works well for most men whether back in the office or working from home and interfacing with co- workers or clients via Zoom.
However, the definition of business casual doesn’t mean overly relaxed. Maintaining proper fit still dictates proper presentation. Don’t neglect it, but don’t stress. The goal is comfort and confidence, not perfection. Feel free to add a little personality and style to your outfits; after all, that’s what fashion is about.
142 | October 2022
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Barbara Travis