Current menswear - All awful? or, am I getting old?

Skedaddle

I was having a browse through a whole range of menswear sites today, including ASOS' mens section, Brown Thomas (more for inspiration than actually buying anything) and a whole load of other fashion sites and it just struck me that I really dislike current fashions.

Am I just turning into a grumpy middle aged man who finds all these new trends repulsive, or are they genuinely awful?

All I see is models who are dressed and styled to look dog-rough. Awful hairstyles, ugly tattoos on their necks and faces in some cases, many of them look slightly ill and they're dressed in hideous clothes - tracksuits, medallions, ugly puffa jackets, skinny jeans, jeans with holes in them, clothes that look like they don't fit.

Everything seems to be designed to fit an underfed 15-year-old and even if I go wander around the shops, nothing suits me anymore.

It's so bad, I am actually not really even bothering to shop that much anymore as I rarely find anything that I like.

Is fashion really gone that bad, or am I just totally of touch?

Middle Man

Skedaddle wrote: »

I was having a browse through a whole range of menswear sites today, including ASOS' mens section, Brown Thomas (more for inspiration than actually buying anything) and a whole load of other fashion sites and it just struck me that I really dislike current fashions.

Am I just turning into a grumpy middle aged man who finds all these new trends repulsive, or are they genuinely awful?

All I see is models who are dressed and styled to look dog-rough. Awful hairstyles, ugly tattoos on their necks and faces in some cases, many of them look slightly ill and they're dressed in hideous clothes - tracksuits, medallions, ugly puffa jackets, skinny jeans, jeans with holes in them, clothes that look like they don't fit.

Everything seems to be designed to fit an underfed 15-year-old and even if I go wander around the shops, nothing suits me anymore.

It's so bad, I am actually not really even bothering to shop that much anymore as I rarely find anything that I like.

Is fashion really gone that bad, or am I just totally of touch?

TBH, you're not very far off IMO - much of today's male fashion sucks. Many trousers out there are far too tight and as for those ripped denims being supposedly so modern and cool - well I'd like to break it to them - it's so 1980's! I'm 44, so I know what the late 1980's fashion looked like! Shirts and tops are thankfully becoming less tight (gradually) - not so long ago, they were like corsets and completely sucked - and yeah, most of those tight clothes look like they don't fit because you know why? They don't fit. Also, when are Irish men going to realise that by wearing cropped tight trousers, they're just emphasising their short leg lengths and rumps - we're not English and most of us don't have proportionately long legs.

Anyway, don't worry mate - fashion is so fickle that there's no point in following it. I've being measuring out my shirts in the last year and know exactly how they should fit - just as well, because the 'fashion experts' will soon want them so loose that if there's any shape left in them at all, they'll be uncool (yes that same shower who were telling us only a couple of years ago that any loose fabric was a no no!) - well ridiculously loose shirts came about in the 1990's - fashion fad cycles are approximately every 30 to 35 years, so I guess baggy shirts will be the thing of the early 2020's. It does seem however that some young males are now wearing narrow legged trousers as opposed to tights - still don't like them, but anything beats man tights - even drainpipes!

In short, there's fashion and there's style! I choose style!

Skedaddle

I don't have the short leg thing - I've well proportioned long ones. However, I also have leg muscles which is something trouser designers seem to be unaware exist. I was trying on some jeans and many of them won't go past calves and then you her the sneering shop assistant implying you're somehow a freak of nature for asking for 34" x 34"..

Wibbs

Middle Man wrote: »

we're not English and most of us don't have proportionately long legs.

Neither do the English MM. We're almost identical in bodily proportions on average.

Am I just turning into a grumpy middle aged man who finds all these new trends repulsive

I would say and IMHO that if as a middle aged man you didn't find the "youth" fashion repulsive then the young fashion designers and young men trying new things aren't working near hard enough. That's their job. To make the older generation despair. The more the merrier.

Skedaddle wrote: »

I was trying on some jeans and many of them won't go past calves and then you her the sneering shop assistant implying you're somehow a freak of nature for asking for 34" x 34"..

Try asking for 30 X 34(more like 29 X 35, but 30/34 works. In Levi's anyway). I'm more leg than man.

Middle Man

Skedaddle wrote: »

I don't have the short leg thing - I've well proportioned long ones. However, I also have leg muscles which is something trouser designers seem to be unaware exist. I was trying on some jeans and many of them won't go past calves and then you her the sneering shop assistant implying you're somehow a freak of nature for asking for 34" x 34"..

Some shop assistants seriously need to cop themselves on - all for customer service. It just goes to highlight the serious flaws with fashion - it's this 'One size fits all' mentality except in fact, the 'fashion' items fit hardly anyone!

greedygoblin

I went clothes shopping a few weeks ago. Main priority was to pick up a few lightweight jumpers (wrong time of year for this I know). And maybe a pair of loose-fitting, comfortable jeans.

Started off in TK Maxx. Spent about half an hour sorting through jumpers, shirts, trousers. Left with nothing.
Next stop: H&M. Did about 1 circuit of the menswear section. Decided it was all crap. Left with nothing.
Shop number 3: Next. A good step up from H&M. Poor selection of jumpers. All woolly. Not what I was looking for. Lots and lots of jeans. Still nothing that looked right. Left with nothing.
Shop 4: River Island. Again, a goodish selection of jeans. But mostly all of the skinny variety. Just a few baggy looking woolly jumpers. Once more, left with nothing.
Shop number 5: Top Man. Had some nice shirts. But I have enough of those. All I want is a good lightweight jumper goddammit. :pac: Nope. More wool stuff. This time, what did I do? You guessed it. Left with nothing.

Considered trying Brown Thomas, but it was too far away. So I gave up. And headed home. Defeated.

So after all that, my conclusion is? Yep, it's all awful. Or maybe I'm past it. Either way, I've grown to f*&#ing HATE clothes shopping. :pac:

On a slightly related note (and maybe this was why I gave up my quest early too), in order to get to every single one of those menswear sections above, a towering flight of stairs had to be negotiated each time. I was completely fla'd by the end of it all.

Will just have to give it all another go I suppose at the weekend.

bucketybuck

Now that I am in my thirties with plenty of disposable income I would like to get some good looking, good quality, stylish but understated clothing. I don't want to be flash or stand out, but I do want to look good under scrutiny.

****ed if I know where to find that though, the current selection really aren't designed with my wad of cash in mind at all!

Middle Man

greedygoblin wrote: »

I went clothes shopping a few weeks ago. Main priority was to pick up a few lightweight jumpers (wrong time of year for this I know). And maybe a pair of loose-fitting, comfortable jeans.

Started off in TK Maxx. Spent about half an hour sorting through jumpers, shirts, trousers. Left with nothing.
Next stop: H&M. Did about 1 circuit of the menswear section. Decided it was all crap. Left with nothing.
Shop number 3: Next. A good step up from H&M. Poor selection of jumpers. All woolly. Not what I was looking for. Lots and lots of jeans. Still nothing that looked right. Left with nothing.
Shop 4: River Island. Again, a goodish selection of jeans. But mostly all of the skinny variety. Just a few baggy looking woolly jumpers. Once more, left with nothing.
Shop number 5: Top Man. Had some nice shirts. But I have enough of those. All I want is a good lightweight jumper goddammit. :pac: Nope. More wool stuff. This time, what did I do? You guessed it. Left with nothing.

Considered trying Brown Thomas, but it was too far away. So I gave up. And headed home. Defeated.

So after all that, my conclusion is? Yep, it's all awful. Or maybe I'm past it. Either way, I've grown to f*&#ing HATE clothes shopping. :pac:

On a slightly related note (and maybe this was why I gave up my quest early too), in order to get to every single one of those menswear sections above, a towering flight of stairs had to be negotiated each time. I was completely fla'd by the end of it all.

Will just have to give it all another go I suppose at the weekend.

...and then they'll wonder when sales start declining. Retailers seem to have forgotten the golden rule:

The Customer is the one who pays the piper and he who pays the piper calls the tune!

kneemos

You can find literally anything you want online if the stores don't have anything.

listermint

bucketybuck wrote: »

Now that I am in my thirties with plenty of disposable income I would like to get some good looking, good quality, stylish but understated clothing. I don't want to be flash or stand out, but I do want to look good under scrutiny.

****ed if I know where to find that though, the current selection really aren't designed with my wad of cash in mind at all!

Go to next. Problem solved

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote:

...and then they'll wonder when sales start declining. Retailers seem to have forgotten the golden rule:

The Customer is the one who pays the piper and he who pays the piper calls the tune!

I think the shops will say that that is why their shelves are stocked with what they have right now.

Middle Man

Tell me how wrote: »

I think the shops will say that that is why their shelves are stocked with what they have right now.

Well, I see a good number of men (middle aged) in wide legged formal trousers (me included) and yet they're not to be had in the shops - I've actually had small repairs carried out to some formal boot cut trousers at the tailors recently - spoke to another guy (similar age) wearing the exact same thing and I asked, where could I get those - like me, he has had them for a while and can't get them in the shops now. The real question is:

Do clothing retailers really know their market???

NinetyTwoTeam

If you like understated, roomy garments, try COS or Olive Menswear. Though some of the stuff is nearly too roomy (this is of course the new trend, predictably after skinny jeans) and a lot of Olives trousers are cropped and some look too high waisted but not all of them, they have some great normal ones that I'm buying when I get the cash together.

I got some things from TK Maxx that are 'Tailored Originals' brand and the have a really flattering fit and are just what I like - plain stuff, well made with no branding on it, that fits my body type (somewhat long torso). Also got a few jumpers from 'British Jumper Company' or something like that. If you are looking for sweaters that are are not wool the ones I got are 100% cotton which is all I can wear I can't wear wool or synthetics except viscose.

Someone said to try next and while I like their boxer shorts I hate their menswear - their stuff seems to me like the designers can't decide if it's for Dads or students so it's like in no man's land and the quality and fits are really poor, the jumpers look like they came from a charity shop after just a few washes with bobbling and fading.

greedygoblin

NinetyTwoTeam wrote: »

the jumpers look like they came from a charity shop after just a few washes with bobbling and fading.

I've noticed this with their stuff in the past too. Some things of theirs wear out very quickly.

Skedaddle

Middle Man wrote: »

...and then they'll wonder when sales start declining. Retailers seem to have forgotten the golden rule:

The Customer is the one who pays the piper and he who pays the piper calls the tune!

No, they just conclude that men don't spend money on clothes and reduce the size of the menswear section, to make way for more ladies fashions. The stores don't seem to bother responding to demand.

I think I'll just shop online or go shopping somewhere other than Ireland and the UK. We're really badly catered for.

I'm usually way happier with shopping in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. Even France is pretty good.

speedboatchase

OP, I think it's the likes of ASOS, coupled with the samey options in Irish high streets (there are no independent stores with a bunch of cool labels, like you'd find in the UK) not you. In recent years I've noticed the site deliberately target younger shoppers, specifically teenagers and people in their early 20s. There also seems to be a concerted effort to be edgier - models with tattoos on their faces,  ultra-long baggy t-shirts matched with leggings. It's pure ****e.

Couple this with the fact that streetwear has become luxury in the past 2-3 years. So you're seeing high fashion labels like Balenciaga and Gucci, and new labels like Off White, releasing ultra-expensive looks that are very 90s streetwear-inspired. Previously you could say that the likes of Balenciaga 'look' expensive, but not really anymore.

What I've been doing in recent years has been to stick with a fairly timeless, Scandinavian label-inspired look - basic but well-cut shirts, trousers, avoiding visible labels, generally wearing outfits that are just two colours in total, runners that don't have crazy designs. The labels that fit me well (slim-fit NN07 shirts and Velva Sheen t-shirts) are all I buy in those areas, and I buy them online from Mr Porter, usually waiting for sales. I try to look for interesting colours that match well, and usually wear them with plain white, black, or navy runners. Simple but it works.

Speaking of Mr Porter, it is an expensive site so if you're not buying anything there I would recommend looking at labels like APC, NN07, Acne Studios on their site just to see how they have outfitted their looks. It's a lot more sensible than the crap you'll see on ASOS.

Cyclepath

I've found that the older I get, and the more my waistline expands, I've had to spend more money to look good. Penny's just isn't an option any more...

OP, try brands like Gant (available in Arnotts). Their jeans have a little stretchiness built in, and the general cut of their clothing is stylish but a bit more mature.

I find it difficult to get shirts to fit as I have a 48/50 in chest, but I've found some really nice stuff on the Decathlon website - their shirts are well put together and range from lightweight short sleeve to cotton longsleeve. Also dead cheap!

H3llR4iser

It's awful, end of the story. I've got some lanky friends who also complain about it being impossible to find jeans that get past their knees, and we're talking positively skinny people.

Also, there might be even worse to come - I was recently in Italy and everyone under 25, down there, looked like he/she had just barely escaped a 1990s' rapper wardrobe explosion - and ran out with random bits of clothing dangling off of them.

TheBlock

45 Y/O I do almost all of my shopping online and have done for the past 5 years or so, my go to site is www.woodhouseclothing.com I find the Replay Jeans Regular Fit are bang on and they've a great selection of brands for Shirts/Polos/Jumpers.

I hate going near menswear shops in Dublin with maybe the exception of Genius in Powercourt the odd time.

job seeker

Skedaddle wrote: »

I was having a browse through a whole range of menswear sites today, including ASOS' mens section, Brown Thomas (more for inspiration than actually buying anything) and a whole load of other fashion sites and it just struck me that I really dislike current fashions.

Am I just turning into a grumpy middle aged man who finds all these new trends repulsive, or are they genuinely awful?

All I see is models who are dressed and styled to look dog-rough. Awful hairstyles, ugly tattoos on their necks and faces in some cases, many of them look slightly ill and they're dressed in hideous clothes - tracksuits, medallions, ugly puffa jackets, skinny jeans, jeans with holes in them, clothes that look like they don't fit.

Everything seems to be designed to fit an underfed 15-year-old and even if I go wander around the shops, nothing suits me anymore.

It's so bad, I am actually not really even bothering to shop that much anymore as I rarely find anything that I like.

Is fashion really gone that bad, or am I just totally of touch?

I disagree, I'm 24 and I really like what's on sale these days. If you rather not buy what's in fashion, don't buy it..

I have some tight fitting chino's and jeans. which I bought in ej's mens wear in sligo 12 months ago. Pretty pricey, although they are still like the day I bought them. Superb quality..

Personally, I'd never go cheap with cloths, as you get what you pay for. Imo.

The reason companies are targeting the younger generation, is because they are willing to spend the money and follow such trends.

By they way, clothes come in and out of fashion in cycles. That's why the clothes seem like they came form the 1940s.. That's how fashion works.

silverharp

not that I have a keen eye or notice much, but the skinny guy with skinny jeans has to go , If you look like a contributor to Buzzfeed you are going to be excluded from the gene pool

H3llR4iser

TBH I gave up on being fashionable years ago. I dress for comfort now, because most fashions just make me look like I'm trying desperately to be young, and the other fashions seem to revolve around a golf course.

I'll stick with my Doc Martins, Baggy jeans, and long-sleeved T-shirts. [which is funny since I totally ignored grunge fashion when it was around originally]

The one area I will spend money is on suits and the shoes for my suits. Custom tailored suits with some nice shoes make me feel great, especially as I'm working for myself and don't need to wear it for work.

H3llR4iser wrote: »

It's awful, end of the story. I've got some lanky friends who also complain about it being impossible to find jeans that get past their knees, and we're talking positively skinny people.

Not sure what they're complaining about. I'm 194cm tall and have a 32 ish waist. No problems finding jeans with an extra two inches at the bottom of the legs (and most jeans have extra material that can be let down anyway). If they're taller than me, they'll find it difficult everywhere.

The only issue I ever find is the ass. Since I don't have one , the style of jeans tend to be kinda wonky for me.

silverharp

In Ireland I'd say its easy to stand out because of the casual dress code here. Look up some classic Italian styles and you would have your peacock moment.

The J Stands for Jay

listermint wrote: »

Go to next. Problem solved

Next's menswear is terrible quality, and falls apart in next to no time.

ongarboy

‘Manly men’ have swapped boot-cut jeans for skinnies. Thank goodness (via @IrishTimes) https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/manly-men-have-swapped-boot-cut-jeans-for-skinnies-thank-goodness-1.3359978

Appropriate article for this thread!!

terrarev

There's nothing wrong with current menswear. You're just getting old and are not inclined to follow the latest trends. A lot of the high street stores mentioned in this thread aren't catering for the 40+ age group. You need to start looking more at stores that are more suited to your needs, Best Menswear or Marks & Spencer for example.

everlast75

terrarev wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with current menswear. You're just getting old and are not inclined to follow the latest trends. A lot of the high street stores mentioned in this thread aren't catering for the 40+ age group. You need to start looking more at stores that are more suited to your needs, Best Menswear or Marks & Spencer for example.

Or perhaps it is a case that some of the current trends are tatty looking, ill fitting clothes that don't appeal to those that wish to dress a little better?

Personally, I have bought some nice stuff from Asos. Jeans that would be slimmer than I would have worn before but certainly not jeggings-like, nicely fitted tshirts, a nice parka like jacket. Reasonable price.

BUT if that doesn't suit you, then the M&S, Next stuff is the only other option here and to me, it is very generic and bland.

Not as easy as you think if you don't fancy the look of ripped/tight/short jeans, with shoes sans socks

shootermacg

Saw some young feller with what can only be described as a pair of leggings with a baggy arse walking down the street. Oh how I laughed at him! The fool!

Middle Man

terrarev wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with current menswear. You're just getting old and are not inclined to follow the latest trends. A lot of the high street stores mentioned in this thread aren't catering for the 40+ age group. You need to start looking more at stores that are more suited to your needs, Best Menswear or Marks & Spencer for example.

Really? We're just getting old are we... :rolleyes:

Well if that's the case, why do I frequently get held by young men (in bloody tights) when walking - I'm 44 and I'm like a Ferrari all over rust buckets when trying to get by these "trendy" young men - especially on narrow walkways and stairs - laugh at my wide trousers all you like, but the walking speed of so many young men is laughable - I mean, I can walk very fast for kilometres and fly up several flights of stairs at a time - then again, my looser trousers don't quite impede my leg movement!

In the end of the day, speed is more important than fashion!

job seeker

Middle Man wrote: »

Really? We're just getting old are we... :rolleyes:

Well if that's the case, why do I frequently get held by young men (in bloody tights) when walking - I'm 44 and I'm like a Ferrari all over rust buckets when trying to get by these "trendy" young men - especially on narrow walkways and stairs - laugh at my wide trousers all you like, but the walking speed of so many young men is laughable - I mean, I can walk very fast for kilometres and fly up several flights of stairs at a time - then again, my looser trousers don't quite impede my leg movement!

In the end of the day, speed is more important than fashion!

What has the speed someone is walking, got at got to do with men's fashion?

Dakota Dan

shootermacg wrote: »

Saw some young feller with what can only be described as a pair of leggings with a baggy arse walking down the street. Oh how I laughed at him! The fool!

There are plenty of them idiots around.

Middle Man

job seeker wrote: »

What has the speed someone is walking, got at got to do with men's fashion?

A. If your trousers are too tight, then your leg movement is going to be impeded and you're simply not going to able to walk/run as fast.

B. You young guys say we're old and done - well, I'm saying that if you're so wonderful, how come you guys are so slow - at 44, I simply cannot believe the extent to which I make light work of younger men when walking or running. Ditto in the swimming pool - some older guys are tough to beat in terms of speed, but I found most younger guys are a piece of cake!

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote: »

A. If your trousers are too tight, then your leg movement is going to be impeded and you're simply not going to able to walk as fast.

B. You young guys say we're old and done - well, I'm saying that if you're so wonderful, how come you guys are so slow - at 44, I simply cannot believe the extent to which I make light work of younger men when walking or running. Ditto in the swimming pool - the older guys are tough to beat in terms of speed, but I found most younger guys are a piece of cake!

When did moving fast become the priority? Or did I miss the memo?

Middle Man

Tell me how wrote: »

When did moving fast become the priority? Or did I miss the memo?

So being inefficient is OK - come on, I'm 44 - what the hell are you going to be like when you're my age?

Once again, tight trousers on men are so uncool - they just make your backsides look larger than they actually are. I'd rather look reasonably thin in bootleg trousers and be able to use my legs properly!

job seeker

Middle Man wrote: »

A. If your trousers are too tight, then your leg movement is going to be impeded and you're simply not going to able to walk/run as fast.

B. You young guys say we're old and done - well, I'm saying that if you're so wonderful, how come you guys are so slow - at 44, I simply cannot believe the extent to which I make light work of younger men when walking or running. Ditto in the swimming pool - some older guys are tough to beat in terms of speed, but I found most younger guys are a piece of cake!

Right, so you're just nitpicking at this stage so!? You're finding things that you're better at (which I'll take you word for) than someone in their twenties who wears skinny/ tight fitting trousers. :rolleyes:

Tell me this, do you tell these young people that you're actually competing against them in a power walk? Otherwise it's irrelevant! ...IMO

job seeker

Middle Man wrote: »

So being inefficient is OK - come on, I'm 44 - what the hell are you going to be like when you're my age?

Once again, tight trousers on men are so uncool - they just make your backsides look larger than they actually are. I'd rather look reasonably thin in bootleg trousers and be able to use my legs properly!

Well that's the exact reason 40(+) years old's shouldn't wear them skinny jeans etc...

job seeker

Tell me how wrote: »

When did moving fast become the priority? Or did I miss the memo?

I don't think anyone bellow the age of 30 received it.

Middle Man

job seeker wrote: »

Right, so you're just nitpicking at this stage so!? You're finding things that you're better at (which I'll take you word for) than someone in their twenties who wears skinny/ tight fitting trousers. :rolleyes:

Tell me this, do you tell these young people that you're actually competing against them in a power walk? Otherwise it's irrelevant! ...IMO

You surely know that alternative fabrics are used for sportswear (you'd hardly be allowed wear such clothing in the office) - I'm talking about everyday clothes that are practical, comfortable and look well in terms of complimenting one's figure. It's about finding the correct balance mate! Also, there's speed for competition and speed for practicality and efficiency.

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote:

Once again, tight trousers on men are so uncool - they just make your backsides look larger than they actually are. I'd rather look reasonably thin in bootleg trousers and be able to use my legs properly!

Every fashion looks ridiculous to those that aren't in that phase.

Did you have a mullet in the late 80's, early 90's? Don't lie now.
How would that look now?

Middle Man

Tell me how wrote: »

Every fashion looks ridiculous to those that aren't in that phase.

Did you have a mullet in the late 80's, early 90's? Don't lie now.
How would that look now?

Actually no - I had my hair short back and sides at that time! Also, tight jeans were all the rage at that time as were ripped denims - did I wear them?

ANSWER: NO!

In any case, if you don't want us slagging you guys, then you stop slagging us!

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote: »

Actually no - I had my hair short back and sides at that time! Also, tight jeans were all the rage at that time as were ripped denims - did I wear them?

ANSWER: NO!

You lied to us. Your opinion is no longer valid. :pac:

Back to the genuine fashion conversation. Would anyone here trust a shop assistant to pick out your clothes for you. Say walk in with €1000 and ask that they pick various trousers, shirts, tops which look good on you. They would be the ones to judge if it looks good on you.


This is a hypothetical, I don't think I'd wear something I didn't feel comfortable in just because someone told me I looked well in it. Particularly if they were trying to sell it to me.

Middle Man

job seeker wrote: »

Well that's the exact reason 40(+) years old's shouldn't wear them skinny jeans etc...

...those skinny jeans...

job seeker

Middle Man wrote: »

You surely know that alternative fabrics are used for sportswear (you'd hardly be allowed wear such clothing in the office) - I'm talking about everyday clothes that are practical, comfortable and look well in terms of complimenting one's figure. It's about finding the correct balance mate! Also, there's speed for competition and speed for practicality and efficiency.

Any tight fitting trousers I've bought, most definitely wouldn't be suitable to wear to a GYM or any physical activity for that matter! However, I don't buy it for that purpose. If I need something that is more suited to the gym etc. I'd buy under-armor. However, people my age do where this if they are going to town etc. Why should they not?

If you're referring to the them baggy boot leg cut jeans middle age men wear? My dad is in his late 40's, he has a few pairs and I can tell you that they are suitable for men his age. But you never see a young person wearing them. Why would they when they aren't in fashion? I'll take your word that they are comfortable, practical etc.

Finding the right balance? But who would be bothered with that, when they have trends to follow..? Mate!

Middle Man

Tell me how wrote: »

You lied to us. Your opinion is no longer valid. :pac:

Back to the genuine fashion conversation. Would anyone here trust a shop assistant to pick out your clothes for you. Say walk in with €1000 and ask that they pick various trousers, shirts, tops which look good on you. They would be the ones to judge if it looks good on you.


This is a hypothetical, I don't think I'd wear something I didn't feel comfortable in just because someone told me I looked well in it. Particularly if they were trying to sell it to me.

Well, I certainly wouldn't let anyone tell me what to wear. I'm learning how to measure out my clothes and determine how much fabric is required for a particular style I want. The important thing is to know your body measurements and work things out from there - there are general guidelines in relation to the fit (good for general reference), but if you have a good eye for detail, then use it for the finer details!

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote: »

Well, I certainly wouldn't let anyone tell me what to wear. I'm learning how to measure out my clothes and determine how much fabric is required for a particular style I want. The important thing is to know your body measurements and work things out from there - there are general guidelines in relation to the fit (good for general reference), but if you have a good eye for detail, then use it for the finer details!

Are you saying that you are making your own clothes?

Have you already done this? What's the motivating factor?

Middle Man

job seeker wrote: »

Any tight fitting trousers I've bought, most definitely wouldn't be suitable to wear to a GYM or any physical activity for that matter! However, I don't buy it for that purpose. If I need something that is more suited to the gym etc. I'd buy under-armor. However, people my age do where this if they are going to town etc. Why should they not?

If you're referring to the them baggy boot leg cut jeans middle age men wear? My dad is in his late 40's, he has a few pairs and I can tell you that they are suitable for men his age. But you never see a young person wearing them. Why would they when they aren't in fashion? I'll take your word that they are comfortable, practical etc.

Finding the right balance? But who would be bothered with that, when they have trends to follow..? Mate!

Most days at work, I get in walks totalling 3km to 4km weather depending. For that, I need to have clothing that fits a range of requirements (active wear, travel wear - dress casual wear etc.) - a bit like having all weather tyres for Irish driving conditions.

thunderdog

Not too long after hitting my 30s, its now mostly House of Fraser for my causal clothes and T.M Lewin for most of my work clothes.

No points for excitement there, but they do a very good job. A very good fit from both.

Caveat: My wife now mostly buys my clothes i.e. christmas and birthday presents. Living the high life!

Middle Man

Tell me how wrote: »

Are you saying that you are making your own clothes?

Have you already done this? What's the motivating factor?

I had shirts tailored to my needs - for example, I've fairly long arms (plenty of sleeve length please) and an inverted triangular build (broad shoulders - narrow waist). Now, what that can mean is that I could get a shirt that is plenty in the lower sleeves and good around the shoulders, but is a little excessive around the waist and under the upper arms - for that, I recently had a shirt taken in by around 1/2" (inseam each side through the waist, chest and upper sleeve tapering towards the elbow. Now I have a generous fitting shirt, but one that's specifically cut for my body shape.

The motivating factor is to look well - that's about it really. I've had shirts that were either too loose or too tight and I decided to stop and take matters into my own hands. By knowing my measurements and knowing what I want, I can dismiss criticism from others.

Tell me how

Middle Man wrote: »

I had shirts tailored to my needs - for example, I've fairly long arms (plenty of sleeve length please) and an inverted triangular build (broad shoulders - narrow waist). Now, what that can mean is that I could get a shirt that is plenty in the lower sleeves and good around the shoulders, but is a little excessive around the waist and under the upper arms - for that, I recently had a shirt taken in by around 1/2" (inseam each side through the waist, chest and upper sleeve tapering towards the elbow. Now I have a generous fitting shirt, but one that specifically for my body shape.

The motivating factor is to look well - that's about it really. I've had shirts that were either too loose or too tight and I decided to stop and take matters into my own hands.

If you go to this trouble with your fitting, I'm surprised you don't understand the trend towards the skinny clothes is a fashion thing which is as much about a demographic dictating their style rather than accepting what was there before them.

Every generation does this some way or another.

Middle Man

thunderdog wrote: »

Not too long after hitting my 30s, its now mostly House of Fraser for my causal clothes and T.M Lewin for most of my work clothes.

No points for excitement there, but they do a very good job. A very good fit from both.

Caveat: My wife now mostly buys my clothes i.e. christmas and birthday presents. Living the high life!

I would never let anyone buy my clothes - I always like to stay in control of my person.

job seeker

Middle Man wrote: »

Most days at work, I get in walks totalling 3km to 4km weather depending. For that, I need to have clothing that fits a range of requirements (active wear, travel wear - dress casual wear etc.) - a bit like having all weather tyres for Irish driving conditions.

Fair play! I find this extremely bazaar! Doesn't make sense at all to me. The under armour is far more practical than denim. It (Under armour) also is far more ventilated than denim. Denim will just end up soaking large amount of sweat. As well as this, denim will create far more friction than under armour. Completely different characteristics and created for different purposes. You wouldn't use a saw to hammer a nail into timber, you'd use a hammer.