When Shopping for Men's Clothing

The time has come to enhance that special someone's wardrobe or you may be that man shopping for self. There some things you may want to think about if you don't often shop online for men's clothes.

Sizing

Some shoppers tend to play the guessing game when it comes to shopping for men's clothes. They assume that one size fits all or that a medium size of a particular brand is the same size medium for another brand. Not so. You may want to visit a store that carries the brand first or check your wardrobe first for that brand before assuming it will fit for your body frame. Also, check the comment section to to find out if anyone says something like, "This item runs small...it fits tight...it's too loose or too bulky." Comments might be helpful in determining if a shirt or pant will fit you.

Color

The color you see online, may not be what you expect when it arrives in the mail. Some colors on clothing change under certain lighting conditions. Be sure that you can view the item closer by selecting a zoom option on or under the image you are viewing. Some clothing changes under certain lighting conditions. A red might be brighter than expected. A dark blue might look black no matter how much light appears on the item.

Style

Consider your appearance when picking out athletic apparel and casual wear. An older face can be a bad match for an outfit that is typically worn by youth. Grey hair can clash with some colors. Large collars, pockets on casual t-shirts in solid colors that fit snug, can make some men look older and dare I say it, tacky if they have a large waistline.

Horizontal stripes along with other similar patterns can be bothersome on the eyes depending on how large the man is. Quarter length shirts with floral patterns (like Hawaiian style shirts) that hang outside the waistline, can make some men appear older and bigger than their natural size. Therefore, be sure you have viewed yourself in your desired style in a fitting room before you order your item online. Take someone with you when you visit an offline store or ask a store clerk for his or her honest opinion.

Jeans and Athletic Wear

It's unfortunate, but not every man looks good in a pair of jeans. Some men wear pants that actually make their behind flat looking, and others wear their jeans too low which gives an illusion that there is something hiding back there.There are those men who wear jeans tight in the front (think: the skinny style jeans) as if he is letting the world know how blessed he is while others wear the front of their pants too lose that you have to look down for awhile just to see the bottom of the zipper seam.

The sag look has long been out of style according to fashion designers in the Hip Hop industry. Yet, some young and old men actually wear the sag look as if to make a statement, "I'm cool." Any respectable person attending a business event doesn't want to be seen with a sagging in the back, drooping in the front pant wearing guy. It's just ugly, so be sure the jean fits all the way around and it's tattered or torn look if you are one of those guys attempting to wear jeans to a formal function with a suit coat. The same holds true for athletic wear (although I have yet to see a man allowing his underwear or butt crack to show wearing athletic gear) -- thank God! However, the elastic band at the top of jogging pants shouldn't be displayed and if one must wear elastic around the ankle, don't allow it to rise up the calves. Can we say, grandpa? The straight-legged jogging pant is better to view above all athletic pants--in my personal opinion. I posted an example of one for 40-50 something year old males (even though young men can wear this item too.)

Now when shopping for these items, be sure to watch for "too good to be true" pricing such as buy one get two free. Sometimes those "out of this world" deals are really for products that have defects or damage somewhere on the garment especially if you are buying from a wholesaler. Check thoroughly in the clothing description when visiting websites screaming these deals to be sure there is no disclaimer. Also, check for comments below the merchandise. Sometimes buyers will indicate whether a pant leg was too tight around the thighs (weight lifters should watch for this,) the elastic waist was too small (those with large bellies should be mindful,) or was simply too short (tall men beware.)

Material

What a turnoff to see a man driving an expensive car wearing a pauper's clothing when he steps out, ugh! Some men will grab up sale items in a local drug store or dollar store and wear them with pride (and yes some drug stores do carry men's seasonal tops and bottoms.) There are those cheap cotton shirts that collect cotton balls after the first wash and pants that begin to rip at the seams after a few wears. Learn to read clothing labels neatly tucked inside the clothing to find out whether an item is 100% cotton or blended. Know what materials like polyester and nylon feel and look like. Some blends are inexpensive and obviously cheap looking while other blends tend to look very nice. Here's a tip:

When buying a short-sleeved patterned shirt in a solid color that is 100% polyester it will look nice on an older man, but not so much on a younger man. There is a slight gleam to the material. A shirt that has less than 30% polyester with 70% cotton is easy on the eyes and any age will do (depending on the cut and style--of course,) but a button down wrinkle-free shirt with short collars made of 100% cotton is not only good-looking, but spells quality in a solid color! Can I get your number?

Now what if you can't afford some of those expensive name brands, you can still find attractive looking clothing online, just remember to study what is cheap looking and always read the label when shopping offline to get familiar. I might add know your measurements too! You can go to a professional tailor to measure your frame simply by shopping in a suit store. Don't worry over buying, just get those measurements so you won't place an incorrect order online.

Here are a few tips when shopping for inexpensive clothing online:

• Buy in bulk. This way you aren't wearing and washing it as often. In addition, check out specials on dry-cleaning so that you can maintain the item's appearance this way too.
• Shop thrift stores only after you have become familiar with the latest fashion trends, otherwise you just might start dressing your man like your father or some other elderly male relative.
• If you are a male shopping for your self, talk to a loved one about contributing to your wardrobe. He or she may be likely to buy a quality item as a gift for you.
• Visit yard sales and flea markets. A friendly reminder, only do this if you know what flatters your body.
• Watch for store signs that offer 50% or more off select items.
• When shopping online go to the clearance section to see what's on sale. When shopping offline go straight to the back of the store.

Have fun shopping!