Check out our new article on Primer Magazine! We discuss how to find a tailor, and what to pay him for. Let me know if I missed anything in the comments below.

I went to Target the other day to get my favorite “trail mix”. I say “trail mix” because trail mix implies a healthful snack, but nothing in this bag seems to denote healthy.

While browsing the aisles trying to remember what else I needed, I stumbled on this simple Timex for $24.99 (even though Target.com says $29.99). I couldn’t pass it up.

It has a clean white face, clearly-legible numbers, detachable leather straps, oh yeah, and it was twenty-five bucks. It does its job and looks handsome doing it.

I should mention I’ve been looking for a simple watch with a white face for a while now. I could’ve bought a Swiss Army Cavalry, or (for a little extra cash) there are a myriad of other options. In my opinion, however, the price-to-good-looks ratio of this Timex is unbeatable.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a lover of fine watches. I have aspirations of becoming a collector of complex movements and connoisseur of Swiss craftsmanship some day, and obviously this Timex can’t compare to the IWC or even the Seiko. Sometimes, though, you have to admire the beauty in simplicity and frugality, as well as the sheer genius of a technology like Indiglo™.

Green watch strap from J.Crew.

Gents, I’ll make this quick. It’s important to look all business when you’re dressed for the office or an important event. Don’t go all professional below the neck yet wear a pair of Oakley sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Save those for when you’re actually being active.

Instead, opt for a pair of classic sunglasses such as the aviators. Nothing fancy or flashy needed, just your standard style, metal-framed shades with dark lenses. Reflective, you ask? No. You’re a California Highway Patrol officer? Well, okay, I’ll let it slide this time. But I’m warning you buddy, don’t you dare let me catch you round these here parts again.

What?

Anyway, when the occasion calls for a little effort, leave the sporty shades at home. Instead, opt for a classic silhouette such as the aviator, the Wayfarer… anything but the Oakleys, please.

Check out Valet’s concise guide to fitting sunglasses to your face. Lucky for you, the models on that page are great examples of the types of sunglasses you should be pairing with your dressier clothes.

top image: axelphoto.com

I’ve been eyeing the orange Fake Bake Fever pants from Bonobos for a while, but due to a combination of my indecisiveness and practicality when it comes to sartorial matters, I constantly argued with myself over how much I’d actually use these pants. Would my frequency of use warrant such a purchase?

Long story short, they eventually sold out in my size. A little saddened, though it made my decision easier.

Ironically enough, Michael H. over at Bonobos contacted me and over a series of short email exchanges, I happened to mention my love of Fake Bake Fever and my disappointment that they were out of stock in my size.

Much to my delight (and bewilderment) I found these waiting for me at my desk several days later. What an amazing surprise!

Bonobos pants require a hem, so I went upstairs to my extremely attractive tailoress slash girlfriend, Katie (of Fifth&Brannan fame), to take care of the alterations. It’s nice dating a men’s designer who knows her way around a Singer.

Halfway through the alteration, one leg has been slimmed down slightly and taken up significantly. Can you tell which leg? The differences aren’t extremely obvious in these images as they were during the fitting, but we cut off six inches total.

I left a little more break since they have yet to be washed. Also, I was thinking of rolling them up, since I imagine myself wearing these during my random jaunts to Honolulu and South Beach.

I was actually in South Beach this past weekend (happy birthday to me), and I got to take these crazy pants out for a spin. The lady was in this vibrant J.Crew dress; I wish we had pictures together. Needless to say, the pants got a lot of looks.

Well, then again, maybe those looks were directed at my date.

Too loud and crazy? A perfect pair of go-to-hell pants? What do you think?

I’ve been in the market for a simple navy suit, but have been putting it off since I had no upcoming events or parties that required such a suit. Then summer began, and again, I found myself looking for reasons to get one. I knew it would come in handy for years, and I was open to different fabrics but wanted one I could wear for all seasons.

Luckily I came across the L.L. Bean signature plain weave suiting in navy. The cotton twill fabric is perfect for summer but still substantial enough to hold its own during San Francisco’s mild winters.

I’m usually a little nervous ordering off-the-rack suits online since sizes often differ and I hate the back-and-forth exchanges I’d have to endure if I picked the wrong size. Fortunately the suit fit true-to-size, so I had no issues.

Just to be clear, the suit fit correctly in the shoulders and waist, but I wanted to go that extra step and make sure the fit was perfect. It’s difficult to tell from these iPhone photos (I forgot my camera that day), but the suit was a little too widely-proportioned for my body.

I took a trip to my local tailor, Miguel, over at Townsend Street Tailors here in San Francisco.

We slimmed down the seat of the pants, the legs, and the arms. I also had the jacket’s body taken in to achieve that more tapered look. Lastly, I shortened the arm length and the inseam to have only minimal break.

A lot of work, I know. It wasn’t cheap either… but I believe that buying the correct size suit is only half the effort. If one invests in a suit, one should go all the way to ensure the best fit. Otherwise you’re stuck with a good-looking suit that wears you instead of the other way around.

I’ll leave you with this: Be prepared to invest in some tailoring if you want the suit to fit like a glove. Know what you want before going to the tailor, or else he/she will alter it according to how he/she thinks the suit should look. Educate yourself, figure out what looks best on your body, and you’ll know how to direct your tailor.

Overall, I’m happy with my purchase and the jacket has now become my go-to sport coat, so this was definitely a worthwhile buy. If you’re in the market for a navy suit, this one should be on your short list.

Appreciate your votes, everyone. It’s nice to hear the voice of the community and find out what everyone thinks. I enjoyed reading and responding to the comments some of you left; they were very well thought out and insightful. We decided on a name (kind of a hybrid) based on the top three votes. Your selections helped a lot, so thank you.

I realize I’m being slightly annoying by not revealing what this special secret project is, but I promise in time you will find out. To give you a hint, it involves a couple enhancements to the site along with a possible new feature, which we’re currently working on. Don’t wanna spill the beans too soon since it’s still in the works, but I wanted to give you all something to look forward to in anticipation.

Coming up, we have a series of posts from Matthew Ruggieri, founder of The Motley, a site dedicated to men’s grooming. I’m happy to be presenting Matt and The Motley on EG because he has a wealth of knowledge to share… so make sure to stop by again and check out part one.

Until then!
-B

Hey Gents (and Ladies)—

We have a special project in mind, and we need help finding a title.

Which name do you find the most interesting? What would you be most compelled to read and/or watch?

Let us know by voting below! Your vote will go straight to our inbox. And as always, please elaborate further (or suggest others, if you’d like) in the comments section.

Thanks for your help!