Creative Black Tie

Q: “I’ve been invited to this event that says ‘Creative Black Tie’ as the dress code on the invitation. What in God’s name is that?”
- Steve, Makati City

A: The “Creative Black Tie” dress code just means that you are being given license to be a little bit more contemporary and trendy with your tux or dark suit. Usually a solid black dress shirt minus the tie works well for events that call for this dress code. If you want to play it up a bit and be more, well, creative, consider a velvet suit or tux. I’m glad you took the extra step of trying to find out what this dress code really meant instead of making the wrong assumptions. Believe it or not, some have interpreted this to literally mean decorating their black ties.

Not So Skinny Jeans

Q: “Skinny jeans are the ‘in’ thing now; but, I’m not exactly skinny. Are skinny jeans really just for skinny people?”
- Erick, Loyola Heights

A: Umm... If you’re not skinny, then they’re just plain tight jeans. For guys with average builds, low-rise boot cut jeans help create a slimming look.

Hot Suit

"Thanks for the new article, Sartoman. Nice and helpful as always.

BTW, I've been meaning to ask you. What makes a business suit a "summer suit" -- one that is more appropriate to be worn during the summer. Are summer suits supposed to be without lining or are they supposed to use very light material/fabric? Would appreciate your view on this. Thanks."

-- Jason, Japan

A: There are two Es that generally drive what we wear -- Event and Environment. For suits, the Event influences the Cut & Style of the suit, while Environment dictates the Fabric that you will choose.

Summer-friendly fabrics include Linen, Light Wool and Cotton. Personally, I like linen because it is both laidback and stylish. It's admittedly more challenging to wear because of its wrinkly nature, but that's also its charm; definitely not for the obsessive compulsive corporate drone.

When temperatures reach mid-30 Celsius, your skin acts like Post-it Notes with the extra amount of sweat it produces to cool itself down. So, your summer suit should be a little more roomy. And, since linen suits are typically loose-fitting, they allow for good ventilation on a hot day. This one pictured here from Banana Republic is a classic light khaki linen number. If you're going to a tailor to have one made ask him to use Italian or Irish linen as these give good body and are relatively less wrinkly vs. ordinary linen.

Oh, and make sure you add an extra layer of deodorant/anti-perspirant for good measure.

Speedo Limit

Q: “I’ve noticed that more dudes are wearing Speedos in Boracay. Are board shorts out? ”
- John, Pasay City

A: Okay, so Daniel Craig in Casino Royale made the ladies drool in that skimpy number. But, reality check people… not everyone has killer abs or a swimmer’s build. Seriously, I don’t get why some guys think that wearing a man-bikini is a chick magnet. On the contrary, unless you’re reeking with mojo like Mr. Bond, a skimpy Speedo can cause more damage to your manhood than it can enhance it.

If you want to show off the body you worked so hard in the gym for, remember that you’re upper body is just as exposed when you wear board shorts. Unless your objective is to show off your thighs, then by all means, wear your water-proof briefs.