Stick to What You Know

that My buddy Sizzle's entry into my Favorite Things Series seems to have created quite a stir in the comments for that post on his blog. Mr. Anonymous #2 seems to think that TAD Gear has sold-out and makes some assumptions as to nature of the company, and fashion blogs, where apparently true purpose-driven products go to die from the glares of fashionistas in over priced clothing. Below is my response to the hatred, and also a little bit on the nature of today's marketplace.

Dear Anonymous #2,

While Sizzle wrote a truly fantastic response to your somewhat ignorant comment, I think I would like to go a little further and into more detail, but I’ll keep it short. Anonymous, I would just like to point out that you are not alone in feeling a bit upset over the apparent selling-out of TAD Gear (I’m not an expert on the subject so I’m not going to judge whether or not this has occurred). I am sure there is a select group of people who tend to agree with you. But, unfortunately Anonymous, it happens with almost everything. People frequently experience this with their favorite ‘back-pocket’ band that they saw perform at every grimy, dirty, and awkward smelling bar and club in town. When the band gets a record contract people can’t help but feel let down; the band isn’t small anymore, and their biggest fan suddenly has competition. The best way around this is to try to feel happy for the people who are finally living their dream of seeing a project they started get recognition on a larger scale and start reaping the rewards of their hard work.

May I also remind you that TAD Gear is first and foremost a business, and at the end of the day they have to gross. Without the money they make they can’t offer new and better products for people to enjoy. So if they hire a marketing team to help spread the word about their goods, or can’t let someone into their store to use the bathroom at the risk of potential loss of merch, please don’t blame them. They’re just trying to get by, and bring you the next batch of excellent goods and services.

As far as fashion blogs go, I do not want to be a representative of all the fashion blogs, but I will try to make a stand, because after all, we’re not all talking about “$3000 sunglasses on $400 jeans.” Although there probably is a fair share of fashion blogs out there that feature ludicrous items, the blog that featured TAD Gear, and the one I linked to from my blog, is Selectism. They are a righteous bunch of contributors in collaboration from all over the world that bring you the latest word on the what’s new and exciting  in men’s fashion. The latest in men’s fashion just happens to be an amazing trend that focuses on heritage goods, and above all, a return to honest-to-goodness quality. So what may seem like fashionistas that are trend-hoping, is actually a return to values like quality, simplicity, and timeless style that have almost been forgotten in this fast-paced, instant-gratification driven world of modernity in which we all reside. You will most likely find that quite a few of the items featured on these blogs are not only very inspired by decades old styles, but may even be straight reissues. Not a fickle fad at all.

While TAD Gear may sit next to (corrected based on facts) $500 sunglasses and $300 jeans on these blogs, it is important to remember why. Everything is made in factories, of top notch materials, that maintain a living wage for their workers and do not exploit them for a huge profit margin. In addition, a large majority of the products are made in the U.S.A., so no complaints about outsourcing ‘Merican jobs. These are trends that are here, and hopefully will stay for a very long time. TAD Gear is mainly a purpose driven clothing and accessories manufacturer, but in addition to quality in their items, they strive to offer you a great looking product. There’s nothing wrong with a few people who find their look appealing spreading the word about a great brand.

So Anonymous, please don’t be upset with TAD Gear’s apparently new found (although they’ve been around for a while) success, but be happy that the company you have loved and followed for so long has grown with more and more people getting to enjoy their great functioning and great looking products.

- R.R.

Shit's expensive!

Mens fashion advice is found just about everywhere now. Probably because most need it pretty badly. If you're into that type of thing (I know I am), you'd be wise to check out Selectism, Sartorially Inclined, A Continuous Lean, ValetMag, and of course the staples: GQ, Esquire, and Details.

However, one thing that almost all of the bloggers out there never seem acknowledge its that not everyone out there looks like a model. Yes, everyone's body type is different but there are far fewer Zac Efron lookin' dudes than there are Zach Galifianakis guys.

Whatever you may think about stereotypes, it never hurts to look taller and slimmer. So for those of us who don't have chiseled abs, here is what I consider to be the definitive list of tips found from various reputable sources. The goal: make you look slimmer.

1. No horizontal/diagonal stripes. If you go with stripes, make them vertical. They elongate the body and draw the eye vertically visually slimming down the curves. For formal clothing, a pin stripe pattern will be best on suits as well as shirts.
2. Proper fit. Clothing should be fitted. Never slim/skinny/tapered/tight. The key is to find clothing that flatter your body while being comfortable. Clothes that are too tight will be unflattering. Large baggy clothing will only make you look shorter and squat. Solution: find a good tailor.
3. Single color. Long flowing lines created by a shirt/pants in the same color will have a similar slimming effect to that of vertical stripes. Flaws will be visually minimized.
4. No crazy/excessive patterns. While plaid is always a good idea, intense patterns like paisley and Hawaiian print make you look even bulkier.
5. No bright accessories. If the goal is to create a slim silhouette, bright accessories in contrasting colors such as tie clips, pocket squares, necklaces, and watch bands will make the eye jump around. Belts that pop create a bright attention seeking rift in the mid-riff effectively dividing the body. Stick to complementary colorways and simple forms.

As The Art of Manliness states, "no fabric or pattern will make the large man look thin," but we can sure try our best. Just remember: rules are meant to be broken. Always be sure to have confidence and let your personality shine through your clothing.

Some great examples of people who do a great job of breaking some of the rules while looking great: