Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: How to Match Socks
Q: “When suiting up, should I match the color of my socks to my suit pants or shoes?” – Ken J. A: As you can see from the picture above, we’re not all too serious about matching your socks to either your pants or your shoes. If we really had to choose, we’d say match...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: Difference Between a Blazer and a Suit Jacket
Q: “What’s the difference between a Black Lapel blazer and a suit jacket?” – James D. A: Not all things in menswear are clean-cut, and the difference between a suit jacket and a blazer is a prime example of this. Traditionally, a blazer meant a jacket of a solid color (usually navy or black) with...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: How to Wear a Vest Casually
Q: “Enjoyed your How to Dress Down Your Suit Jacket post. Do you have any tips for wearing a vest casually?” – Patrick N. A: Go ahead and give that suit jacket or blazer a day off and give that vest a little moonlighting as a stand-alone piece. In fact, a vest can be a...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: Surgeon’s Cuffs and Kissing Buttons
Q: “Black Lapel, can you shed some light on working cuffs? Why should I get them and also, what exactly are kissing buttons?” – Jonas S. A: Working Cuffs (AKA “Surgeon’s Cuffs”) When it comes a well-made suit, it’s all about the details. Why? The details can be a very heuristic tell of the suit’s...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: Saving Money with Traditional Wet Shaving
Q: “I really enjoyed reading your guide on traditional wet shaving. But I was wondering, do you really save money using a safety razor as opposed to a normal catridge razor?” – Jeff M. A: Yes, while you’ll spend a little more initially acquiring the supplies, you’ll save in the long-term primarily because the costs...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: Belt Alternatives: Side Tabs & Suspender Buttons
Q: “Ever since discovering custom tailored suits, I’ve warmed up to the idea of forgoing the belt. Still, I feel a little awkward wearing suit pants with empty belt loops just hanging there. What are your thoughts on not wearing a belt on suit pants with belt loops?” - George M. A: As Glenn O’Brien once...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: How Do You Tie a Trinity Knot?
Q: “I absolutely loved your Eldredge knot post! I’ve been looking for more unique knots like it ever since and came across something called the “Trinity Knot” which also looks really cool. Can you please have an “Ask a Black Lapel Stylist” post teaching us how to tie this one?” – Eric K. A: We’re...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: How Do You Tie an Eldredge Knot?
Q: “I stumbled upon this image recently of a tie knot that completely blew my mind. What is this majestic thing and how do I go about tying it?” - Alex J. A: This mindblowing work of tie artistry is called the “Eldredge knot”. Its origins are uncertain (more on this later), but we do know...
Ask a Black Lapel Stylist: What Type of Shirt Collar Should I Wear?
Q: I have an incredibly round face. In fact, back in Fifth grade, I won the Pi Day contest for having the roundest face in my class. What type of shirt collar should a guy with a round face like me wear? – James D. A: James, if you’re looking for a shirt collar that’ll...