Comments on: Business Casual - Men’s Clothing as a Young Professional Part 2 - Shirts

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:59:00 +0000

I would be a frequent customer at the Short and Small store. The truth is, most men seem to be confused about their size and buy shirts much larger than their size. Everywhere I’ve shopped, it seems there are rarely any smalls available, but several XLs. I’d rather where a shirt that fits nice than look cool shopping at a store where hardly anything fits at all. And I’m 5′6”, only two inches below average male height!

By: JD

JD — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:07:18 +0000

Great point on the collar stays - so many men don’t realize their importance, they buy cheap shirts with the cheap plastic stays and lose them and then get that curled collar look. Nordstroms and Brooks Brothers both sell very nice brass stays.

As to t-shirst, a neat trick is to where grey. They reflect less light as white and therefore are less obtrusive under lighter shirts.

By: mas

mas — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:39:31 +0000

Here’s a new alternative in men’s undershirts (www.ribbedtee.com) that people may want to check out.

RibbedTee undershirts combine the cool comfort and close fit of a ribbed tank top, with the protection of a typical v-neck or crew neck undershirt. They come in black and white, crew neck and v-neck, so you can pretty much wear them for any occasion, including under those expensive dress shirts!

By: David Fallarme

David Fallarme — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:27:06 +0000

Great post, Grant! Would’ve loved to hear more Bonus Points vs Old Man Points. That might be a postworthy by itself.

For example: suspenders. In or out? Some dress shirts have chest pockets. Is it acceptable to actually use them?

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:04:12 +0000

Another suggestion is to look for custom tailored shirts. A lot of people think these are ridiculously expensive, but if you find the right tailor, they aren’t. There’s a tailor that comes through Ottawa twice a year for about a week at a time, and by the time you choose a really nice fabric (including many nice textures and whatnot), and get custom fitted, you only spend about 60CAD per shirt, delivered to your door.

By: Grant

Grant — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:42:12 +0000

Greg- As a man you’re allowed to ‘trim’ body hair.. cut those bad boys down, or as I say ‘extinguish some of that Miami heat.’ Men aren’t allowed to shave or wax below the neck, but weed whack away with a trimmer.

Andrea- Should it be ‘Short and Small*’

*Small in stature

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:04:36 +0000

Only problem with v-neck undershirts is if you’ve got hair at the base of your throat, like myself. I stick to the classic white undershirts, but I buy higher quality ones, since I wear them everyday.

By: A.J.

A.J. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:49:16 +0000

I rock the Lacoste polo at work.

It’s not the most professional look, but I work in the internet industry where jeans and sneakers are the norm.

I think I’m the only person in the office who wears khakis.

By: andrea

andrea — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:10:20 +0000

I just want to see the commercial for a men’s store called “short and small.” The connotation alone would sink the brand.

By: Tad

Tad — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:51:31 +0000

Brooks Brothers iron free are the real deal. I don’t know how they do it but it’s amazing. Also check out their “slim fit” line for that fitted look.

Regarding undershirts, you should wear them whenever the temperature allows (i.e. pretty much all year). Your dress shirts won’t be exposed to as much body oil and will last longer. If you’re a sweat-er, the undershirt is doubly important.

And I agree–get the v-neck so they don’t peek out of your collar.