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.

Shit.

So one weekend I decided to go check out some higher-end options, walking into a warehouse of suits to see what I could find that would cost me a little more and fit a bit better than the options in my closet. Walking around the store, followed by a very eager sales rep, I became overwhelmed with the sea of blacks, blues, and grays. Being a broad shouldered guy, my selection was even more limited to a small corner of the store, and while custom could have been an option, it was not in my price range or time requirements. Begrudgingly, I selected this boring gray suit option that was neither the cut I was thinking nor the look I was hoping for but accepted it none-the-less as what I could get in my time frame. Off the rack, with minor hemming here and there, I was out $1300 for something I felt zero connection with emotionally.What was done was done and I headed home.

As I sat at home that evening, browsing Instagram as I tend to get sucked into, an ad flew through my feed for INDOCHINO, a company claiming to be able to do a custom suit for less than $1000. As a matter of fact, what caught my eye was the sale for $389. No way. I scoffed it off as it must be made of rayon or something very heavy and cheap, but was curious none-the-less. Heading over to the good ole sub-Reddit r/malefashionadvice, I decided to see what was being said about this group. Overall, the responses from the biggest male fashion critics in the community were positive, and not one mention of rayon, crappy blends, or weird issues.

So I bit the bullet. I contacted the INDOCHINO social media team about my timeline to see if it would be possible to get a suit in time, and they came back with ‘if you’re sized by next week, yes’. The ball was in motion. While I could opt for doing my own measurements, I decided to jump into the full experience and booked a fitting at their Beverly Hills store the next week. I had enough miles to get out to LA for the day as well, which made this an interesting day trip planned out. Disappearing from work for the day to get a suit sized was different…it was exciting. I hadn’t felt this before when it came to suit shopping.

Arriving the next week at the Beverly Hills INDOCHINO, I met Shayna Green, the Showroom Manager who was going to guide me through and get me fitted. From the very start, the experience was different from the warehouse. I walked into a sea of options, colors, and styles. Shayna would ask questions about what I wanted and would guide to the best options to fit that, but never pushing me to choose. It was all up to me, from the stitching to the liner, number of buttons to the collar peak. This was the full custom experience I had never known I wanted or needed. I was hooked.

After selecting more details in a suit than I thought were possible, Shayna directed me upstairs for the fitting portion. Step-by-step, she measured everything to get the perfect fit. This was the part that made me so glad to have a professional taking care of it as I knew my ego would have gotten the better of me if I had measured at home. Others, probably not, but this moment made the early morning flight worth it alone.

After all the numbers were recorded, Shayna grabbed a few test pieces for me to try on, from which she was able to adjust her numbers based on how I wanted something to fall on my body or fit. Going for a specific look with a suit, I respected the time and evergy put into this whole experience all while being blown away by the price. I was more involved with my fashion choices in this moment than I had been in all my previous suit buying experiences combined, emotionally connected and excited about what was to come.

At the end of the hour I spent at the Beverly Hills INDOCHINO, Shayna had not only gotten me emotionally invested into a suit but shown me the value of the custom. I walked out that day with a tie and pocket square and a receipt delivery estimates of 3 weeks before my big day. Now, I will have to say I was lucky to be able to get this suit in time, and would not recommend waiting to when I did for the full custom experience. I was lucky, admittedly. And with INDOCHINO’s integrated system, now they had my numbers recorded so I could order another suit with different options at any time, sized just for me, all through their online system. And with more showrooms opening up all over the US, I could always pop into one of them to update my numbers if I needed to keep my profile up to date, or even have a local tailor give me new numbers to submit through my online dashboard. Now that is an experience to remember.

All in all, this whole experience with travel from Denver to LA, breakfast at Randy’s Doughnuts, and the suit came out to less than the off-the-rack warehouse suit I had previously guilt purchased.

No more warehouses for me. INDOCHINO has my business for life.

This is a sponsored post. The opinions shared are my own.

The post The Custom Suit Experience with INDOCHINO 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.

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.

M.R.K.T. bags use socially conscious vegan-friendly materials that feel expensive to the touch without the shocking price point. All of their bags are priced well below $200 and have thoughtful and functional designs to cater to your everyday needs. Both the Carter and Frank have two pockets that accommodate both 15-inch laptops and tablet. The textures feel great and durable while providing enough protective padding for your precious electronics. The simple and clean design leaves you with just enough pockets for your functional needs without overdoing it.

I’ve been personally using the Frank Briefcase for about two months now and it still looks new. What I like most about this bag aside from how fashionable it looks is the durability and comfort of using it on a day-to-day basis. The handle on the Frank is strong and soft enough that I never really needed to clip on the shoulder strap. Most importantly, I’ve spilled water on the bag and my laptop did not get wet. With just from one week of daily use, I can tell that there is a purpose to every bit of design. Nothing irks me most than a bag that looks great but is far from comfortable or practical. This is one bag I wish I had started using a long time ago. The coolest part about the Frank briefcase has got to be the removable laptop sleeve.

Be sure to check out their website for a wide variety of bags and colors to choose from. http://www.mrktstore.com/

The post M.R.K.T. Bags – Modern Bags For The Modern Gentlemen appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

1.  The Bomber Jacket – A bomber jacket is a great transitional item for the season. It’s a great outerwear piece that offers a balance for those warm spring days and cool nights. Try: ASOS Bomber Jacket in Navy – $65.00USD

2. The Oxford White Shirt – A crisp white oxford shirt is definitely a must have for the spring. Oxfords are now made to make you look effortless as they are more relaxed in fit. Try:  Outclass – Oxford Dress Shirt – $120.00USD

3. The Dark Denim Jean – A pair of dark denim jeans will go with anything in your wardrobe. Whether if you want to dress it up or down, you should have at least one pair on hand. Try: Jean Shop Mick Slim-Fit Rinsed Selvedge Denim Jeans – $305.18USD

4. The Stripped Sweater – Is a perfect alternate option to a white oxford shirt. I love the look of a knit sweater, sometimes you don’t want the fuss of layering a look.  It’s simple and you will look sharp! Try: A.P.C. Sweater – Price unavailable

5. The Weekender– This might sound unconventional for you guys. But, bag options are not only a necessity for women. You have a life and your messenger bag (while essential) is not your weekend travel bag.  A weekender is a more stylish option than a plain old duffle bag. Try: M.R.K.T.– Ted Weekender – $135.00USD

6. Socks with Attitude –   It’s a bit out of the box. But adding a pair of socks with a bit of personality can be a refreshing addition to your wardrobe. You can play around with different prints, colors or a combination of both. Needless to say you will look dapper. Try: Soxy Socks – The Innovator Collection – $45.00USD

7. The Fresh White Kicks – A pair of fresh white kicks is universal and can be worn with any look. Sneakers have come a long way. Luxury footwear brands like CLAE are designing footwear that is functional and fashionable. Try: CLAE’s Bradley Sneakers $130.00 USD

The post Spring Style Essentials Guide for Men appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

During my commute to class, I felt quite comfortable and incredibly stable, even on a few more iced over inclines at the bus-stop. This level of versatility is nothing new from Ridgemont, yet is just as much of a pleasant surprise as the first time I came in contact with an Outfitters shoe: The Monty Hi. The Crest, in contrast, is significantly lighter, and although it offers comfortable ankle support, doesn’t quite match the level of the Monty – but then again, the Crest is a drastically lighter shoe that reminds more of the Southern California skate culture, and less so of the Colorado Rockies snow communities, the way the Monty does.

With Utah fitting right between the two, I took the liberty of introducing the Crests’ to some Utah habits to get a better understanding of their abilities: I stopped at home to drop by school backpack off, grabbed my board at the door, plugged my head into the newest Yeezy album, and went for a cruise. After blowing a few stop signs, sliding the board to a standstill to test the grip of the soles, and one or two emergency bails, I was sold this shoe could easily double as a quality skate shoe. As I boarded home and hopped on my motorcycle to study at the library, I continued to enjoy the Crest. It provided a rigid composite lasting board, combined with an Ortholite sole, making it stable enough for any hike, should you choose to throw one at it, but also comfortable after quite a few hours into the night studying at the library.

The Crest Hi is perfect for anyone needing improved ankle support and water proof grade construction, without having to sacrifice their steeze.

Under normal circumstances, you’d have to take your pick: active and capable but uncomfortable and uglier than your aunt’s Crocs, cool but only wearable during sunshine and blue skies, fashionable but flimsy, the list goes on an on of possible combinations that only sometimes are the right option.

With Ridgemont Outfitters, you’re able to find a shoe that meets all your needs without compromise, tailored to your particular style, that’s always the right option.

The post Ridgemont Outfitters Does it Again With the Crest appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Korbata Bow Ties

It takes a certain kind of man to rock a bow tie. A confident man. A well dressed man. A man who knows what he’s doing. You are that man.  Korbata ties are clearly a new breed and won’t leave you looking like a middleschool science teacher. Their bold colors and modern fabrics combine to drag the bow tie into the 21st century and deserve a place on your neck this year. And they are handmade in Guatemala, so you can be sure what you are rocking is unique.

Neon Bandits Socks

Socks, like Hansel, are so hot right now. The look of bold socks has transitioned from business down to casual late last year. Now they are everywhere and Neon Bandits are bringing prime examples that walk the line between too boring and too loud. Their patterns and styles are equally at home for a day on the basketball court as they are for just lounging around the park. Leave your all white, or heaven forbid all black, socks at home and start wearing out something with a bit more flavor and sass. Your stinky shoes will thank you.

Ab Aetterno

While everyone is still fawning over fabric strapped watches, take a bolder direction by picking up one of Ab Aeterno’s wooden watches. These time pieces stand our on your wrist in the best way possible. I’ve gotten more complements on mine, and they almost always lead to conversations about the watch and how it is made. It’s a friend-maker and date-getter is what I’m saying…

Ray Ban Caravans

Leave round aviators to cops and old men living out their Top Gun fantasies. Ray Ban Caravans are where the real action is. These squared off aviators are pure style, and will set you apart from the pack. Protect your eyes and bring the fashion with Caravans or any number of their knockoffs.

Nose Piercings

Piercings are becoming more and more commonplace. A good piercing for guys? A simple nose piercing. The good news with these is that, as long as you have your piercing done by a reputable piercer and you keep it clean at all times, you can always change your mind and remove them without anything being too noticeable down the line. Find stylish nose piercing men and give some different styles a try!

The post 2015 Summer Accessory Roundup appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

You’ve seen your grandfather wear a watch every day of his life. It seems so effortless, yet you have no idea where to begin. The answer:Minus-8 watches. The Zone watch does an excellent job bridging the gap between casual and formal with their simple interface. The split case design resembling a time zone boundary adds an elegant twist on traditional minimalist interfaces. The silicon band is something I would normally advise against because they are often tacky, however, this band reaches the balance between casual and formal.

Formal watches will most often have a metal band and their design will be more complex. You can still use a minimalist watch like the Minus-8 Zone in a formal setting if you simply don’t have the funds, but a metal band always looks better with a suit. I highly recommend seeing a trusted jeweler when purchasing a high-tier, metal band watch because they know an infinite amount more about watches and the gadgetry involved than I do.

Watches are an investment. Did you notice how I didn’t mention a price range anywhere in here? That is because watches usually last a lifetime. I still wear a metal banded watch that was given to me when I was 12 and plan on wearing it for the rest of my life. And if you’re looking to invest in the watch game the Zone watch from Minus-8 offers a solid return on your investment.

The post Minus-8 Watches: The Perfect Business Casual appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

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My personal favorite fall fashion: boots. Whether you like dressier boots, rugged boots, or the iconic Bean Boots, the fall is nothing without boots. You probably remember Bean Boots from your parents or grandparents. Wear these in any weather and your feet will stay dry guaranteed. Wool socks are a must for fall fashion. Perfect for tailgating or a casual fall hike, wool socks will keep your feet nice and toasty. Stock up now for fall and winter and save your toes from the cold.

Fall outerwear is a close second for favorite fall fashion item. Parkas have risen in popularity in the recent years, particularly army green. To add to these, waxed coats from Barbour will last a lifetime. These are quite expensive, but luckily wax coating is cheap. My suggestion is find a military surplus store, grab a parka for cheap and wax it yourself. Plenty of YouTube guides show the step-by-step waxing process and only takes a few hours tops. Chore coats can be perfect for a chilly day as well. Check out our chore coat article for suggestions.

Finally, we have button downs and knitwear. I’ll refer you back to our button down write up for all your button down needs. Knitwear can be tricky with fall fashion because temperatures are often either too warm for knitwear or too cold to only wear knitwear. If you’re anything like me, you hate putting on and taking off all those layers. Cardigans will be your best friend. They’re easy to take off and can be worn with t-shirts or button downs.

Here is your warning! It only gets colder from here. Don’t be behind in your fall fashion. Now is the best time to get geared up for cool weather, hot cider, and layers upon layers. Be comfortable in the cold and enjoy the beautiful colors of fall.

The post Preparing for Fall Fashion appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Nothing Fits Right

This is the absolute worst. You wake up, put on your favorite shirt and realize its just a bit too long. Nothing out of the ordinary. Most people wouldn’t even care. But you put the shirt back in the closet never to wear it again. What is the problem here? You’re starting to nitpick every minute detail, when most people could care less.

Something that was once your favorite has been thrown to the back of the closet. Now what? If you’re not getting paid to look good, this is just a hobby. A hobby is supposed to be fun. A creative outlet for most to express themselves. What you’re doing is tearing down your favorite pieces and over analyzing.

Wanting More Than You Need

Ever notice you want to buy something? When your wants list becomes too big for you to handle, it is time to take a step back. Wanting is human nature, but wanting can turn into lust. Keep your wants list to a maximum of 5 if you’re having trouble controlling your spending. Whenever you see something else you like, you have the choice to add it and delete something else. This will make you prioritize what you really want versus what you may regret buying later on.

How to Combat this Obsession

Stay off internet forums. These usually have the highest critique rate and ability to nitpick the smallest details. They also contribute to buying what you don’t need.

Have some leeway. When I would go to the grocery store, I used to go through the same dressing routine I went through when I went to a nice restaurant. Try wearing gym shorts out. Learn to realize dressing well isn’t that big of a deal. Odds are you live in an area where the majority of men have a woman do their clothes shopping.

What to take away

Remember, dressing well is a hobby. Something you do for fun, not for sport. Don’t compare yourself to others and use it as an outlet for your own creativity. And remember while fashion can get tiresome and turn into a chore, style is effortless and all about you.

The post Take a Break from Fashion appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Often when we think of men’s fashion, we think watches, ties, shoes, and belts.  Sometimes a few other accessories make it into the list, but the trend they bring are often not long-lived, or designed for a singular type of fashion like cuff links or pocket squares.   Most times, companies attempt to go too cheap, too feminine, and too gaudy to fit the gentleman’s fashion.  It get ridiculous when you see huge necklaces, big gaudy belt buckles, bedazzled jeans, and glitter (seriously, stop with the sparkly crap).

But maybe there is a way to add the bracelet to that common, every-day fashion piece.  Maybe, just maybe, the wrist can be adorned with more than a watch, be classy and original. And that’s where the trend of leather and metal in single pieces works.  The idea brings forward an idea of the a subtle, masculine focused piece of jewelry that could fit in both professional and casual settings, all while using elements that are fitting for a man.  Leather and metal have always gone well together, so why not in a man’s bracelet?  And the one that is standing out is the Diana Kauffman Designs Manlet, a bracelet that was designed specifically for that purpose.

It is simple in design and execution, with leather, metal, and magnets coming together as one piece of jewlry.  It’s hefty, but not heavy, comfortable to wear for long periods, and classy enough to go with a day in the suit or a night at the bar.   Maybe that’s why it stands out to us.  Simplicity, a mark that many other designers have missed when it comes to men’s jewelry, is hit right on the mark with this piece.  The Mantlet, as its appropriately called, is not cheap, cheesy, or chintzy, and while not necessarily for every gentleman out there, has a sense of classic design to it.  It fits nice on the wrist, has a nice stiff appeal, and catches the eye barely with any outfit.

But it can’t be that perfect or simple, and while this piece is designed very well, we wouldn’t recommend wearing it in highly active situations.  The magnet needs to be a bit stronger to keep the two ends together, and when sweat gets in the leather, some coloring does wear off onto the skin.  But let’s be honest; men don’t wear bracelets when working out or playing hard.  They get in the way.  But when you head to the bar afterwards or out for a night on the town, it might just be the final statement needed for your outfit.

Is the bracelet here to stay for men?  Well, maybe, but only if other designers take a look at the simple elegance of the Manlet. But this piece has already caught our eye, and who knows, could set the trend going forward.

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A good umbrella is the best defense against rain. Keeping the umbrella simple is the best (can you include something like this as the header photo) way to go. The header photo is a perfect example of an umbrella suited for men and can be found through a simple amazon search. The wooden, curved handle is a classic design and a 48” canopy is plenty enough to cover your body. And picking it up as soon as possible is important. You don’t want to be seen coming into work holding your daughter’s umbrella (even though that would be adorable).

For commuters, umbrellas aren’t very practical, so you must rely on waterproof clothing. If you have a strict dress policy and have to wear dress shoes, galoshes are a must. The rubber will protect the leather from getting too wet, which will ruin the dye on the shoes. I recommend Swims galoshes, but really any rubber galosh will work.

Outwear is last on the ballot. The Macintosh raincoat works well in a dressy setting. Khaki will work with most suits, unless you’re wearing a khaki suit. If you work in a casual setting, any outwear that is waterproof will work. Barbour will last a lifetime and normally you can wear them in spring and fall. A lighter outerwear is an anorak. Anorak are pull-over jackets that breathe well and repel light drizzle, ideal for long commutes.

Don’t be the laughing stock of the office with your daughter’s umbrella. Don’t be miserable for half the day. Get these pieces of clothing, resist the elements, and stay dry my friends.

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In recent trends, loud prints like floral and paisley have been emerging through high end designers, trickling down to fast fashion retailers, such as Uniqlo or H&M. These loud prints have always been lurking on tourists and your parents, but as the fashion scene switches to “dadcore,” Birkenstocks are becoming more common.

Dadcore is simply described as things dads wear. Dadcore is coming back on the scene in part from movies with older movie stars like Liam Nesson and Bruce Willis. Seeing this older generation go crazy on the bad guys all while looking masculine and scoring the girl have popularized dadcore. Light wash jeans, shorter shorts, and New Balance fall into dadcore amongst a variety of others. Usually these clothing choices are ugly by itself and beautiful when paired correctly. Alright, enough about dadcore and onto the reason you’re reading: Are Birkenstocks cool?

The verdict: A courageous “yes.” If you’ve just started trying to dress better, don’t even think about trying them. I usually tell folks to stay away from sandals if you’re new at caring how you look and go with the safe option of boat shoes. Maybe you’re bored with white sneakers or Sperry’s and want to get adventurous. Well then, Birkenstock’s Arizona or Boston models are for you. Arizona has the classic double strap with metal clasps, giving your feet plenty of air if it gets too hot. The Boston model is less conventional and is more of a clog. My favorite is to wear them with wool socks. As an added bonus, they will be some of the most comfortable footwear you will ever have the pleasure of wearing. Dads are known for their laid back, casual style with comfort at the highest priority, so take a page from their book and get comfy.

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Fast food enjoyed it’s heyday, then saw the angry backlash of the slow food movement that went mainstream so quickly that many consumers never even heard of slow food. Every Whole Foods or Chipotle you pass, you can slow food for creating – even if much of their wares are a complete bastardization of the slow food movement. Consumers are now happy to pay a little more for their food if they can feel good about how it was cultivated and prepared. Likewise, the price of clothing is readying to increase, yet the quality we currently see will remain the same.

Raw materials will cost more, wages for workers will go up, and the infrastructure needed to produce items at the right quality standards will be costly—all of which will be passed on to you the consumer. In China, manufacturing wages have increased by 71% since 2008 and are projected to rise by 10% this year. Manufacturers the world over are searching for other production locations with cheaper labor, but wages are rising in just about every countries.

While low-cost “fast fashion” appeals to the consumer wallet, more consumers now associate this low-cost, season specific clothing with the ethical issues of low wages and poor working conditions. So what should shoppers do when faced with rising costs and the ethical dilemmas of cheap clothing?

One option is to reconsider our approach to clothing by taking a cue from Europeans who have historically been more focused on quality rather than simply quantity. Consider your own wardrobe—think about how many items of clothing you own and how often you wear each of those items. I’m willing to guess that most of you wear about 20% of our clothing 80% of the time.

More awareness of the ethical issues related to this disposable fashion culture are coming to the forefront with the increasing momentum of the slow fashion movement and the development of organizations like the Ethical Fashion Forum, which aims to support and promote sustainable fashion practices related to the social and environmental practices within the fashion industry.

The slow fashion movement making its way across our shores can already been seen in the demand for raw denim pants and vintage crafted overcoats. With its dependence on classics, it is no wonder that men’s fashion was the first beachhead for slow fashion. The real test will be to see how women’s style welcomes the idea of downsized closets and a few high-quality basics. Whatever the outcome for the opposite sex, now is a great time to pick up items for your wardrobe that have a high probability of being passed down to your grandchildren.

A version of this story originally appeared on Quartz

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How can you pull off a floral shirt? First, get rid of any preconceived notions. Wearing a specific pattern of shirt has no bearing on your character or sexuality (for the record I am very supportive of the lgbt community). To wear a shirt with a floral patterns requires confidence: walk with your head held high, accept compliments with a smile, and shrug off any ill comments.

There is a difference between a Hawaiian shirt and a floral shirt. I typically associate a Hawaiian shirt with a wide collar, strange lapels, and ill-fitting. A floral shirt can either contain a subtle floral pattern with tiny flowers scattered throughout or large flowers, often vibrant with color.

Slim fitting seems to be the most aesthetically pleasing because there is less of the pattern. What I mean by this, and no disrespect to larger guys, is that a XXL shirt is a very large area for a pattern, often making it distracting and difficult to focus attention. The sleeves should reach no further than the end of your bicep; my personal preference is around the middle of the bicep. As with all button downs or collared shirts, the general rule for the hem length is to be no longer than your crotch. Ideally, middle of your zipper is the sweet spot.

The main issue with picking out floral shirts is the pattern. I have the mum print shirt from Dana Lee and while it is a little expensive, I love the mum pattern and construction; I haven’t seen anything else that comes close to it. Uniqlo had an array of floral shirts last Spring/Summer that were affordable with patterns I have yet seen to be duplicated. At this moment, there hasn’t been any sign of a revival of those patterns. J.Crew has a few as well as Topman. However, I don’t recommend Topman for purchases outside of cool patterned clothing.

For men out there still not convinced these shirts aren’t “manly” because they have flowers on them, I invite you to think about this: I’m sure you have given a women in your life flowers at some point in time. Think of this as you giving yourself, a giant floral man, as a gift. As cheesy as it sounds, I think it could work.

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Experiment. This is by far the most expensive way, but you’ll never learn without trying. Find a good store with a reputable return policy and if you see something that strikes your fancy and fits into your budget, go for it. Its fun to go from business casual to goth ninja to Americana. Don’t immediately put off a certain style without trying it because it may be the coolest thing since sliced bread. There is never a dull moment when experimenting and after all, fashion is supposed to be fun.

Browse. Go into stores and feel the fabrics. It sounds a little weird and you might look ridiculous feeling up clothing, but it will give you a grasp of how the piece of clothing will lay on your body. This will give you a leg up shopping online, instead of questioning what oxford cloth feels like you will know. Fashion forums are an excellent source for exposure to fashion—serving as a guide towards your fashion nirvana. I got my start on Reddit’s /r/malefashionadvice and I highly recommend it for beginners (they also have a section for developing your own personal style). Other such outlets for fashion are styleforum.net, superfuture.com, and askandyaboutclothes.com; however, these sites tend be less accepting of beginners.

Patience. When I first started caring about what I wore I bought so many clothes that I thought were cool, only to realize two months later that I’m never going to wear them again. Start slow and pace yourself. The rise of fast fashion has made finding your style ten times easier. If you have ever been in an H&M, you’d be surprised how inexpensive some of the clothing is. Now, you get what you pay for, but it is easy to buy a piece and decide whether you love it or hate it at a small price.

Confidence. People will notice that you’re changing what you wear. Some might compliment you, some might make homophobic slurs. Be confident in what you are wearing and be proud that you’re learning something about your clothing desires. You owe it to yourself to look good, and no one else.

Perception. This point makes the confidence part sound invalid—but used correctly—I think it plays a major role in finding yourself. Perception is how you want others to view you. So, if you want people to take you seriously at a business meeting, wear a suit. If you want to look like you’re going to the gym, you wear athletic shorts and an old t-shirt. The point is to consider using clothing as an extension of your personality.

The exploration of oneself should be fun; it should be a journey that will take as long as it needs to. Even if you do find what you truly love, never stop growing. Continue to experiment with higher quality goods or maybe even take a chance on a random Kickstarter campaign. At the end of the day though, its just clothes.

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Chore coats are among my favorite pieces for cooler weather, similar to what you’d see in early spring and mid to late fall. Currently, I’ve been wearing my Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Jacket. What I love about it is the ability for the coat to grow with me as the indigo dye bleeda from the coat. The coat is a bit pricey, but the quality is impeccable from the vintage buffalo buttons to the hidden pocket on the right breast. For those budget conscious or those that just can’t justify paying that much for a piece of clothing, Pointer Brand has been consistently producing quality chore coats since 1913. As an added bonus, their chore coats are made in America, securing the American heritage atmosphere.

Styling chore coats are simple, which is perhaps the reason I love them so much. For a casual weekend, throw the coat on with a pair of jeans. For you office junkies, pair with your favorite chinos (colloquially known as khakis). A flannel or button-up are perfectly acceptable or for those late summer night grocery (alcohol) runs, a t-shirt can work just as well.

One option you can use is wool tshirts which never fail to disappoint for comfort and style, especially when mixed with a coat such as a chore coat. Not only that but they can be used in many different ways, with a versatility that is unmatched. Not only great for style, but they are also wicking and protect you from UV rays which can be harmful too. The chore coat with a simple tee combination can be a winner all round and something you will enjoy as a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

Chore coats have a little something to offer for everyone. Add some versatility to your wardrobe – bring on a piece that you will wear for years, that your grandfather wore for years, and one day maybe your kids or grandkids will wear for years. Whether you’re a manly man looking for a space for tools or an urbanite seeking a piece to start an outerwear collection, the chore coat will be right for you.

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