Why Men Respond to Clothes Differently Than Women

The clothing market is geared towards women. More emphasis is put on women and fashion than is put on men. Women tend to brood about their bodies by noticing more of the imperfections than their assets. Women are more attentive to the way they dress when it comes to selecting the perfect outfit for the day, week, event, or special occasion. Why is it that men are not as interested in their attire?

The Male Psyche

Most men don’t like to fuss over much, especially when it comes to their wardrobes. They tend to have the ‘less is more’ mentality. Pondering over aisles of clothing in different colors, sizes, and style may make their heads spin so they usually stick with the basics: jeans, slacks, a suit, a tie, tract shoes, and a pair of dress shoes. There’s nothing wrong with these basic pieces in themselves, it’s the incorrect way of mixing and matching them that can cause a fashion disaster.

Some men feel that to fuss over what to wear is a waste of time and is unmanly. Social cultures may have something to do with this way of thinking as some men are conditioned to think that dressing well is unmanly. Because the fashion industry is geared more towards women, designers have more creative independence and freedom when it comes to their designs for creating women’s fashion.

There was a time, namely in the Renaissance period, where men took an interest in their dress just as much as women. They wore tights, wigs, skirts, Capri type pants, heels, frilly shirts along with vibrant colors. Men wearing these sorts of garments today would right away be labeled as ‘gay’ or as a male who puts a little more attention into the way he dresses: ‘metro-sexual’.

The stigma attached to males who care about the way they dress could cause other males to reverse their own attitude by dressing ‘down’ or as basic as possible. Fortunately, there is more variety in stylish dress for men. And because basic pieces are all that is needed for a man to be considered dressed well, there are several tips from fashion stylists to make even the most ‘homely’ male look fabulous, from going to the game with friends to taking their significant other out for to dinner.

Clothes Make The Man

Blazers

Blazers can be worn with just about anything from slacks to jeans, a fun Tee, dress shirt and tie. They can be worn in practically any color depending on the weather. Darker colors are always in: black, brown, green, and blue. Make sure it matches the colors of the rest of your outfit, especially the shirt underneath it.

Jeans

Jeans are a must have for anybody in every age group. They are classic and never go out of style. The darker jean is the way to go. They are casual, comfortable, and durable. Blue and black are universal favorites; you can also go with khaki color depending on your mood, the atmosphere, and your environment. Try to get the right length and always go longer than shorter. If you need to get pants hemmed, go to a professional. Boot cut is the most classic as you can wear them with sneakers, loafers and of course, boots.

Suits

Every man should own at least one nice suit. Suits will always come into play at some point in life. They are formal and always welcomed at weddings, upscale parties, black-tie events, and less festive occasions such as funerals. Dark suits are best to have. They dry-clean well and you can wear a quality tailor-made suit over and over again for many years. Make sure that it is a classic basic 3 or 2 whole button suit in black or dark blue. If you’re adventurous and have the body for it, try for more of a trendy look like the suits Brad Pitt wears in all of the Ocean’s movies.

Ties

Full Windsor and Half Windsor knot are most classic. This knot evokes confidence and assurance in your style. Do not wear a tie that stops above your belly button - bad length. Make sure that the tie is a medium width in conjunction with the width of your shoulders. Stick to wearing bow-ties only with a tuxedo and stay away from novelty ties which scream ‘immaturity,’ that is unless you’re actually attending a masquerade party or are in a circus show. Remember, rich colors and patterns such as diagonal prints can dress up a suit quite nicely.

Loafers or Dress Shoes

Loafers are a necessity in a male wardrobe. Even if your work and play doesn’t require you to have a pair, they should be a part of your wardrobe. This is because women take notice, and it tells them you not only know how to play hard, but you also know how to work hard. It makes them think about the more serious side of you, your goals and aspirations. You may not have thought it to be that serious, but it is. The best example of this is Michael Jordan. He is the most poised, athletic, well-spoken performer of his game and has been on the ‘best dressed’ list several times. Need I say more.

 

Shirts

Shirts are very important to a man’s wardrobe and the right shirt can make all the difference when it comes to attracting the right type of attention. Classic is key: The classic long-sleeved shirt is a must have for any man. It makes a strong confident statement. It is clean, crisp, and goes with just about everything in your closet. White and lighter colors such as blue will compliment most males if the fit is right.

Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt - is another eye catcher. It’s great in almost any color from light to dark such as dark blues, reds, whites, creams, etc. They’re great to wear for cool spring nights and great to wear with jeans, slacks, or khakis. Make sure they’re solid in color and not buttoned, or the top button left undone. Short-Sleeved Polos - same rules apply. Steer clear of the 1980’s turn up collar - over and done.

Classic Crew Neck T-Shirt - This shirt can be tricky and for those with ‘washboard’ stomachs only because it is fitted and is best worn hugging the male shoulders, chest, arms, and stomach. You can choose from many colors in cotton but black will make you look sexy and cool. White is also a good color for those endless summer nights.

No Short-Sleeved Dress Shirts - Stay away from these unless you’re part of the ‘geek-squad’. Most of the time women are not attracted to men who wear short-sleeved dress shirts. If you want to be cool for the summer and have to wear a dress shirt to work, roll up the sleeves of a long-sleeved classic shirt. This will draw the attention you want to get and not be a turn off.

Hats - Hats can be difficult to pull off so be careful when you’re selecting a style. Make sure the style is right, whether cowboy, baseball cap, poster-boy, or apple hats. If the hat doesn’t fit your own personal style, don’t wear it at all.

Tips:

• Wear fun print Tee’s under a nice dark blazer, dark jeans, and classic sneakers such as Addidas, Sketchers, or Chuck Taylors. This look says you’re fun, comfortable, yet stylish.

• Try a diagonal print tie with a solid classic long-sleeved shirt and dark suit. This look will say you’re ready for business and not a stranger to pleasure either.

• The Skater-boy look is a comfortable, yet young and fresh look. The fun printed Tee over a long-sleeved cotton shirt in another color. Best with jeans or cargos. Of course only wear with sneakers.

• Boot-cut dark jeans, loafers with a long-sleeved cotton shirt, and crew-neck T-shirt underneath can be a great look for any weather. If the weather gets hot, you can always take the long-sleeved shirt off and wear the crew-neck by itself.

• Speedos are a no-no - Unless you’re filming for some movie that requires it, stay away from speedos for the beach. Wear fun, classic beach shorts.

• Sweaters - they come in different styles, some are bulky and others fit the body. Make sure your sweater fits the style of your bottoms. Exp: Large sweaters = baggy pants

Before You Dress - Groom

Eyebrows: Squash the unibrow. This is when two eyebrows appear as one. Get them plucked and shaped professionally at a salon. This is becoming more and more common for men.

Hands and Feet: Make sure your hands are clean and nails manicured. We use our hands to express ourselves even subconsciously, so nails should be clean, filed, and maintained. Even if your feet won’t be seen, get a pedicure. Nasty toe nails are a complete turnoff. Make sure your hands and toe-nails are not long, keep them trimmed. Go to a professional manicurist/pedicurist if needed.

Haircuts: Get a haircut at least once per month. If using hair gel make sure the gel isn’t greasy. If your hair is short and above the neck, make sure the nape of the neck is lined; women tend to notice this often untouched secret. Beard and mustache must be groomed as well; no one likes to see big foot outside of the wild.

Cologne: This is tough. Although women like the smell of cologne, make sure it’s not overpowering or fighting with your aftershave lotion. If so, wear one and leave the other alone.

There are no hard and fast rules to dressing. If you’re not that interested in the way you dress, follow basic classic looks that endure through time, be neat as well as clean and you’ll be fine. Always choose the style that looks best on your body and never pick clothing that doesn’t speak your personality.