FAQ
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• What is most appropriate to wear to an interview?
• How often should I dry clean my garments and how should I care for them?
• Should I use starch in my shirts when I send them to the laundry?
• Is there any way to get rid of "ring around the collar?"
• How should my dress shirt fit?
• Which suit style is more popular? Two-button or three? Center or Side Vents?
• Is a four-in-hand knot still appropriate?
• Do I get cuffs or plain bottoms in my pants?
What is most appropriate to wear to an interview?
In the interview process, the interviewer is looking to talk and get to know you. Therefore, you want to make your dress as inconspicuous and non-offensive as possible. After all, you want them to listen to what you have to say, not stare down at the bright pink paisley tie you’re wearing!
The most appropriate suit to wear is either a navy or charcoal grey solid. In all of your interviews, you should wear a crisp white shirt. Make sure the collar stays are inside the collar because you want it to lay as flat as possible. Also, wear a small patterned, dark colored tie, in hues of burgundy, or presidential blue.
Black lace-up shoes are always appropriate, as well as solid or minutely patterned socks to match your suit.
How often should I dry clean my garments and how should I care for them?
Most people do not know that the “perc” that is used to clean “dry-clean only” garments is a toxic solution that will, in the end, ruin your clothing. It is, however, the only way to clean your wool, cashmere, and silk garments. Therefore, it is advisable to only dry clean once or twice a season, unless the garment is soiled. A quick pressing should release any wrinkles that may have occurred during your day of use.
Also, to care for your garments, you should hang them up on a hanger after wearing and give each piece at least a day to air out. Do not put your garments in a vinyl zipper bag for an extended period of time. Wool is a natural fiber and therefore must breath to maintain its shape. To ward away moths, use a cedar hanger. Also, try to find a hanger that is wider because you want to maintain the shape of the jacket shoulder.
Should I use starch in my shirts when I send them to the laundry?
This is an age old question; rather to have a stiff shirt or a soft one. By the end of the day, the shirt will have wrinkled anyway, and would you rather have a comfortably softer shirt than one that is as coarse as cardboard?
In addition, starch is a major factor in the deterioration of your shirts. Equating a starched shirt to cardboard isn’t far off. If you bend cardboard back and forth, it will eventually break; as will the fibers of your cotton shirt. Therefore it is advisable to ask for no-starch, or, when ironing at home, use sizing. Sizing can be bought at any grocery store, and is usually next to the starch. Remember, the more you launder your shirts, the quicker the fiber will dry rot down and tear.
Is there any way to get rid of “ring around the collar?”
To do so, buy some ordinary white chalk, and rub it into the collar of your shirt. By doing so, oil is absorbed into the chalk, and when washed, is whisked right away.
How should my dress shirt fit?
Dress shirt fit is crucial to your appearance and comfort. You should be able to fit two fingers in the neckline of your shirt and still be comfortable. To obtain your correct size, have a salesman use a tape measure around your neck and add ½” to the measurement. This allows for any shrinkage.
Your sleeve should come slightly past the wrist, but should never sink down into your palms. Incidentally, the 34/35 sleeve length usually indicates the shirt is a 35 sleeve, but has two buttons on the sleeve, enabling you to “shorten” it, should it be too long.
Oftentimes, the neck size does not correspond with the chest and waist size of the client. A man who has a 17” neck and a 34 waist will have a very hard time finding a shirt that looks good. However, ask your salesman for a tapered shirt, or have their tailor take the shirt body in.
The best option, however, is to have your shirts custom-made. We take up to 15 individual measurements and design the shirt to your specifications. To find out more about this service, visit the custom clothing page under the “Services” heading.
Which suit style is more popular? Two-button or three? Center or Side Vents?
Within the last four years, the trend had gone to a high-buttoning three button; however, within the last year, the trend is diverting back to the two-button. In custom tailored clothing, we are seeing less and less of the three button styling. Though the trend may be changing, the three button and two button are both classic styles, and are suitable for any occasion. Therefore, if you are buying off-the-rack, you should get what fits and you feel comfortable in. There is no right or wrong answer here.
The vent style in the back of the jacket has changed over the last two years. In both tailored and custom clothing, there has been a strong resurgence of side vented clothing and we recommend this style for most people, but suggest a center vent if you are buying a suit for an interview.
Is a four-in-hand knot still appropriate?
The four-in-hand knot was popular in the late 1990’s because the shirt collars were straight and close together. Current fashion dictates that shirt collars are becoming more spread and larger, and therefore require a larger knot to keep the proportions correct. The Windsor knot is the currently the most popular. If you would like a lesson in tying the perfect knot, come visit us and we’ll be happy to give you a demonstration.
Do I get cuffs or plain bottoms in my pants?
The most common rule here, is if the pants are pleated, you get cuffs. On the other hand, if they are plain front, plain bottoms are most appropriate.
