Jordan McGilvray

One of the things I’ve learned as I have studied grooming is that different occupations have different grooming needs.  I also have learned that generations of people may learn grooming habits which do not fit their own occupations.  I was in such a situation.  My grandfather was from a working class background and my father learned his grooming habits from that background.  Then in due process of time those were the skills which I learned.  It has taken me most of 34 years to learn how to be better at how I carry and groom myself.  My friend Mike said this, and I think it can be true for many people:

Sometimes my collar is white
Sometimes my collar is blue
Always my neck is a little red too.

What I learned From my Parents

What I realized was that there are many things my family taught me:

• To be honest
• How to be a good worker, though it took my first very understanding boss to help me understand why
• How to make good choices

What I did not get was a lot of education in grooming, dress, or manners.

Why I Wanted to Change my Grooming Habits

I started trying to learn better grooming to help me get a job as I near my next job search.  I also try to learn and become a better person over time, and I started to see my grooming as an area where I could improve.  At this time I also came across articles and websites talking about what does it mean to be a man.  Grooming was one part of the puzzle on how to be a better man.

My Results with Grooming Myself Better

So far I have adopted many aspects of better grooming.  I have improved many aspects of my grooming, and I have refreshed my suits, getting a better fit, and buying new shirts.  I have started to get compliments on my dressing as I have changed which is a new result for me.  I learned a few simple rules which I can use when dressing at all levels of dress.

I have been learning how to look better when I dress in a suit.  The following is a list of rules and suggestions I have found.

Rules for Wearing a Man’s Suit

1. Match all metals (buckles, cuff-links, watches & watch chains) to the same color families: gold, brass, copper silver, nickel, steel
2. Match all leather (belt, shoes, watch band) to the same colors.  The colors are usually black and brown
3. Black, charcoal suits get black leather
4. Brown, blue suits get brown leather
5. White and light blue shirts are classics and will always look good
6. Socks need to match the suit
7. Classic tie patterns — stripes, solid, paisley
8. The tie colors should complement the suit
9. Wear a pocket square
10. Match a color in the pocket square to the tie, but do not match the pattern
11. You can not go wrong with a good quality hat, just find a style and color which fits your suits
12. Pocket watches and chains are a nice addition to a three piece suit.
13. Three piece suits are a little nicer than two piece suits.
14. Make sure the tie ends at the point where your slacks begin.

These are just the beginning rules of looking good in a suit.  There are other accessories which bring their own rules.

One last topic about wearing a suit which I would like to bring up is polishing shoes.  Shoes should be polished at least once a week if they are worn regularly.  This give us time to decide if they need to be repaired or replaced before putting them into action again.  Shoe need regular maintenance and cleaning.  Part of that maintenance is polishing.  Take the time to learn how to nicely polish your shoes.  Do not always rely on the quickie polish sponge to get them to their best.