5 Tips for Making Your Clothes Look Better on You

April 27, 2011, By Taurus Londoño 1 comment

You don't have to be a mall-roaming shopaholic to realize that the clothes you buy off the rack are often imperfect, and that's sometimes putting it mildly. But you still can look good without spending a fortune by following these basic guidelines. 

Try on everything. The advertisements you see in department stores featuring guys effortlessly moving around in flawlessly fitting clothes that look the ones on the racks are a bit deceptive. The clothes they're wearing typically have been tailored. As odious as it sounds to many guys, it's important to try on everything before you buy it. Check out the fit in the changing-room mirror to be sure that the suit jacket or trousers you want complement your form. And none of it will fit you as perfectly as it does those models without some basic tailoring.

Go for the V look. Today, men are proudly choosing form-fitting clothes that highlight and accentuate the male body. Even three-piece suits are trending toward trim and athletic, with broad shoulders (but not too broad) and a small waist to convey a basic V shape. This trend drives the popularity of V-neck T-shirts and the trend away from crew-neck tees underneath dress shirts. Leaving the top two buttons undone with no visible crew neck keeps the masculine V.

Have your shirt size measured. Many guys don't take this fundamental step. Knowing your exact shirt size will give you a clearer idea of what to look for on the rack and how to tailor clothes once you buy something. Most department stores will have no problem measuring your shirt size for you, and tailors will do it as a matter of course. Measurements will include your neck size, which is taken around the neck from about one inch above the shoulder line, and sleeve size, which extends all the way from your shoulder blades to the tip of the wrist. Keep in mind that your arm should be bent at a right angle when sleeve measurements are taken so that you'll be able to freely move your arm when you wear the shirt.

Give your clothes a second chance. Before you consider abandoning some of your clothes to mothballs or charity, you might be able to make them look sharper than ever by having them tailored. If you're handy with the sewing machine, or know somebody who is, anything from shirts to trousers to jackets and more can be tailored for a better fit. If sewing isn't your thing, there should be a tailor near you no matter where you live, but you may want to ask around and get opinions from people in your area who've had their clothes tailored. A bad tailor can be the final nail in the coffin for your favorite shirt. Since you've had your shirt size measured, you'll know exactly what dimensions you want. Always round shirt dimensions up to the nearest whole number.

Clean wisely. When it comes to keeping your clothes looking great, a spin in the washer and dryer every now and then won't cut it. To prevent faded colors and worn fabric, be gentle with washable clothes. Always follow tag instructions, and keep in mind that hot washer and dryer temperatures, as well as over-used cleaning agents, will shorten the life of your clothing. When it comes to sweaters, even the most expensive and pristine will tend to accumulate little bits of visible lint and dirt, otherwise known as sweater pills. Washing often won't help much and some of the best sweaters are dry-clean only. Consider using a lint roller, scotch tape (duct tape is too harsh and might damage the fabric), an electric lint remover, or even a gentle and meticulous once-over with a disposable razor.

Of course, with clothes, as with most everything, you get what you pay for. But by buying smart, using a tailor when possible, and taking care for how you clean your clothes, you can look like a million bucks for a whole lot less.