002; video;

[aloadeddie]

[ You know, Arthur was not actually intending to show his face on the network anytime soon, but circumstances kind of intervened. Okay, mostly it's just that he's bored and presenting an innocuous persona publicly is a good idea, even if he doesn't particularly want his face to be super recognizable to everyone. Oh well.

So for those who haven't seen him before, here he is, in all his glory. Maroon shirt, purple striped tie, no jacket, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, in the still pretty immaculate government housing provided to him because he just got here and also he sucks at personalizing his space. ]

Okay, I've only been here a couple of weeks but I've already had at least one person asking me for fashion advice, of all things, because I guess I'm an outlier here in actually knowing how to dress myself in something other than jeans and a henley.

[ Is he calling out someone specific there? You decide. ]

Nothing wrong with a good pair of jeans, but a friend of mine once said that any man over the age of seventeen really should own one decent suit and know how to tie his tie.

Obviously, if you're super-rich - [ Like, Saito rich, like, "I bought the airline because I have swimming pools full of money" rich ] - you probably don't need to know any of this stuff, because you should be using that money to buy bespoke, and your tailor will take care of it for you. But for us mere mortals, there are probably a few things we should be aware of before heading to - uh, whatever they call Bergdorf-Goodman in this world.

First, your measurements. There's no reason not to know your own measurements. If you're buying off-the-rack, you can probably get away with just three numbers in addition to your height and weight - the width of your shoulders, your waistline, and the length of your inseam. It might be useful to know your shoulder-to-wrist length, shoulder-to-waist length, and waist-to-ankle length, but you can probably get away without them if you know the first three and are willing to spend some time trying stuff on.

[ He shrugs, then pulls out a couple of magazines, because really, you need visual aids for some of this stuff. Shut up, at least he hasn't drawn any diagrams (yet). ]

So there are three basic types of suits.

[ He flips through the magazine, then holds up a picture. ] This is an American cut suit. It's generally the loosest, least-fitted style of suit. The jacket is usually single-breasted, with two buttons, the pockets have flaps, there's little to no padding, a single vent - that's the slit at the back of the jacket. The trousers are usually cut pretty full and won't be pleated at all. This one is for guys who are broad in the chest and shoulders, it allows for a lot of freedom of movement and the lack of padding means you don't look ridiculously bulky.

So then we have the British cut - [ And he's got a picture for that, too! Wow. ] It's more fitted, suits a wider range of body types, has a little more padding in the shoulders and structure to the jacket. It can be two or three buttons, single- or double-breasted, almost always has two vents, and the trousers have a higher waist, slimmer fit and are pleated.

Finally, there's the Italian or European cut suit. [ And a third picture to go with. ] This is the most fitted suit style, works best with slim builds, the pockets are slits rather than flaps, traditionally there is no vent at all - though some European suits these days will have two vents. The trousers are slim and tapered with no break at the cuffs.

[ Now he sits back, loosening his tie - untying it, as a matter of fact. ]

There's a lot of other stuff I could talk about, but I don't feel like sitting here all day, and I'm not actually an expert anyway. I know the basics, and I know what I like. So I'm just gonna end this with a really basic crash course in tying a tie, because you should absolutely know how to do this. It's not hard. Personally, I tend to go for a half-windsor, because it's symmetrical, neat, but not too large or complicated.

[ And he very quickly and efficiently demonstrates this by tying one. He's so smooth. Ladies, get in line. ]

Seriously, that's it. Figure out which style works best with your body type, get yourself a nice shirt and tie. It's not rocket science, if I can learn it, so can you.

[ And with that, the lesson appears to be over. You're welcome, fellas! ]

Comments

[bespin]

Always nice to meet a man who puts some effort into dressing himself.

[ Rather than a half-windsor, Lando is sporting a nice bolo tie today with his shirt that's such a pale blue it's practically white. ]

I appreciate the lesson in Earth fashions-- I've attempted to incorporate more native fashions into my daily look, but I'll admit I'm a little lost at times.

[aloadeddie]

Ah, yeah, well, I've never regretted it. A little time and effort goes a long way in life.

[ 'Earth fashions' - that's something he hasn't really thought about, and it gets his eyebrows up a bit. ]

I'm glad it was helpful for you. Honestly I never really considered that there might be people here from, ah - other planets. Is it really different from what you're used to?

[ Lando is dressed a lot more daringly than Arthur does, but it's still not totally outside the realm of what Arthur considers "normal human male clothing". ]

Video

[exceptionalthief]

An important public service announcement to be sure. Where do you stand on the vest bottom button debate, fastened or unfastened?

Video

[aloadeddie]

I always button my waistcoats. I almost never button my jackets. Feels too restrictive, I like more freedom of movement.

[driftsintobuffetline]

I'm honestly feeling so attacked right now.

[aloadeddie]

I'm not attacking anybody - just providing an educational PSA.

[ It's not his fault if some people resemble his remarks. ]

video;

[cleptes]

I think I could watch you loosen your tie all day.

[Is she flirting? Maybe.]

video;

[aloadeddie]

[ Well hellooooo there. ]

I'm sure there are more interesting things I can do with my hands.

[ Especially if you want to watch, eh??? ]

video

[h2no]

...They all look the same.

video

[aloadeddie]

Then you're not looking hard enough.

video;

[storyseeker]

Thank you for your service.

video;

[aloadeddie]

Anytime. Though, if I get many more hapless boyfriends or husbands, I might have to start charging for my services.

[flightforfreedom]

[Oh look, it's a grinning Poe.]

Where were you when I needed you three weeks ago?

[aloadeddie]

Ah, yeah, sorry about that. You'll have to take it up with the Porter. [ Pleasant smile. ] But if you've got any questions now, I'm happy to try and answer.

video;

[doctopussy]

It was only fairly recently I saw the appeal of a well-made suit but I cannot deny the undeniable impact of an upstanding appearance.

[ And indeed, Otto is wearing one: stark white, double breasted with a black shirt and white tie. What's Weird about it is that the sides are slit and there are four mechanical arms coming out. One of them is delicately holding a tiny cup of espresso in one claw. ]

Even if I can't buy mine off the rack even if I desired to do so.

video;

[aloadeddie]

[ Metal octopus arms are definitely a new one in Arthur's experience. But he's trained himself well - his face doesn't even twitch at the sight. He just listens politely to what the guy has to say. ]

It's amazing, the kind of impression you can make if you dress with confidence. And, hey, if you can afford it, bespoke is the best way to go, anyway.

Video

[drivesadesk]

Personally, I don't even need the nice shirt and tie. I'm rocking the t-shirt and a suit jacket look.

[And he is, indeed, wearing a plain white V-neck t-shirt under his suit jacket.]

Video

[aloadeddie]

Every guy needs one decent shirt and tie. Not saying you have to wear them every day if that's not your thing, but there comes a time in every man's life when he has to stand in front of a mirror and tie that knot.

text

[tropism]

I just wanted to add something where suits are concerned: if one is going to fight while in a suit, I'd recommend telling your tailor, so that way adjustments can be made for a higher armhole with slightly less padding on the shoulder to make it still look natural while you move. Similarly, if a gentleman wishes to conceal a handgun - let's say a .22 but you didn't hear that from me - the suit needs to be fuller at the chest.

If you want to be able to kick in your suit, you have to be really comfortable wearing your trousers higher than normal.

Otherwise, this was a really informative post, and I do hope people listen to you.

text

[aloadeddie]

[ All of this is incredibly practical advice - if you're a criminal. Which Arthur doesn't want to seem like he is. Which is why he didn't mention any of it in his original post. So he's glad someone else brought it up. ]

Ah, yeah, that's all good advice, I guess for the superheroes, huh. Honestly I'm still not really making that connection in my head, so thanks for the additional info.

( video )

[jeaniegrey]

I'm surprised this isn't like... your thing.

[ Since he said he's not an expert and all. ]

( video )

[aloadeddie]

It's really not. This is men's fashion 101, really. I haven't even scratched the surface.

text

[fehus]

i feel like i just got smacked over the head with a brooks brothers catalog.

Re: text

[fehus]

also i'm pretty sure none of this is basic?

[4thdimensional]

Rocket science is easier in some respects.

[Doc, with his preference for loud polos and cargo pants, appears to be exactly the opposite of the kind of person who would find this useful. But here he is, diligently taking notes.]

If one's uncertain about color, would black paired with other dark colors be the best choice?

[aloadeddie]

Eh, I wouldn't go too dark. Black and white is the most classic you can get, though it's pretty formal. You could probably do black with a charcoal grey or even a dusty blue if you wanted. I usually prefer browns or navys, myself. You could always try a striped shirt.

video;

[onlydoubts]

That looks a little restrictive.

[ Somethings that has to be worn a certain way, or looks so similar in style to one another that they might as well be a uniform of sorts.

And also, jeans and t-shirts (which he's currently wearing) are comfortable. ]

video;

[aloadeddie]

It's the opposite of restrictive, really. There are almost infinite combinations and styles. Definitely a lot more than t-shirts and jeans.

[ Yep, he went there. ]

un: c. gull

[the_admin]

I have never worn an American cut suit in my life, no matter how desperate my financial circumstances.

Though I prefer to have the trouser cuff shiver on the instep, rather than break. Medium break at most.

[aloadeddie]

Not really an American cut man myself, I prefer British. Still allows for freedom of movement, but has more structure.

Interesting. I tend to go for a medium break myself, but I also usually wear boots.

[Video]

[caduceusvalkyrie]

[Bless this post.]

If even one person takes note of this information, then thank you.

I've never worn a mens suit, obviously. But I do appreciate a wonderful cut. [European is her favourite followed by British. But if it looks smart on a man, she really isn't fussy.]

Re: [Video]

[aloadeddie]

I do my best. Someone's got to do it, anyway.

[ There are a lot of schlubs around here. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Though he appears looking cool and sophisticated at first, his clothes don't hold up to scrutiny. The buttons on his suit are slightly off, the sleeves a bit too short, the shoulders too small, making his arms and head appear oversized. He had matched it with a dark red tie - and a brown sweater vest that seemed a little off.

Gingerly, he tilts his head. This man's sense of style. It's more elegant than his own.]

Fascinating. I trust your appreciation of symmetry applies to other factors throughout your life?

[aloadeddie]

I like things neat and tidy, if that's what you mean.

[ Clean lines, lots of natural light... oh wait, he's not talking to an - wait whAT THE FUCK. Arthur almost does a complete double-take, and then his calm mask is back on. ]

I'm Arthur. What's your name?

[ Holy shit what the fuck is this why is Robert Fischer here. ]

video.

[ohshutup]

Ooh, I was waiting for the Italian.

[Her facial expression is pure, delighted "popcorn.gif".]

You should make pamphlets.

video.

[aloadeddie]

[ Arthur laughs faintly. ]

If someone wants to use this information to make some, they're welcome to.

Personally, I tend to prefer more British-cut. Nicely tailored, but not as restrictive of movement as Italian cut suits.

{Video}

[tauraran]

I prefer robes, honestly. {But he's...a special case.} Made of the finest Elven silk with thread so bright that it almost seems to glow. I do not think Men take much delight in the finer fabrics for they hardly seem to offer them.

{Or it could be the lack of Elvish craftsmen/women that cause the materials to be absent.}

{Video}

[aloadeddie]

...Right. Makes sense.

[ Since he's... apparently an elf. ]

Personally, I like a good silk - especially for ties.