Because with new collections being pumped out constantly, there are bound to be some great options. But for every good piece, there are generally at least twice as many bad ones. Luckily, a few fast fashion retailers have stepped up their game, and consistently release solid collections month after month.

So if you’re just starting to test the waters of the menswear scene, you might want to consider looking past your usual stops in favor of these minimalist menswear powerhouses.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is one of our favorite places to shop, and their clothes have a place in almost anyone’s collection. Whether you’re just starting to develop your own sense of style or you’ve got an established wardrobe to add to, Uniqlo’s lineup offers consistent quality on a massive selection of styles.

We can’t think of anywhere else that has a better pair of basic black jeans for the price — especially considering how long they last. Their oxford cloth button down shirts come in a wide range of colors, fits, and styles, and they’re perfect for casual wear or for dressing up. From socks to rain jackets, Uniqlo’s impressive quality control keeps us coming back, and we’ve yet to be disappointed.

Muji

Muji’s minimal aesthetic and great value stem directly from the name. The brand started out under the name “Mujirushi Ryohin,” which translates to “no-brand” and “quality goods.” Today, they still stand by their mantra of “No brand branding” which gives their products a distinctive look, and minimal packaging, advertising, and marketing helps keep costs low. While Muji’s price point is a bit higher than Uniqlo, the higher-quality materials and unique shopping experience more than justify that jump in price.

Topman

Even if you’re not all that interested in fashion, chances are you’ve been inside or at least walked by a Topman/Topshop outlet at some point in your life, especially if you’re reading this from across the pond. While we’ve definitely come across some, shall we say, less desirable pieces at Topman, we’ve also found some gems.

We’d recommend stopping by Uniqlo for your basic tees, jeans, underwear and whatnot, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your repertoire we suggest you give Topman a chance. They make up for their lack of consistency with a wide selection of perfectly cut shirts and jackets in a variety of styles. From simple brown aviator jackets with classic fur collars to thick flannel over shirts in cozy fall tones, Topman is bound to have something interesting you can work into your closet without breaking the bank.

COS
The last brand we wanted to mention is a bit lesser-known than the rest. They go by the name of COS, which stands for Collection of Style. Launched in 2007 in London, COS is one of H&M’s five individual concept brands. Their minimal designs are inspired by architecture, graphics, and design. The style is defined by more timeless characteristics to stray away from the widespread on-trend inspiration seen in many popular labels.

That being said, they have recently collaborated with various artists and high fashion houses such as Donald Judd and Jil Sander. The seamless design at COS’s 139 stores is replicated in their repertoire of refined menswear classics like pleated pants, Mandarin-collared button downs and perfectly cut tee shirts.

Discover why you should not get your fashion and style advice from GQ.

The post Minimalist Men’s Clothing Shops With Prices to Match appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Most people assume that the size on the tag is all they need when shopping, but that’s far from the truth. Whether it’s a shirt, pair of pants, shoes, or even a jacket, there are so many factors other than the tag size that determine how a piece of clothing will fit on you.

It’s important to understand the basics of fit so you don’t end up looking like you borrowed a shirt from your retired dad’s ’80s-era work wardrobe.

T-Shirts

Owning a well fitting tee can make a world of difference in the way your outfit comes together, and it’s always worth spending a few extra bucks to find one. There’s a fine line between too tight, a good fit, and too big. When you’re shopping, try to make sure the shoulder seam lines up with the edge of your shoulder; this will ensure the proper sleeve length.

The fit of the sleeves is up to you, but tight sleeves on bigger biceps can look disproportionate, while loose sleeves on skinnier arms can make them look even skinner. The hem of the tee should sit just past the button on your pants.

Button-Down Shirts

Finding a button-down shirt that fits perfectly can be tough, and might require a bit of shopping around. The collar should be fairly snug, but not tight.

If you can fit two fingers between your neck and the buttoned collar, you’re set. Just like t-shirts, the shoulder seams should line up with the edge of your shoulder. The sleeves should be fitted, but not tight around your bicep or loose around the forearm. The cuff should stop where your palm starts, and it should be tight enough to not fall down your hand.

Finally, the length should be long enough that the shirt doesn’t untuck if you put your arms behind your head, so the hem should end around the middle of your pant zipper.

Pants

The fit of your pants can make or break an outfit, so it’s important to find a pair that is comfortable and well-fitting.

First off, you should never need a belt to keep your pants on your hips. You definitely don’t want your pants to restrict your movement, so you should avoid overly tight pants or jeans. Slim and skinny are good, skin tight is bad. With that being said, don’t do the opposite and go too baggy. Slim in the thigh, slim or tapered from the knee down is a good guideline to go by.

In terms of length, aim to have the pants break once at the top of your shoe or not at all.

Jackets

Jackets can be kind of tough since there are so many different styles, each designed to fit differently.

Rather than going through every style we can think of, we’re just going to throw down some general guidelines that you can easily refer to. Similar to shirts and button downs, you want to aim to have the shoulder seam line up with the edge of your shoulder. This will provide a baseline for the fit of the rest of the jacket, while ensuring that the sleeves aren’t too baggy or too short. Moving down, check that the jacket doesn’t pull across the chest when it’s done up, this indicates that it’s too tight. With that being said, if it feels baggy or loose when it’s done up, expect it to look a lot worse if you plan to wear it open.

While there are plenty of variables that determine how a garment will look when worn, there are a few vital measurements that really make a difference. If you can abide by the points mentioned above, you can drastically improve the look of your outfits, regardless of the occasion. If you’re still unsure or feel that there’s room for improvement, take a trip to your local tailor. Their job is to make your clothes look good on you and they’ll gladly work with you to make sure they fit you perfectly.

The post Don’t Forget the Fit: Dress Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Showing up to a date dressed poorly can be an instant deal breaker for many people, or at the very least it could leave a bad first impression. Don’t do that — be better. Being well dressed doesn’t mean getting suited up at any opportunity, it means dressing appropriately for the occasion, wearing clothes that fit, and understanding what colors work together. Simple in theory, yet it can be complicated in practice. We’ve had our fair share of missed opportunities and fashion faux-pas, enough for us to learn from our mistakes. We want to pass down that knowledge in hopes of helping you impress your date with your style choices. In order to do so, we present part one of the three part series.

Dressing for the occasion is arguably the most important factor in dressing well. It’s so easy to spot the guy who doesn’t have a clue about how to dress appropriately, yet it’s so easy to avoid. We’ve all seen the guy who shows up to a graduation ceremony wearing beat up sneakers and ripped jeans, or proudly wears a dress shirt and tie to a casual meal at Chipotle. Don’t be that guy. When you’re getting dressed, consider the setting of the place you’re going to. These suggestions are by no means set in stone, but you can use these categories as a general guideline to help figure out what to wear.

Casual

Casual refers to occasions such as a coffee date, casual dinner, walk in the park, etc. You want to be comfortable and laid back so you can focus on enjoying the date and making a good impression. Think sneakers, jeans or chinos, tee shirts, henleys or casual button downs, and maybe a light jacket if the weather calls for it. If you need a hand picking out a jacket, check out the style guide from earlier this month. You could consider leather derbies or oxfords if your wardrobe permits, but just keep the environment of the date in mind so that you’re not uncomfortable or uptight.

Upscale Casual

You’re going to want to step it up a little if you’re going to a fancier bar or upscale restaurant, which is where upscale casual comes into play. Oxfords or slim boots paired with chinos or even dress pants can be a great choice here, meaning it’s usually a good call to leave the t-shirt at home. Instead, opt for a casual button down or dress shirt, along with a round neck sweater on top if it’s going to be chilly. A really nice pair of jeans can work too, as they’re not ripped or dirty. Dressing for an upscale casual date can be tough since it sits in a weird grey area casual and formal. However, if you are able to do some research to scope out the venue, you may be able to get a better understanding of what to expect.

Semi Formal/Formal

If you manage to land a date at a formal event or really high-end restaurant, you’re probably far past the first date. If not, give yourself a round of applause and . In terms of footwear, you’re definitely going to want a pair of oxfords or brogues, so if you don’t have a pair you better leave time to stop by Nordstrom on the way. If for some reason you’re still considering wearing jeans, you might as well go ahead and cancel. At the very least, you’re going to want a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt, along with a tie. Suits look great here, but try to save your black suit for weddings or funerals, and opt for a lighter option like navy.

While there are certainly a ton of other factors that influence the outcome of an outfit, it’s important to assess the environment first so that you can dress accordingly. Feeling out of place on a date sucks, and preparing or at least thinking about what to wear in advance can do wonders for your confidence and first impression. Next week, we dive into the fit and styling of common garments to take you a little deeper into developing your own sense of style.

The post From Casual to Formal: Dress Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

The Internet is the world’s largest platform for open communication, and it relies on the right to free speech. As the primary outlet for anonymous expression, much of our culture and economy thrives on unrestricted Internet access. The open Internet provides people with free learning opportunities and communication across the globe, free from regulations or restrictions. In modern society, unrestricted communication on the Internet is a direct application of our right to free speech, yet Internet service providers (ISPs) want to take that away. This is where net neutrality comes in to play. Net neutrality is the foundation of the current state of the Internet, characterized by open communication and unrestricted access. The result of this fight for net neutrality will shape the future of the Internet, making it important to be well informed.

Corporations want to regulate access to the Internet by manipulating the current FCC regulations. These ISPs that we rely on every day are trying to destroy net neutrality for their own monetary benefit. If successful, they could control their customers’ online experience by blocking websites and throttling download speeds. If you think this sounds shady, it gets worse. Allowing these ISPs to control Internet access means that they get to decide what people can do online. They will have the choice to block websites that conflict their political or religious views, or prevent communication between certain people. This will significantly limit consumers’ ability to communicate, making it harder to fight back. The fall of net neutrality would limit the people’s ability to organize protests or petitions, and therefore forces consumers to deal with the ISPs unfair conditions.

The conversation regarding net neutrality has recently seen increased media attention, but it is not a new issue. Over the past decade, the FCC has implemented strong regulations to maintain net neutrality, citing Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. In 2015, the FCC classified broadband Internet under Title II of the Communications Act, making it an essential service for full participation in modern society. While the Communications Act has provided a strong basis for net neutrality, it is not enough. Most of these massive corporations are associated with members of congress, which is bad news for consumers. These relationships allow ISPs to fund campaigns that will implement policies to favor their agenda. Lobbyists are working day and night to find loopholes that favor ISPs and they won’t stop until net neutrality is buried.

Marsha Blackburn introduced the Internet Freedom Act, which would dismantle the FCC’s authority, by removing broadband Internet’s title II classification. If her bill passes, ISPs will get what they want, unless there is further action from congress. The problem here is that the bill is backed by 31 co-sponsors, 29 of which have received direct contributions from many of the ISPs. This gives these members of congress no incentive to repeal the declassification of broadband Internet, meaning that net neutrality would be destroyed forever.

However, the biggest threat to net neutrality stems directly from the Trump administration. Soon after Trump’s inauguration, a man named Ajit Pai was appointed as chairman to the FCC. The FCC is supposed to act as a neutral party to regulate the various forms of communication in the United States, but that is beginning to fall apart. Ajit Pai is a staunch opponent of net neutrality, which may have something to do with the fact that he was a lawyer for Verizon. Similar to Marsha Blackburn’s bill, Pai is trying to declassify broadband Internet networks, in favor of more relaxed regulation. Further, this would give the ISPs the option, rather than the requirement, to abide by the regulations set by the previous FCC framework. In an industry characterized by profit-hungry CEOs and a lack of corporate social responsibility, we can’t see this ending very well for consumers.

While the outlook for net neutrality under Pai’s administration is looking grim, the fight is far from finished. Plenty of board members of the FCC oppose the new regulations, based on the title II framework and they need your support. Title II classifies broadband Internet as an essential part of modern society and it protects American citizens from the capitalist nature of the telecommunication giants. It is critical to show your support for net neutrality during these desperate times. You can start by signing a petition and contacting your local members of congress.

***

Education is just the first step. Now it’s time to get involved in the Net Neutrality fight. Here are a few links to help you get started:

John Oliver’s Direct Website: www.gofccyourself.com

Contact your House and Congressional Representatives with this easy to use form: https://resistbot.io/

Donate and get involved with one of these great groups:

https://www.eff.org/      https://www.aclu.org/      https://www.freepress.net/

https://www.fightforthefuture.org/      https://www.publicknowledge.org/

The post What is Net Neutrality Anyway? appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Varsity Jacket

A casual option that’s often overshadowed by the likes of bombers and MA-1’s, the varsity jacket is a clean jacket that’s suitable for almost any occasion. Inspired by the Letterman jackets worn by varsity athletes, they come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Perfect for any occasion, varsity jackets and be dressed up or down.

Brands to consider: H&M, Zara, Golden Bear, Roots, A.P.C., Sandro, Saint Laurent

Bomber/MA-1

In recent years, bombers have become the go-to for anyone looking for a simple, light casual jacket. Characterized by the oversized and padded silhouette, bombers and MA-1s can be found in almost any fast fashion outlet. Bombers are a perfect casual option that won’t break the bank.

Brands to consider: H&M, Topman, Pull & Bear, Alpha Industries, Stone Island, ToJ

M65

One of the many military-inspired jackets, the M65’s iconic silhouette is defined by its boxy shape and four pocket design. While they can be found in a wide variety of colors and variations, the most common iteration is made of a water-repellent, olive-green fabric like waxed cotton.

Brands to Consider: Urban outfitters, Jack & Jones, Alpha Industries, WTAPS, Visvim

Double Rider Leather Jacket

Definitely one of the more popular leather jacket styles, the double rider gets its name and style from motorcycle culture. Often referred to as a perfecto, the style gained popularity after it’s release by Schott in 1928. Since then, many companies have created their own version of the jacket, so it’s up to you to decide which is the best.

Brands to Consider: Zara, Schott, Undercover, ToJ, Balmain, Blackmeans, Saint Laurent

Coach/Flight Jacket

The coach jacket comes in many shapes and forms, which led us to mention the flight jacket as part of this style. Coach jackets are about as simple as it gets; A collar, buttons up the middle, with two side pockets. Imagine a button down shirt in a thicker fabric and more structure. Flight jackets fall into the same category, but are often made of wool or heavy cotton, with a fur trim on the collar. While coach jackets are definitely a more casual style, flight jackets can be dressed up a little, and go great with a collared shirt and dress trousers.

Brands to consider: Asos, Topman, A.P.C., Supreme, Acne Studios, Undercover

Fishtail Parka

The jacket gets its name from the split-tail design that parallels the silhouette of the tail of a fish. The style was developed for use in the military, as the “tail” section could be tied up around your legs for warmth, or to keep you dry in wet weather. Traditionally seen in the same olive green as the M65, fishtail parkas also come in a variety of colors and materials. Many are waterproof and perfect for wet conditions, while others are lined with fur for use during the winter.

Brands to consider: Military Surplus, Zara, Alpha Industries x Ace Hotel, Sandro, Canada Goose

Trucker

The last style of our essential jacket collection is the trucker jacket. The style is timeless and has been around for decades, with Levi’s paving the way for many other brands. Often seen in denim, trucker jackets are more versatile than you’d think. Many brands have come up with their own versions of the jacket, in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Any denim version is an informal choice that is perfect for everyday wear, whereas a suede version could be worn for a night on the town.

Brands to consider: Levi’s, Acne Studios, Levi’s, Saint Laurent, any designer collab with Levi’s

The post Never Be Boring: A Guide to Your Next Jacket Purchase appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Whether it’s a hairstyle, a jacket, or a whole new wardrobe, it’s a pretty big slap in the face to buy something and realize that it looks nothing like you planned. There are many reasons why some clothes work on some people, but not on others, although most of it has to do with shape. This unfortunate phenomenon also applies to accessories, particularly sunglasses. Now you know why Tom Cruise looks bad-ass in aviators, yet when you wear them, you look like a kid playing dress up. The shape of your face directly effects how sunglasses look on you, so it is important to pick a style that suits you.

In order to help you find the best pair of sunglasses, this guide covers examples of face shapes and the styles that work best with them. We’ll start by explaining each of the face shapes, then listing some suggestions for styles, along with some recommendations from a few of our favorite brands.

Round

A rounder face shape is usually seen on younger-looking guys, often tied with little to no facial hair. Since the face height is usually around the same as the width, the goal here is to find sunglasses that make your face look longer. Wider frames with sharp angles are your best bet, as they contrast the smooth lines of your jaw. Rounded squares or anything with thicker frames are a great choice here. Warby Parker is a great choice for round framed sunglasses, and they’re surprisingly affordable. For those wanting a higher quality alternative, take a look at Activist Eyewear.

Triangular

Triangular face shapes often have sharp jawlines, and they aren’t as wide as square shaped faces. Triangular faces are often seen on thinner men, so it can be a good idea to wear glasses with a thin frame and a brow bar on top, such as aviators. This can help to make your face look a little more broad, drawing the focus to the center of your face. If you’re looking for any sort of aviators, you can never go wrong with Maui Jim’s. However, if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, Numbers Matching Eyewear is a great alternative that is made in the USA.

Oval

Oval faces are pretty easy to work with, as they are often symmetrical. Characterized by high cheekbones and a height greater than the width, almost anything except aviators work here; Wayfarers, Clubmasters, and Persols are all great suggestions, but its worth trying out a few different options to find what suits your style best. Thick frames are often a good call, but it is definitely a good idea to experiment a little if you are lucky enough to have an oval face. Ray-Ban’s are the first brand that comes to mind for any sort of Wayfarer or Clubmaster, but here at F24, we like to do things a little differently. RETROSUPERFUTURE offers some unorthodox variations of classic styles, for only a little more than a standard pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

If you want to stick to Ray-Bans, shopping vintage can be a great way to go. And don’t worry about scratched lenses – it’s easy enough to replace those and make your vintage find as good as new.

Square

The main characteristic of a square shaped face is the rigid jawline. With dimensions similar to that of a round face, the main difference is the sharper angles along the cheekbones and jaw. In order to soften the edges a little, it is best to avoid thick or square framed sunglasses. Instead, opt for thin frames with a rounder shaped silhouette. Teardrop aviators, Persols, or even rounded squares if you’re feeling up to it. Salt Optics offers a wide variety of sunglasses, many of which fall into this category. Personally, we’re huge fans of their Harrison model, but they’ve got a ton of other options if you’re looking to experiment.

We know how hard it can be to choose a pair of sunglasses, so we’re hoping that this post helps you make a decision. This guide is meant to provide some suggestions and helpful information, but in the end the choice is yours. Confidence is the greatest asset to any wardrobe, so if you have a pair of shades that works for you, by all means ignore this guide and continue to do you.

The post Suit Your Face: How to Choose Sunglasses appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.