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.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Honeymoon Jitters
Q: “I’m getting married soon and, this may sound a little unusual, but I’m stressing about what I should wear to bed on our wedding night. I don’t want to turn her off with my usual pambahay attire. Any suggestions?”
- Oliver, New Manila
A: If your “usual pambahay” (home clothes) translates to Disney pajamas, then I can see why this would be a concern. Those of us who are married can probably relate to how you feel. While the excitement is there to get the wedding reception over and done with so that we can get to the real party, there is a small feeling of anxiety to make sure we don’t do anything to mess things up. And, wearing the wrong thing can do just that. The top answer in a survey among newly married women on what sleepwear would have made them fane sickness on their wedding night was seeing their new husband in a loose tank top (sando). Showing up for bed in your jammies tells her you’re ready to sleep – “No action tonight, Dear.”
The unanimous choice for the sexiest, failsafe men’s sleepwear – a fitted shirt and boxer brief combination. Oh, and what’s comforting is that she’s probably worrying about what to wear to bed too.
My suggestion … as your wedding gifts, give each other the sleepwear that turns you on. Leather does not count as sleepwear.
- Oliver, New Manila
A: If your “usual pambahay” (home clothes) translates to Disney pajamas, then I can see why this would be a concern. Those of us who are married can probably relate to how you feel. While the excitement is there to get the wedding reception over and done with so that we can get to the real party, there is a small feeling of anxiety to make sure we don’t do anything to mess things up. And, wearing the wrong thing can do just that. The top answer in a survey among newly married women on what sleepwear would have made them fane sickness on their wedding night was seeing their new husband in a loose tank top (sando). Showing up for bed in your jammies tells her you’re ready to sleep – “No action tonight, Dear.”
The unanimous choice for the sexiest, failsafe men’s sleepwear – a fitted shirt and boxer brief combination. Oh, and what’s comforting is that she’s probably worrying about what to wear to bed too.
My suggestion … as your wedding gifts, give each other the sleepwear that turns you on. Leather does not count as sleepwear.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Who Wears the Pants?
Just recently, I met with a new client who went to my shop with the simple objective of having pants made. He had seen the work we did for his friend and liked the way we were able to get his buddy out of his 80’s style inertia. So, he figured it was time for him to invest on some tailored clothes as well, starting with the easiest and simplest article –- pants.
What he thought would be a measure-and-run session ended up to be an almost hour-long orientation on the details to consider when having a pair of pants made. Here’s a summary of the check list we went through:
FABRIC: Yes, there are other fabrics aside from khakis and denims. For office and smart casual dressing, favor light wool. For the first few pieces, stick to the basic shades of grey, navy and black. If you’re not up to dry cleaning and want a low maintenance fabric, polyester blends are what you are looking for. If you’re going to the beach or looking for something more casual, have a pair of linen pants made. This is the perfect fabric for the summer and goes well with leather sandals.
PLEATS: For those who haven’t noticed yet, pleats, those tucks or folds found on the front part of pants, are OUT… for now at least. While pleats serve a practical purpose of allowing for extra room and movement, they are generally not flattering to the figure. They can cause your pants to balloon, if not pressed properly, adding an illusion of added pounds or unflattering bulges. If you’re still having anxiety attacks at the thought of wearing unpleated pants, take the baby step of having single-pleated pants made instead. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to retire those Sperry topsiders soon too.
WAISTBAND: There are generally two ways to execute your pants’ waistband -- Center-button or Overlapping. I prefer the overlapping waistbands for a more contemporary look. I also find that this style is best for flat front pants.
BELT LOOP: Make sure you tell your tailor if you’re going to wear your pants with a belt that’s wider than average. This will make sure he adjusts your pants’ belt loops wider than the standard 1 to 1½ inches width.
SIDE POCKETS: I bet you never thought there were options when it came to pockets did you? Well, there are basically two styles to choose from: Continental or On-seam/slide pockets. Continental pockets are those that are cut on the front part of your pants, almost parallel to your waistband. This style is also more contemporary and stylish, but less functional. It’s just a little bit more difficult to reach into continental pockets, especially if you’re pants fit exactly to your body. If you’re the type who uses your pocket a lot, like me, I suggest you go with the traditional on-seam/slide pocket.
BACK POCKET: Decide on one, two or none. Typically, dress pants only have one. Apart from your wallet, what else would you put in our back pocket anyway?
CUFFS: I’m not a big fan of cuffs largely because I don’t like the way they break the clean silhouette that a good-fitting pair of pants creates. Having no cuffs also creates a vertical illusion; perfect for the average 5’6” tall Pinoy. Should you prefer cuffs, they are typically 1¼ inches wide and are more appropriate for casual pants.
BREAK: And lastly, pay attention to how your pants break. This refers to how the ends of the legs of your pants fold when they hit your shoes. The break needs to be subtle. A large break makes you look like you borrowed a taller friend’s pair of pants, while having no break, makes you look like you had a Cherifer™ or Growee™ overdose.
As we wound up our discussion, Mr. New Client leans forward and whispers, “Oh, and do you think you can give me a butt with my new pants?” Mind you, this is a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to which the answer is, “I can only work with what the Almighty has given you.” And if that’s not enough, my shop is 10 min. away from Dra. Belo’s clinic.
What he thought would be a measure-and-run session ended up to be an almost hour-long orientation on the details to consider when having a pair of pants made. Here’s a summary of the check list we went through:
FABRIC: Yes, there are other fabrics aside from khakis and denims. For office and smart casual dressing, favor light wool. For the first few pieces, stick to the basic shades of grey, navy and black. If you’re not up to dry cleaning and want a low maintenance fabric, polyester blends are what you are looking for. If you’re going to the beach or looking for something more casual, have a pair of linen pants made. This is the perfect fabric for the summer and goes well with leather sandals.
PLEATS: For those who haven’t noticed yet, pleats, those tucks or folds found on the front part of pants, are OUT… for now at least. While pleats serve a practical purpose of allowing for extra room and movement, they are generally not flattering to the figure. They can cause your pants to balloon, if not pressed properly, adding an illusion of added pounds or unflattering bulges. If you’re still having anxiety attacks at the thought of wearing unpleated pants, take the baby step of having single-pleated pants made instead. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to retire those Sperry topsiders soon too.
WAISTBAND: There are generally two ways to execute your pants’ waistband -- Center-button or Overlapping. I prefer the overlapping waistbands for a more contemporary look. I also find that this style is best for flat front pants.
BELT LOOP: Make sure you tell your tailor if you’re going to wear your pants with a belt that’s wider than average. This will make sure he adjusts your pants’ belt loops wider than the standard 1 to 1½ inches width.
SIDE POCKETS: I bet you never thought there were options when it came to pockets did you? Well, there are basically two styles to choose from: Continental or On-seam/slide pockets. Continental pockets are those that are cut on the front part of your pants, almost parallel to your waistband. This style is also more contemporary and stylish, but less functional. It’s just a little bit more difficult to reach into continental pockets, especially if you’re pants fit exactly to your body. If you’re the type who uses your pocket a lot, like me, I suggest you go with the traditional on-seam/slide pocket.
BACK POCKET: Decide on one, two or none. Typically, dress pants only have one. Apart from your wallet, what else would you put in our back pocket anyway?
CUFFS: I’m not a big fan of cuffs largely because I don’t like the way they break the clean silhouette that a good-fitting pair of pants creates. Having no cuffs also creates a vertical illusion; perfect for the average 5’6” tall Pinoy. Should you prefer cuffs, they are typically 1¼ inches wide and are more appropriate for casual pants.
BREAK: And lastly, pay attention to how your pants break. This refers to how the ends of the legs of your pants fold when they hit your shoes. The break needs to be subtle. A large break makes you look like you borrowed a taller friend’s pair of pants, while having no break, makes you look like you had a Cherifer™ or Growee™ overdose.
As we wound up our discussion, Mr. New Client leans forward and whispers, “Oh, and do you think you can give me a butt with my new pants?” Mind you, this is a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to which the answer is, “I can only work with what the Almighty has given you.” And if that’s not enough, my shop is 10 min. away from Dra. Belo’s clinic.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Blog Updates
To those who wrote me asking why I have not posted anything for May... Sorry guys, I've been travelling and have had minimal internet access. I'm back and will be posting answers to the questions I received soon.
A special thanks to to those that had suits and office clothes made at my shop after reading this blog. I hope you love your new clothes!
Sarto
A special thanks to to those that had suits and office clothes made at my shop after reading this blog. I hope you love your new clothes!
Sarto
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sport Coat vs. Suit Jacket
Q: “This is something that’s always confused me… What’s the difference between a sport coat and a suit jacket? Oh and by the way, how do I get a tailored suit from your shop?”
- Jonathan, New Manila
A: The main difference is that suit jackets come with matching pants while a sport coats (or blazers) are designed and created to be worn independently. I can understand your confusion because a lot of designers’ men’s lines are showcasing “suit separates” to improve the versatility and wearability of their couture. Dark colored, two-button, single-breasted suit jackets (e.g. navy blue or black) are safe to wear as a blazer paired with jeans. I’d be more careful with mismatching pin-striped suits; in fact, it’s best not to. Other suit jackets that can be passed off as sport coats are those made of corduroy, plaid and tweeds. When an office dress code says “sport coat”, that just means you don’t have to wear a suit with matching jacket and pants. E-mail me and let’s talk about making a suit for you.
- Jonathan, New Manila
A: The main difference is that suit jackets come with matching pants while a sport coats (or blazers) are designed and created to be worn independently. I can understand your confusion because a lot of designers’ men’s lines are showcasing “suit separates” to improve the versatility and wearability of their couture. Dark colored, two-button, single-breasted suit jackets (e.g. navy blue or black) are safe to wear as a blazer paired with jeans. I’d be more careful with mismatching pin-striped suits; in fact, it’s best not to. Other suit jackets that can be passed off as sport coats are those made of corduroy, plaid and tweeds. When an office dress code says “sport coat”, that just means you don’t have to wear a suit with matching jacket and pants. E-mail me and let’s talk about making a suit for you.
Tie-Pod
Q: “I am an iPod junkie; I listen to it even at work. My problem is where to put it. My phone already occupies one of my pants’ pockets. If I put it on the other pocket, my pants already bulk up. Right now, I end up putting it on the table or just holding it when I’m on the move. Any ideas? ”
- Marco, Pasig City
A: Thomas Pink, makers of bespoke dress shirts, offers an ingenious solution to your problem. They’ve come out with a limited tie collection that includes a hidden pocket at the back for the ubiquitous iPod. Although, while I give them props for this innovation, I can’t help but think of how uncomfortable it must be to have something constantly tugging on your neck. I haven’t been able to find this locally so the best place to check it out is through the Thomas Pink site: http://www.thomaspink.co.uk. Personally, I find that my shirt’s breast pocket works just fine for small gadgets.
- Marco, Pasig City
A: Thomas Pink, makers of bespoke dress shirts, offers an ingenious solution to your problem. They’ve come out with a limited tie collection that includes a hidden pocket at the back for the ubiquitous iPod. Although, while I give them props for this innovation, I can’t help but think of how uncomfortable it must be to have something constantly tugging on your neck. I haven’t been able to find this locally so the best place to check it out is through the Thomas Pink site: http://www.thomaspink.co.uk. Personally, I find that my shirt’s breast pocket works just fine for small gadgets.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Male Indulgences
For the longest time, a big buckle belt has always been on my To Buy list; the perfect accessory for low-rise, boot cut pair of jeans. While there are many out there, I was looking for a belt with a less Brokeback-looking buckle. I was overjoyed when I finally found one. But, is a 2.5-inch wide strip of genuine Italian leather with a big matte silver frame buckle worth almost P 4,000? Hell yeah! This was my most recent indulgence. My search was over.
Did I feel guilty with my purchase? Not the least bit. I believe that, once in a while, we have to reward ourselves with life’s little luxuries. After all, money is useless until it is spent. So here’s my Top 10 list of what I think every guy should indulge on when it comes to style and grooming:
1. Italian Leather Shoes
This is where quality comes with a real price tag. While it may set you back anywhere from P 7,000 to P 25,000, a pair of real Italian leather shoes completes any outfit perfectly. What you are paying for are style and durability. Forget about comfort. I don’t think commuters are part of Mr. Ferragamo’s target market.
2. Custom Tailored Dress Shirts
If you still haven’t discovered the pleasure of wearing a dress shirt (a.k.a. long-sleeved polo) that’s constructed to the unique contours of your body, you’re totally missing out. Oh, and the added benefit – a trim silhouette from being able to tuck your shirt in without the sloppy, blousy effect.
3. Custom Tailored Suit
Any self-respecting man needs to have a bespoke suit in his clothing arsenal. Sure, an Armani will always be an Armani. But, what I’m talking about is a perfectly tailored suit that hugs your shoulders and gives you a slimmer more streamlined look. Keep in mind that most designer suits are made for Caucasian body proportions. Since Asians are generally shorter and more slender, the chances of a suit will be too large is higher when you buy off the rack. So, go out and find yourself a tailor. There’s no substitute!
4. Piña Barong Tagalog
A piña barong has a way of making anyone who wears it look like a respectable, self-made man. Don’t ask me why; that’s its magic. You don’t have to be a groom to own one. Leave the jusi barongs to students.
5. Dress Watch
I asked some women what they notice first when they check out how a guy dresses and the #1 answer – their watch. Women have a natural radar for bling, so this comes as no surprise. Personally, I find leather strap watches more stylish than those with metal bracelets. I’ve had my eye on Bulgari’s Assioma for some time now; just a little more skipped lunches …
6. Sign Pen
Do, this… borrow a Mont Blanc pen from a friend and sign your name with it. Feel the way your hand glides effortlessly on the paper and discover that your signature can actually look like it’s from someone who makes important decisions.
7. Razor
You’re probably surprised to find such a mundane item like a shaving razor in this list, but I have gotten a lot of questions about achieving the perfect shave; and there’s no better place to start. A lot of guys scrimp on their razors thinking that anything with a blade will do. Wrong! Get yourself the Gillette Mach 3 Turbo and understand what I’m talking about.
8. Skin Care Products
What do Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise have in common? They’re all over 40 and they look a lot younger than a most of us! The secret –- a regular skin care regimen. Exfoliate and moisturize! L’Oreal’s Vita Lift makes sure that I don’t go to my high school reunion looking like one of my former teachers.
9. Underwear
I often hear guys ask why anyone would spend so much on underwear when no one sees it anyway. I think those that think this way miss the whole point of wearing underwear. Underwear is both functional and sensual and no other brand understands that more than Calvin Klein; the only brand worth exposing when wearing low-rise jeans.
10. Jeans
The #2 things women check out in guys after watches – our ass (although I have a feeling this is really #1)! And, nothing showcases this “asset” more than a pair of perfect-fitting jeans. Visit Ino Caluza and get yourself a pair of custom-made Viktor jeans that shows off your booty!
Did I feel guilty with my purchase? Not the least bit. I believe that, once in a while, we have to reward ourselves with life’s little luxuries. After all, money is useless until it is spent. So here’s my Top 10 list of what I think every guy should indulge on when it comes to style and grooming:
1. Italian Leather Shoes
This is where quality comes with a real price tag. While it may set you back anywhere from P 7,000 to P 25,000, a pair of real Italian leather shoes completes any outfit perfectly. What you are paying for are style and durability. Forget about comfort. I don’t think commuters are part of Mr. Ferragamo’s target market.
2. Custom Tailored Dress Shirts
If you still haven’t discovered the pleasure of wearing a dress shirt (a.k.a. long-sleeved polo) that’s constructed to the unique contours of your body, you’re totally missing out. Oh, and the added benefit – a trim silhouette from being able to tuck your shirt in without the sloppy, blousy effect.
3. Custom Tailored Suit
Any self-respecting man needs to have a bespoke suit in his clothing arsenal. Sure, an Armani will always be an Armani. But, what I’m talking about is a perfectly tailored suit that hugs your shoulders and gives you a slimmer more streamlined look. Keep in mind that most designer suits are made for Caucasian body proportions. Since Asians are generally shorter and more slender, the chances of a suit will be too large is higher when you buy off the rack. So, go out and find yourself a tailor. There’s no substitute!
4. Piña Barong Tagalog
A piña barong has a way of making anyone who wears it look like a respectable, self-made man. Don’t ask me why; that’s its magic. You don’t have to be a groom to own one. Leave the jusi barongs to students.
5. Dress Watch
I asked some women what they notice first when they check out how a guy dresses and the #1 answer – their watch. Women have a natural radar for bling, so this comes as no surprise. Personally, I find leather strap watches more stylish than those with metal bracelets. I’ve had my eye on Bulgari’s Assioma for some time now; just a little more skipped lunches …
6. Sign Pen
Do, this… borrow a Mont Blanc pen from a friend and sign your name with it. Feel the way your hand glides effortlessly on the paper and discover that your signature can actually look like it’s from someone who makes important decisions.
7. Razor
You’re probably surprised to find such a mundane item like a shaving razor in this list, but I have gotten a lot of questions about achieving the perfect shave; and there’s no better place to start. A lot of guys scrimp on their razors thinking that anything with a blade will do. Wrong! Get yourself the Gillette Mach 3 Turbo and understand what I’m talking about.
8. Skin Care Products
What do Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise have in common? They’re all over 40 and they look a lot younger than a most of us! The secret –- a regular skin care regimen. Exfoliate and moisturize! L’Oreal’s Vita Lift makes sure that I don’t go to my high school reunion looking like one of my former teachers.
9. Underwear
I often hear guys ask why anyone would spend so much on underwear when no one sees it anyway. I think those that think this way miss the whole point of wearing underwear. Underwear is both functional and sensual and no other brand understands that more than Calvin Klein; the only brand worth exposing when wearing low-rise jeans.
10. Jeans
The #2 things women check out in guys after watches – our ass (although I have a feeling this is really #1)! And, nothing showcases this “asset” more than a pair of perfect-fitting jeans. Visit Ino Caluza and get yourself a pair of custom-made Viktor jeans that shows off your booty!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)