Men’s fashion is so much more low-key than women’s fashion. It’s part of the reason some women feel angry about men looking so dang good sometimes without even trying. But we too can have this simplistic fashion joy!
1. Plain Underwear
Yes, I like looking like a superhero when I’m running around in my undies sometimes. But sometimes, just a 3-pack of something basic will do.
2. Tailoring Culture
When a guy buys a suit, he takes it to the tailor to get it completely customized for himself. When a lady buys a suit (or dress, for that matter) it absolutely has to fit perfectly the very first time you put it on. That’s a lot of pressure for a machine-generated garment. Sometimes you’re better off just paying someone to make sure it fits you.
3. The Concept of “Less Is More”
Women walk out the door making sure they’re wearing a good shirt, skirt, ring, bracelet, earrings, coat, matching shoes and a matching purse that will match. Men worry about whether their shirt and pants match. Who do you think is less stressed?
4. Style Mentors
If a guy has a friend or relative who is the same height and build as he is, they are automatic Style Buddies. He asks him for advice and often takes mental notes whenever he wears something particularly styin’. We ladies have become so obsessed with being unique that sometimes it feels like we’ve lost the opportunity to learn from each other. Not good!
5. Enlisting The Help of the Opposite Sex
Most women would only ask a guy for help picking out an item of clothing if they’re going to be matching for a party or wedding. But guys ask us for help all the time if they have confidence in our ability to help them. Why don’t we return the favor? Maybe our XY compadres will surprise us with their insight.
6. Honesty!!!
What do girls tend to say about each other’s outfits, even if they look horrible? “Oh girl, you look so good!”
Guys, in the same situation: “Dude, that looks effin’ awful. Try the Batman one.”
Maybe this is why guy friendships are the themes of war epics and buddy flicks and we just get romantic comedies (usually involving backbiting).
7. Wash-and-Wear Being Standard
If a t-shirt you wear every day gets something spilled on it, you should be able to just dip it in the sink and rinse it out. Just sayin’.
8. Not So Much Hair Torture
Throughout most of history, guys have been the ones that just mousse-swirl-and-go. We were the ones killing our poor locks with burning, spraying, altering, and dying. Why? I’m betting our hair (or what’s left of it, anyway) will thank us if we go old-school guyish.
9. Having A Few Staples That Never Go Away.
We all hear the same phrase every season: “Here’s this season’s LBD!” “Here’s this year’s take on the peacoat!” Here’s an idea: How about we have some staples that ALWAYS stay the same? Women’s fashion magazines come up with new must-haves every season, while men’s fashion mags assume every guy owns a few key staples. It doesn’t make any sense.
10. “I Was Running Late” Being A Valid Excuse.
Because sometimes you just are. And dang it, having too busy of a life to properly straighten your hair shouldn’t be a crime.
What do you like about the culture of men’s fashion? Is there anything else about the culture of women’s fashion you think should change?
orchid / 194 posts
Pocket squares. I love them.
And the tailoring, yeah. It feels extravagant for me to want to get something tailored, even though I’d like to.
guest
Not every woman dresses to the nines and not every guy dresses like a bum.
guest
I’d love tailored clothes. With my curves, it’s hard to find well fitted clothing.
guest
oh so you mean just implore some practical sense in getting dressed?
orchid / 123 posts
@Proud2B2003@xanga - Oh of course! I just find that there’s more of a relaxed culture surrounding men’s fashion, and I think women’s fashion could stand to borrow some of those chilled vibes.
rose / 980 posts
The thing I quite enjoy about some men is when they tell you the truth. I was trying on dresses and posting them on Facebook so I could get immediate feed back from more people. One of my guy friends said that one of the dresses made me look like Violet from Willie Wonka. After I laughed my ass off, I put the dress back.
Other than that. I like women’s fashion and aside from Button Fly 501 Levi’s I see nothing from men’s fashion that I want to wear, especially plain underpants!
sunflower / 353 posts
@Lynn Males@facebook - Maybe I missed something, but I didn’t see anything about her saying it’s not okay for men to steal women’s fashion concepts. I personally don’t see anything wrong with it–as long as it looks good, that’s all. I think she’s just saying that some women should consider relaxing a little bit, but I’m always for a guy who takes some fashion risks and puts in more effort than what’s considered “normal.” Of course there’s always the douchebag that’s like, “Skinny jeans? Pink shirt? That’s gay, man.”
orchid / 160 posts
I feel like males are genetically more attractive than females anyway, that’s why females dress up so hard. For instance, take a good looking man and a good looking woman…and wipe off any make-up the woman may have on. The man has a more attractive face. So…that’s why I dress up, to keep up with the guys. But, I do steal a lot of concepts from guy friends, like sleeveless band shirts (but no side-boob for me), simple button up shirts, etc.
guest
But I like wearing my fancy underwear. I feel like a grandmother wearing cotton briefs
guest
I say wear what makes you feel good, but I do agree with some of the points: honesty towards others (I only compliment when I really like something, but I don’t say anything bad if I don’t like it unless I’m asked), owning well-made classic pieces, enlisting the help of a tailor whenever necessary and not going overboard with accessories.
@emptyabyss@xanga - I agree, fancy underwear makes a huge difference! There is a time and place for the boring cotton briefs (and even then I wouldn’t go for more coverage than cotton bikini), but it is not often.
orchid / 103 posts
I actually just started doing met of this stuff recently. Instead of buying the new “it” item every few weeks, killing my hair with new styles every other day, or buying lacy underwear that showed through every outfit, I started buying plain white shirts and then one colorful item, I cut my hair short and all I have to do is mousse it, and I bought practical underwear that is comfortable and won’t show through or bulge. My mornings have become SO much easier! My new favorite go-to staple is just a men’s white tee. I can do anything with that! If I wasn’t in school and actually had a career I would agree with the tailoring, but since all I wear to school are jeans and tees it doesn’t make much sense. No need to look professional yet. Great article!! =)
guest
Getting rid of high heels might be more practical.
guest
I’m learning to tailor my clothes. (:
guest
I hate when people are not honest with people about how they look. I will tell you if you look bad. Especially if you are going out in public with me. I don’t want to be seen with you if you look a hot mess. I know a lot of curvy, and bigger girls , being one my self and one of my biggest pet peeves is bigger girls going buy clothes that are clearly to small for them. Own your size there are plenty of clothes that look good on you , especially if you take the time to get them tailored. I never understood how your friends or family could let you go out of the house looking ridiculous. I tell costumers at work if what they are trying to buy looks bad on them , or if it’s to small . I work retail , and I’m sorry but I feel since I do I have an obligation to them to let them know they look bad.
guest
I just wear whats comfortable. Fashion isn’t all that interesting to me, but I enjoyed the post.
guest
totally agree with #2. I just had a hell of a time looking for a pencil skirt, and then I got lucky and found one.. but I shouldn’t have waited to get lucky, I should have just had it tailored!