9 Skills Every Man Must Learn To Be A Success
By the age of 30, every man should be able to fly a helicopter.
Can’t you?
Maybe I set the bar too high.
This got me thinking – what are the skill sets that every man should master?
The modern man (you) must be able to shift between diplomat and warrior fluidly – that’s not easy.
Never fear, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
In today’s article, I’m going through the nine manly skills that all men need to master to truly call themselves a man.
- Have a Defensive Mindset | Be Able to Defend Yourself
- REALLY Listen to Others
- Understand What’s Actually Important In Your Life
- Achieve Financial Maturity
- Have Self-Reliance
- Never Lose Your Curiosity
- Don’t Assess Your Worth From Your Career
- Accept Yourself For Who You Are
- Allow Yourself To Feel Empathy
1. Have a Defensive Mindset (Be Able to Defend Yourself)
The world can be a dangerous place. Regardless of where you live, what you do, or who you are, they’re people who may want to harm you, your family, and your community. Hopefully, none of you have to experience this in life – but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Having a defensive mindset comes down to being able to defend yourself. I’m not just talking about weapons or martial arts. A defensive mindset starts with being always observant – ready for any challenge that you may face.
The first step is to minimize distractions. Don’t let texting, phone calls, or other activities shift your focus from what’s happening around you. A 2010 study out of Harvard found that your visual processing ability drops by around 30% while talking. This results in cellphone users making a great target. Always be aware of your surroundings and focus on the details when you’re out and about.
The second step is being able to defend yourself and others. Take up martial arts.
If you’re trying to figure out what martial arts you want to learn, do your research there as well. Understand that each martial art focuses on different skill sets, and some may not help you as much with self-defense.
Let’s take Muay Thai as an example. From a self-defense standpoint, it’s good but not great. There aren’t too many defensive techniques in Muay Thai that will help someone. In Muay Thai, your offense IS your best defense.
Now let’s take Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as an example. BJJ is focused on grappling. In BJJ, the central concept is that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves. Many defensive techniques are taught in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that are very useful for a real-life situation.
The most significant takeaway – whatever you choose to defend yourself – do your homework and become the best you can be at whatever you choose.
2. REALLY Listen to Others
Listening is one of the most critical skills you have – your ability to listen well has a significant impact on your career effectiveness and the quality of your relationships with others.
Today, too many people listen to respond rather than listen to understand.
A 2018 Princeton University study found a lag between what you hear and what you understand. This lag could be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute – depending upon the individual. During that lag-time, we start to listen to ourselves and not to the other person. As a result, our comprehension plummets.
This is where confirmation bias comes from. We tend to pick out facts or aspects of a conversation that support our pre-existing beliefs or perceptions.
You must learn to listen actively. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear the words that another person is saying and interpret the complete message they are communicating.
To do this, you must do the following:
- Don’t Judge, Just Listen
- Don’t Jump to Conclusions or Interrupt
- Listen for the Overall Picture
- Note Non-Verbal Communications
All of these concepts are very important, especially the first two. In today’s culture, people are too quick to judge and paint with a broad brush. Just because someone holds a particular concept or ideology doesn’t make them a horrible person. While there are exceptions, such as racism or bigotry, don’t judge a person too quickly.
3. Understand What’s Actually Important In Your Life
Business coach, mentor, and fitness expert, Doug Holt states, “Show me your schedule, and I’ll show you your priorities.”
You have to understand what’s actually essential in your life. That’s an important distinction. Your life is different from others – what you value the most will be different as well.
The first step is to determine what things you value the most in your life. Take four or five examples as a starting point to model and structure the life you want. When you consciously make these choices, you remind yourself of what things in your life you cannot live without. These things represent the backbone of your life – so choose wisely.
The next step is to look at your calendar – assess the way you use your time. Imagine your day is cut in half – instead of 24 hours, you have 12. Evaluate which things in your day are absolutely necessary to you and can fit into that timeframe. Then, make sure they match the backbone you made in the first step.
Ask yourself, do you spend too much time online or on your phone? Decrease your consumption and, instead, receive necessary information from a reputable source or two ONCE a day. Don’t fall into the trap of being afraid that you will miss out on something if you aren’t always in touch.
From here, you need to get rid of the clutter in your life. These are physical items that you don’t need anymore, and someone else can get use out of them. Get rid of these things.
Lastly, spend time with the people that matter to you most. Are you spending too much time on your career? When’s the last time you went and spent time with your family just for fun? When’s the last time you made dinner as a surprise for your significant other? Take account of how much time you take for people in your life.
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4. Achieve Financial Maturity
Financial maturity means that you’ve taken the necessary steps that lead you into financial adulthood. This allows you to live a more financially secure and independent life and shouldn’t be confused with financial independence or security.
Financial independence is having enough assets and making enough money to support you and your family without working.
Financial security is the confidence that you’ll remain stable in your current financial situation, no matter what happens with the economy.
To achieve financial maturity, you need to educate yourself about personal finances. Start with basics – debt, savings, cash flow, budget, and expenses. Start to watch and learn about the changes in the job market, lending trends, cost of living, stock market health, and interest rates for savings, mortgages, and credit cards.
After you learn more about finances, you need to prepare yourself for anything. Set up an emergency fund, retirement savings, and insurance. All of these are ways of “paying it forward” to develop and build your overall wealth.
Lastly – you need to learn financial discipline. Setting up ways to build your wealth is great and all – but if you don’t follow through with your plan, they’re all worthless. You need to develop self-control to prevent yourself from irresponsible spending. This mindset will help you cement good financial behavior. Don’t buy anything until after you have paid into the funds and savings you have created.
5. Have Self-Reliance
I want you to ask yourself a question – could you survive alone? I mean completely alone. Isolate yourself from everyone else – would you be able to support yourself?
While this is a grim picture, it alludes to the fact that you need self-reliance. Merriam Webster defines self-reliance as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.”
For example – can you change a tire, or do you need to call your insurance for roadside assistance? While this is a small way you can become self-reliant, it’s essential to take stock of the little everyday skills you can learn that you rely on others for. Learn how to make small repairs around the house – instead of calling someone to do them for you. This adds more manly skills to your toolbelt.
Self-reliance transcends physical acts as well. To become genuinely self-reliant, you need to dig deep inside of yourself and make some changes.
You need to think independently. Simply put if you believe in something and consider it holds merit after thinking it through, nothing should hold you back from voicing it with confidence.
You must also embrace your individuality – you’re different from everyone else, and that’s okay. Don’t try to be someone else; be your best self.
6. Never Lose Your Curiosity
Do you remember when you were a child, and everything was interesting to you, and you questioned everything? Much to the chagrin of your parents, you would always ask why.
Over time, life wears down on you. Not only is it easy to become unhappy – but it’s easy to lose curiosity about everything.
Albert Einstein stated in a LIFE Magazine article in 1955 the following:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.”
You have to hold onto your curiosity. Asking why is one of the most powerful manly skills that you have at your use. When you blindly follow without asking why – you get Germany in 1943 (study your history).
By asking why – you’re seeking the real reasons behind something. This allows you to gain more knowledge and form new ideas. Change is necessary for evolution. By leveraging the power of why you’re able to think more analytically and forge a wiser path through life.
7. Don’t Assess Your Worth From Your Career
Simply put – your worth is not based on your accomplishments. The satisfaction you feel after an achievement will only last so long. While this hunger to be better is absolutely necessary to be successful, you need to divorce yourself from your career.
Think of you and your career as two symbiotic animals – a mutualist relationship in which both benefit from each other.
By separating yourself from your career, you’re able to redefine your idea of success. Look into yourself and find what personally makes you feel the most successful. For example, I find that a successful life is spent doing the things I love. It would also include having loving relationships that help me grow.
It’s different for everyone. Just remember – success doesn’t have to mean money or a recognizable accomplishment.
Once you define what success looks like to you, you may find that you’re already living that life. If you don’t – make the changes to obtain that life. Don’t waste your life chasing an unattainable dream of success.
8. Accept Yourself For Who You Are
You’re human. Away from being an abstract word distinguishing yourself from other animals – being human means you’re not perfect. Part of the human condition is growing and changing. Along the way, you will make mistakes; no one is perfect.
It’s easy to put yourself down – but you have to accept yourself for who you are.
While self-improvement is absolutely necessary, you must identify and focus on your positive qualities rather than concentrate on the qualities you feel negatively about.
Maintaining a positive focus will not only help you better accept yourself, but it’ll also make it easier for you to attain your goals by utilizing your talents to boost yourself forward.
You have to be careful with negative thinking as it can snowball, engulfing your time and energy. It’s okay to have negative thoughts about yourself every once in a while – don’t overly dwell on them.
Accept your imperfections instead of dwelling on them. For instance, if you have freckles – you can’t change that (unless you want to spend a lot of money on plastic surgery). Accept your freckles and embrace them. Focus on changing the things you can control, like your overall fitness and health.
9. Allow Yourself To Feel Empathy
With all of the negative experiences you go through in life, it’s easy to lose empathy for others. Empathy means the ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of another. In other words, empathy is imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes.
By imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes, you can better understand the decisions they make and who they are. Not only is this critical personally – but it’s essential in any business situation.
The more empathic you are, the better relationship you will have throughout your life. For example, let’s say your wife has had a bad day. She’s tired of her job, her commute. She complains to you about her career – even though you know your job is more demanding and your commute is longer – and barely asks about your day.
A non-empathetic response would be to snap at her and tell her how easy her job is compared to yours. Instead of supporting her, you’ve turned the conversation around to yourself – when all she wanted was some attention and understanding from you.
Instead, understand that her point of view is different from yours. Support her and listen to her complain – you’re her husband; she needs you. Just because something comes easier or harder to you doesn’t mean it’s precisely the same for everyone else. We all start from different positions – respect that and empathize with them.
Conclusion – Manly Skills You Need to Master
Knowing what manly skills you need in today’s world can be challenging, to say the least.
It’s essential to pinpoint the best skill sets you need to know and master those as quickly as possible to become the best man you can be.
Those manly skills are:
If you master all of these manly skills – I guarantee you will feel more accomplished as a person.
Now that you know what manly skills you need – you have to ask yourself – are you attractive?
What does it mean to be attractive? I’ve got the answer to all of your questions. Click here to discover how to be an attractive man!
FAQs
Why should a man always look to improve himself?
Even if you’re a huge success, you’re still not perfect. Every man has a chance to improve in some aspect of his life and THAT’S what being a man is all about – constantly evolving to become better and better as a husband, father, friend or professional.
What can I do today to start improving myself?
Go for a run. Drink more water. Spend time with your kids. There are hundreds of different things you can start doing right now to improve your life in the short and long term. The biggest challenge is starting, so pick an aspect of your life where you need to improve and start with small, manageable actions.
When will I see results?
Putting in the effort to improve isn’t always going to achieve immediate results. If you start working out, don’t expect to look like Dwayne Johnson after only a week in the gym. It’s all about persistence and consistency.
The post 9 Skills Every Man Must Master To Be A Success appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio
Title: 9 Skills Every Man Must Master To Be A Success
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/manly-skills/
Published Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:59:00 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.mansbrand.com/styles-of-ray-ban-sunglasses-a-mans-guide-to-the-best-frames/
Grooming
Introduction To Fragrance, Cologne, Eau De Toilette & Perfume
Fragrance.
An invisible part of your personal style.
One that has a significant effect on how people perceive you.
Fragrances can:
- Increase your level of attractiveness.
- Increase your perceived level of trust.
- Reduce stress levels.
- Increase confidence levels.
- Increase your alertness.
- Double your chances of getting a woman’s phone number.
Despite all these benefits (links at the end of the article) – 80% of men don’t use a fragrance regularly!
Why are men hesitant to wear fragrance?
Due to lack of basic information, ignorance about the various terminology and a fear of wearing it wrong or just plain smelling BAD.
This article is an introduction to the different types of fragrances – why and… more importantly how you need to select and regularly use a cologne that complements your natural body odor.
What Are Fragrances?
Fragrances are complex mixtures of what people in the industry refer to as raw materials. These raw materials can be extracts from natural sources or synthetic raw materials.
Oils are dissolved in a solvent (usually alcohol), to preserve a pleasant concoction of scents. The higher the concentration of oils – the greater the strength of the fragrance. The strength determines how long an application of the fragrance lasts on your skin.
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What Is The Difference Between Fragrance, Perfume, Toilette And Cologne?
Fragrance is a unisex, generic term used for perfume. Fragrances come in many forms and are called different names but generally fall into these categories:
- Eau Fraiche – The most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1% – 3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. Usually lasts for less than an hour.
- Cologne (Eau de Cologne) – Oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh and fruity, typically composed of 2% – 4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. Tend to be used in fragrances for younger people. Usually lasts for about 2 hours.
- Toilette (Eau de Toilette) – A light spray composition with 5% – 15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Usually lasts for about 3 hours.
- Perfume (Eau de Parfum) – Historically genderless, used to describe both men’s and women’s fragrances. The best term used to describe a fragrance. Contains 15% – 20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.
- Perfume – A corruption of the Latin phrase per fumum (through smoke). The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Slightly oilier, perfume, or parfum, is composed of 20% – 30% pure perfume essence. A single application of perfume can last up to 24 hours.
The Life Cycle Of Fragrances
Fragrances have three timed sections – a life cycle of points – think of an evaporating pyramid.
Each of the three sections contains individual scents or ‘notes,’ that are belted together into what you end up smelling.
These are the individual building blocks of scent. There are three different kinds of notes that comprise a scent – top, medium and base notes.
- Top note – The top or basic note is the initial, lighter smell of the fragrance that hits the nose first. The top note lasts around 15 minutes – 2 hours.
Typical top and middle notes are various floral scents, fruity scents, marine/aquatic notes, and spices such as cinnamon. Examples of these notes include citruses, powdery scents and light florals. - Medium note – Also referred to as the middle or heart notes – showcase the main elements of the fragrance. These notes develop after the top note clears – around 30 minutes and can last 3-5 hours after being sprayed.
Heart notes most often include heavier floral scents. The middle and base notes are the extra layers of scents which give the fragrance its distinctive smell. - Base note – The last to develop and helps fix the fragrance to the skin. This is where you will smell the bolder notes of the scent, which become more noticeable when the fragrance has been on the skin for a while. Base notes lay the foundation for the fragrance and will determine how long the fragrance lasts on your skin. Base notes tend to last from 5 to 10 hours. Typical base notes are sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, tar, leather, smoke, tobacco, and musk
As the notes dry up, the scent will change, allowing for the scents to evolve and be more interesting. Typically, the mark of a low-quality fragrance is if it remains monotone throughout its life.
Linear vs Non Linear Fragrances
Not all fragrances change and go through the three layers of notes over time. These linear scents tend to smell the same on you from the initial spray right up until you wash it off. Non linear fragrances change how they smell after interacting with your skin.
Both have their purposes.
You may want a clean top note smell all day at work instead of one that turns musky after a few hours of application. On a first date, you might want the opposite effect – a pleasant citrusy scent that transitions into a velvety vanilla lavender.
The Two Types Of Fragrances – Designer Or Niche
- Designer fragrances are what you will see in most stores. These fragrances, made by companies like Armani, Chanel, Burberry, and other designer brands, cost between $50 and $100 for a 50ml or 100ml bottle. Because designer fragrances are made for a wide-reaching audience, they are typically safer than niche fragrances. They also tend to be made from cheaper materials for the same reason.
- A niche fragrance is made from more expensive/higher-quality ingredients. These are the perfumes created by industry artists, made for a more selective customer who wishes to wear something distinctively bold or unique. Niche fragrances do not have the universal appeal of a designer fragrance. They appeal most to the fragrance aficionado who wants to push the boundaries of acceptable scents. These fragrances typically cost over $250.
Pricing – The Economics Of Fragrances
More money does not necessarily mean better colognes or perfumes. Some of the most popular fragrances of the past were relatively cheap formulae. It is possible to mix expensive raw materials and end up with a pricey mess.
Usually, the amount of concentrate a fragrance contains will affect its price.
Major brands create perfumes that are part science and part marketing. They have a familiar feel to all their perfumes. Ralph Lauren perfumes, for instance, are made to have a family of familiar scents. If you’ve worn one for years – the newest Polo perfume should feel comfortable to you, even if it’s not the same scent you are accustomed to.
Often, what you end up paying for is the marketing cost and the image associated with a brand and not necessarily the cost of raw materials comprising the scent.
When deciding to purchase a new fragrance – let your nose decide!
The Strength Of A Cologne
The strength of the cologne determines how far the scent travels. A stronger cologne is projected further and can be smelled several steps away, while a milder one is only noticeable by someone in a close embrace.
In the case of fragrances – strong isn’t necessarily better than mild. Anything that’s perceptible a few steps away is overkill. Use discretion when applying a strong smell. With powerful blends, only a tiny dab is sufficient.
What are the key factors in determining whether a fragrance is good quality?
The longevity, uniqueness of the smell and projection are important for obvious reasons – if people are unable to smell you and appreciate your fragrance, what is the point of wearing one?
Winter fragrances typically last longer than summer fragrances. The lighter aquatic/citrusy notes of a summer fragrance tend to evaporate within 4-5 hours of application. A good summer fragrance should last you between 5-7 hours.
Winter fragrances have more intense base notes that tend to last much longer. Expect a good winter fragrance to last for at least 10 hours.
When looking to buy a fragrance, spray some on your wrist and wear it for a day to observe the transitioning nature and longevity of the smell. Avoid spraying on paper because it will only reveal the top notes and is a poor indicator of how the notes of the fragrance will mix with your body oils.
How To Select And Buy The Right Perfume
Scientific studies suggest that an individual can select the perfume that works best with his natural body odor. Don’t let others choose for you, instead let them reinforce your judgment.
Don’t try a blind buy – purchasing a perfume on someone else’s recommendation.
You need to test if the perfume complements your natural body odor. Department stores are a convenient place to trial different samples, just ensure you don’t buy till ready. You should try not more than four fragrances at a time (two is ideal).
How to test fragrances:
- Spray one on each wrist and each inner elbow.
- Between smelling each cologne, refresh your palate with something strong, like coffee beans (usually provided).
- Smell all the notes. Avoid using the paper strips provided for testing the fragrance. The initial top note smell isn’t necessarily the one that lingers for the rest of the day.
- After spraying the fragrance on your wrists, walk around the department store, and smell the colognes at various intervals up to an hour.
What are the different sizes available?
Fragrances come in various bottle sizes, usually ranging from 1 oz. to 3.4 oz.
I recommend smaller vials for men who are trying fragrances for the first time – simply because it is cheaper. You don’t know yet how often you will be wearing it. It is likely your tastes will change after you have experimented with other colognes.
The uniqueness of a scent is often overlooked by most men.
Different scents carry different vibes, and knowing these vibes and choosing accordingly matters. Also, people associate scents with memories and other people (especially women). If you are wearing scents that are unremarkable or common – you’ll smell like everyone else.
Your clothes are an outward expression of how you view yourself. The same goes for fragrances.
Rules For Perfume Application
Spray perfume on dry skin, preferably right after a shower. Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin and focus on these rules for applying perfume:
- Pulse points – Your body heat will push the scent through out the day, creating a nice scent trail commonly called sillage. Start with the warm parts of your body – chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, shoulder.
- Re-spray only when required – You can add more sprays to your wrists or take sprays away depending on how long the scent lasts.
- Don’t kill the note – Rubbing the perfume into the skin seems a sensible thing to do. In reality – it breaks the molecular bond, making the scent weaker.
- Don’t spray and walk – Spraying a fragrance in the air and walking through the mist is worthless. Most of it the fragrances drops straight to the floor.
- Don’t spray fragrance on your clothes – The fragrance isn’t allowed to mix with your oils, and hence it can’t naturally go through the stages of notes like it should. The oils in a fragrance will stain many fabrics.
- Don’t splash too much – If you are applying cologne from a regular bottle, take one finger and press it against the opening of your bottle, and then tip it over gently.
- Less Is More – “Fragrance should be discovered, not announced”. People should be close to smell the perfume but not overpowered by it.
The Average Lifespan Of Perfume
The shelf life of the average bottle of perfume is 3-5 years from the date of manufacture.
It is next to impossible to specify the accurate number of applications from a bottle of fragrance. You can roughly expect the following lifespan from your bottle of perfume:
- A 100ml dispenses 1000 to 1500 sprays and should last for 14-16 months.
- The average number of sprays in a 50 ml bottle is 735, which should last 7-8 months.
Extend the lifespan of your perfume by storing it in cool, dark and dry environments – such as your bedroom. Rapid heat fluctuations (like found in a bathroom) will cause the molecules in a fragrance to break apart. Sunlight does the same thing as well. Ensure the bottle cap is secure, to prevent the fragrance from evaporating.
Smell is our strongest sense. It is connected to our memory – we make deep connection to emotion. Our reaction to scents is fast and strong although our understanding of it is at a nascent stage right now.
Women like to be with guys who smell good.
Wearing a fragrance is a distinctive way of expressing yourself. Depending on the scent you choose, wearing a fragrance can make you more attractive and more approachable.
Once you find some fragrances that you feel comfortable wearing and build an appreciation for perfumes that complement your natural odor, you’ll move on to the next level of purchasing fragrances – choosing them simply because you like how they smell.
How To Find Your Signature Scent
Being unique and individual in your style is really important, guys.
Whether it’s at work, home, or on a date – acting and dressing in a way that makes you feel great is the key to success.
Part of being an individual is to find that one signature scent that defines you and your personal style. Your friends, family, and colleagues should instantly think of you when they catch a smell of your signature fragrance.
Finding that personal scent isn’t easy – it takes a lot of trial and error and should be heavily informed by researching the best men’s cologne on the market. However, once you do find that one fragrance that just works for you – you’ll never want to stop spraying it.
Looking for your signature scent? Check my review of Parfums de Marly niche fragrances.
Click Below To Watch The Video: Introduction To Fragrance
Additional scientific studies:
Is Fragrance The Number One Factor For Women In Mate Selection?
Increase Trust through Fragrance?
Improve Job Performance With The Right Fragrance?
Double Your Chance Of Getting A Date
Fragrances FAQ
How do you use men's fragrance?
Spray perfume on dry skin, preferably right after a shower. Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin and focus on these rules for applying perfume:
Pulse points – Your body heat will push the scent throughout the day, creating a nice scent trail commonly called sillage. Start with the warm parts of your body – chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, shoulder.
Re-spray only when required – You can add more sprays to your wrists or take sprays away depending on how long the scent lasts.
Don’t kill the note – Rubbing the perfume into the skin seems a sensible thing to do. In reality – it breaks the molecular bond, making the scent weaker.
Don’t spray and walk – Spraying a fragrance in the air and walking through the mist is worthless. Most of it the fragrances drops straight to the floor.
Don’t spray fragrance on your clothes – The fragrance isn’t allowed to mix with your oils, and hence it can’t naturally go through the stages of notes like it should. The oils in a fragrance will stain many fabrics.
Don’t splash too much – If you are applying cologne from a regular bottle, take one finger and press it against the opening of your bottle, and then tip it over gently.
Less Is More – “Fragrance should be discovered, not announced”. People should be close to smell the perfume but not overpowered by it.
Should men wear cologne?
Yes – different scents carry different vibes, and knowing these vibes and choosing accordingly matters. Also, people associate scents with memories and other people (especially women). If you are wearing scents that are unremarkable or common – you’ll smell like everyone else. Your clothes are an outward expression of how you view yourself. The same goes for fragrances.
How do I apply cologne so it lasts?
Spray perfume on dry skin, preferably right after a shower. Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin and focus on these rules for applying perfume:
Pulse points – Your body heat will push the scent throughout the day, creating a nice scent trail commonly called sillage. Start with the warm parts of your body – chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, shoulder.
Re-spray only when required – You can add more sprays to your wrists or take sprays away depending on how long the scent lasts.
Don’t kill the note – Rubbing the perfume into the skin seems a sensible thing to do. In reality – it breaks the molecular bond, making the scent weaker.
Don’t spray and walk – Spraying a fragrance in the air and walking through the mist is worthless. Most of it the fragrances drops straight to the floor.
Don’t spray fragrance on your clothes – The fragrance isn’t allowed to mix with your oils, and hence it can’t naturally go through the stages of notes like it should. The oils in a fragrance will stain many fabrics.
Don’t splash too much – If you are applying cologne from a regular bottle, take one finger and press it against the opening of your bottle, and then tip it over gently.
Less Is More – “Fragrance should be discovered, not announced”. People should be close to smell the perfume but not overpowered by it.
The post Introduction To Fragrance, Cologne, Eau De Toilette & Perfume appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: Introduction To Fragrance, Cologne, Eau De Toilette & Perfume
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/introduction-to-fragrance/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:45:02 +0000
Grooming
10 Companies To Buy The Best Made-To-Measure Suits Online
Let’s face it, we’ve all thought of buying a suit online. But with so many options to choose from, how can you be sure you’re getting a good value? Well, today, I’m going to show you the top 10 companies that sell made-to-measure suits online.
I’ll show you the companies I think offer the best value for quality in a sea of online suit retailers.
To help you buy the best made-to-measure suit for your needs, I will be going over my recommendations (in no particular order) and giving you a brief introduction to online suit retailers.
Why Buy A Made-To-Measure Suit?
First of all, what is a made-to-measure suit?
This type of suit is one that is crafted by using a predesigned template and utilizing measurements provided by you, or taken by a professional at a showroom. They are cut exactly to your size, shape, and needs.
While made-to-measure is not the same as bespoke, they offer a much better fit than your standard off-the-rack suits. The best part about this way of fitment though, is rather the convenience factor of buying the suit.
Since the introduction of made-to-measure suits, many companies have expanded and begun offering almost completely online buying experiences.
All you have to do is provide them with your measurements and pick your combination of styles and you’re done. Within a short time, you’ll have a great-fitting suit arrive at your doorstep that will only need minor tailoring to make it perfect.
These next companies I’ll tell you about are my top 10 recommendations (in no particular order) of made-to-measure suit retailers that provide great value for the money.
1. Hockerty
Hockerty has put their entire made-to-measure process online. They use a proprietary system to estimate your measurements. That way, if you or a friend can’t make your measurements perfect, they’ll be able to work with it.
They excel at bringing forth old-school English elegance. Think tweeds, three-piece suits, and thick, sturdy lapels. They also deliver their suits quicker than most on this list.
What They Do Well
- They offer vast custom options and countless fabric and suit cut combinations starting at an affordable price
- Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks
- Average cost is $299+
Check out more from Hockerty.
2. DanielRe
DanieleRe offers exquisite craftsmanship with impeccable suits that use the finest fabrics sourced from Italian mills. They excel at combining the perfect fusion of artistry, elegance, and personalized style into affordable suits.
Whether you’re in need of a sophisticated business suit, an elegant wedding suit, or a more relaxed and casual ensemble, they have you covered. With loads of personalization options, DanielRe solidifies itself as a top contender in the made-to-measure business.
What They Do Well
- They offer a diverse range of styles and fabrics so that you can have a suit for any occasion
- Turnaround time varies
- Average cost is $350+
Check out more from DanielRe.
3. Suitsupply
Suitsupply is a European brand that has brought an elevated and attainable way of suit buying to the masses. They have showrooms across the United States, along with an excellent online experience.
Where Suitsupply excels is in their approach to offerings. You can build a suit from scratch, or you can have one of their current designs made to your specifications.
What They Do Well
- They offer a full array of designs as well as custom, built-from-scratch options
- Turnaround time is 2-4 weeks
- Average cost is $690+
Check out more from Suitsupply.
4. Studio Suits
StudioSuits is a traditional tailoring shop that uses classic techniques to make custom clothing. They have a team of skilled craftsmen who are involved in the process from start to finish.
Where they excel is in offering a wide range of quality, custom-tailored men’s suits, jackets, and trousers designed to fit you and your budget no matter the occasion. They also partner with Scottish weavers to source the best Scottish tweed, if you’re into that.
What They Do Well
- They offer some of the most affordable suits on this list yet still well-made with amazing craftsmanship
- Turnaround time varies
- Average cost is $250+
Check out more from StudioSuits.
5. Proper Cloth
Proper Cloth is a brand that prioritizes quality over quantity. Their made-to-measure suiting is available in a tight curation of classic silhouettes rather than a build-it-yourself service.
You will essentially buy the suit in an off-the-rack size and add your custom measurements to it, similar to a traditional tailor that you’d bring suit to. It’s a pared-down service compared to the others on this list but an excellent one that promises high-quality suits.
What They Do Well
- They offer a wide selection of styles and cuts made from premium fabrics in all price points.
- Turnaround time varies
- Average cost is $900+
Check out more from Proper Cloth.
6. Indochino
Indochino is one of the original and most accessible options for made-to-measure suits. Their services are available both on their website and in showrooms across the country.
Their brand offers endless combinations of fabric and styles that are perfect for anyone buying their first suit or their hundredth. They offer really high value-to-quality.
What They Do Well
- They have a large amount of styles and designs to choose from at affordable prices
- Turnaround time is 4-6 weeks
- Average cost is $550+
Check out more from Indochino.
7. Oliver Wicks
Oliver Wicks offers high-quality, European-tailored suits made from the finest English and Italian fabrics. With an easy-to-use online ordering system, you can be on your way to a new suit in just 15 minutes.
With high-end fabrics to suit most budgets, they offer a diverse selction of European cuts with endless amounts of customization. Oh, and when it comes to warranties on fitment, they offer a full year, 365 days, for fit alterations. So you can rest easy when you order.
What They Do Well
- They offer varying quality of construction in their suits to fit your budget starting from half-canvas construction all the way to full-canvas if you desire
- Turnaround time is 4 weeks
- Average cost is $800+
Check out more from Oliver Wicks.
8. Alton Lane
Alton Lane brings modern cuts and energy to made-to-measure suits. They source high-quality fabrics from high-end mills and use them to create simple, classic suits that you can customize to your liking.
Given the quality and simplicity of their offerings, Alton Lane is perfect for anyone who needs a high-end suit that then becomes their go-to suit any time they need one. It truly is a great place to find that “one” perfect suit.
What They Do Well
- They offer modern styles with high-quality fabrics that captivate trending styles more than others on this list.
- Turnaround time is 3-6 weeks
- Average cost is $1000
Check out more from Alton Lane.
9. Gieves And Hawkes
Gieves and Hawkes have been keeping the spirit of Savile Row alive. The shop has been making suits for over two centuries and has outfitted everyone from British royalty to American music icons.
You will have to hop on a plane to get measured though (if you’re not a resident of Europe), as all made-to-measure orders start in their showroom, where they’ll take measurements, walk you through the fabric library and show you examples of the suit you can have.
What They Do Well
- They offer one of the highest-end experiences on this list along with premium fabrics and timeless styling
- Turnaround time is 6-8 weeks
- Average cost is $1200+
Check out more from Gieves And Hawkes.
10. Commonwealth Proper
As one of the “newer kids on the block” Commonwealth Proper has been making timeless styled suits and jackets with the highest quality. Their selection of made-to-measure suits is narrower than most others on this list, but the quality is high.
With narrower style offerings, they specialize is classic designs met with modern pizazz. They were founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and have expanded into other states offering great quality suits for the “proper” gentleman.
What They Do Well
- They offer very high-quality suits and jackets that are inspired by classic, timeless styling. They will also travel to you for fitment
- Turnaround time varies
- Average cost is $3000+
Check out more from Commonwealth Proper.
Hopefully, this list of the top made-to-measure suit offerings helps you find a great suit that fits both you and your needs well.
If you’re looking for more suit articles, check out this one I wrote about 5 mistakes I made when buying custom suits.
FAQs: Made-To-Measure Suits
Why should I choose a made-to-measure suit over a ready-made suit?
Made-to-measure suits offer a superior fit, personalized style options, and higher quality craftsmanship, making them a better investment for both comfort and appearance.
How do I get measured for a made-to-measure suit?
Measurements are usually taken by a professional tailor either in-store or at your location if the service is offered, ensuring precise and accurate sizing.
How much does a made-to-measure suit typically cost?
Prices can vary greatly depending on the fabric, brand, and complexity, but generally start from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
How long does it take to get a made-to-measure suit?
It typically takes 4-8 weeks from measurement to delivery, depending on the tailor and specific requirements.
Can I customize the design of my made-to-measure suit?
Yes, you can usually choose from various fabrics, styles, buttons, linings, and other details to create a suit that reflects your personal style.
What's the difference between made-to-measure and bespoke suits?
While both are customized, bespoke suits are entirely handmade with more fittings and personalized details, often making them more expensive than made-to-measure suits.
How do I choose the right fabric for my made-to-measure suit?
Consider factors like climate, occasion, and personal comfort. Wool, linen, and cotton are popular choices, each with their own benefits.
Can I alter a made-to-measure suit if my size changes?
Yes, minor alterations can usually be made, but significant size changes might require a new suit
Is a made-to-measure suit worth the investment?
Given its custom fit, quality, and longevity, a made-to-measure suit can be a worthwhile investment, especially for frequent wear.
The post 10 Companies To Buy The Best Made-To-Measure Suits Online appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: 10 Companies To Buy The Best Made-To-Measure Suits Online
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/made-to-measure-suits/
Published Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:39:56 +0000
Grooming
The Man’s Guide to Swimwear | How To Choose A Proper Swim Suit
For most of human history, recreational swimming was done naked. (Non-recreational swimming was done in whatever you were wearing when you fell in, because it beat the heck out of drowning.)
Purpose-designed swimwear started out as a modesty garment first, and a practical garment very much second. Early swimsuits were made from knit wool, and in the case of women’s swimwear included long skirts, weighted down at the hem to keep the water from lifting them up.
Suits were strictest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when both men and women were prohibited by law and custom from going bare-chested in public. One-piece suits with cutoff sleeves and legs were a common style.
In the 50s and 60s, men actually organized protests arguing for the right to go topless. Many were cited for public indecency until the laws finally changed. (Women are undergoing a very similar struggle right now.)
From that point on, swimsuits were more about function than modesty. Specialty suits began to evolve in the 60s and onward, leading up to today’s world of wetsuits, drysuits, racing wear, drag suits for training, and more.
Different Types and Styles of Modern Swimwear
Contemporary swimsuits can serve both decorative and practical functions. Most strive for both. Swimsuits are usually categorized by the length and looseness of their cut:
- Trunks are the most common men’s swimwear in North America. They look similar to shorts worn as clothing on land, but are made from light, fast-drying materials (usually nylon or polyester) and feature a tighter-fitting lining inside the shorts. Longer versions that come past the knee are sometimes called boardshorts.
- Swim briefs are often called “speedos,” a trademarked brand that has been popular for many years. They are tight, body-hugging swimsuits with a V-shaped front that bares the thighs. Recreational swim briefs typically feature an interior lining.
- Square-cut shorts are a body-hugging style that covers the wearer from the waist to the upper thigh. The leg openings are cut straight across the thigh for a boxy look that is slightly less revealing than angled swim briefs.
- Jammers are knee-length, skintight suits used by competitive swimmers and other watersports participants to reduce drag. They resemble bike shorts, but without the padded crotch and seat.
- Racing suits are tight, form-fitting suits designed to reduce drag by streamlining the body and skin. They come in a number of cuts, baring or covering varying amounts of arm and leg. Modern marketing usually refers to them as “skins,” i.e., bodyskin, legskin, kneeskin, etc.
- Wetsuits and drysuits are insulated suits designed for prolonged immersion, usually in the context of snorkeling, scuba diving, or board sports. They are quite close-fitting.
- Rash guards are a looser form of all-body swimwear than a wetsuit, and are generally used by watersports participants such as surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Most are made from a UV-reflective fabric with a UPF rating.
- Swim shirts are an upper-body-only version of a rash guard, and are gaining popularity as a sun and surf protection option for casual bathers.
- Thongs are small briefs designed to expose the buttocks. Many cultures traditionally use thong-style swimwear for men, such as the Japanese fundoshi, but in contemporary Western culture thongs are predominantly marketed toward women. Men can and do wear them, however.
All of the above styles can come in nearly any color or pattern imaginable, provided one is willing to shop around long enough. Traditional colors and patterns for men include solid navy blue, blue-and-white striping, and floral or Hawaiian-style prints.
Buying a Swimsuit
Swimsuits are, relative to a lot of menswear, forgiving garments to shop for. You don’t need an absolutely perfect tailored fit, so long as the suit stays up when you dive in (and most have a cord at the waist to help with that).
That doesn’t mean you should grab whatever’s cheapest off the Wal-Mart shelf and call it a day, though. You’re likely to only have one or two swim garments in your wardrobe at a time, so it’s worth finding ones you really like.
A couple key steps:
1. Know Your Active Needs
Just how intense are your activities going to be in your swimwear?
A swimsuit for a hotel pool now and then doesn’t have a lot of technical requirements. Something to go surfing in for hours at a stretch is another matter.
Think about the following when you’re weighing swimsuit options:
- How much leg movement are you going to do? Loose fabric, when wet, can chafe very quickly, so a loose trunk style of shorts isn’t great if you plan on walking around in your suit or using your legs for exercise. (Despite the “boardshort” name, pro surfers usually wear snug, tight-fitting swimwear these days.)
- How much actual swimming (as opposed to wading and splashing around) are you going to do? You’ll want to reduce drag if you’re actually propelling yourself through the water for any length of time, making a tighter fit preferable.
- How much sun protection do you need? For prolonged sun exposure, it’s worth considering something that covers the upper body as well as the lower.
As you can see, the basic, short-like trunk style is really only suited for casual users who plan on lying around, wading, and maybe doing a little light swimming. If you’re planning on being more sporty than that, a snugger fit and potentially some more body coverage is worth considering.
2. Know the Visual Impression You Want
Who you’re going to be wearing your swimsuit around, and what you want from them, plays just as important a role as your activities.
Family vacationers don’t have much in the way of stylistic needs. Men who are planning on hitting up beach parties and crowd scenes, perhaps with an eye toward meeting women (or other men) for romance, need to be a little pickier. And businessmen who may end up in the spa or hotel pool with co-workers and business partners have their own special concerns. Ask yourself:
- Are you trying to impress anyone? If not, stop worrying. Wear whatever is comfortable and works for you.
- Are you trying to look professional? Conservative (but not exaggerated) length, conventional styles (trunks or square-cuts), and dark, solid colors or restrained stripes are for you. Navy blue with brass-colored grommets and white rope ties are always safe.
- Do you want to look sexy? If so, you’ll need a cut that flatters your body type (see below), and a color and pattern that’s eye-catching without being ridiculous. Think stripes, plaids, bright solids, or some not-too-crazy floral patterning.
These affect cuts as well as colors and patterns: tight, form-fitting styles look sharp and practical in the longer cuts, but sexualized and only good for showing off your bod in the smaller cuts. Baggier styles look less sexualized, but can also look slumped and casual, like you don’t care about your appearance.
3. Be Honest About Your Body
It’s the 21st century — if you want to let it all hang out, you’re free to, at least as far as the local laws permit it.
That said, some realistic expectations about who wants to see your naked flesh, and how much of it, go a long way. A little self-consciousness is not a bad thing. Be honest:
- Are you a little soft around the middle? If you are, a looser cut will balance things out a bit, and you’ll absolutely want to avoid anything with a tight, strongly-elasticized waist opening that’s going to dig in to your belly.
- Are your thighs and buttocks toned? If they’re not, a tight swimming brief or thong is going to expose a lot of jiggle. Your call on whether you want to do that or not.
- Are you fit, but not interested in getting ogled? Longer, form-fitting styles like jammers or skinsuits are for you: all the streamlining and none of the naked flesh. It desexualizes things a bit.
There are no right or wrong choices here, but you should realistically expect your choices to have some effect on other people. There are going to be visual judgments on whether you look good in shorts, whether you want them or not.
Want more?
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The post The Man’s Guide to Swimwear | How To Choose A Proper Swim Suit appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: The Man’s Guide to Swimwear | How To Choose A Proper Swim Suit
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/guide-to-swimwear/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:54:09 +0000
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https://mansbrand.com/50-last-minute-holiday-mens-gift-ideas-for-2023/
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