Most menswear myths are rooted in good intentions. They largely kept men from committing egregious fashion mistakes in a time when what a person wore carried an unspoken connotation or hidden meaning. Style rules have evolved in the intervening years since those arbitrary ones were put in place, and while some of them have endured the test of time, a lot of them have not. Absolutes such as “don’t wear white after Labor Day” or “don’t mix patterns” are no longer as strictly adhered to as before, and personal style and self-expression have taken precedence over crushing uniformity.
However, some style myths continue to endure, limiting men’s options and suppressing their creativity. In this post, we debunk some of the most common men’s style myths for you:
Myth 1: Dressing well is costly
One of the most common reasons cited when men are asked why they’re hesitant about making bolder fashion choices is the perceived expense. Many claim that while they’d like to dress well, they aren’t sure if they can afford it.
It’s an impression that couldn’t be further from the truth. While building a stylish wardrobe can take a bit of time and effort, it’s perfectly doable on a budget. A great wardrobe starts with the fundamentals: versatile, well-made pieces made with high-quality materials that are suitable for a variety of occasions. A good pair of jeans, a sturdy pair of boots, and a selection of nice t-shirts can go a long way.
Those willing to go the extra mile for their style can look into thrift store shopping or keep an eye out for sales for extra savings. You can also save a lot by leaving the hypebeast lifestyle behind and not being a slave to trends.
Myth 2: You need to chase trends to be stylish
Fashion is exciting because it’s constantly evolving. However, a lot of men tend to be intimidated by the way that trends rapidly come and go. As a result, they default to safe choices and become afraid to experiment.
Style is really more about the impression you give off, not the clothes you wear. A pristine white crewneck shirt paired with great-fitting jeans can give off a “model-off-duty” look, and that’s just two basic articles of clothing! As above, we recommend stocking your closet with high-quality staples. The classics never go out of style.
Myth 3: No one will notice the socks you’re wearing
A lot of men tend to consider socks as an afterthought, and they really can’t be blamed for it. For the most part, socks remain largely unseen, tucked under trousers and into shoes. However, nothing captures (negative) attention more than a pair of thick athletic socks shoved in an expensive pair of designer brogues. Socks can make or break your outfit. Some socks even offer practical benefits, such as the Burlix sitting calf crew socks.
Different socks exist to address different purposes. Athletic socks are made with moisture-wicking fabrics to draw sweat away from your skin and should be used primarily when performing physical activities. Dress socks are designed to be thinner to suit formal shoes and maintain the clean lines of a suit. Know the difference and remember: people do notice.
Myth 4: You’re the same size at every store you go to
Unless you’re rolling in Elon Musk money, you’re probably getting your clothes from fast-fashion retailers and ready-to-wear apparel brands, like the rest of us. These stores can be a godsend for busy shoppers who know what they want and don’t want to spend too much time getting it. Be aware, though, that simply knowing your own measurements and trusting the sizes can cost you.
Rack sizes are not consistent from brand to brand. In fact, many of them use sizes as a marketing tool—a Large in one store might be a Medium in another, and so on. Even if the size stated is a specific number, it tells an incomplete story. For instance, pants are sized according to how they’re supposed to fit around the waist. It usually doesn’t say how long it is or how it will fit around your thighs and rear area.
For best results, make time to head into the fitting rooms before putting your money down for a purchase. It’ll save you a trip back to the store. Also, if a certain brand sells clothes that fit you like a dream, it may be a good idea to buy more than one of the same items.
Myth 5: Off-the-rack clothes don’t need adjusting
Off-the-rack clothes are typically produced to cater to the lowest common denominator. Given that every person has a unique shape and body type, though, an outfit that looks great on the mannequin may not be as flattering on you.
The easy way to ensure that all of your clothes fit you to a tee is by taking them to a tailor for alterations. It will make you look more put together for a relatively negligible additional cost.
Myth 6: Men shouldn’t wear pink
Some men tend to avoid the color pink, thinking that wearing it might make them appear less masculine. Historically, the shade had working-class connotations and was actually quite popular among men, being closely related to the color red.
Wear pink with confidence, knowing that a color can’t possibly diminish your manliness. Light, pastel pink is a work-appropriate shade that’s great for milder weather and temperate climates. Combine with dark solids and neutrals as you see fit for a refined yet balanced aesthetic.
At the end of the day, it’s not what you wear that defines your personal style but how you carry yourself. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to experiment. Figure out what you like, and let your individuality shine through!
