Life gets hectic sometime and you can’t always go into Ted’s or hit a local Tailor shop to get your measurements. Here is a how to guide to take your measurements from any location and on any device.
Tools: Measurement Tape
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Leather vs. Rubber Soles
Q: Leather vs. rubber soles? A: It depends! Unfortunately there is no hard and fast answer to this question, unless you’re talking about formalwear, in which case the answer is always leather. In most other situations, there is a time and a place for both. While leather is more high quality, breathable, molds to the feet, can be re-soled, and has a lower profile, it is more fragile, can be destroyed by the elements, and is more slippery. Rubber offers better slip prevention and traction, is less expensive, and weather-proof, however it is also more clunky looking. Our best advice is to choose a shoe that is appropriate for the season and occasion and to own a variety of both kinds of soles. You certainly do not want to be trudging through a snowstorm in your beautiful Italian leather shoes! If you’re looking for a mix of materials, Allen Edmonds a variety of soles and even features combination soles which give you the best of both worlds. Come in to Ted’s to check out our variety!
Learn moreBlack Tie Optional
Most of the time, men’s formal dressing seems fairly straight forward in comparison to women’s. However, there are a few instances when an invitation’s dress code might throw a wrench in your event-focused fashion plans – “Black Tie Optional,” we’re looking at you. If you’ve received an invitation with this proclamation, there is no need to panic. The rules here are actually quite simple. Embrace your current wardrobe status and fashion preferences, while considering your affiliation with the event itself. If this is an event where you are included in a wedding party, a co-host of a charity, or looking to make an impression, it might be wise to don a tux. (Check back in for more information on renting vs buying a tux in the coming weeks!) However, if you are just a regular guest, we believe that when you are given an option, you should feel free to take it. Consider it an olive branch, now you can flex your decision making muscle as you won’t have to invest in (or rent) a tux. If you choose to skip the pomp and circumstance, keep it traditional by dressing in a formal, dark suit (black, dark gray, or navy are really the only colors you should consider for this dress code) paired with a white dress shirt, sophisticated tie, and appropriate dress shoes to complete the look.
Learn moreAll About the Break
Shopping for a new suit (or even jeans or chinos)? You might want to consider what type of break fits the style you’re going for as well as your body type. If you don’t know what a break is, no worries; we’re here to explain! The break is defined as the fold/creasing of the fabric above the bottom front of the pant leg where it hits your shoe. The more it hits your shoe (the longer the pant leg is) the more of a break there is, and the less it hits your shoe (the shorter the pant leg is) the less of a break there is. Pretty simple right? Now let’s look at the pros and cons to each. No break: This style ends at the ankles, giving your pants no opportunity to touch a shoe (meaning it will not crease or fold because it has nothing to knock into). This look is best for those with a slim or shorter build, or those going for a more modern, European, or youthful look. Medium break: This style just hits the shoe, and features a cuff. This is not to be used with a slim or tapered trouser. A medium brake is a more conservative look usually seen on business men, older men, or those who are carrying around some extra weight and want to make themselves appear more slender. Full break: This style features a longer length and significant pooling of fabric atop a shoe. It is featured on wide-leg trousers and dates back to a Jazz age look. Most commonly, you’d find this look on an older man, someone who is trying to hide extra weight, or someone who is going for a vintage look.
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