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Shirts Tag

Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

COLLAR YOUR STYLE

Jan 15 2019

Need a quick refresher on the various types of collar options for your next custom shirt? Straight collar: A neutral, all-around good choice that works for nearly every gentleman. Button-down: A classy-yet-casual option that keeps the collar secured in place. Can be worn without a tie, with the top button unbuttoned. Spread collar: A powerful look that can be created at several angles (medium spread, wide spread). It allows plenty of room for a large, powerful tie knot. The widest spread is called a cutaway collar. Club collar (rounded): There's a hint of the English about this unique look. Eyelet collar (for a collar pin): The tiny openings allow for placement of a collar pin. This look is dressy, elegant, distinguished, and quite unusual. Tab collar: A hidden tab behind the tie keeps the collar in place without visible buttons. Band collar: The collar doesn't have a strip of fabric that folds over the tie. This is a casual look that should never be...

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J Kent Erickson
Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels
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Can I wear a striped tie with a striped shirt?

Jan 01 2019

I received this question from a reader: Can I wear a striped tie with a striped shirt? What about with a striped suit? This is what I shared with them: While some would say, “Enough already with the stripes,” if you’re the adventurous type you could pull off a look that works if you follow some simple guidelines. First, when it comes to lining up the stripes, a little goes a long way. Next, keep the color palettes in the same family. Finally, watch the size and scale of the pattern, being certain to vary the scale, like wide with narrow. Wear wide stripe tie with a narrow spaced striped shirt or narrow spaced striped shirt with wider spaced striped suits. You have to feel comfortable with what you’re wearing, of course, so if stripes-on-stripes isn’t your thing, stick to convention. Dressing well should be a fun form of creative self-expression, so break...

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J Kent Erickson
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Wardrobe Basics

Using an Underrated Color: Incorporating Yellow into a Gentleman’s Wardrobe

Dec 15 2018

Yellow includes a range of hues, from butter to gold, from cream to tan. Many gentlemen shy away from this color because they’re not accustomed to wearing it, but if worn well, it can contribute to a stunning ensemble. Make sure the intensity of the yellow matches the intensity of the color it’s paired with. A rich gold works well with charcoal gray or navy blue, while pastel yellows work best with lighter coordinating colors, such as silver or sky blue. You may decide to choose yellows appropriate for each of the seasons: spring calls for pastels; summer embodies vivid tones; fall yellows are more amber or golden and can be paired with browns or a rich tan; winter attire can be refreshed by pure yellows paired with black, white, or burgundy. If you are unsure how to incorporate yellow into your wardrobe, start with a yellow tie—it’s the perfect way to try...

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J Kent Erickson
Wardrobe Basics
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Wardrobe Basics

TWO SUITS, SIX SHIRTS

Dec 01 2018

Let's talk efficiency. Building your custom wardrobe is an investment, and you likely want to maximize the value of that investment while controlling outlay. The key here is to start with a solid base: two custom suits and six custom shirts. With this base, you have the start of a wardrobe that is built to last-and built to look and feel fantastic, every day. Make sure your two suits and six shirts are designed in versatile colors and fabrics that will be appropriate in a multitude of occasions. Add carefully chosen accessories for individual style, and you have a versatile wardrobe that will fit better and let you move more comfortably than any other suits you've worn....

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J Kent Erickson
Wardrobe Basics
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Shirts, Vests, & Blouses

Made to Be Untucked

Nov 15 2018

You've seen men wearing their shirts untucked. If you want to enjoy this current trend (often called "the outside shirt" since the shirt is designed for the tail to be worn outside trousers), you need to have your custom shirts constructed specifically for that use, because a traditional-cut shirt worn untucked has an unfortunate tendency to flair like a bell at the hips. Here's how we'll build your outside shirts: We make sure the length is just right to create the correct silhouette for your body type to wear these shirts. We adjust the proportions for the finished dimensions between chest, waist, and hip measurements, to give it a flattering drape on your frame. We hem the shirt so that the tail ends in the bottom half of the trouser fly area to achieve the correct visual proportions. The outside shirt is a great option for a casual shirt that's still appropriate...

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J Kent Erickson
Shirts, Vests, & Blouses
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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Custom Guidance from Your Custom Clothier

Aug 15 2018

Each gentleman has his own circumstances, goals, and individual style. Our aim, as a custom clothier, is to enable each of our clients to create a wardrobe that will work hard to help him meet his goals and express his unique taste. To accomplish that, we work hard during your consultations to ensure you consider several important factors. Throughout our conversations we will help you to discover whether you prefer Italian, English, or American style sensibilities, as that will usually inform your tailoring choices. We’ll also discuss which custom items are your current priority. For some gentlemen, it could be suits, while others need to focus on trousers, coats, shirts, or a focal point item, such as an “odd vest.” When you set your budget, we can help you consider how long each type of custom clothing tends to last, as well as how many of that item category you’ll need. We are...

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J Kent Erickson
J. Kent Ltd. Experience
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Wardrobe Basics

EIGHT GREAT MUST-HAVES

Jul 15 2018

With a closet stocked with well-chosen staples, dressing is nearly effortless. That's why we've compiled this list of basics, to make sure you're stylish from head to toe. Loafers. Get a pair each in black and brown leather and you'll have shoes that coordinate with just about any outfit. Custom suit. If you currently plan on only one custom suit, a dark color will give you the most mix-and-match possibilities. A v-neck sweater. This layering option ensures you'll be comfortable as temperatures change. Dark blue jeans. Ensure your jeans look as elegant as possible by choosing those with a dark, uniform "wash." Custom dress shirts. A fantastic, custom-fit suit deserves several excellent custom shirts. Start with white or blue shirts, and then add in other solid colors and stripes to your taste. A blazer. Traditional navy is always a great option for your custom blazer, but depending on your preferences...

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J Kent Erickson
Wardrobe Basics
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Is it okay to roll up my shirt sleeves?

May 01 2018

I received this question from a reader: Is it okay to roll up my shirt sleeves? This is what I shared with them: Rolling up your sleeves keeps the cuffs clean when you’re eating or washing your hands. It’s also a great way to dress down an outfit when going from an office atmosphere to after-hours social engagements. However, there’s definitely an art to it. Here are a few tips on how to roll up your sleeves yet keep your shirt looking great. It’s best to fold sleeves—don’t roll them. Make sure both sides end up even in length, and don’t roll sleeves up past your elbows. Unroll them as soon as possible to avoid excessive wrinkles. Don’t roll up sleeves when in important business meetings, when you need to look as polished as possible. Sleeves should also be worn down to the wrist when wearing a coat or vest, as well as when dressed...

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J Kent Erickson
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Wardrobe Basics

IN BLACK AND WHITE (AND GRAY)

Apr 01 2018

Creating outfits from black and white pieces leads to striking ensembles. When you add shades of gray into the mix, you'll have an ensemble that is at once visually arresting and monochromatic. Combine several gray tones for a lighter look that's perfect for sunny days and social occasions. Pair your custom gray suit with pastel shirts, or wear it with your all-purpose white and blue shirts. Bring in black and your darker grays for more formal occasions. Crisp whites or subtle off-whites like cream or ivory look fantastic with black. By combining your favorite black, white, and gray pieces, you have a myriad of wardrobe options that always coordinate-helping you look great without spending time searching for just the right shades that will work well together....

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J Kent Erickson
Wardrobe Basics
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Seasonal Attire

ESSENTIALLY SPRING

Mar 15 2018

This spring, you can create a fresh, breezy look without losing your individual style. Here are a few quick seasonal changes that will breathe fresh air into your wardrobe for the spring. Try loafers instead of lace-ups for casual flair. Wear a woven canvas or light brown leather belt instead of the dark leather belts you've depended on all winter. Bring out your b­righter fabrics, whether in ties, shirts, or socks. Supplement your oxford shirts with­ equally well-tailored custom shirts made from any of our beautiful, open-weave fabrics for the comfort of breathability-without looking sloppy. Indulge in shirts built of lightweight cotton, linen, or blends of the two. Enjoy a pair of custom-tailored tan trousers, whether as part of a spring/summer suit or as a stand-alone item. Consider a custom unlined or partially lined suit coat or sport coat, for occasions when you need the sense of presence a coat...

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J Kent Erickson
Seasonal Attire
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