A good leather jacket can elevate any casual look. But when it comes to buying a leather jacket, there are a lot of styles and colors to consider.
In this article, we will lay out the benefits of a great leather jacket, along with a guide to help you figure out what kind of jacket is right for you.
You will find:
- Why A Leather Jacket?
- Elements Of A Leather Jacket
- The Classic Leather Jacket Styles
- The Motocross
- The Fatigue
- The Bomber
- The Cattleman
- The Duster
- The Bomber
Why a Leather Jacket?
Attitude
Yeah, we’ll go ahead and put this one at the top of the list. You will begin to feel this while you are buying a leather jacket, before even putting it on.
Style, funkiness, class, uniqueness, that bad boy vibe – call it what you want to, but leather has an attitude that cloth doesn’t.
The nice thing about leather is that its tough-guy appeal is timeless, not trendy. We associate leather jackets with ruggedness because people have depended on leather since the early days of humanity. It’s not a constructed image the way that ripped jeans or metal studs are.
So a leather jacket gives its wearer a sense of toughness, competence, and edginess; even when it’s a very smooth and refined jacket style. An attitude that doesn’t try too hard is tough to come by; that’s one of the best reasons to buy a leather jacket and wear one now and again.
Protection
On a much more practical note, leather is tough. Leather hide protects an animal for its whole life. Personal armor has used leather for protection for almost all of human history. That didn’t change until the advent of bullet-resistant synthetics in the 20th century.
You’re hopefully never going to need your jacket to turn a knife or protect yourself from a bear’s teeth. But the toughness that protects from those holds up just fine against lesser, day-to-day wear and tear as well. A good leather jacket made from quality hide and treated well should last through all kinds of nicks and scrapes.
The same toughness provides a good level of weather protection as well. Leather is an excellent windbreak and is naturally water-resistant; most jackets these days add waterproofing compounds during the treatment of the hide as well. A leather jacket will still be warm and dry long after wind, rain, or snow have worked their way through the same coat in wool or denim.
Durability
Not quite the same thing as protection, the durability of leather is its natural longevity. Good hide gets more supple as it ages but doesn’t crack or split. If you’re careful about treating it when it needs it, leather can last a lifetime.
It’s worth remembering that we still have leather clothes and armor worn by Roman soldiers in museums worldwide. When you are buying a leather jacket, considering the quality is imperative. If you spend money on a quality product, you can get a leather jacket that will outlive you and your children.
Elements of a Leather Jacket
We’ll get into individual styles and traditional cuts in just a minute here. But before buying a leather jacket, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the bits and pieces that make up a style so that you can understand why a simple change in the height of the collar and the angle of the pockets can make the difference between a sleek business jacket and a rugged working man’s coat.
Length
The first thing to think about is always the length from top to bottom. The longer the coat is, the more practical it is as a weatherproofing garment, which is why trench coats and dusters are deeply associated with men who work outside. Wearing one of those from your car to your office is a little pretentious.
Most leather jackets are just that – jackets, rather than coats. The bottom hem falls right around the waist. A higher snugger hem is more stylish, while a hem that falls past the belt with a bit of looseness at the hips is a more rugged and outdoorsy look.
It’s oversimplifying a bit, but as a general rule of thumb for stylish jackets, your belt should be visible when you zip your jacket up. If you’re out working with cattle or timber, something longer is fine. When you are buying a leather jacket, be sure to try them on so you can get an idea of the length.
Collars to consider when buying a leather jacket
The shape and size of the collar say a lot about a leather jacket.
Short, tight collars that don’t turn down are associated with fashion and with motorcycles and race cars. They give the sleekest and streamlined look.
A short, soft collar that can either be turned down or popped up to frame the chin is a casual style associated with military surplus and streetwear. That bit of floppiness says “rugged casual.” It’s typical on jackets with a looser cut.
Full turndown collars are typical on rancher jackets, dusters, trenchcoats, and other long leather jackets and coats. The best ones will flip up, and button closed in the rain.
They’re also a defining characteristic of bomber jackets, which are shorter but also meant to be practical, weatherproofing garments because of their aviation history.
Pockets
More pockets are more casual. More details on the pockets are also more relaxed. Logically, that means that your sharpest-looking leather jackets have smooth fronts.
Since that’s not very practical, most fashionable jackets opt for a pair of jetted pockets instead, where the opening is a small slit in the leather without a flap or button. These can be vertical or horizontal, but a vertical or sharply diagonal slit on each side for the hands is typical of jackets seeking a streamlined shape.
More casual jackets add flaps and rotate the pockets to fully horizontal openings. Dressier styles have pockets sewn onto the interior, while more casual ones will have larger “patch” pockets sewn onto the exterior so that the back of the pocket is the front of the jacket.
Anything with more than two pockets on the front is a casual jacket. Four front pockets are very standard for the fatigue style, and dusters and trench coats often have pockets above and below the waist.
Zippers and Buttons
Zippers are sleeker; buttons are chunkier. From a practical standpoint, zippers are also easier to use, while buttons are easier to repair or replace.
There are some contradicting schools of thought on whether a man should wear buttons at all. Leather jackets with big, round buttons have been a feminine style for much of the 20th century; on the other hand, men in both World Wars wore leather jackets with buttons. Many cattlemen still prefer buttons because they pop off when the jacket strains rather than breaking or tearing away from the leather-like zippers.
This shakes down to a cultural divide: sharp-looking urban jackets rarely use buttons, while rugged outdoors jackets use zippers and buttons. You can do whichever you want, but a very sleek and modern-looking jacket with buttons does run the risk of looking a little feminine.
Lapels
There’s very rarely a good reason for a man’s leather jacket to have lapels. They exist, and they appear on the runway regularly enough, but the “leather blazer” look is a tough one to pull off.
If you like the framing effect of lapels – that V-shape widening up your torso, you should look for zippered jackets with wide, soft collars instead. You can wear these half-zipped with the collar flipped out onto the shoulders like a cardigan, giving you the same effect without the awkwardness of a fully-constructed lapel.
For the diehards that must have a constructed lapel, narrow and understated is better. Big flaring lapels on a leather jacket make you look like a low-level Las Vegas mob enforcer or a 1990s superhero. If you get this feeling looking in the mirror while buying a leather jacket, others will to see it too.
Color
Most leather jackets are black or brown. Black works well if your wardrobe has lots of solids and sharp contrasts, while brown works well with a more muted wardrobe that uses many earth tones and textured fabrics.
One of the keys with leather is to match it – you shouldn’t wear a brown jacket with black shoes. If you want to be the kind of guy that wears a leather jacket every day, you’ll probably need two.
Other, brighter colors are available but less versatile. It’s hard to get away with wearing them day in and day out. Avoid racing stripes or other flashy-colored patches unless you’re wearing the jacket to motocross races.
Material to compare when buying a leather jacket
Not all leather is the same leather, or even from the same animal. Different hides with different treatments create several different surfaces for jackets:
- Cowhide is standard, though, and plain. The majority of leather jackets come from it. It’s a thicker, tougher leather that takes a while to break in. Quality can vary widely depending on the animal the leather comes from, which part of the cow the hide comes from, and how the manufacturer treated it. Look for leather that’s thick but not completely stiff on the rack.
- Deerskin is cowhide’s more refined cousin. It’s similarly tough and weatherproof but lighter and more flexible. The finished surface tends to have a softer texture with a bit of knap (fuzz) rather than a slick, sheer feel. It’s suitable for both work jackets and fashion pieces.
- Goatskin comes in and out of fashion. It’s lighter than cowhide and weathers more obviously – a goatskin jacket tends to develop a pattern of surface lines and creases over time, making each unique. It has a more visible texture than cowhide when new.
- Lambskin is soft and sometimes lined with the outer fleece for warmth (though as a practical production reality, most lambskin jackets these days are made of plain leather with fleece stitched back on, which gives you a more even lining than trying to turn a sheep inside-out). It is lighter and softer than most other leathers and is typically light, three-season jackets rather than winter or sporting wear. Lambskin jackets need to be treated a bit more gently than most leather.
- Bison leather is tough, rugged, and textured. As farmed bison become more and more common, the leather is showing up more in stores, especially in protective garments like motorcycle and motocross jackets. Its natural color is ruddy, and the skin has fine creases running throughout it.
As a general rule, cowhide will be the cheapest, but a fancy, upmarket cowhide jacket could easily cost more than a very plain, utilitarian bison jacket. Quality varies widely with all, and a poorly-tanned hide will have a fraction of the longevity of top-notch leather.
The Classic Leather Jacket Styles
Most leather jackets fall into one of a few common families. These common styles all have their niche – wearing a duster to a suit-and-tie meeting will look just as odd as wearing a Prada fatigue jacket to chop wood.
The Motocross Jacket
Sometimes called a “moto,” this tight-fitted style has a collar that hugs the neck and doesn’t turn down. The front zips up all the way, and the waist is usually elastic. Since it’s streamlined, there are usually no extra outer details like buckles or pocket flaps.
The moto family of jackets goes well beyond gear for actual motocross riders. It’s one of the most common urban styles for both men and women. It’s simple, sleek, and a bit more dressy than something with lots of bells and whistles.
The tight fit and slim lines make this a good jacket for people with a slender or athletic build. If your midsection is wider than your chest, it’s going to make a noticeable (and unattractive) bulge.
The Fatigue
A leather fatigue jacket looks pretty much like a cloth one, except in leather. It has a soft collar that can be turned down or flipped up, horizontally-opening pockets with flaps covering them, and sometimes (though not always) details like a built-in D-ring belt or epaulets. The fit tends to be looser than a moto jacket: it might cinch at the waist if there’s a belt built-in, but otherwise, it’s a straight up-and-down fit like a sack suit, with no elastic or drawstring at the waist.
Fatigue jackets are practical, utilitarian, and good with just about any day-to-day outfit. They can’t dress up quite as sleek as a moto jacket, and they don’t offer as much weather protection as a cattleman’s jacket or a duster, but they’re what most people think of when they think “leather jacket.”
Bigger men look good in a fatigue jacket. The looseness around the waist helps it drape over any thickness in the stomach, and the soft shoulders keep you from looking overstuffed.
The Bomber
For years, a favorite of vintage junkies and college kids, the bomber tends to get sneered at by high fashion types.
A bomber has a soft, turndown collar with a cloth or fleece lining. It has a lined interior, usually in a heavy, warm fabric (they were made for guys in high-altitude bombers, hence all the warming details). The waist and sleeves cinch tight, usually with elastic and cloth cuffs or with buckles.
Bombers are decidedly more casual than their moto cousins. They share the snug waist and the arm’s close fit (a bomber should never wrinkle as it drapes), but the overall style tends to be much more utilitarian, and the fit (because of the thick lining) lessens shapely.
Thin guys can add quite a bit of bulk with a bomber jacket. It has to fit well, though – a loose bomber will swallow you right up. Heavyset guys would do better in a looser style like a fatigue jacket. And as a purely practical note, they should mostly be reserved for fall and winter wear to avoid overheating, making them a bit less versatile than other styles.
The Cattleman
The classic Western-style has seen a lot of adaptation to urban wear lately. In its traditional form, it’s a long, straight jacket that flares out slightly at the hips and falls a few inches past the waist. This makes it long enough to protect the weak spot where the shirt meets the trouser from the weather but short enough to wear in the saddle without a pile of leather bunched up around your crotch and butt.
Cattleman coats rarely use any detailing around the edges. The collar is usually a short turndown that can button up against the wind, and the cuffs and waist tend to be plain stitched leather without ahem.
Slimmer versions in light leather are a spring/summer/fall staple in fashion catalogs. More traditional versions made from thick cowhide, deerskin, or bison remain on the racks anywhere that sell farm equipment side-by-side with clothing. It’s a good, simple style for people who don’t like a lot of bells and whistles and one that works well on shorter men by elongating their torso a bit.
The Duster
When you are buying a leather jacket, this one can feel a little tricky.
A duster is a full-length coat that falls below the knees. Traditionally they’re slit up the back to allow for horseback riding, and most feature an extra layer of leather draped like a cape over the shoulders and upper back/chest for rain protection. Most historic dusters were canvas or linen, but leather versions have become popular since the advent of Hollywood Westerns.
Dusters are (and should remain) the uniform of men who spend a great deal of their time in the saddle: cowboys and cross-country motorcyclists. If you’re not one of those and you’re wearing a duster, you’re either a Wild West re-enactor or embarrassing yourself.
The Trenchcoat
Like the duster, manufacturers usually made historic trench coats from waterproofed cloth rather than leather – it was lighter, more breathable, and cheaper to mass-produce for soldiers. They fall to around the knees, feature a built-in belt at the waist, and usually have a wide, soft turndown collar that can fasten against the rain.
Trench coats are a classic overcoat for men, but a leather one takes some attitude to pull off. If the rest of your wardrobe isn’t somewhat retro and dressy, your coat is likely to overwhelm the rest of your outfit and make you look like the star of a very low-budget detective thriller. Unless you’re very devoted to the shiny, buckle-laden look (which can come across as a bit bondage in black), you should probably pick a shorter jacket for your leather one and go for a cloth trench coat instead.
The post Man’s Guide to Leather Jackets appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
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By: Antonio
Title: Man’s Guide to Leather Jackets
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/all-about-leather-jackets/
Published Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:47:00 +0000
Finish school.
Get a college degree.
Guaranteed success?
Not quite.
Attending college has become the socially demanded path.
Getting a college degree has become a goal in the chase to achieve happiness.
The only problem with the ‘college = success’ equation is that an academic education is not the answer for everyone.
The value of having a degree is decreasing.
Is it something everyone needs to have?
Yes, if you are an aspiring doctor, lawyer or architect.
But not all jobs require you to show a piece of paper that you are competent in your skills.
The numbers show that nearly 50% of students who start a bachelor’s degree never finish. And the average student loan debt for students in America is $30,000.
As parents, is it right to push your kids down that path? For most people, is that kind of debt necessary to give their children a chance at the good life?
If you opt out of a college education, what are the alternatives?
Read below for some suggestions and the 5 reasons why I think college is overrated for many people.
#1 College Doesn’t Teach You HOW To Think
Hundreds of students reading the same book and being taught the same information by a lecturer who probably never worked in the industry. That is the average scenario in a college.
A classroom full of students who are guided to regurgitate information back to the professor.
Although some colleges are exceptions to the rule, we are on the whole caught up in an education system that does not foster critical thinking.
The academic setting trains students to succeed in specific and controlled settings in an artificial environment.
At college, you will get to meet people with different opinions and lifestyles who will challenge your thinking in new ways. But it is not necessary to attend college to find yourself in such an environment. You’re likely to meet people in your neighborhood who can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking.
Lifelong learners constantly improve themselves – that’s what’s going to determine success.
Colleges can be theoretical and not in touch with reality. In a world that is in constant flux, colleges are not changing fast enough. For many decades, too many Americans have bought into the idea that every person needs to get at least a bachelor’s degree.
Times have changed.
What matters more is having the skills to do the job, not a certificate that shows you’ve spent 4 years studying a topic.
A bachelor’s degree can still be a good investment, but it is possible to succeed in America without going to college for several years.
#2 Student Loans & Opportunity Cost Outweigh Benefits
Every year, millions of young people around the world ask themselves, “Which college and degree are right for me to launch a successful career?” Often the choice is guided by where the student will have the best campus life experience.
The question is not whether attending a university is a positive experience for most.
It’s whether the experience is worth the opportunity cost?
In Europe, some countries offer free education. But is it free? What about taxes paid by citizens? The money for your education has to come from somewhere.
An American studying in Europe is still paying the opportunity cost in the time it takes to complete a degree.
Instead, you may want to look at other opportunities – internships, trade, travel, opportunities that could earn you money while you discover what you are truly passionate about.
Additionally, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – more than 50% of American students have $30,000 of debt when they graduate.
College degrees are becoming more expensive each year. You must effectively mortgage your life to pay the price of a certificate. The return on investment for these college degrees is often much below the burden of debt acquired.
Sadly nowadays not everyone can afford to go to college. And those who are able to afford a bachelor’s degree carry the hopeful ambition that they are going to make a lot of money once they graduate. Some degrees pay for themselves but most won’t.
No surprise then that Barack Obama hinted that ‘folks can make a lot more by learning a trade than they might with an art history degree.‘
Not everyone with a college degree is going to make lots of money. How are you going to pay back those loans? It could follow you around for the rest of your lives.
#3 Information & Education Is Relatively Inexpensive
Education is crucial, college is not.
Matt Damon’s character, Will Hunting (from the movie Good Will Hunting) was spot on with this quote, “You wasted $150,000 on an education you could have got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library.”
Information itself is inexpensive and easily accessible. Why not try checking out one of the books every man should read?
Online sources offer University classes for free and your local library is a treasure trove of information. If the only way you’re going to learn is by going to University, maybe that’s the best route for you.
Otherwise, consider alternatives to education. One of the sources that I use to consume information regularly is Audible.
You can carry your book with you anywhere, listen to it on your daily commute and be more productive as you listen to well-narrated stories as you go about your chores. I’ve downloaded over 200 of their audiobooks and have the app on my phone.
#4 There Are No Guarantees (Besides A Bill)
The problem is that people attend college with the mentality that they are going to find a dream job and make a lot of money once they graduate.
People need to understand that just because someone attends college that does not guarantee anything for them, except being in debt for a long time.
A college degree won’t guarantee you a high-paying job. It won’t even make you a skilled leader with a shot at the corner office.
Developing skills such as leadership, decision making, people and resource management takes real practice and experience. These are skills which cannot be acquired in the classroom.
Don’t fall for the implied guarantee that a college degree is your ticket to lasting success.
If you put the same amount of time and energy you’d spend completing a college degree into trying out internships and exploring options for apprenticeships, or even joining the military, you might do just as well – if not better.
You need to make the right decision for you.
#5 You Won’t Find Your Purpose There
The phrase, “finding yourself,” is commonly used by college students. Studying at a well-recognized university has somehow become a rite of passage for teens to pass into adulthood and a successful career.
Young people often choose college as an involuntary option after school because they haven’t decided yet what to do with their lives. A 4-year degree buys them time to make that decision.
Colleges sell themselves as places a person can find themselves.
That’s not always true.
A college campus is a protected world. It’s not the real world.
The mentality people should have when thinking about going to college is that they are going to keep expanding their knowledge on something they love, and will use that skill to solve real-world problems.
If you want to be a primary school English teacher, don’t expect a degree in education to prepare you for a room full of screaming kids. You might even find yourself hating the profession of teaching.
Just the same as you find a style that suits you through trying on different clothes, a man finds himself by doing things. By developing skills. By testing out ideas and projects in the real world.
The easiest way to find out what you are worth is to put yourself in challenging situations. Get a job. Volunteer with an organization to develop skills. Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside
Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside of college. And then consider a university degree, if essential, after establishing your true passions in the workplace.
College is the perfect choice for many people, especially with a full-ride scholarship. As a student at Cornell College for my Bachelor’s and at the University of Texas for my MBA, I can attest to the positive attributes of a college degree. The social and professional network is valuable
But I have also arrived at the conclusion that self-education is the best kind of education.
FAQs: Why a College Degree Doesn't Guarantee Success
Does having a college degree guarantee success?
No, having a college degree does not guarantee success.
While a degree can provide valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials, success is influenced by various factors such as individual abilities, motivation, personal circumstances, and career choices.
What are some reasons why a college degree may not lead to success?
Lack of Practical Skills: College education often focuses on theoretical knowledge, and graduates may lack practical skills required in the workforce. Real-world experience and specialized training may be necessary for certain careers.
Changing Job Market: The job market is dynamic and constantly evolving. A degree that was highly valued in the past may not hold the same weight in the present or future. Industries and skill requirements can change rapidly, making it essential to adapt and acquire additional skills beyond a degree.
Job Market Saturation: Some fields may experience an oversupply of graduates, resulting in intense competition for limited job opportunities. A degree alone may not be sufficient to stand out from the crowd, and individuals may need to differentiate themselves through internships, networking, or additional qualifications.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits: Success is not limited to traditional employment. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders have achieved significant success without a college degree. Starting a business or pursuing self-employment requires a different set of skills and qualities that may not be directly related to a degree.
Networking and Soft Skills: Success often depends on strong interpersonal skills, networking abilities, and emotional intelligence. These skills are not always taught directly in college, and individuals who excel in these areas may find success even without a degree.
Are there successful people who do not have a college degree?
Yes, numerous successful individuals have achieved great accomplishments without a college degree.
Examples include entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple), Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook), and Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Group).
These individuals demonstrate that success is not solely dependent on formal education.
Is a college degree still important in today's job market?
While a college degree continues to hold value in many industries, its importance may vary depending on the field and specific job requirements.
Some professions, such as medicine or law, require specialized degrees.
However, an increasing number of employers are emphasizing skills, experience, and practical knowledge over formal education. It’s important to consider the specific industry, job market trends, and individual career goals when evaluating the importance of a degree.
Does this mean I should not pursue a college degree?
The decision to pursue a college degree should be based on various factors, including personal interests, career goals, and the specific requirements of the desired profession.
While a degree may not guarantee success, it can still provide valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a foundation for certain careers.
What other factors contribute to success besides a college degree?
Continuous Learning: A commitment to lifelong learning and acquiring new skills can contribute to personal and professional growth.
Work Ethic and Persistence: Success often requires hard work, dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Networking and Relationship Building: Building a strong professional network and cultivating positive relationships can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.
Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions, communicate effectively, and work well with others can greatly impact success in various fields.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable to change, embracing new technologies, and staying current with industry trends can contribute to long-term success.
Click below to watch – 5 Reasons Why College Degree Does Not Equal Success
The post 5 Reasons College Does NOT Equal Success appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
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By: Antonio Centeno
Title: 5 Reasons College Does NOT Equal Success
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/college-degree-necessary/
Published Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:26:43 +0000
Good things come to those who wait.
You’ve waited; now let the good things roll.
Let’s be clear up front: the clothes you’re buying when you turn 60 aren’t going to define your style for the rest of your life. That could be thirty-plus years – imagine writing an article for a man of 30 and expecting him to follow that plan until retirement!
So we’re going into this with the understanding that “sixty-plus” is a big age range. Your style will grow and evolve during that time the same as it has every other month, year, and decade of your life.
But sixty is a good benchmark for the time when a man can start really shifting from the fashion of middle age to the fashion of the elder gentleman.
This is not a bad thing. Some of fashion’s greatest icons have been silverbacks. They just got better as they aged. Both money and taste tend to accumulate over time, and the results make for a whole different school of fashion from the younger generations’.
Casual Style in Your 60s: Needs and Wants
If you’re fortunate enough to have retired by your 60s, your whole wardrobe is effectively “casual” clothes – you’re just dressing for yourself, now, with no professional needs to meet.
Resist the temptation to slide promptly downward until you hit the “sweatpants and hoodie” stage of things. That’s not doing anyone any favors.
A man of any age should take just as much care with his casual clothes as he did with his work wardrobe, if not more. What you wear when you’re on your own time says the most about you as a person – it’s your own taste, opinions, and attitude, on display before you ever open your mouth.
Men in their 60s and older have the ability to make a statement with the weight of years behind it. Use that to your advantage, and dress to meet the needs and wants of an elder gentleman:
Fit is King
Every man needs a great fit. By your sixties you should not only know the importance of a good tailor, you should have one – or several – of your own, experienced men with your measurements on hand and a good understanding of your preferences.
Obviously, not everyone’s fortunate enough to have a good relationship with a good tailor, but do your best to cultivate them in your general geographic area. And if you find someone that does a good job, keep him in business!
A lot of the best tailors are also gentlemen of advancing age, and you never know when they’re going to decide it’s time to hang up the shears…
Fundamentally, the function of a tailored fit is to make your body look good. Keeping your adjustments up to date can be important if your body is changing in weight or proportion, which isn’t unusual in older men. Stay on top of your sizes – if something’s starting to pinch or to sag, get it in to the tailor.
It’s good advice for any man. But it can matter a lot for older men. There’s some deep cultural conditioning that thinks of an old man in an ill-fitting suit as “sad,” “poor,” “lonely,” and lots of other negative things that probably aren’t true. It’s just the impression that’s out there.
Stay on top of your tailoring needs, and dodge it.
Gravitas
Younger men project authority with aggressive cuts and bold color contrasts. At your age, that’s a losing game. Impress people with the weight of your years rather than the force of your personality – dress like the elder statesman, not the young gun.
That means, for the most part, somber colors and conservative cuts. Top-notch fabrics also go a long way here; an older man in a thick, rich wool coat can intimidate the hell out of a younger man in a cheaper, thinner jacket.
Cultivate a little aloofness. Not a lot – just a little. Dress to remind people that you’ve been around and seen a few things. Your fabrics should be luxurious, your colors varied but restrained, and your style full of classic elements.
It’s also not a bad idea to indulge in a few of the accents of the “elder statesman.” Wear a good felt hat in a classic style like a porkpie or homburg. Carry an elegant cane, even if you don’t strictly need it. Always have a neatly-folded pocket square in your outer breast pocket, and a clean handkerchief in an inner pocket – and know to use the latter for utilitarian needs like wiping your eyes and nose, not the former.
In short, carry yourself like a gentleman of some stature.
Capability
Our culture is not always generous to its elders.
Be aware that, as your hair silvers (or vanishes), and especially once your body starts moving more stiffly, people are going to start treating you a little more dismissively or condescendingly.
It’s obnoxious, but it’s something that realists should plan for. Just as the younger man needs to dress a little sharper and a little more aggressively in his business attire if he wants to be taken seriously at a firm filled with middle-aged men, the older man in his retirement needs to still dress like someone with places to go and people to see.
Maintaining high dress standards keeps off both the obnoxiously sympathetic (“help you across the street” types) and the dismissive (negligent waiters, counter staff, and so on).
That doesn’t mean business dress, though there’s no harm (and sometimes quite a bit of fun) in slipping on your most imposing dark suit and a necktie for a walk around town or some afternoon errands. It does, however, mean making sure that everything you wear is well put-together, with a style that’s deliberate and adds up to a clearly-structured “outfit” rather than just some random clothes thrown together.
The better your fit and the finer the garments themselves, of course, the more authority it’ll lend you (thus our points #1 and #2 here). Put it together with some deliberate care and you’ll avoid much of the hassle of dealing with people half your age – who can, let’s face it, be jerks sometimes.
Casual Looks for Your 60s and Older
So what looks good on an older gentleman?
Comfortable, well-fitted clothes, same as on any other man. Classic styles are going to work better than fashion-forward runway experiments, of course – they look “timeless,” which is a really great word to have associated with you as you get older.
But the formality can range from a full suit on down to jeans and a T-shirt (just make it really well-fitted jeans and a T-shirt, and maybe only if you’re still in pretty good shape).
You should have a pretty extensive wardrobe to work with, if you’ve been good about adding quality pieces in your 40s and 50s. Get things to your tailor for adjustment as often as you need, and keep on adding new pieces, with an eye toward quality purchases — don’t be afraid to spend on the best stuff, when you find it.
“They’ll fight over it when you’re dead,” the slogan of the Saddleback Leather Company, is a great quality to look for in your clothing purchases at this age. With that in mind, here’s a few looks that should keep your friends and offspring good and jealous:
The Casual, Double-Breasted Jacket
A combination of phrases you won’t see often before you turn sixty: “casual” and “double-breasted.”
Most men think of the double-breasted jacket as stodgier and more formal than its single-breasted cousin. They’re partway right — but only partway.
An older gentleman has the inherent dignity it takes to wear a double-breasted jacket well. Buck the business-dress standard by getting it in a color or pattern that wouldn’t work in a boardroom: forest green, chocolate brown; heather gray. Throw in some pinstripes if you feel like it. Jazz it up until no one can mistake it for anything but casual, purely-for-pleasure wear.
This works with both matched suits and blazers. Double-breasted blazers, you say disbelievingly? Yes. They exist, and they don’t have to be restricted to navy blue with brass buttons. Try one on in a rich, dark color, or even a plaid.
You’ll be the only one in the room wearing anything like it, and that’s a good thing.
The Southern Gentleman
Borrow a bit of timeless elegance from America’s tradition-soaked South for the hotter months: white trousers, striped seersucker jackets and suits, straw hats, and of course the red-soled white buck shoe.
There are hundreds of variations on the basic idea. Pick the one you like. It’s the most respectable solution to heat and humidity: light-colored, lightweight cotton and linen. You’ll still have your jacket on when everyone else is rolling up their shirtsleeves, and you’ll feel just fine.
This look requires some investment in quality — you can’t get away with anything but a 100% cotton shirt, for example, and it needs to be a light, breathable weave, too, preferably made from long-staple cottons like the Egyptian, Sea Island, or Pima varieties.
Play around with colorful accents in your light-colored ensemble to complete the look. A bright red pocket square puffing insouciantly up from a white or white-and-blue-stripe blazer grabs the attention – politely, of course. This is a Southern style.
Soft Tweed
The hallmark of Oxford professors and British country gentlemen for generations, tweed is fuzzy, wooly stuff. It often blends different colors of threads, making a subtle pattern in addition to the visible texture of the cloth.
Own a couple pieces in tweed. Jackets, trousers, matched suits, overcoats – it’s a gentleman’s three-season leisure fabric.
Older gentlemen look particularly good in relatively high-fronted jackets with plenty of pockets, usually flap pockets. Any sort of gray or earth tone works well. Check and plaid patterns are relatively common. There’s really no limit to the styles you can find, so browse until you find one that you like.
Pair a tweedy outfit with relaxed leather shoes like brogues or monkstraps, or with a pair of dress boots for a subtle equestrian flavor. A tweed jacket can take a dress shirt and tie or a soft rollneck shirt — your call. You can even slip an unmatched vest underneath for a very country esquire feel.
3 Wardrobe Pieces Every Man Older than 60 Should Own
The Perfect Overcoat
A full or three-quarter length wool overcoat is the senior gentleman’s best friend. It’s well worth having one custom-made to get the perfect fit in the shoulders — with a straight coat, everything else follows from that, though some men like a bit of taper at the waist or flare at the hem.
You shouldn’t restrict yourself to just one. A plain, dark gray or navy blue overcoat is a good starting place, but men in their sixties (and up) can get a lot of mileage out of a camelhair or olive overcoat as well.
The key is to get good, sober coats in rich wool. Stay away from baggy trenchcoats with lots of buckles and flaps, and from plastic-like synthetics. If you want a casual style, a duffel coat or a shorter coat like a blouson works well.
His Own Tuxedo
By his sixties, a man can reasonably expect to be attending at least a few black tie events here and there. There will be weddings, charity or corporate events, award ceremonies, and perhaps even the occasional New Year’s Eve ball or the like.
At some point it becomes more cost-effective to have a proper tuxedo made to measure (or completely bespoke) rather than renting each time. You also end up with a much higher quality of garment, and an unmatched fit, which helps you shine in comparison to guests still stuck in rentals.
Stick to the basics here and have a classic black tie dinner suit made: tuxedo jacket with either peak or shawl lapels, plain-front trousers with the proper braiding, white formal shirt, and all the necessary accents (black bow tie, shirt studs and cufflinks, dress pumps or highly-polished black oxfords, and so on).
If you find yourself going on cruises or otherwise ending up at white tie, rather than black tie, events, invest in the necessary shirt, tie, and tailcoat, but those are much less common than black tie events.
It’s one of those investments that only gets used a handful of times – but that earns its worth after just one or two uses.
A Few Good Waistcoats
Waistcoats are another of those looks that seems made for the dignity of an older man. Of course, one of their initial functions was covering the paunch of men who’d let themselves slip a bit, but you don’t have to be expanding at the waistline to benefit from the nappy look.
The easiest way to acquire good waistcoats is to have three-piece suits made for yourself. In casual colors and patterns, that gets you not only a few “social” suits, it also gives you vests that can be worn with unmatched jackets or trousers for a more contrasting look.
It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of swapping vests – it’s possible to make some unsightly combinations if you get too many patterns and colors going on — but once you get it down you’ll have access to a look that most men never touch.
It is also possible to buy waistcoats that are not part of a suit, and in many cases these are flashier, with elaborate “wallpapering” patterns or high-sheen facings. Don’t shy away from these if you like them, just wear them judiciously, and only with sober, rich jackets and trousers that can balance them out.
Looks for the Man Over 60 to Absolutely Avoid
You’re old enough now that you don’t need anyone telling you what you can and can’t wear – but we’re going to anyway, just for one or two of the most egregious looks that should never, ever appear on a man older than sixty. If you’re thinking that you’re the exception to one of these rules, you probably aren’t. Or maybe you’re just an unrecognized fashion genius. You decide.
- Logo T-shirts. If you’re washing the car or something, fine. Otherwise, no logo T-shirts. No band names, no corporate brands, nothing. Leave the T-shirts to younger men in general, and if you have to wear one, keep it close-fitted, dark, and one solid color. One possible exception? If you have a super-rare, super awesome vintage shirt from at least thirty years ago – something from a The Who concert or whatever — and you want to make younger men jealous. Age has its perks.
- Novelty neckties. At this age your ties should be elegant, silk, and expensive. If it has Mickey Mouse or Star Wars on it, you’re doing something wrong.
- Hawaiian and camouflage prints. Like the neckties, you’re past the age where novelty prints really work for you. Will you still see old retired guys on the beach in tacky Hawaiian shirts? Absolutely. Should you be those guys? Probably not.
You’ll also want to steer clear of all the usual badly-dressed suspects, especially athletic gear (including sneakers) and absolutely anything with an elasticized waist. Wear them at the gym and nowhere else.
A final concern that older men do sometimes run into: what about clothing necessitated by a medical condition? That is to say, if your hands aren’t working too well anymore and you can’t do up buttons, can you switch to velcro pants, and so on?
The simple answer is “yes.” You do what you gotta do, right? Age and ill health hit us all differently, and at different times. We make the best of it. If you need chunky orthopedic shoes, or a cane, or an extra-long jacket to drape over a curved spine, you get those things and you wear them, and you don’t take any crap from anyone about them either.
It may be worth building a relationship with a tailor. Work with them to keep any medically necessitated alterations discreet — there are some tailors doing fantastic work for people with partial paralysis, motor problems, and similar conditions, and a lot of their stuff is hard to tell from “normal” menswear until you get right up close and notice that there’s no buttons or zippers. If you could benefit from that sort of tailoring, and you can find someone who specializes in it, it’s a great way to stay looking sharp.
But if you can’t, stock your wardrobe well anyway, and wear your nice clothes with whatever small nods to necessity you have to. That’s life. You still look good. Don’t sweat it.
Want more? Check out how you can avoid making the biggest style mistakes guys experience as they get older.
Discover How The Right Image Helps You Make More Money, Attract Women, & Command Respect
Learn the secrets of style in a structured environment leveraging my proven step-by-step master programs.
The post How A Man Should Dress In His 60s | Casual Looks appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: How A Man Should Dress In His 60s | Casual Looks
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/man-over-60/
Published Date: Wed, 31 May 2023 14:09:48 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/how-to-look-hot-as-a-guy-in-10-easy-steps/
I bet you ask yourself one of these questions…
How do I approach her?
How can I look hotter than the other guy?
If you don’t have the confidence, then it’s a tough spot to be in.
But it’s not a one-and-done deal. You can learn, you can evolve, you can transform.
In this article, I’m going to teach you how to look hot by leveraging the power of style.
The best part? We’re going to cover the smallest, smartest changes that make huge differences.
Read on, gents.
Contents
- Dress in the right colors
- The right fragrance
- Wear more leather
- Read in public
- Wear more red
- Ditch the sneakers for boots
- Don’t shave for a while
- Embrace your chest hair
- Use rimless glasses
- The power of suspenders
1. Dress In The RIGHT Colors
You probably know that certain colors suit you better.
However, I’m willing to bet you play a guessing game to find it. There’s a method to this. Look at your skin tone and hair color – how much contrast is there? Use this as a base.
Why? Doing this draws more attention to your face and brightens it. Let’s break it down.
If you have dark hair and light skin, then bold colors should be your go-to; Navy, Maroon, and Teal are solid options. Make sure your layers contrast as well.
Tan men with dark hair are medium contrast. They should rely on muted colors and layers with fewer differences between them. Olive green, Navy Stroke, and Dark gray make great additions.
What about blonde gentlemen? Low contrast – stick with pastels and experiment with Baby Blue and Pink.
Black men are an exception to the rule. They should follow the same guidelines as high contrast gentlemen – meaning bold, alternating colors like Purple and Turquoise.
2. The RIGHT Fragrance
How to look hot may not have anything to do with looks, but with scent.
The right men’s cologne can make a huge difference in your sex appeal.
Evidence for this comes from a 2011 book called Neurobiology of Sensation and Reward.
It analyzed two major surveys that discovered a man’s scent to be extremely influential on a woman’s choice. The study itself claimed that men can seduce women on the basis of smell alone – but it has to be the right one for the lady.
A second study conducted in Nara, Japan examined how different smells affect men and women. When ladies smelled scents typically associated with masculinity – scents like wood, musk, etc.
Their testosterone levels rose considerably, increasing the likelihood of sexual aggression.
Do not underestimate the power of a signature scent.
3. Wear More Leather
When it comes to how to look hot, you need the single most masculine material out there – leather.
Humans have been seeking leather for as long as we could hunt. Leather served to shelter us, protect us in battle, and enhance our style.
When we think of the bad boy, we picture him wearing a well-fitted leather jacket. When we ponder on the businessman, he is always carrying a sleek leather bag.
Leather is engrained in our psyche. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to look better is to introduce leather to your wardrobe – be it a stylish belt, jacket, or bag.
4. Read In Public
There’s a whole Instagram page dedicated to hot men with books. Yeah, it’s attractive.
We have hard data to draw upon as well. In 2007, eHarmony conducted a survey – men who list reading as a hobby receive 19% more messages than men who don’t.
The RIGHT BOOK factors in as well. Sorry gents, but Harry Potter won’t cut it.
Dark classics like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and 1984 received 21% and 36% additional messages respectively.
Pick up a timeless novel and read it where they can see you!
5. Wear More Red
It turns out that both men and women adore the color red – for different reasons.
A 2010 study out of the Journal of Experimental Psychology found this out quickly. Women tend to be more attracted to status than we are.
Across 7 experiments, women found guys in red clothing to convey higher status, thus being sexier.
Does this mean throwing on a red suit? No. However, feel free to experiment with red accents in your wardrobe. Throw on a tie or a boutonniere. Use red dress socks. Accessories form a safe base to experiment with.
Wondering how to look hot? Embrace the crimson.
6. Ditch The Sneaker, Use Dress Boots
we’re back at it with the leather. Boots have always conveyed authority. Thanks to modern men’s style, you can upgrade ANY look with them.
Let’s default to science once more. GQ Magazine did a survey back in 2007, asking women what they looked for in a man with style.
76% of women said they wanted to see boots on a first date. That’s a considerable number.
The best part is the variety. There are sure to be some boots out there that resonate with you.
You just have to find them.
7. Don’t Shave For A Few Days
…Or ever.
There have been numerous studies conducted that prove one thing: The easiest way to look hot is not to shave.
Women love groomed facial hair. Be careful with the style you go with, though. A 2016 study interviewed over 8,500 women – the consensus? Men with stubble are great for one-night stands, while full beards are suitable for long-term relationships.
Go with what you like, just bear this in mind!
8. Don’t Shave Body Hair Either
Wondering how to look hot? You might want to put the trimmer down for a while.
A 2016 survey from The Archives of Sexual behavior surveyed women’s preferences. It turns out that moderate amounts of body hair are universally loved.
Some chest hair is sexy, but no one likes an unkempt man.
There is a caveat: Men with TOO MUCH chest hair were deemed unattractive. What really drew the ladies was mild concentrations around the pectorals and sternum.
Trim it down, but don’t shave it off.
9. Use Rimless Glasses
A lot of guys need glasses to see – that’s a given. However, you can easily turn this into a stylish accessory.
There are tons of styles out there, but what’s the safe option? Is there a particular style people find attractive?
Simple, rimless glasses are the way to go. Not only do they blend seamlessly with most clothing, but you’ll be perceived differently.
The Swiss Journal of Psychology found something cool: The traits most often associated with rimless glasses are trustworthiness. They also have no negative impact on attraction levels.
10. The Power of Suspenders
Suspenders yield loads of benefits.
They adjust posture by adding some pressure to your back and shoulders. They fix your circulation by negating the tightness of a belt.
Suspenders also add verticality to your overall look – meaning you look taller. Height, unfortunately, is something women look for in men.
You can’t control how tall you are, but you can control how tall you look. Suspenders – and any vertical pattern – adds to the illusion.
While you’re at it, make sure to have your most eye-catching accessories on the upper body. Go for a monochromatic look – meaning all the colors on your outfit are mostly the same.
Summary – Clever Ways To Look Hot
Looking handsome isn’t always about genes, it’s about smarts.
Remember that your style is your weapon, your closet is your arsenal.
By adding the right touches in the right places, you can substantially improve your sex appeal.
Got it? Good, get out there gents.
FAQs
What does hot mean for a guy?
When someone says a guy “looks hot,” it typically means they find him physically attractive or appealing. This can be based on his physical appearance, style, confidence, charisma, or even the way he carries himself. It’s important to note that attractiveness can be quite subjective and vary significantly based on individual preferences and cultural norms.
For example, some people might find a fit, muscular physique “hot,” while others might prefer a leaner, more slender body type. Similarly, some might be attracted to a clean-cut, well-groomed look, while others might find a rugged, more casual style more appealing.
What is the difference between hot, cute, and sexy guys?
The terms “hot,” “cute,” and “sexy” are often used to describe physical attractiveness, but they can convey different nuances. Keep in mind these definitions can vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural influences.
1. Hot Men: When someone is described as “hot,” it typically refers to a physically attractive, often fit and masculine appearance. It may imply a certain level of intensity or passion. A “hot” man might be considered traditionally handsome, with strong features, and often exudes confidence.
2. Cute Men: The term “cute” usually suggests a softer, more youthful, or boyish attractiveness. It often refers to someone who has a charming or endearing quality, perhaps combined with physical attractiveness. It can also imply innocence or approachability. “Cute” might be used to describe a man with softer features, a friendly demeanor, or someone who is charming in a non-intimidating way.
3. Sexy Men: “Sexy” is often associated with a sensual or sexual appeal. This can involve physical attractiveness, but also factors like charisma, mystery, or a certain ‘spark’. A “sexy” man might be someone who is confident, intriguing, and carries an air of allure or magnetism.
Click below to watch the video – 10 Clever Ways To INSTANTLY Look More Attractive (Handsome Man Hacks!)
The post How To Look Hot As A Guy In 10 Easy Steps appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: How To Look Hot As A Guy In 10 Easy Steps
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-look-hot-men/
Published Date: Thu, 25 May 2023 17:11:01 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/styles-of-ray-ban-sunglasses-a-mans-guide-to-the-best-frames-2/
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