Why Don’t Men Dress Well Any More?
If you’ve ever had the chance to look back at photographs of your grandparents, or indeed anyone before about 1970, you may have noticed something. If a man is not in working clothes or military uniform, chances are he’s looking pretty well turned-out. A suit, tie, and probably a coat and hat used to be absolutely mandatory for any man to be taken seriously, no matter what his profession. While fashions have certainly changed, and the reasons for this are multiple, this shares a feature with most ideas of “progress”; something is gained, but something is usually lost.
We can’t all look like Gregory Peck, but we can try…
Call us misty-eyed nostalgics, but we think there was something incredibly dashing about a man making an effort back in those days. Whether it was his Sunday Best, regular working clothes, or some kind of special event, there was a sense that dressing up was NOT optional. Good clothes were generally as expensive back in those days, if not more so, and people in general had less disposable income. So, what happened?
The “Good Old Days”
Now, at this point we need to be careful not to romanticise the past too much. People lived shorter lives, medicine and nutrition weren’t as good, travel was more expensive, work was generally hard and physical. But sartorially? I’m afraid your grandfather likely has you well beaten. As clothes were more of an investment, they were made to last out of quality materials. A good suit would appear again and again, making it a worthwhile investment that would last a great number of years. While we have access to a great many more fashion options these days, across a global market and often much cheaper, the idea of them lasting too long after a season or two is usually less of a consideration. This leads to poor quality, flashy designs and (sometimes) a lack of real thought. It also leads to a dying idea of how good a man can look.
Not Enough Opportunity
A lot of the time, today’s men simply don’t have much of a chance to dress up. With the rise of home working and casual office environments, even the white-collar workers of yesteryear can turn up to work in a hoodie and baseball cap. Nothing wrong with this flexibility of course, and self-expression comes in many forms, but - perhaps something has been lost where it needn’t have been?
Beyond a wedding or a particularly important meeting, a suit and tie might gather dust in the cupboard. Unless you’re particularly interested in fashion, you may feel that it’s just too much trouble for daily life. We make it part of our mission to remind men of the power of dressing like you mean it; with intention, confidence and flair. We still think, at the very least, every man needs a suit. Starting here and finding excuses to make good your investment is a great way to start.
Social Media vs Real Life
Looking good on your social media accounts or on dating apps is great of course, and there’s a place for that. However, in the same way that muscles forged in the gym aren’t quite as robust as those forged through physical labour, your aesthetics are best when they align with your substance.
Good dress sense, good fashion knowledge is not really performative; rather it’s an extension of you, a natural and effortless way of expressing who you are. Sometimes, this is trackies and a baggy t-shirt and that’s wonderful! We’d just like you to have the occasion and option to bring out the big guns.
We’d also like to make the public service announcement that social media is NOT real life - no one is that confident, that put together, that successful, and you mustn’t let these mirages trick you into an “all-or-nothing” mentality. If you have interest in fashion and a good eye, you’ll almost certainly start to look the part.
Easing You Into It
Wearing our Oakley pin dot silk cravat
There are many ways to explore the more constructed side of fashion without making your bank manager scream. A relatively affordable suit can do work and play, as well as formal occasions where the ensemble is simply required. Using accessories and outerwear, you can make the same garments look entirely different and serve totally different purposes. You can even dial in and dial out your wilder sartorial tendencies as required, opting for bright accessories when you feel like it and classic patterns when you don’t.
As you’d expect, we’re huge advocates for the cravat or ascot tie. Comfortable, versatile, playful and still masculine, they’re the ultimate utility garment once you acquire the taste. A good tie is necessary and wonderful, but the cravat might be both the utility player and the headline grabber.
If you’re not ready to stray too far into the world of accessorising, may we introduce you to the humble pocket square? Literally this is all you need to lift a jacket from humdrum “I was told to wear this” to the absolute best outfit you own. They’re simple, relatively affordable, as strident or as neutral as you require, and frankly look great on anyone. Cravat Club offers small pocket squares for a simple fold, or large handkerchiefs with artist-drawn designs, for more of a flourish. These also have the bonus of working from various angles, with the different colours of the pattern working with different base tones. A neat solution to finding novelty.
Wearing our Flint polka dot silk pocket square
Small Touches, Big Changes
To be clear, we’re not suggesting that you should cosplay as a man in the early 1950s. What we are suggesting is taking some of that fashion mentality forward. Buying good quality clothes and continuing to use them is more sustainable, better value, and ultimately makes you a more stylish dresser. Using accessories to vary the finish of your outfit extends its use ever further, while also giving you more chances to stretch your sartorial imagination.
If you don’t already own a suit that you actually want to wear, we advise you to go shopping. Dressing smart should be a joy and not a chore, and having something you enjoy putting on will make it more of a part of you and less of a costume. Trust us, it won’t harm your dating prospects either!
If you’d like to explore the world of fine silk accessories, from evening scarves to cravats, have a look at Cravat Club’s range, and see if you can find a guiding light for your next fashion adventure -
Leave a comment