Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
How To: Sweatproof Your Clothes
As larger, hairier, more muscular beings than women, men tend to sweat a lot more. While women don’t (usually) have to consider this bodily process in relation to their wardrobe, for many men, sweat and body odor is more than an unpleasant sensation -- it can actually ruin clothes. What’s the point of shelling out big bucks for a dress shirt you love if it’s going to be stained with sweat a month later?
Luckily, we’re here to help you learn how to sweatproof your clothes just as temperatures are starting to rise so that you can go ahead and buy that shirt you had your eye on.
Begin with a good, heavy-duty antiperspirant during the summer months. If you don’t like the idea of a commercial antiperspirant, use a rock crystal, which is available at most health or natural food stores. Rock crystals naturally protect against bacteria and, therefore, neutralize odor from sweat. It is effective for up to 24 hours and the sticks last forever. You can also apply rock crystal sticks to any part of your body that tends to sweat a lot.
For more advice on how to sweatproof your clothes and keep yourself looking (and smelling) clean in the months ahead, read on.
Consider specially formulated products
If you sweat more than most people, consider products designed to combat this problem. These grooming products include sweat block pads, which are cloths that have been presoaked in industrial-strength antiperspirant. Once every seven days, apply these pads to your underarms to help prevent sweating. Alternately, or in case the sweat block pads don’t completely do the trick, get a hold of some underarm sweat pads. These have a sticky side that adheres to your skin, forming a physical barrier between your sweat and clothing.Choose the right shoes
In attempting to sweatproof your clothes, don’t wear canvas shoes as these will make your feet sweat like crazy and your shoes smell like you live in a swamp. Instead, wear leather shoes or sandals if you can, as they breathe more and, therefore, decrease foot sweat and body odor. Once you’ve purchased appropriate footwear, you’ll also need to treat them properly. Consider slipping a moisture-absorbing insole into your shoes to further reduce bacteria and odor.Try to rotate your shoes as well so that you’re not wearing the same pair everyday. Doing so gives your shoes a chance to air out, as long as you don’t bury them in the bottom of your gym bag or closet that is. Although you should avoid wearing the same shoes day after day, do change your socks daily to avoid contracting a fungal infection that thrives in moist, sweaty and bacteria-ridden conditions. Lastly, every now and again, give the inside of your shoes a quick spray with a shoe deodorizer or use an OTC foot powder to help absorb sweat.
Soak your clothes
If you sweat a lot during the day, learn how to wash your own shirts. Soak your dress shirt in extremely cold water as soon as you get home, and apply a stain remover to the armpits. One trick to really get stains out is to turn your shirt inside out and apply the stain remover to the inside of your shirt. This works better than applying a stain-removing product to the outside of your shirt because you’re trying to lift the stain out of the fabric, not rub it further into the fibers. Leave the product on for a few minutes and launder your shirt as soon as possible, or at least rinse it in ice cold water again. If your shirt is white, bleach it every now and again or, alternately, throw in a teaspoon of cream of tartar (available in the baking aisle at your grocery store) with your regular laundry detergent to help keep your whites white.Wear moisture-wicking undershirts
Although it might sound crazy to be layering when it’s hot out, smart layering can actually help sweatproof your clothes and reduce the not-so-fun effects of sweating. Your best bet is to layer a sports undershirt underneath a T-shirt. When you have no option but to wear a dress shirt, choose a sports undershirt in a solid color that won’t be too noticeable. Sports clothes are specifically designed to wick moisture away from your body and they also dry off quickly so you’ll never feel like you’re soaking in sweat. As well, many sports shirts incorporate mesh, meaning that your skin will breathe better, and they’re often treated to be antimicrobial, so it’s harder for odor-forming bacteria to build up on your body.Remove excess body hair
Think about it: Your antiperspirant needs to come in contact with your skin in order to effectively protect against body odor and control sweating. This is a problem when your armpit hair becomes exceedingly long and, as a consequence, acts as an obstacle between the product and your skin. Take control by maintaining your body hair. We're not suggesting to join your wife at her next bikini wax appointment, but a little trimming goes a long way.Choose natural-fiber clothing and wear light colors
On particularly hot days, go for fabrics like cotton, silk or linen instead of polyester or other synthetics and blended fabrics. Natural fibers allow your skin to breathe more, meaning you’ll sweat less. When the mercury really rises, even if you plan to wear cotton or linen, pick featherlight pieces and choose shirts that are slightly larger than the size you usually wear to encourage air circulation and sweat evaporation. When it comes to colors, white or pale pastels will deflect more of the sun’s rays, so you’ll feel the heat less in these softer shades.
no sweat!
Sweating is a natural process and it’s hard to stop this bodily function entirely. However, if it bothers you or you feel like perfectly decent clothes are being ruined because of it, implementing a few of these tips should go a long way to helping you keep your cool all summer long.Read more:
http://goo.gl/lbMxi
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
How To: Pack For A Business Trip
Each piece represents a modern classic, meaning it will look just as good five years from now as it does today, provided you purchase it in a neutral color. Once you've learned how to make one look work in a multitude of ways, review our pro packing tips to find out how you can fit everything into one carry-on and avoid checking your baggage. Finally, print out our handy packing checklist or bookmark this page so that you'll never be at a loss for what to bring on a business trip again.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Travel Tips
Your shoes should also be in a resealable bag to ensure they don't transfer dirt to your clothing. Next, the bottom of your bag should be lined with your softest garments or those that don't wrinkle easily, such as T-shirts and jeans. Roll these garments rather than folding them to minimize wrinkling. Any items that need to be hung should be protected in garment or dry-cleaner bags and placed near the top of your suitcase. When it comes to your grooming kit, remember that all liquids and gels must be in small bottles to comply with airline rules. Store grooming products in a bag with a capacity of no more than one liter and place them in an easy-access zip pocket. Finally, infuse your bag with a freshly laundered scent and keep it odor-free by interspersing a few sheets of fabric softener here and there throughout your luggage.
pack for a business trip like a pro
To take the hassle out of what to bring on a business trip, refer to this final checklist for exactly what to pack:-Two-button suit in navy or gray
-Pale Blue dress shirt
-Silk tie
-Dress shoes: black or brown oxfords
-Dark jeans
-Watch
-Swimsuit
-Carryall
-Casual top: polo in summer, sweater in winter
-Sleek sneakers
-T-shirt for gym
-Exercise shoes
-Leather belt
-Underwear: three pairs
-Socks: three pairs
-Grooming kit containing toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairstyling products, shampoo, deodorant, cologne, razor, shaving cream, comb or brush, condoms
-Electronics: MP3 player/iPod, cell phone and charger, laptop, camera, adapter for international travel
-Other: pens, business cards
Read more: http://goo.gl/qIOzZ
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hot-weather clothing priorities: Deliberate Style
When you make a summer outfit you need to be thinking about the colors, patterns, textures, and accessories all together. The difference between stylish and just functional could be as small as a different belt or the right pocket square.But if you don't take the time to make that small difference you just look like one more overheated office guy.
Hot-weather clothing priorities: Breathability
Hot-weather clothing priorities: Light Weight
This should really go without saying. You want cloth that is physically light. Summer weight wool is about 250 grams. A knowledgeable retailer will be able to help you find the right
garment.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Execstyle's 10-Steps Plan to Prom
1. Swagger-Jack a Celeb
The awards show season is an annual parade of men's evening looks, where every option under the sun is put on display. If their choice is not far off the beaten track you might be able to copy their look for a fraction of what they paid.
The Jacket
- The collar should hug your neck without gaping or breaking underneath
- The lapels should not gape and should fall smoothly along your chest
- Jacket shoulders should fall smoothly on you
- The jacket should be able to close without being overly snug
- Sleeves should reach just below the wrist bone allowing ¼” to ½” of shirt cuff to show
- The jacket should cover the seat and reach the crotch in front
- Should rest just above or on your hips
- Should fall cleanly all the way down
- Should break slightly over the shoe
- Should fall to the top of the heel in back or as much as 1” shorter
- Should cover approximately the front 1/3rd of your shoe
Who says that prom has to be a black-tie affair? Well, if your invite does, then that's that, but if you happen to have a more open-ended dress code, buck the formal trend and go for a suit that shows a bit more personality but is equally appropriate for the big night.
You're going to have to shave, or at least trim (let summer break be your experimental-facial-hair phase). If you want to keep some scruff, do it like our man model here, and keep it cleaned up. And, you should plan your haircut at the right time. About one week before the big day is enough lead to allow your sharply shorn 'do to settle in. You don't want to pose for pics looking like you just got out of the chair.
Formal occasions are not an excuse to douse oneself in patchouli. Going heavy on the cologne isn't going to help you look any better, and certainly won't be fun for those closest to you all night (i.e. your date). A night like prom is, however, an occasion to break away from your usual scent and try something new. If you have trouble figuring out what works best for you mail us or drop by.
A guy who gets his date a rose corsage is like the guy who goes to a great Italian restaurant and orders spaghetti and marinara; there's nothing wrong with it, but so many more exciting options are out there! Try an orchid or calla lily that will look unique amongst the parade of roses on the big night. Same goes for your boutonniere.
10. Be a GentlemanThis might be the most important after all. Step up to the plate and impress her by opening car doors, helping her to her seat, and standing when she gets up to go to the bathroom with six other girls. A little bit of chivalry goes a long way, especially at the after--party.
Monday, April 30, 2012
How do you dress? Casual, smart casual or business classic?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
THE FLIPPED SHIRT LOOK
The look might be in, but I’ll leave this one for the guys on the runway. I can’t imagine wearing a suit with a flipped out shirt when I’m trying to make a positive impression and guys take a little pride in how you place your pocket square.
Monday, February 28, 2011
FINALLY, CLEAN YOUR CLOTHING SAFELY
Dry cleaning can be a risky process for your clothing, the environment and possibly your health. Perc (Tetrachloroethylene) based cleaning, which represents 99.9% of cleaners in North America, risks garment shrinkage, discoloration, separation of bonded fabrics and more. It is toxic to the environment and several studies claim that it is carcinogenic.
We have tried and we recommend Renew System Dry Cleaners located at 251 Bernard West. Call them for pick up and delivery at 514-276-1419. Ask for James, the proprietor, who has promised a discount to all ExecStyle customers.
Please let me know how you like it.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Custom Suits - The ExecStyle Difference
Custom suits have been a great addition to www.ExecStyle.com, so much so, that we've decided to add custom pants, jackets and tuxedos as well. Along with this addition our designers have made measuring yourself much more user friendly and anyone can now create their own perfectly fitting custom tailored suit. We have created two methods for you to enter your measurements; Copy an existing suit or just give us your off the rack size with your standard alterations and we will tailor a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or pant for you in 2 - 4 weeks.
Virtually anyone can now create their own tailor made designer clothes. ExecStyle allows you to choose your style, fabric and size for virtually every part of your body. You can design fits that are portly, athletic, short, extra short, tall or extra extra tall. Tailor a double breasted or single breasted tuxedo, suit or sport jacket.
ExecStyle custom tailored suits are available in a variety of fine woolens in solid shades as well as patterns. Our fabrics are sourced in fine mills all over the world including the finest lengths available from Reda of Italy. The suits, sport coats and pants are tailored in Montreal, the fashion capital of North America.
These garments are tailored in a state of the art facility with computerized cutting and process controls to ensure an exact fit. The utmost of care is taken to ensure that we deliver a great looking custom suit every time. Each and every suit, sport jacket and pant is carefully inspected by a trained tailor to ascertain that all our quality criteria have been adhered to.
Need help in designing your own tailor made suit, tuxedo, sport coat or pant? Call or email us 1-877-393-2789 info@ExecStyle.com
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Make my 5'4" Husband look 6'3"
Q: My husband is 5' 4" tall, has short legs (29") and a bit of a round belly. How do I choose shirts and pants that don't cause his belly to protrude to the point of making him look pregnant??? (other than helping him stick to his diet ;) I LOVED your instructions for fitting dress shirts and the conversion for sports shirt. THANK YOU!!!
Debbie
A: Just follow a few simple rules and your husband will look like he is 6'3" and have the waist of a fashion model. By the way, he should always look 6' 3" to you anyhow, we will try to make him look that way to the rest of the world. A few simple rules to hide a protruding mid section for those who are vertically challenged:
- Never wear prominent checks
- Tastefully selected stripes are good
- Refrain from combining highly contrasting tops and bottoms.
- Do not wear pants that are excessively tapered. The width of the pant should land just before the ball of the foot
- Do not wear tight fitting tops. A slightly loose fit, particularly around the shoulders will reduce the protrusion of the mid section.
- Wearing a sport jacket with a little extra shoulder is a good idea.
- Stay away from cuffed bottoms on pants as well as turned up jeans. They will make the legs look even shorter.
- Keep pants a touch longer rather than short.
Please let me know how this works out.
Thin and Lanky
Q: I am 6'2 very lanky and thin, my waist is just 30, what should be my dress code.
A: The obvious comment is to stay away from striped clothing. Wear tops that are blouson and do not tuck them in. Wear pants that are a fuller cut. Never wear tight clothing. Colors you choose should not be bright and combinations of color should not have excessive contrast. Let me know how this works for you.
Short Shorts! Short Suit!
Q: I'm 6'4" and see this really nice mellow pinstripe suit that I want to buy. I'm size 43L, and waist is 36 or 37 usually. 2 questions: am I too tall for a pinstripe? Secondly, do I really need a 43XL (they aren't available) or is a 43L good enough (it kind of reaches the wrist and base of my thumb). thanks!
A: Stripes tend to stretch tall guys and make them appear even taller. Vert soft, subdued stripes are fine but prominent stripes will over emphasize your height. At 6' 4" your are a borderline Extra Long. The classic approach to determining the proper length of a suit jacket is to ensure that the jacket covers the crotch and seat. Today's designer suits, however, tend to be shorter than that and are not rule bound so if you are a trendy dresser, don't hesitate to wear a suit a little on the short side.
Please note that arm length has nothing to do with the the length of a suit jacket. If a buddy of yours is the same height, size etc as you but has arms 3" longer than yours, it does not mean that he should wear a jacket to his knees.
Hope this helps.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Danger! Falling Objects
Hello! My Name Is...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Dress Codes Explained! - Black Tie
Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates. Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux.
Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Dress Codes Explained! - White Tie
White Tie
A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
Dress Codes Explained! - Black Tie Optional
Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Dress Codes Explained! - Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates. Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).
Dress Codes Explained! - Semi-formal
Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).
Dress Codes Explained! - Informal
Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.
Dress Codes Explained! - Festive Attire
Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).
Dress Codes Explained! - Casual
Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual. Casual generally means anything goes.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Black Shirt - Grey Suit
Question:
Would a black shirt and tie look good with a grey suit? I really want to wear a grey suit to my dad's wedding but I also want to do something a little different. Thanks.
Answer:
By the tone of your letter I am assuming your intention is to stand out and make a statement at your father's wedding through your choice of clothing. Remember that this event is for your dad and his bride so don't try to take attention away from them. "The clothes make the man" is an old myth. Make yourself shine by being the support for your dad and his bride on this special occasion. Wear an outfit suitable for the event by dressing slightly different from your father and a little dressier than the other invited guests. Don't try to draw attention to yourself by wearing a unique outfit.
Above all have a good time and make sure everyone else does so as well.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Handshakes Around the World
SOCIAL STUDIES – A DAILY MISCELLANY OF INFORMATION
BY
MICHAEL KESTERTON from the Globe and Mail
No air-kissing for execs
Tomorrow will be U.S. National Handshake Day. The training firm that is promoting the idea says: "Get a grip on a professional handshake today! The handshake is an important part of corporate America and can make or break a business deal, interview or other encounter."
Source: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008
World o' handshakes
"As handshakes go, the greeting between President Bush and Gordon Brown was a very odd one," Dr. Peter Collett wrote last week in The Daily Mail. The Prime Minister opted for a conventional shake while the President opted for a more streetwise shake. The result was a tangle with three of Mr. Brown's fingers sliding up Mr. Bush's sleeve. The U.S. President, Dr. Collett added, likes to catch people unawares. Some notes about shaking:
The Queen has developed her own way of informing her subjects that the royal handshake is about to be terminated: she surreptitiously and almost imperceptibly pushes the other person's hand away.
The French are enthusiastic about le handshake. They repeat the gesture with the same people throughout the day.
In West Africa , expect to have your hand grasped for minutes on end while you are bombarded with questions about your well-being.
Chairman Mao had a limp handshake. It didn't say anything about his character.
In certain remote parts of South America and New Guinea , tribesmen greet each other with scrotal handshakes, gently grasping each other's testicles rather than hands.