Common menswear mistakes
Menswear is a delightful journey of self-expression, but it's easy to encounter a few common pitfalls along the way. We know that navigating this labyrinth can feel a bit overwhelming, so we’ve put together a list of frequent mistakes to help guide you. Let’s take a moment to explore some key menswear mistakes to avoid, ensuring you always look and feel your best.
Fit
We want to accentuate our figure but that doesn’t mean we need to wear skin-hugging clothing, which can feel uncomfortable for both you and others who are looking at you. A contemporary look can be sleek without being too tight. Instead, aim for a balanced fit that enhances your silhouette while gently camouflaging any areas you're not as confident about. Avoid overly baggy garments as well, as they can create an unpolished look.
You are not a color palette
Be careful as it might be seizure inducing. Source
We all go through a phase of experimenting with bold choices to express our individuality, which is valuable for discovering our style. Once you discover which colors suit you best, use them to enhance your core color palette rather than clashing all the bold colors together. Bold colors and patterns can make great statement pieces but too many at once can create a confusing visual effect. For instance, yellow jeans, a blue shirt, a red hat, and white shoes can be pretty overwhelming. Instead, stick to 2-3 colors to ensure your outfit feels harmonious.
Many cooks spoil the broth
Accessories can truly enhance your look, but it's all about finding the right balance. Too many can feel excessive, while too few might leave you looking a bit plain. Ideally, your accessories should complement your outfit rather than overshadowing your overall look.
Less is more
At The Feather House, we recommend keeping accessories to about 20% of your outfit, around 2-3 thoughtfully selected pieces. Attention to detail is crucial for accessories. Carefully chosen pieces make a stronger impression, so focus on selecting key accessories that truly resonate with you. If you love cufflinks with your dress shirts, skip the lapel pin. If watches are your passion, consider forgoing bracelets. Find what works for you and let your accessories shine in harmony!
Brands and trends
Garments are a medium to express your individuality and not act as a billboard for brands. When we prioritize brand prestige, we can miss out on showcasing our true selves, as we end up conforming to others' expectations. Relying on brands for status often leads to a wardrobe full of mismatched trends that quickly loses its appeal.
Instead, focus on classic styles that you truly enjoy wearing and invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Take some time to reflect on your personal style as understanding what you truly enjoy will make choosing the right pieces much easier. Wearing well-chosen items empowers you as you picked each piece based on your preference rather than sway according to the trend. Embrace your unique flair and let it shine!
Length of pants
Longer legs can make you appear taller by contributing to a more balanced and proportionate silhouette. Wearing trousers too low can shorten your appearance and affect your proportions. At The Feather House, we suggest a classic 40/60 ratio to help visually lengthen your legs.
Ideally, your dress pants should cover about 55% of your height when wearing shoes, which means wearing it high-waisted so that it sits just above your hipbones. This not only enhances your proportions but also prevent your pants from slipping down throughout the day. While this rule works for most, everyone's body is different, so consulting a skilled tailor can be a great idea to find out where you should wear your trousers.
For the hem of your trousers, wearing it with no breaks is the highest you can go to ensure a smooth transition to your shoes. Avoid a negative break, as the significant skin exposure disrupts the flow between the trousers and the shoes, thereby affecting the proportions. Learn more about what a good pair of pants should be like here.
Importance of shoes
One common mistake many men make is choosing the wrong color shoes to go with their pants. It’s important to pick shoes that complement your trousers for a harmonious look. While there are countless colors out there, let’s focus on three basic ones.
Black is a formal choice, typically reserved for special occasions like black-tie events and funerals. In these cases, the aim is to show respect for the occasion and not to make a statement, so it’s best to match black pants with black shoes. For darker trousers, you might also consider black shoes or a deep shade of brown, like mocha.
When you’re wearing lighter summer pants, a lighter shade of brown pairs nicely. This is just a general guideline, so feel free to explore unique colors like oxblood, olive, or sand to add some flair to your wardrobe.
And remember, keeping your shoes clean and well-brushed is essential! Scuffed shoes can really detract from an otherwise sharp outfit.
Be a true gentlemen
Following these recommendations can certainly help you make a wonderful first impression, but it's also important to remember that people notice your manners and character. How we treat frontline workers and those in need reveals a lot about who we are. More than just how others see us, it’s about becoming someone with an attractive character. An uncultured man wearing a million-dollar suit certainly wouldn't be attractive. Regardless of what we are wearing today, be mindful of how we treat others with respect and sincerity.
Manners maketh man - William Horman Source
We hope that you embrace your individuality and have fun with your choices. Each piece you wear reveals something about you, so take the time to find what truly resonates with you. While looking great is important, the way you treat others is just as significant. Let your kindness and character shine through, complementing your personal style. Hope this helps!
Cheers~
The Feather House