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By Benn, May 18, 2010 3:00 am

Every business trip poses a series of challenges. This article will focus on one dilemma that is a part of every business trip – packing. In order to determine what to pack, check the weather forecast for your destination and determine what amenities your hotel(s) will provide.

Before you do any actual packing, we strongly suggest a list. Take into consideration the length of your trip, the business attire needed, the amount of free time available for non-business activities and personal preferences for recreational items and sleep wear. Once a list is made, select an area where you can lay out what will be packed, and check them off your list.

Keep in mind the following with regards to the business wear items. Shoes are heavy, so try to minimize the number of shoes you bring. Select suits or trousers that require only one shoe color. Additionally, comfortable shoes that can be dressed up or down, you will further reduce your shoe requirements.

Likewise, clothing that can be worn for both business and casual activities will help keep your packing requirements to a minimum. If your agenda requires business casual clothing, wool trousers and fine gauge knits such as mock turtlenecks and polos are quite versatile. If a shirt and tie is required for your business meetings, select a few buttondown collar woven shirts. These shirts can also be worn as casual items for leisure activities. Non-Iron dress shirts and performance blazers are particularly appropriate for business travel. Bring two neckties for each shirt packed, since ties are lightweight and can vary your look from meeting to meeting.

Make certain, before packing, that all clothing is clean and pressed. Unless you are utilizing a garment bag, we suggest that all items be packed folded and tightly rolled. Alternatively, folded dress shirts may be packed in the packaging used by your laundry service. Fold and roll all your garments before selecting a suitcase. Once you have done so, choose a suitcase that will be tightly packed when you are finished. The less room items have to move around, the less likely they are to wrinkle in transit. Invest in a travel steamer. This inexpensive item can prove to be extremely valuable if the need arises to remove wrinkles. We also strongly recommend that all toiletries be sealed in plastic bags or a waterproof carrying case before they are packed.

Whether or not you check your bags, always pack a carry-on piece with essential items, in case your luggage is temporarily misplaced. At a minimum, include underwear, socks and a clean shirt. Additionally, make certain that you have identification tags on all of your bags, including carry-on pieces. Once you arrive at the hotel, take the time to properly unpack and store all garments in dressers or closets.

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By Benn, May 4, 2010 7:38 am

100% cotton is the generally accepted dress shirt fabric of choice. Period.

If you are not an ironer, and don’t wish to incur the expense of professional laundering, “non-iron” dress shirts are available in a diverse range of styles. These shirts are treated with a patented formula which allows them to remain virtually wrinkle free while wearing. Care is simple. They can be washed and dried at home without the need for an iron.

There are a wide range of quality cotton choices out there today. The lower the number in front, the less luxurious the cotton. Thus, the less expensive. Two-ply indicates two fibers of cotton twisted together. It makes for a more durable shirt and all of the fabrics we mention below are two-ply.

200’s broadcloth is our finest, most luxurious yarn and arguably the finest shirting fabric in the world. Decadently soft and elegantly lustrous, in white, it can be too sheer for some. But warning, once you’ve worn a 200’s shirt, it is very difficult to trade down. It is addictive.

140’s broadcloth is also considered a luxury shirt. Identical to the thread count in an olde world Sea Island cotton dress shirt, it has a silky-soft hand and rich luster which translates into remarkable comfort and brilliant pattern definition.

Our premium cotton, Imperial 100’s, is probably the most comparable to the majority of dress shirts found at our competitors. Still very soft and durable, it is an incredible deal when you compare it to what you pay for the same fabric elsewhere.

80’s pinpoint oxford has a more pronounced weave than broadcloth fabric, thus a slightly less dressy appearance making it somewhat more versatile. Quintessentially American, it is perhaps our most popular fabric, specifically in the button-down collar model.

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By Allen, November 20, 2009 10:18 am

Your cotton dress shirts will last longer if you follow some simple care instructions. If you are washing at home, use a cold water setting, then tumble dry on a delicate cycle. While your shirt is still damp, use a warm iron to get those wrinkles out. If you have your shirts professionally laundered, ask for light starch.

For non-iron cotton shirts, use the same wash and dry settings mentioned above. Simply remove the shirts from the dryer while they are still warm and you will be able to put them on without even looking at an iron.

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By Allen, November 18, 2009 9:16 am

The most basic color matching involves selecting a tie to wear with a dark suit and a white dress shirt. It is difficult to go wrong with this combination and your main decision is whether to keep with subdued tones or go for a brighter look.

The same holds true for matching a fine gauge knit with a pair of dark trousers. If you are wearing a colored solid dress shirt, select a patterned tie that uses the dress shirt hue as a secondary color. Use the same logic if you are wearing a patterned pair of trousers (glen plaid, houndstooth, etc.). Select a knit or woven shirt that matches the secondary color in the trouser pattern.

Matching a patterned suit or sportcoat with a dress shirt and tie is more complex. A few options are acceptable. You can select a shirt that is a lighter shade of the primary suit color and match it with a tie that emphasizes the suit’s secondary tone. For example, if you are wearing a light brown sportcoat with a burgundy over bar, you might select an ecru dress shirt and match it with a small-patterned tie with burgundy as the primary color. Or, you can select a shirt color that emphasizes the burgundy in the sportcoat, and match it with a tie that has a light brown as the secondary hue.

As with most elements of business dressing, select color combinations that you are comfortable wearing.

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By Allen, November 16, 2009 2:21 pm

1. Invest in quality tailored clothing that will last. Buy conservative suits and basic trousers that won’t be out of style next season, and use fashion dress shirts and ties to personalize your fashion statement.

2. Find a good tailor and treat him/her well. Proper alterations on suits, trousers and sportcoats are important to your appearance.

3. Be a bit more adventurous when matching shirts and ties. A large patterned necktie will work very well with a small patterned dress shirt, and vice versa. For example, pair a bold paisley tie with a micro-check dress shirt.

4. Make certain that your shoes are shined and appropriate for the rest of your outfit. For example, don’t wear penny loafers with a suit, or cap toe dress shoes with chinos.

5. Make sure your accessories work together. Your belt should match your shoes and your socks should coordinate with your trousers.

6. Make yourself “perspiration proof.” Always wear an undershirt under your dress shirt, and carry a handkerchief to wipe perspiration from your hands or brow.

7. Purchase a small, fold-up umbrella and keep it in your briefcase at all times. Nothing takes the smartness out of a man’s appearance like an unexpected rain shower.

8. Unless you are in a profession where artistic flair is expected, always try to err on the side of dressing too conservatively.

9. Emulate (but do not copy) your boss, or other senior executives at your company, when deciding how to dress.

10. Never wear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or not yourself.

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By Allen, November 6, 2009 10:05 am

Some simple rules for coordinating your dress shirt with a tie, sportcoat, or suit.

1. Avoid patterns that are too similar.

2. Select complementary colors and patterns.

3. Don’t wear combinations that are drastically different. The patterns and colors should not compete with one another.

4. Match large patterns with small patterns or vice versa.

5. Don’t overdo one pattern or color.

The key is feeling comfortable wearing your ensemble. Many times there will be combinations that seem to fit the rules but do not look right together. Always use your own judgment to determine what works for you.

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By Allen, November 4, 2009 5:21 pm

I walked through the Men’s Department at Macy’s Herald Square a few weeks ago, and I did not see any dress shirts with exact sleeve length sizing. More and more men’s retailers are moving to average sleeve length sizing, since it reduces the number of sku’s they need to handle and stock by half – a good deal for the stores, but not so good for men who really like their clothes to fit perfectly.

What does this all mean for a guy who wants to look good? Exact sleeve length dress shirts are cut to accommodate that sleeve length only. If you buy a 16.5/34 shirt, you know that the collar will measure 16.5 inches, and the sleeve 34 inches. If you purchase an average sleeve length dress shirt, for example 16.5/34-35, you are getting a shirt with a 35 inch sleeve. The manufacturer provides an additional button on the cuff to allow you to make the cuff tighter around your wrist, preventing the shirt from enveloping you hands, but also giving you an extra inch of fabric between your wrist and elbow that you really don’t need. It isn’t perfect. If you want to look really put together, stick with exact sleeve length sizing.

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By Allen, November 2, 2009 9:44 am

Spread Collar

Straight Collar

The basic rule is to maximize your fit, style, and comfort by choosing a collar based on the shape of your face.

There are 3 basic face shapes:  Angular, Oval, and Round.

If you take a look in the mirror you should be able to identify which shape belongs to your face.  If you’re having trouble, ask someone else for his/her input.

Angular (Triangular, Narrow, Long)

 If you’re tall and/or thin you may have an angular or narrow face and it’s best for you to look for a spread collar—low and wide.  Avoid a straight collar.   A spread collar will soften angles or visually shorten a long, narrow face.

Oval 

If your face is not round or angular, it is likely an oval shape, and most types of medium length straight or spread collars will work well to balance out your face.