Understanding the Basics: A Resource for women trying to shop for men
Understanding the Basics
Clothing Sizes
Understanding Your Measurements
To ensure your clothes fit perfectly, it's essential to have accurate measurements. Here's a breakdown of the measurements you'll need:
Shirts
Sleeve Length: Measure from his shoulder seam to his wrist, with his arm slightly bent.
Waist: Measure around his natural waistline, just above your hip bones.
Pants
Waist: Measure around his natural waistline, just above his hip bones.
Inseam: While wearing a pair of pants that fit him well, have him stand up straight and make sure his pants aren't bunched up at the crotch or ankles. Measure from the waistband (the top of his pants) to the hem (the bottom of his pants) and subtract 10 from that number. Ex. If you measured a 40in out seam, his inseam would be 30in
Suits
Jacket/Blazer Size: Have him stand up straight with his arms relaxed at his sides. Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of his chest, just below his armpits. Make sure the tape is level and not too tight or too loose. Read the measurement on the tape. Typically, the nearest size up will be his size. Ex. If you measure his chest at a 41, he may want to start with trying on a 42 or 44 size jacket. If he measures at a half size like 42.5 you will want to start with a 44-size jacket as a 42 will be too small.
**This measurement will give you a good idea of his jacket size. However, it's important to note that sizes can vary between brands, so it's always a good idea to try on a few different sizes to find the perfect fit.
**Men's jackets come in different lengths to accommodate various body types. Here's a breakdown of the typical heights associated with each size:
Short: Designed for men who are shorter than average, typically 5'7" or below.
Regular: The most common size, suitable for men between 5'7" and 6'0".
Long: Intended for men who are taller than average, typically 6'0" to 6'3".
Extra Long: For men who are significantly taller, usually 6'3" or above.
Note: These are general guidelines, and individual body proportions can vary. It's always best to try on a jacket to ensure the perfect fit. Based on these measure guides your completed jacket size should look like these examples: 40S(hort), 42R(regular), 46L(ong), 54XL(ong)
Pant Size: Measure your waist and inseam, as described above.
Nested Suit vs. Suit Separate
A nested suit and a suit separate are two different styles of men's suits.
Nested Suit: This is a traditional suit where the jacket and pants are attached and sold as a single unit. The jacket and pants are typically made from the same fabric and have a matching pattern. These usually have a 6in difference between the jacket size and the pant size. Ex. The jacket will be a 40R and the pant will be a size 36. Of course, this is a general rule and will vary due to brand and style.
Suit Separate: This is a suit where the jacket and pants are sold separately. They can be made from different fabrics or patterns, allowing for more customization. You can choose the perfect size if your guy’s measurements aren’t very standard. Ex. He may need a 40R jacket and a size 34 pant due to have a small waist.
Getting Measured
If you're unsure about taking his measurements yourself, consider visiting a tailor shop or menswear store. Professional tailors can provide accurate measurements and offer personalized advice on fit and style.
Fit
Shirts: Should fit comfortably without being too tight or loose. The collar should fit snugly but not choke. He should be able to comfortably slip 2 fingers in between his neck and the collar at any point.
Pants: Should sit comfortably at the waist and not be too baggy or too tight. The inseam should be long enough to cover the ankle.
Suits: The jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly (like a light hug), and the sleeves should come to the wrist bone. The pants should be tailored to fit properly.
Jargon
These are some words you may want to look up and become familiar with as different occasions and weather may call for different styles and materials. Knowing these words can also be helpful when going to the store as it will help the sales associate to better understand your needs.
Dress code: Formal, semi-formal, business casual, casual.
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, silk, denim, corduroy.
Styles: Classic, modern, casual, athletic.
Cuts: Portly (executive), regular, slim, athletic, tailored.
Shopping for Specific Occasions
Business Attire
Suits: Dark-colored suits (navy, black, charcoal) with a crisp white shirt and a tie.
Shirts: Dress shirts in solid colors or subtle patterns.
Pants: Dress pants in a matching fabric to the suit.
Shoes: Leather dress shoes (oxfords, loafers).
Casual Attire
T-shirts: Solid colors or graphic tees.
Jeans: Denim jeans in various washes.
Sweaters: Knit sweaters in various styles and colors.
Sneakers: Athletic sneakers or casual sneakers.
Athleisure
T-shirts: Athletic T-shirts made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
Sweatpants: Comfortable sweatpants or joggers.
Hoodies: Hooded sweatshirts for warmth and comfort.
Athletic shoes: Running shoes or training shoes.
Grooming Guide
Hair
Similar to the clothing jargon, here are some barbershop words to look up and familiarize yourself with. These will help you to tell the barber exactly what you want using more specific language.
Popular hairstyles for straight hair: Fade, undercut, side part, pompadour, quiff.
Popular hairstyles for textured hair: Low fade, high fade, taper fade, dreadlocks, locs.
Hair jargon: Taper, fade, undercut, hard part, style, texture, line-up or edge-up,
If you’re ever unsure, bringing a photo can also help ensure you get the style you want.
Skincare
Basic skincare routine: Cleanse, tone, moisturize.
Acne-prone skin: Use a gentle cleanser and a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Popular products: Face wash, toner, moisturizer, exfoliator, sunscreen.
Updating Your Man's Wardrobe
Frequency: Update your man's wardrobe every season or as needed.
Tips: Consider his lifestyle, preferences, and budget when shopping.
Essentials: A well-fitting suit, a few pairs of quality jeans, a variety of shirts, and comfortable shoes.
Remember: Shopping for men can be fun and rewarding. By understanding the basics of clothing sizes, fit, grooming essentials, and jargon, you can help your man look and feel his best. With a little effort, you can create a wardrobe that reflects his personal style and makes him feel confident. He will appreciate the time and effort you took in learning more about the things that can elevate him in ways he never imagined.
Comments