Untieing the tie.

Question: Is it OK to keep ties tied for an extended period of time? Sometimes it takes me 2 or 3 times to get the exact length I want, and it would seem to be easier to leave it tied once I have the proper length, as long as it doesn't ruin the tie. Thanks.

Reply: The theory is that if you leave your tie knotted for an extended period, it will eventually start to twist and turn and will not hang properly. In practice, this will happen in some but not all cases. When you keep a tie knotted it will certainly become flattened in the area of the knot and you will lose the fullness in the shape. The best advice is to undo your tie when you have finished with it for the day. Always be gentle with it as tie fabrics and construction are often delicate. Hang or roll your ties for storage.

Regular and Long - What's the difference?

Question:
What is the difference in length between regular and long . is it just in the length of the jacket or does it include the sleeves?

Reply:
Generally, the difference between a regular and a long is 1.5" - 2". The sleeves on a long are also proportionately longer. If you are having difficulty determining whether you need a regular or long, most individuals 6 ft and taller wear a long. Note, however, that to truly determine the correct length, view yourself in the mirror and ensure that the jacket covers your crotch area and your seat. More than an inch of excess is too long.

Suspenders - Keeping those pants up

Question: I have a tough time keeping my trousers from slipping and falling down. When I wear a suit I use suspenders and they work fine but any suggestions, when wearing just a pair of dress pants, as to how to keep them up?

Reply: I suspect that you have a slightly larger mid section which along with gravity are the two major contributors to your falling pant syndrome. The easiest solution and the only one that is really effective is suspenders. Your other alternative is to wear a lower rise pant which will sit below your mid section and consequently either not slip or slip less.

Matching a Grey Checkered Suit

Question: Hello, I live in a very informal area, where suits are rarely worn. However, I now need to wear one for an event next week, and only have one option left in my closet. The suit is charcoal grey, with a windowpane plaid design in a lighter grey, and I have no idea what shirt and tie I should wear with this suit. Can you help me with this question? Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide. Sincerely, Brad

Reply: Brad you are safe wearing white or sky blue in a shirt. The tie should have a little background color the same as the suit and the contrast colors can be whatever color is in the check. If the check is black or shades of grey then try accent colors in pink or red. Have a great time at the event and if you need any more help let me know.

Matching a Dark Green Suit

Question:
Hi, I just bought a dark green plain suit, and now don't know what color of shirt and tie would be good for it, can you suggest me something? Thanks in advance

Reply:
The easiest color to coordinate with a green plaid suit is cream. Another great alternative is orange. Here are some links to nice quality shirts you might consider:

"That Pesky Tag"

Question:
should the tag on the wrist of an overcoat be removed?

Reply:
Absolutely!

Here's a video we found that explains it quite vividly =).

My Beautiful Beach Wedding

Question: I am getting married on a beach in Mexico this April. I am having a problem finding ideas. My bride will be wearing a formal dress, and I want to be casual as possible, but still fit the part. Any suggestions?

Reply: You lucky guy! Just be sure that when you look back at the pictures 25 years from now you don't say "How did they let me wear that?" Your bride will be formally dressed, so I think you should take the lead from her. Wear a nice beige suit and throw off the jacket when the fun begins. You can wear an elegant shirt for the formal part and have a spare sporty shirt for the fun later.

Updating My Collection

Question: I want to update my closet with a couple of good suits. I wear a suit almost every day, and I have around 8 in the stable now. I need to cull a few and add a couple more. I have owned Warren K Cooks in the past, and found them very well suited, but mostly had made to measure. Now, I really don't want to spend what I have in the past ( The Cooks came to be over $1200 each over 10 years ago). I have a stocky athletic build, and I am not tall, 5'8". I live in an isolated area, so appropriate suits are almost always special order, which adds to the price significantly. Like almost everyone, I love a bargain.

Reply: You need a nice suit as you are accustomed to the quality of Warren K. Cook. I highly recommend that you consider our Manzoni line. Their fabrics are excellent, primarily from Italian Mills, and the construction of the suit is excellent. Another option is a nice custom suit in a style and fabric of your choice for $550 - $650.

The Windsor Knot

Question: How do you effectively dimple your tie, when wearing the Windsor knot? Thanks, William

Reply: To dimple your tie when making a Windsor knot, slide your index finger through the knot as you are pulling the blade of the tie through for the final time. While doing so press down on the center of the blade to form the dimple and pull up the sides with your thumb and middle finger. A little practice and your dimples will be the envy of every fair maiden. Let me know how successful you are.

Dressing for the Casual Christmas Party

Question: I'm a tall guy 6'4", how should I dress for an office Christmas party, where the dress code is 'elegantly casual'?

Reply: Tall guys are lucky, they have a lot more room to show off their good taste in clothing. Elegant casual is fun. Wear a nice sport jacket with a check to deemphasize your height. Coordinate with a nice knit top; a 3 button polo or a low neck mock neck sweater but definitely not a high necked turtle neck. An open collar sport shirt will work as well. Pants should be dressy and contrasting. Do not wear bright colors!

Communicate With Your Colors

The colors of clothing are an integral part of visual presentation. Not only do they enhance appearance and direct attention, colors invoke feelings, emotions, and responses. Whether physiological or psychological, colors have been proven to subtly alter moods, ways of thinking, and first impressions.

Here is a list of colors and the emotional responses they create. Be conscious of what you wear!

How to Dress for an Interview - Women

ExecStyle.com is proud to present our "Guide to Dressing for Interviews - Women". This comprehensive manual will provide you the tips and tricks needed to make that crucial first impression.

Check it out here:

http://www.execstyle.com/interview.asp

How to Dress for an Interview - Men

ExecStyle.com is proud to present our "Guide to Dressing for Interviews - Men". This comprehensive manual will provide you the tips and tricks needed to make that crucial first impression.

Check it out here:

http://www.execstyle.com/interview.asp

And here's a little preview:

A Hot Pink Dress

Question: I have a dance coming soon and I have this black suit with light blue almost gray pinstripes. My date is wearing a sort of hot pink dress. Can I find a way to match her with my current suit or should I get a different outfit altogether.

Response: You sound like every girls dream if you are willing to buy a new suit just to match her outfit! The suit you have sounds fashionable and can be accessorized with pink to match your date. You can wear a pink shirt and then get a tie that brings your suit and shirt together.

Leather Jacket - Shrinking

Question: I had to buy a 2x leather coat. However, the sleeves are to long. How or what can I do to shrink them a little? Should I spray it down with water and let it dry in the sun?

Thanks, William

Reply: Wetting the coat and drying it in the heat is the worst thing you can do to shorten the sleeves. You are better off taking growth hormone and hope your arms will grow. Seriously, just take your coat to a good tailor who has equipment to handle leather and he can shorten the sleeves for you.

The Executive Cut

Question: What is an executive cut in suit sizes?

Reply: The executive cut is made for the man with a larger mid section. This suit is also known as a portly.

Tailored Coat Lengths

Question: Greetings, Are you aware of any suit makers who make coat lengths for "tweeners", i.e. short/regular for 5'7.5" - 5'9" guys and regular/tall for 6'2.5" - 6'4"? With all the customized sizes for shirts and expensive alterations, it seems nuts that the coat length is still so standardized.

Reply: Our custom department will gladly tailor a suit for you in a specified jacket length. You will be able to choose fabric, styling and certainly appropriate measurements. We will help you ensure that you are making the correct choices for your needs and deliver an impeccably tailored garment in accordance with your schedule.

Warm Overcoats

Question: Is gabardine in an overcoat warm as compared with wool? Thank you!

Reply: The warmth or insulation characteristics in a coat are created by the amount of insulating air bubbles that the fabric can trap. In general a fluffy, softer fabric will trap more air than a high twist and stiffer fabric, and will consequently be warmer. Gabardine refers to the weave, not the fabric type, however gabardine is usually a tight weave not commonly known for its warmth. Cashmere and angora are among the warmest natural fabrics you will find.

Little Black Dress

Question: I would like to match my wife at an upcoming event. She is wearing a black dress with various shiny/silver bits etc, but the core dress is black. Is a charcoal suit for me inappropriate against her black dress? I have a black suit I could wear, but it is not quite as nice as my charcoal one. Also what shirt/tie combo would you recommend for either suit colour option. THANKS!

Reply: Why is it that we always have to match them? I have never gotten a note from a wife asking me how she should dress to match her husband. In any case, as she is wearing a black dress with silver trim, I assume that you are going to a formal event. A black suit would be the right choice. To be super elegant coordinate with a white shirt and a silver or silver and black tie.

Wedding in Cancun

Question: What should the groom wear for a Cancun wedding. We are on our second marriages. We want this to be nice but not completely formal. Please advise.

Reply: Remember that when you are dressing for your wedding you are not only dressing for the moment. The wedding pictures will stay with you forever and they will be among your most important memories which you will hopefully show to children and grandchildren.

Let me know what type of wedding you are planning i.e. a beach wedding, inside a catering hall, what is the bride wearing, how do you expect guests to dress, how many guests will you have, when is the wedding - time of day and year etc. With these details I will gladly help you dress your man.

Suspenders?

Question: Are suspenders still in style?

Reply: Suspenders are not part of the current fashion rage. That does not mean that they cannot be included in your own personal expression of personal style - like the fellow that wears a bow tie rather than a tie or the man who completes his jacket with a pocket square. These fashion accessories that are an element of personal style rather than the fashion trend of the day sets the individual apart.