According to Mark Twain, "Clothes do make the man; naked people have very little effect on the world." If Twain was right, and he usually was, then gentlemen better choose very carefully. This men's clothing buying guide includes some basic information to help you wade through the available options, so you'll know what will best meet your needs.
Men's clothing falls into a few basic categories: Formal wear, semi-formal, business, casual, athletic and specialty (uniforms, work clothes, sleepwear, etc.). While each type has a clear definition, the lines between them are not brick walls: Semi-formal and business are essentially the same -- business suit, dress shirts and ties. 'Business causal' -- any shirt with slacks or khaki pants; blazers and ties optional -- is becoming acceptable in most workplaces. The athletic and specialty categories are also merging: Specific sports are using more specialized clothes. Many men now wear scrubs or hoodies and sweatpants in place of pajamas.
Half a century ago, more formal wear was the rule: A tuxedo is also called a dinner jacket because gentlemen didn't go out to dinner without one. A man wore his three-piece business suit to the baseball or football stadium because it was a status symbol--wearing suits was a right to be earned, and those who did it showed off their accomplishment. Currently, casual is more often the rule, so it is that much more important to know what to wear and how to wear it.
If you don't care what people think, wear anything. If a restaurant refuses you service because you're in denim jeans, leather jackets or a pullover, you probably wouldn't enjoy eating there anyway.
If you want a career as a lawyer, banker or politician, better pick up several men's suits, some silk ties and a closet full of dress shirts. You won't get far without them.
The basic rules are simple: Dress to the event, dress to the location, follow the leader (your host, employer, etc.) It is not about 'the right' clothes, it's about courtesy and the group dynamic, both of which are important. Being properly dressed is a statement that you know what is going on, that you are part of the group, and that you want to be taken seriously (even if the group is the Association of Clowns, Jokers and Court Jesters).
There are many clothing fabric and weave options:
Cotton: A natural fiber which, overall, makes the best shirts; used for all types of men's clothing from boxer shorts to robes to cargo pants.
Denim: A heavy cotton twill, traditionally indigo blue; tee shirts, denim jackets and blue jeans are the official uniform of many Americans.
Flannel: Usually a twill weave, slightly napped on both sides; wool flannel makes an excellent business suit; cotton flannels (traditionally plaid) make good, sturdy work or casual shirts.
Gabardine: A tightly woven, nearly waterproof fabric in wool or cotton used for all types of men's clothing.
Khaki: A light shade of brown or a durable cloth of cotton twill. Originally used in uniform pants, the term is now synonymous with chino.
Leather (and suede): Animal skins treated to resist rot and shrinkage, leather jackets range from patriotic to rebellious; motorcycling without a leather vest is just wrong, and leather pants should be limited by law to rock stars under age 60.
Linen: A natural fiber from the flax plant; stronger, stiffer and more lustrous than cotton; traditional in tropical weight business suits; worn mostly by people who want a long-term relationship with an ironing board.
Microfibers: A new class of synthetics, spun thinner than silk, they approach the look and feel of natural fibers at much lower cost.
Acrylic, Nylon, Polyester, Rayon: Synthetic fibers, easier to clean, but without the durability or appearance of wool or cotton; often blended with natural fibers to take advantage of the best qualities in each.
Seersucker: A cotton fabric with crinkled stripes used occasionally in men's suits, especially if you're Andy Griffith.
Silk: The finest natural fabric -- spun on the looms of the gods, according to legend -- nothing comes close in luster, warmth, strength or durability; also most expensive and difficult to maintain; for the average person, it is best left to ties.
Spandex: A synthetic fiber most known for its elastic quality; very popular in men's fitness clothing and superhero costumes.
Tropical: A plain weave, worsted wool; sturdy but lightweight and airy, used for summer clothing; also called summer weight wool.
Twill: A fabric with diagonal parallel ribs, such as denim.
Wool: The hair of certain animals; varies in grade from good to heavenly; some wools are of such quality they are never just called wool--alpaca from the South American alpaca, angora from the Angora rabbit, camel hair (every man's wardrobe should include a camel hair jacket) from the Bactrian (two-hump) camel, cashmere from the Kashmir sheep and mohair from the Angora goat.
Worsted: A general term, any smooth surfaced, combed wool fabric spun from long staple and woven tightly with a smooth hard surface, such as gabardine.
Shirts, pants, coats, pajamas, etc., are all designed for specific uses; the best care advice is use it to its design -- wear business apparel at work, formal wear at parties, sports apparel at the game (playing -- not watching!) and casual apparel for everything else.
In general, wools should be dry cleaned and pressed; cotton and linen can be machine washed and should be ironed afterwards; synthetics are wash-n-wear; leather should be hand cleaned gently with leather cleaner or taken to a professional.
Every men's clothing description at Overstock.com includes basic care requirements, so you'll know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
How do I know it will fit?
Know your size before you make any purchases. Any good clothing store will measure you, even if you don't buy from them. Overstock's men's sizing guide will then help you determine your shirts, pants and blazer sizes, so you can buy with confidence. Since very few people are 'average,' you may need slight alterations with some pieces due to your individual body measurements. The better clothing stores all have an in-house tailor who will adjust your clothing for a small fee.
What colors go together?
That depends on taste. Black, white and gray match everything. Some men won't wear suits at all unless they are black, gray or dark blue. Some people won't wear browns and blues together. The more casual the style, the more freedom you have with colors.
What never looks good?
Clothes that don't fit--too tight or too baggy, long sleeves that don't reach the wrist, long pants that don't reach the shoes.
Colors that don't match (including some shades of the same color).
Brown dress shoes with anything except brown or khaki pants.
White socks with dress shoes.
Dress shoes, black socks and shorts (except in Bermuda).
Combovers.
If you've graduated from college, anything you wore in high school.
What about luggage?
If you are planning a trip, why not plan on new luggage as well? Overstock has a great selection, from single carry-ons for short trips to complete luggage sets for that 'round-the-world cruise plus other travel accessories. If he just got a promotion, a new business case will be a gift he will remember every single day he's at that new job.
Spend once, save much
In other words, people needlessly stress over the great fashion question: "Does it go together?" If you buy it all at the same time, the answer is, "Absolutely!" You are going to buy it anyway, might as well buy it all from Overstock.com and save more money.
Little things make a big difference
Don't forget the accessories: French-cuff dress shirts need cufflinks (available from the Overstock.com jewelry store). Almost everybody needs belts and shoes. Watches (also in the jewelry store), wallets and sunglasses make great gifts as well as great fashion statements.
Every man needs one best suit
A complete suit -- including shirt and tie -- from the men's designer department. Wear it for weddings, funerals, executive interviews, court appearances, IRS audits and other serious occasions, then get it professionally cleaned and put in a garment bag until the next event. This is the time when you get the best to look your best and don't worry about price. Of course, at Overstock.com, you never really have to worry about the price.