Brown Tag

Corduroy: Traditional yet Modern

Corduroy fabric began as the English gentleman’s country attire. It had a similar feel as velvet, but was traditionally made of cotton or cotton blends instead of the silk that went into velvet. It’s a durable, long-lasting fabric, rich with history, that’s still useful today. When you’re looking for a fresh piece in your wardrobe that still feels and looks traditional, try a custom corduroy jacket or trousers. We will ensure that they fit as comfortably as your custom suits, and you can enjoy them on occasions that don’t call for a suit. Corduroy is a great option for cooler weather and your seasonal wardrobe. Most corduroys are made in tan colors, but don’t overlook the fresh look of gray or a rich chocolate brown corduroy. Scarlet, green, or plum corduroys can make beautiful accent pieces. Typically choose fabrics with closer-set wales (ridges) for jackets and farther-set wales for trousers. Corduroy sport coats...

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Brown and Navy: Fundamentals or Just FUN?

Brown and navy blue are often considered to be neutral colors. While it’s true that they often serve as the backdrop for other colors, they also can make surprisingly strong statements on their own. Your brown pieces need not be limited to solid dark browns in your trousers and shoes. Consider creating a mono-chromatic ensemble that includes shades of brown such as cream, light tan, camel brown, and lustrous mahogany. The effect, far from being neutral, is warm and engaging. Pair navy blue with crisp white or light gray, and even the darkest blue is transformed from a foundation color to a stylish accent piece. Don’t limit your navy blue to trousers and socks—try it in a tie or shirt for stand-out color use....

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Achieving the Lived-in Look

While a crisp, clean look is appealing, there are times when you don’t want to look too pressed, too starched, too new. Especially in your custom casual clothing, you may want to create a more lived-in look than your dressier wardrobe pieces offer—without sacrificing on style or fit. Your expertly crafted customwear will look—and feel—as comfortable and familiar as your long-beloved favorites. Your color choices can also help create a more relaxed look. Choose muted earth tones instead of bright, crisp colors. Mossy greens, camel brown, and heathered colors are good options when crafting that subtle lived-in look. Low-contrast plaids and stripes look more relaxed than contrasting colors. Denim is a perennial favorite for crafting the lived-in look. Its color intensity varies sharply with wear, yet denim offers long-lasting durability. Pairing a custom-made shirt in an earth tone with a well-fitting pair of denim jeans instantly gives you an appealing ensemble. Remember that...

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Tracking The Trends: Fall and Winter 2014

We keep an eye on designers’ trends for men’s fashion, and a few common elements are emerging for Fall and Winter 2014. While classic clothing of true style form the basis of a strong custom wardrobe, keeping in touch with the current offerings can help you keep your look fresh. Some developments worth noting are: Monochromatic ensembles. The darker colors of winter are tending toward single-toned looks. Some designers have focused on dark greens, while others favor black with white accents. Slim slacks. Crisp trousers, reminiscent of the early to mid 1960’s, are heavily featured this fall. A pleasing visual contrast is being made by pairing trim trousers with a boxier gym or weekend bag. Orange accent. We’re seeing designers couple items in brilliant shades of orange with dark neutrals. Adding orange to an outfit in grays is a particularly appealing combination. Formal in browns. One forecasted trend calls for formal clothing, which has...

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The Classic Khaki Suit

Khaki, or tan, is best known as the color of choice for casual trousers and military uniforms, but it’s also a fantastic way to create an air of relaxed elegance. Instead of limiting your use of tan fabric to Fridays or weekends, consider crafting a sophisticated custom suit out of this appealing color. A cotton khaki suit never looks like it’s trying too hard. It brings a comfortable nonchalance to your business wardrobe. It also offers a great opportunity to try out a variety of new colors and textures in your shirts and ties that work well with the softer feel of cotton. During warm weather, the breathability of cotton can be a lifesaver in the heat, as can a tropical light-weight worsted wool.  Pair your suit with tan, brown, or burgundy shoes instead of black for all-around style. To create a sleek look, consider selecting peak lapels and a single button for...

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