I've worn shirt stays, since I was in the Marines. It kept your shirt tucked neatly, and your socks up, no matter what. I swear by them. I have never found them uncomfortable. Metal collar stays are also great. That or a tie bar.
yep, many things stick with you after MCRD and shirt stays are indispensable. I might have to start dressing formal again and I'm definitely gonna use them, idc what anyone says
I'm on board with most of it other than shirt stays. They aren't meant to keep your socks up, just your shirt down. The reality of shirts is that when you tuck them in there is almost zero downwards force upon them meaning that even if a shirt fits very well and is long, it will never stay semi-taut and draped against the skin across a day. I have a shirt that barely moves an inch even if I raise my arms and yet it still comes slightly untucked after several hours. Shirt stays in my opinion are effective, not uncomfortable and achieve something that is not possible without them.
I don't think he wears a suit in any combination more than once. His collection sits in the well of infinity. Only shoes get worn more than once, and then again I'm not sure if his shoe collection doesn't regenerate alone in time.
@@biabia4462 No, you gotta spend smart. You can find a pair of used Allen Edmonds and restore them yourself to almost new condition provided the soles and leather are in good condition for less than 100$. If you smoke, stop it. that's 2500$ a year. Buy new shoes Gaziano & Girling for that price, or 4 awesome shirts...
I disagree on the shirt stays. They are not uncomfortable to wear. I often wear braces, sometimes even without a jacket, in which cases I need the tucked in look shirt stays will give you.
Marc M, agreed. Especially if you are on the slim fit side. It’s hard to find shirts that don’t blouse out so I have become quite a fan of my shirt stays.
l also want to disagree because a friend of mine sells shirt stays, but I wore them once and ended up with sores on the sides of my lower legs from being rubbed raw by the rubber part of the clips. I also find them hard to put on. A well tailored shirt tends to stay tucked well enough.
I agree. I couldn't disagree more with shirt stays being overrated - in fact, they're underrated. Nothing comes close to keeping your shirt as neatly tucked in as they do.
MicroModal is an Austrian patent, so Raphaels German pronunciation would be a valid way to go IF there wasn'T the fact of the "c" in "Micro...". This, instead of a "k", is only used in English, so the product name should be pronounced English.
I would agree with all of these except for shirt stays. In a very rigid work environment maybe you won’t need them but if you work in any place that might require even mild movement then the shirt will definitely start to come out.
SuperSuper Super what about trying regular nice looking suspenders to keep the pants at a good waistline? Keeps my shirts tucked in more so than anything and I am mildly active in mine.
@@NakatomiButtlet suspenders honestly don't look that good imo. I think they look good on bigger guys but skinny or even average build guys they look too old fashioned. Maybe that's just me though.
Joey Braghieri suspenders look good when you’re wearing a suit or a vest instead of a suit jacket but I agree with you that they’re still kind of old-fashioned.
I usually use shirt stays when I go to an event, like a wedding or conference. They're great and nothing beats them when it comes to keeping that shirt tucked in. I'll gladly give up 20% of comfort for 7 hours of looking crisp.
My father would have loved your videos! All his suits were made to order and because he owned a restaurant, he changed his white dress shirt (worn with a silk bow tie) three times a day. Those shirts were sent out to private laundry every week so he had at least 14 of them. He had chosen the collar shape to suit his face shape. Always wore an overcoat and fedora in colder weather. He died many years ago at 58. A real gent!
Your candidness in your videos are very admirable. It can be disappointing to think that other youtubers in the menswear space will not do such a detailed video like this, in fear of losing sponsorship. This is one of the reasons I believe that the brand of Gentleman's Gazette is crème de la crème of menswear, simply put....INTEGRITY.
Ever wonder how Drill Instuctors/Sergeants/Company Commanders, (Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard) have the absolute perfect tucked in and form fitting dress shirts? One reason: Shirt Stays. They are an absolute requirement for appearing sharp and clean cut in a military uniform. Not a gimmick at all, in my opinion.
I totally agree. Military or not, shirt stays, for me, are definitely worth the extra sharp look. Especially useful for those who are repeatedly sitting and standing all day.
I started using them in the USMC and now as a law enforcement officer they work great. Instead of the long sock ones I prefer the shorter thigh length model.
Back in the late 80s thru late 90s, I guess I was a “dapper fellow”, as I was working in the NYC financial district in lower Manhattan and I pretty much followed the classic styling guidance I observed my father and his law firm partners follow, which was pretty much a clone of what was depicted on “MadMen”. I had my initial suits tailored based upon what was then know as “an athletic cut”, where the drop between the coat size and the trouser size was like 14”, vs the standard 10”... my dad only wore Learbury brand suits, purchased at the factory store, along with Nettleton brand shoes, again purchased at the factory store, both located in the predominately Italian neighborhood of Syracuse’s North side. I learned a lot about classic gentlemen’s dress standards, fit and finish, fabrics, the pairing of same with quality shoes, belts, accessories, etc. For those that are unsure of how to put together a look that is right for your specific needs, this channel is certainly a great source of information and knowledge. The men’s department at Nordstrom’s is also a great source of knowledgeable, in-person assistance.
Servus Sven, just love your videos and the quality, poise, and insights you offer us all is fantastic! I watch them each week and "remember" all the dress points coming back to me from those years ago, because of your videos. So, may I just that this opportunity to THANK YOU for a wonderful job, your fans are many out there. Keep on rocking, Sven!!
I somewhat disagree on the sock garters. OTC socks did make garters obsolete for a while. But there are many *great* socks out there that don’t come in over the calf, and still slide even in the slightest. And garters are far from uncomfortable, in my opinion, or a mood killer. I am *huge* snob for over-the-calf socks, but the garters are still pretty useful.
Shirt garters were a must when I was in the military; they made for a crisp look, keeping shirts neatly tucked in and socks up. I’ve been retired for a few years now, but I still like the look that they give.
Love the video, the channel, the mentality and the examples given. With one exception: shirt stays. Now I prefer to fix the problem and buy shirts with the proper lenght. However in my job I need to be prepared to leave my desk at the office and head to the storage and do some heavy-ish work. That's where shirt stays come in handy. No matter how well tucked, how long the shirt is or how high the armhole is if I need to grab a box of glasses from the upper shelf, if I need to carry some boxes, if I need to get somewhat down and dirty on something, the shirt stays always manage to keep me neat throughout the whole thing. They can be uncomfortable but after a week I forgot I was wearing them. Also, sleeve garters are useful for barman/barwomen. Great video Raphael!
Yes but where would you put them? You wont br carrying a hold-all on a date, so you'll have no choice but to stuff them in your pocket. That buldge will ruin the silhouette of your trousers, and your date will inevitably notice this bulge, which will be an off-center bulge mind you. So she wont assume that it's a sign that you're in the mood. I say simply purchase a well tailored shirt and trousers in the right length and fit. A well fitting waistband also help to keep your shirt tucked it
Completely disagree about the shirt stays. I always wear shirts and pants that fit close to my body and even then they aren't uncomfortable at all and I often forget I'm wearing them. They also help my shirt looking nice and unmessy
Same here. I love mine. Sure, the feeling isn't for everyone, but i got used to it completely and don't notice them anymore. Took me a while to figure out the best placement though.
just to note here he is touting boxer briefs and the benefits of them, his site really pushes them, but in each of these about garters and shirt stays they have on boxers. So stop pushing (according to doctors) unhealthy underwear and get the science behind a mans body and admit boxers are what is best for a man to wear
I find that the magnetic collar-stays provide an exceptionally crisp look when worn without a tie. Having a high quality shirt minimizes their effect, but in my experience they seem to improve the appearance of the collar over time.
I personally can see how sleeve garters can help with sleeve length. I prefer my dress shirts to be roomy in the collar as I hate tight-fitting collars. I also find sometimes too much cuff shows with my suits. I might try sleeve garters one day.
Yes to all of this! Except the sock garters. I use those and like them, especially with period dress, but I do so totally agree about shirt garters. I wore them in the military, and hated them! They only came out for parade dress, and even then it was not with joy. Thanks for another great video!
I like the tie holder that goes through the loop on the back of the tie and connects to 2 buttons not because of the knot as you spoke about but rather because it keeps my tie vertical no matter what I am doing and still allows it to move up and down to accommodate bending and stretching movements. Thank you for the great videos.
I can attest to Shirt Stays. They are a must in the military while wearing dress uniforms. They are not comfortable but they do give you the "Dress Right-Dress" look.
Great list. My biggest peeve/gimmick is one button cuffs on shirts. They look cheap because they are genuinely cheaper to produce and the cuff can articulate around that single button.
This video made me buy sleeve garters. "Gimmick"? I think they are very useful. I guess, my arms are too short, so I always have a problem, finding good fitting shirts. "Custom made" sounds very expensive to me. Greetings from Cologne!
Definitely disagree on the shirt stays. They work, they're comfortable (at least KK&JAY). Muffin top is terrible, correct fit still allows the shirt to pull up
Having been in the military and public safety, I've grown to love shirt stays. I don't wear them on dates, but I do wear them any other occasion where I'd like my shirt to stay perfectly tucked and very sharp.
One hint with polo and other open-collar shirts is to button them all the way up for the first hour of the day. Once the heat and humidity of your body have had time to shape the material to your body then go ahead and unbutton. This is in accordance with the general rule you can always remove your jacket and tie and even roll up your sleeves for, say, a picnic on the lawn, but you should never start out that way. Start all buttoned up and loosen as you go, at the appropriate times. This can be quite an admirable and even alluring transition.
Thanks for this list. Hope people open their eyes that dressing smart starts by buying with proper knowledge of whats being bought. This applies to anything really. Great work
Dear Sven! Thanks for your videos. They are always tasteful and informative. SUGGESTION: One thing that I (and probably many others) would like to know is how to find a good alterations tailor. What questions to ask them in order to gauge how professional they are before you entrust them with your suits? How to find one that's right for you? Things that good tailors never do and vice versa. There are plenty around my area, and so far I've resorted to trial and error, to various results. More insight on the subject would be extremely useful. Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Sleeve garters were more for drawing the sleeves tight while writing with pen and ink than because sleeves were too long, at least up to WWI. Earlier inks for dip and fountain pens were slower drying then the inks modern chemistry have given us, and many shirts also had fuller sleeves. In fact, it was not uncommon for clerks and scriveners to wear over-sleeves to protect the sleeves of their shirts while writing. But today, their only valid use is for cultivating a vintage look.
Sleeve garters are extremely useful for any type of work, especially dirty work. Prevents your sleeves (fitted or not) from getting dirty and a much better option than just rolling your sleeves up on their own.
@Tom Reid not everybody is in shape, and not everyone has tailored shirts. Going the military route isnt a bad idea when it comes to staying nice and tidy!
Great video! Well,i first met sleeve garters from peaky blinders saw tommy shelby having those in his shirt and the colors of those were fascinating I bought them 2 week ago today they came and they’re looking good in my 20’s suit because my sleeve garters are metal and their colors are golden.
I have always been admittedly worried of buying pinstripe suits. I like them, but I don't want people to think I am trying to look like some gangster from Adventures of Tintin.
To be honest most people would still perceive you as elegant rather than clownish just based on the fact that you care about your attire, to be honest you will always have people who might not understand but style is an expression rather than an restriction after all
Pin striped suits are as varied as anything else. The stripes come in various widths and colors. Some are barely perceptible, and yes, some will make you look like a clown or 20s gangster if you are NOT going for that look. The color of the suit matters too, clearly black or dark navy shows stripes of any width more than a grey suit. I encourage you to go to a men's store and see what is what. There is something for everyone. If you still don't like it, then you can always go w/o as someone here implied.
I wear a shirt garter almost daily and love it as my summer shirts are almost always coming untucked for whatever reason. And sleeve garters are AMAZING when you prefer to wear long sleeves but, like me, don’t like to roll my sleeves. Especially when I bartended it worked amazing
Shirt stays are amazing. If you find them "extremely uncomfortable," try adjusting them or trying different brands. Or you might be wearing them in the wrong way.
Shirt stay/ Shirttail Garters are perfect. You don't need to wear it every day, but it really helps boost my confidence during important presentations and meetings
I was in the NJROTC program in highschool and i hated the stays but they helped to stretch the shirt and make it looked more professionally pressed. It also kept our shirts neatly tucked but i was only worried about failing inspection.
I believe Sven is an investor or backed by someone who has something on shirt stays. I will find out guys don’t worry! Shirt Stays are useful, and get the job done. A tailored shirt will still ride up if you move.
I just bought my first set, I welcome them, even if they are slightly less comfortable than not wearing them I’ll take that over stressing about my shirt being tucked in and constantly trying to fix it or avoid raising my arms past a certain point. I agree, even a tailored shirt will come untucked, or at the very least turn into a muffin top.
@@mcearl8073 Don't you ever go to the bathroom? Not drinking (water) the whole day might help you from excusing yourself to often but it will destroy your kidneys and brain. I drink at least 1,5 liters a day of water and use the bathroom at least 10x a day. So what. Health matters most and I take advantage to tuck my shirt in.
Shirt stays are useful if you have a job that requires a lot of movement, reaching over your head or leaning over and reaching for things will quickly pull up most shirts. Longer ones don't get untucked, but instead leave a bunch of fabric bundled up above the waist. Tie holders aren't for keeping your tie from sliding down, but more so for keeping it close to your body and not flopping around without it showing like a tie bar. If you're leaning over something and you don't want your tie to fall, or going to be outside in a windy environment and don't want it flopping around it's a great option. Both of these things are great for highly active environments or duties when dress shirts and ties are still expected.
I wear proper socks that stay up on their own, but I like wearing sock garters because I feel they look nice. It's really more of a personal thing, though. I agree - if your socks aren't staying in place on their own, you should get new socks with proper elasticity.
Great video again. I agree with all of the points in the video. I found that ties stay up with a well tied dimple creased more in the center. It will still need to be adjusted periodically if you wear it all day into the night.
I would wear sleeve garters. I had one I wore for effect as a older teen. And now I have a big torso but shorter arms, they would help my sleeves from getting into stuff as I cook.
I'm glad to see that so many people disagree with him about the shirt stays. I don't mind wearing them and they absolutely serve a person and make a huge difference in appearance. I would also disagree with the tie holder. I wear one that hides behind the tie, like the one he shows. It's not to keep the knot up. It's to keep the tie mid-line and it works very well. I think those two things make a huge difference in my appearance.
Raphael, thank you very much for all the advice! But I’m surprised there is no video about how to divide a suit aka "spezzato" on your channel. I’ve read the article on the site, but it’s from another author and I would like to know your opinion on that, as well as DOs and DON'Ts. Do you plan to make a video about it?
When I dressing myself up I sometimes goes for the older bankman/telegraph look from around 1900. In that case I’m using sleeve holders because I likes it and it fits the style very well.
Love the videos! Keep it up! I don't agree with the shirt stays. I love shirt stays and it keeps you looking crisp despite bending and lifting. They aren't uncomfortable either, unless you make them too tight.
I would agree with 95% of this. The remaining 5% I reserve for defending the wearing of St George brand stainless-steel Armbands (aka Sleeve Garters), which look particularly tasteful and dapper on a mature gentleman.
That suit is awesome. Had one similar and I always received compliments. It was my favourite suit because it was such a classic look and very few men wear them.
That suit looks very nice on you. Have you deliberately chosen the sleeve buttons to be just decorative? Also, in some videos you use the square-fold and in others the puff-fold. What makes you decide which one to use?
I know they aren't for everyone, but I do personally wear metal sleeve garters if I am wearing a dress shirt, off the rack, that hasn't been tailored. I just have shorter arms so my sleeves are usually too long.
I can say that from a professional standing point, shirt stays are a must for my day to day... Plus mine are very comfortable, not sure if that's just because I've become accustomed to them but I've never noticed them
I recently bought shirt stays on Amazon and I was genuinely impressed by how good they work. As with anything new, yes, they will feel a bit odd at first but I wouldn't say they are uncomfortable; the more you use them, the more you get accustomed to them. I don't use them daily but only on occasions I need to.
I agree with you for 9/10 of the gimmicks. Excellent video as usual! Personally, I have a high metabolic weight and thus I am still skinny after all these years of trying to 'bulk up'. This has given me an endomorphic body shape so I have a very little curve at my waist. This means that there is very little tension at my trousers meaning that even my 2 bespoke shirts won't tuck in properly. I think in Mr. Schneider's case though, he is lucky to have a gentleman of a more founded girth so he has very little use for shirt suspenders. I am however, worried that I may have to forego them when I buy the Fort Belvedere socks I'm saving for as I fear I may damage them. So in summary, if you're a gentleman of slender build, shirt/sock suspenders are a great option!
You've probably already solved this problem, but they DO make shirt stays that work like the sock suspenders. They go around the thigh and pull the shut down with clasps, without touching the socks
Mike Bertelli Disclaimer: my work environment is pretty formal at times... The only shoes one should wear with a suit or any semi-formal wear are black lace up shoes. Brown shoes are fine, but only for informal situations. The only sock colour that’s acceptable is black, no patterns. Plain brown is OK but again only informal wear. I am something of a rebel, so I sometimes wear black boots with a suit (boots from RM Williams - highly recommended, take a look).
I had good luck with socks when I quit buying just whatever was at Kohl's. Same with underwear. Love the briefs from Banana Republic. As for collar stays this is something I just started noticing recently with my polo style shirts. I got those plastic stick on triangles. I have a system now of trimming them to a specific shape and working great so far. Asked my tailor about adding stay pockets but she'd never heard of that. Might ask around other places. I know of one shirt maker that makes polos with stay pockets so might try them out...
I wholeheartedly agree on almost every single point and only disagree, or really just have a different preference, on the shirt stays. I use to keep shirt tucked even on custom shirts where the fit has really been dialed in and armholes are high and fight. I find sitting and standing will simply pull out shirt a little and over the course of a day I rather use shirt stays to then not sorry about that at all. I find them comfortable and not issue at all once worn a few times and get length and tension correct. Having high waisted pants also alleviates some of shirt from coming out, but as you said, not entirely. Every other point I totally agree with and have found similar results as yourself.
Shirt stays are 100% worth their money! I wear them regularly, as even a tailored shirt doesn't always stay tucked in when active. And comfort has never been an issue.
I've served 30 years in the Army, and I too found the shirt garters uncomfortable to wear. That's until I realized that wrapping the shirt garter around your leg had a much comfortable feeling to it, as if the garters were apart of your legs. It's not perfect, but after a while you forget that you are wearing them, and more importantly, you look great! I recommend giving it a try.
Nice video. In my opinion the quality of the iron is often surprisingly fluctuating. During a vacation in the Netherlands we slept in a business hotel and the Rotterdam City Hub. The hotel had a cleaning service, but the iron board had a bad quality. On the other hand, the City Hub had a really great iron board from a good German brand.
The shirt collar iron was specifically made for military duty uniforms. The collars can easily get warped and the device works well to straight them out 🤟
The shirt stay from KK and J I bought were very effective. I don’t feel anything when I wear them. Only thing I sacrificed was the 3 minutes I have to put them on everyday.
All these products for looking impeccable for the entire evening. Let your shirt blouse a little, let your tie loosen a little. Fix everything when you go to the restroom. Embrace the true spirit of Sprezzatura. As Glenn O'Brien said; "Why look impeccable when you can be perfectly peccable?"
EXCELLENT LIST!!! I’m so sick and tired of TH-camrs pushing these useless , sponsored (!!!!!) items. Thank you for putting out an honest video!!!
Shaun Leonard Agreed. In most of these videos the sponsored item even takes up more than half of the video!
Jose Zuniga
Alpha M?
Yeah, luckily he doesn't advertise any products ...like his own...
"5 ways MVMT is better than Rolex"
I've worn shirt stays, since I was in the Marines. It kept your shirt tucked neatly, and your socks up, no matter what. I swear by them. I have never found them uncomfortable.
Metal collar stays are also great. That or a tie bar.
yep, many things stick with you after MCRD and shirt stays are indispensable. I might have to start dressing formal again and I'm definitely gonna use them, idc what anyone says
“Once you’re getting ready for action, those sock suspenders are really gonna kill the mood” BRUH
Ou la stimuler...
Bruh
I’ve had the opposite reaction actually.
Lol
I've never known they existed
It's refreshing to see a men's fashion channel speaking truth to these products.
Grumdy this video is so good for the culture. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen all these being marketed in other channels multiple times...
It would be hilarious if he started shilling for one of the overrated products for 3-4 minutes halfway through the video.
@@TokyoXtreme Rolex are overrated.... Go with this off brand that is way better
It's really just an advert for Fort Belvedere with a few hints & tips IMO
I'm on board with most of it other than shirt stays. They aren't meant to keep your socks up, just your shirt down.
The reality of shirts is that when you tuck them in there is almost zero downwards force upon them meaning that even if a shirt fits very well and is long, it will never stay semi-taut and draped against the skin across a day. I have a shirt that barely moves an inch even if I raise my arms and yet it still comes slightly untucked after several hours.
Shirt stays in my opinion are effective, not uncomfortable and achieve something that is not possible without them.
You guys think Sven will ever run out of shirt, tie, and jacket combinations for his videos?
Never! He once said he aims to never wear the same outfit combination more than once.
some say thats a sign of the apocalypse
I don't think he wears a suit in any combination more than once. His collection sits in the well of infinity. Only shoes get worn more than once, and then again I'm not sure if his shoe collection doesn't regenerate alone in time.
that's what I'm talking about. you gotta be rich to be a gentleman...
@@biabia4462 No, you gotta spend smart. You can find a pair of used Allen Edmonds and restore them yourself to almost new condition provided the soles and leather are in good condition for less than 100$. If you smoke, stop it. that's 2500$ a year. Buy new shoes Gaziano & Girling for that price, or 4 awesome shirts...
"Imagine you are on a date, and you are ready to take off your socks but you have your sock suspenders."
You are not wrong. You are not wrong.
You just have to be so amazing that who notices the shirt stays!!!
Bondage time 😏
@@passingby3693 😳
Sounds sexy
Alpha m he's coming for you
I hope so
😂😂😂😂😂😂 Yeah He do be pushin those items....lol
Alpha M wants to know your location
actually this guy and alpha are friends in real life...
@Ric Ferr a betta.. a fighting fish.
I disagree on the shirt stays. They are not uncomfortable to wear. I often wear braces, sometimes even without a jacket, in which cases I need the tucked in look shirt stays will give you.
Marc M, agreed. Especially if you are on the slim fit side. It’s hard to find shirts that don’t blouse out so I have become quite a fan of my shirt stays.
l also want to disagree because a friend of mine sells shirt stays, but I wore them once and ended up with sores on the sides of my lower legs from being rubbed raw by the rubber part of the clips. I also find them hard to put on. A well tailored shirt tends to stay tucked well enough.
@@rafaelcastillo3834 Rubbed raw by rubber? Get plastic ones.
I agree. I couldn't disagree more with shirt stays being overrated - in fact, they're underrated. Nothing comes close to keeping your shirt as neatly tucked in as they do.
Sounds like your shirts are too short then?
*M I K R O M O D A L*
Edi Wonenberg m i k r o m o d a l
@@fahmifir2130 *M I K R O M O D A L*
It's so obnoxious
@@nfitz11 meek-cro moe-dall
MicroModal is an Austrian patent, so Raphaels German pronunciation would be a valid way to go IF there wasn'T the fact of the "c" in "Micro...". This, instead of a "k", is only used in English, so the product name should be pronounced English.
I love sleeve garters when paired with a green eyeshade. That's the quintessential full "bean-counter" look.
Great overview!
I take a different opinion on shirt stays. Years in the Marines justified their continued use for me. They just freaking work.
I would agree with all of these except for shirt stays. In a very rigid work environment maybe you won’t need them but if you work in any place that might require even mild movement then the shirt will definitely start to come out.
SuperSuper Super what about trying regular nice looking suspenders to keep the pants at a good waistline? Keeps my shirts tucked in more so than anything and I am mildly active in mine.
@@NakatomiButtlet suspenders honestly don't look that good imo. I think they look good on bigger guys but skinny or even average build guys they look too old fashioned. Maybe that's just me though.
Joey Braghieri suspenders look good when you’re wearing a suit or a vest instead of a suit jacket but I agree with you that they’re still kind of old-fashioned.
I usually use shirt stays when I go to an event, like a wedding or conference. They're great and nothing beats them when it comes to keeping that shirt tucked in. I'll gladly give up 20% of comfort for 7 hours of looking crisp.
My father would have loved your videos! All his suits were made to order and because he owned a restaurant, he changed his white dress shirt (worn with a silk bow tie) three times a day. Those shirts were sent out to private laundry every week so he had at least 14 of them. He had chosen the collar shape to suit his face shape. Always wore an overcoat and fedora in colder weather. He died many years ago at 58. A real gent!
“When you show your sock suspenders, that simply kills the mood.”
Um ... speak for yourself and don’t kink shame me, Sven.
Haha! I was thinking the same thing 🙂
Your candidness in your videos are very admirable. It can be disappointing to think that other youtubers in the menswear space will not do such a detailed video like this, in fear of losing sponsorship. This is one of the reasons I believe that the brand of Gentleman's Gazette is crème de la crème of menswear, simply put....INTEGRITY.
Ever wonder how Drill Instuctors/Sergeants/Company Commanders, (Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard) have the absolute perfect tucked in and form fitting dress shirts?
One reason: Shirt Stays. They are an absolute requirement for appearing sharp and clean cut in a military uniform. Not a gimmick at all, in my opinion.
He said they use it in the military but for a everyday situations it's not necessary.
That's a niche scenario, dude.
I totally agree. Military or not, shirt stays, for me, are definitely worth the extra sharp look. Especially useful for those who are repeatedly sitting and standing all day.
I started using them in the USMC and now as a law enforcement officer they work great. Instead of the long sock ones I prefer the shorter thigh length model.
Back in the late 80s thru late 90s, I guess I was a “dapper fellow”, as I was working in the NYC financial district in lower Manhattan and I pretty much followed the classic styling guidance I observed my father and his law firm partners follow, which was pretty much a clone of what was depicted on “MadMen”. I had my initial suits tailored based upon what was then know as “an athletic cut”, where the drop between the coat size and the trouser size was like 14”, vs the standard 10”... my dad only wore Learbury brand suits, purchased at the factory store, along with Nettleton brand shoes, again purchased at the factory store, both located in the predominately Italian neighborhood of Syracuse’s North side. I learned a lot about classic gentlemen’s dress standards, fit and finish, fabrics, the pairing of same with quality shoes, belts, accessories, etc. For those that are unsure of how to put together a look that is right for your specific needs, this channel is certainly a great source of information and knowledge. The men’s department at Nordstrom’s is also a great source of knowledgeable, in-person assistance.
Love the traditional views expressed, rather than pandering to popular clothing trends. Exactly the channel everybody should see
Servus Sven, just love your videos and the quality, poise, and insights you offer us all is fantastic! I watch them each week and "remember" all the dress points coming back to me from those years ago, because of your videos. So, may I just that this opportunity to THANK YOU for a wonderful job, your fans are many out there. Keep on rocking, Sven!!
I somewhat disagree on the sock garters.
OTC socks did make garters obsolete for a while. But there are many *great* socks out there that don’t come in over the calf, and still slide even in the slightest. And garters are far from uncomfortable, in my opinion, or a mood killer.
I am *huge* snob for over-the-calf socks, but the garters are still pretty useful.
I would add instant shoe shine. It ruins a real polish and harms the leather in my opinion. Also looks cheap and can be spotted from a mile away.
Good call, I forgot that
Excellent addition. I never used instant shine because of how much they wither and desiccate the leather. Great way to lose a good pair of shoes.
Thanks for the reminder.
Shirt garters were a must when I was in the military; they made for a crisp look, keeping shirts neatly tucked in and socks up. I’ve been retired for a few years now, but I still like the look that they give.
Love the video, the channel, the mentality and the examples given.
With one exception: shirt stays. Now I prefer to fix the problem and buy shirts with the proper lenght. However in my job I need to be prepared to leave my desk at the office and head to the storage and do some heavy-ish work. That's where shirt stays come in handy. No matter how well tucked, how long the shirt is or how high the armhole is if I need to grab a box of glasses from the upper shelf, if I need to carry some boxes, if I need to get somewhat down and dirty on something, the shirt stays always manage to keep me neat throughout the whole thing.
They can be uncomfortable but after a week I forgot I was wearing them.
Also, sleeve garters are useful for barman/barwomen.
Great video Raphael!
Shirt stays are definitely not a gimmick. Even on a date a simple trip to the bathroom to remove them will not ruin the mood.
Yes but where would you put them? You wont br carrying a hold-all on a date, so you'll have no choice but to stuff them in your pocket. That buldge will ruin the silhouette of your trousers, and your date will inevitably notice this bulge, which will be an off-center bulge mind you. So she wont assume that it's a sign that you're in the mood. I say simply purchase a well tailored shirt and trousers in the right length and fit. A well fitting waistband also help to keep your shirt tucked it
@@lenocman2 yes it does but the shirt stay to keep it looking clean all day doesn't matter if tailored going to come out of place
@@lenocman2 Meh. Put them in your inside jacket pockets. Won't ruin the silhouette too much.
Completely disagree about the shirt stays. I always wear shirts and pants that fit close to my body and even then they aren't uncomfortable at all and I often forget I'm wearing them. They also help my shirt looking nice and unmessy
Same here. I love mine.
Sure, the feeling isn't for everyone, but i got used to it completely and don't notice them anymore. Took me a while to figure out the best placement though.
@@jenswurm If you don't mind telling us, where did you figure out The Best Placement for them?
just to note here he is touting boxer briefs and the benefits of them, his site really pushes them, but in each of these about garters and shirt stays they have on boxers. So stop pushing (according to doctors) unhealthy underwear and get the science behind a mans body and admit boxers are what is best for a man to wear
I find that the magnetic collar-stays provide an exceptionally crisp look when worn without a tie. Having a high quality shirt minimizes their effect, but in my experience they seem to improve the appearance of the collar over time.
3:09 Woman here! I love my husbands sock supenders and sleeve garters.
I personally can see how sleeve garters can help with sleeve length. I prefer my dress shirts to be roomy in the collar as I hate tight-fitting collars. I also find sometimes too much cuff shows with my suits. I might try sleeve garters one day.
Just discovered this channel.
Have to say it's pretty informative and honest, 2 things I like.
Yes to all of this! Except the sock garters. I use those and like them, especially with period dress, but I do so totally agree about shirt garters. I wore them in the military, and hated them! They only came out for parade dress, and even then it was not with joy. Thanks for another great video!
Men's garters help keep my dress shirts tucked in, I love them.
I like the tie holder that goes through the loop on the back of the tie and connects to 2 buttons not because of the knot as you spoke about but rather because it keeps my tie vertical no matter what I am doing and still allows it to move up and down to accommodate bending and stretching movements. Thank you for the great videos.
"In today's outfit, I've incorporated ZERO GIMMICKS"
🔥😂
I can attest to Shirt Stays. They are a must in the military while wearing dress uniforms. They are not comfortable but they do give you the "Dress Right-Dress" look.
Great list. My biggest peeve/gimmick is one button cuffs on shirts. They look cheap because they are genuinely cheaper to produce and the cuff can articulate around that single button.
This video made me buy sleeve garters. "Gimmick"? I think they are very useful. I guess, my arms are too short, so I always have a problem, finding good fitting shirts. "Custom made" sounds very expensive to me. Greetings from Cologne!
Definitely disagree on the shirt stays. They work, they're comfortable (at least KK&JAY). Muffin top is terrible, correct fit still allows the shirt to pull up
I use shirt stays, but only because it keeps my gig line in place when I wear my uniform. And once you get used to it their not that bad.
Having been in the military and public safety, I've grown to love shirt stays. I don't wear them on dates, but I do wear them any other occasion where I'd like my shirt to stay perfectly tucked and very sharp.
One hint with polo and other open-collar shirts is to button them all the way up for the first hour of the day. Once the heat and humidity of your body have had time to shape the material to your body then go ahead and unbutton. This is in accordance with the general rule you can always remove your jacket and tie and even roll up your sleeves for, say, a picnic on the lawn, but you should never start out that way. Start all buttoned up and loosen as you go, at the appropriate times. This can be quite an admirable and even alluring transition.
Thanks for this list. Hope people open their eyes that dressing smart starts by buying with proper knowledge of whats being bought. This applies to anything really. Great work
Dear Sven! Thanks for your videos. They are always tasteful and informative. SUGGESTION: One thing that I (and probably many others) would like to know is how to find a good alterations tailor. What questions to ask them in order to gauge how professional they are before you entrust them with your suits? How to find one that's right for you? Things that good tailors never do and vice versa. There are plenty around my area, and so far I've resorted to trial and error, to various results. More insight on the subject would be extremely useful.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!
The marine corps taught me how important the shirt stay is. Keeps your shirt looking tight all day. Not to be confused with sock suspenders.
Sleeve garters were more for drawing the sleeves tight while writing with pen and ink than because sleeves were too long, at least up to WWI. Earlier inks for dip and fountain pens were slower drying then the inks modern chemistry have given us, and many shirts also had fuller sleeves. In fact, it was not uncommon for clerks and scriveners to wear over-sleeves to protect the sleeves of their shirts while writing. But today, their only valid use is for cultivating a vintage look.
Very interesting. The only suggestion I have is to change your theme music. That saxophone sounds like the horn from a 1928 Hupmobile
Sleeve garters are extremely useful for any type of work, especially dirty work. Prevents your sleeves (fitted or not) from getting dirty and a much better option than just rolling your sleeves up on their own.
Ahhh all your outfits are so unique and well tailored I love it ^-^ also your voice is really calming :)
I use shirt stays all the time. They prevent muffin tops that I think look horrible. Regardless of fit shirts pull ip
@Tom Reid i am really thin and small and i get muffin top all the time
@Tom Reid not everybody is in shape, and not everyone has tailored shirts. Going the military route isnt a bad idea when it comes to staying nice and tidy!
Great video!
Well,i first met sleeve garters from peaky blinders saw tommy shelby having those in his shirt and the colors of those were fascinating
I bought them 2 week ago today they came and they’re looking good in my 20’s suit because my sleeve garters are metal and their colors are golden.
I have always been admittedly worried of buying pinstripe suits. I like them, but I don't want people to think I am trying to look like some gangster from Adventures of Tintin.
Wear what you like after all you dress for yourself not the people
But how far can that principle go?
To be honest most people would still perceive you as elegant rather than clownish just based on the fact that you care about your attire, to be honest you will always have people who might not understand but style is an expression rather than an restriction after all
Pin striped suits are as varied as anything else. The stripes come in various widths and colors. Some are barely perceptible, and yes, some will make you look like a clown or 20s gangster if you are NOT going for that look. The color of the suit matters too, clearly black or dark navy shows stripes of any width more than a grey suit. I encourage you to go to a men's store and see what is what. There is something for everyone. If you still don't like it, then you can always go w/o as someone here implied.
I don't get it: I thought that was the entire point?
I wear a shirt garter almost daily and love it as my summer shirts are almost always coming untucked for whatever reason.
And sleeve garters are AMAZING when you prefer to wear long sleeves but, like me, don’t like to roll my sleeves. Especially when I bartended it worked amazing
I just think the sleeve garters look cool if you’re wearing a vest, or if you don’t have a suit. Looks very stylish imo.
Shirt stays are amazing. If you find them "extremely uncomfortable," try adjusting them or trying different brands. Or you might be wearing them in the wrong way.
Shirt stays rule, have used them for years, makes even an inexpensive dress shirt look great
Shirt stay/ Shirttail Garters are perfect. You don't need to wear it every day, but it really helps boost my confidence during important presentations and meetings
Im so happy you sponsor your own products that YOU have put together. 🙏 thank youuu
Make #notaponsored trend on menswear TH-cam!!
I was in the NJROTC program in highschool and i hated the stays but they helped to stretch the shirt and make it looked more professionally pressed. It also kept our shirts neatly tucked but i was only worried about failing inspection.
Lol "in today's outfit I've incorporated no gimmicks"! Your the best Sven! I really enjoyed this video!
I believe Sven is an investor or backed by someone who has something on shirt stays. I will find out guys don’t worry!
Shirt Stays are useful, and get the job done. A tailored shirt will still ride up if you move.
I just bought my first set, I welcome them, even if they are slightly less comfortable than not wearing them I’ll take that over stressing about my shirt being tucked in and constantly trying to fix it or avoid raising my arms past a certain point.
I agree, even a tailored shirt will come untucked, or at the very least turn into a muffin top.
@@mcearl8073 Don't you ever go to the bathroom? Not drinking (water) the whole day might help you from excusing yourself to often but it will destroy your kidneys and brain. I drink at least 1,5 liters a day of water and use the bathroom at least 10x a day. So what. Health matters most and I take advantage to tuck my shirt in.
I like the sock suspenders that attach to my shirt because it keeps my shirt nicely tucked in without bunching up around my waist.
I came here just for the thumbs down at 5:15 .
Was not disappointed!
I thought I was the only one who gets a kick out of Raphael's thumbs downs.
Shirt stays are useful if you have a job that requires a lot of movement, reaching over your head or leaning over and reaching for things will quickly pull up most shirts. Longer ones don't get untucked, but instead leave a bunch of fabric bundled up above the waist.
Tie holders aren't for keeping your tie from sliding down, but more so for keeping it close to your body and not flopping around without it showing like a tie bar. If you're leaning over something and you don't want your tie to fall, or going to be outside in a windy environment and don't want it flopping around it's a great option.
Both of these things are great for highly active environments or duties when dress shirts and ties are still expected.
I wear proper socks that stay up on their own, but I like wearing sock garters because I feel they look nice. It's really more of a personal thing, though. I agree - if your socks aren't staying in place on their own, you should get new socks with proper elasticity.
Great video again. I agree with all of the points in the video. I found that ties stay up with a well tied dimple creased more in the center. It will still need to be adjusted periodically if you wear it all day into the night.
It depends a bit on the tie too
I would wear sleeve garters. I had one I wore for effect as a older teen. And now I have a big torso but shorter arms, they would help my sleeves from getting into stuff as I cook.
I'm glad to see that so many people disagree with him about the shirt stays. I don't mind wearing them and they absolutely serve a person and make a huge difference in appearance.
I would also disagree with the tie holder. I wear one that hides behind the tie, like the one he shows. It's not to keep the knot up. It's to keep the tie mid-line and it works very well.
I think those two things make a huge difference in my appearance.
Raphael, thank you very much for all the advice! But I’m surprised there is no video about how to divide a suit aka "spezzato" on your channel. I’ve read the article on the site, but it’s from another author and I would like to know your opinion on that, as well as DOs and DON'Ts. Do you plan to make a video about it?
When I dressing myself up I sometimes goes for the older bankman/telegraph look from around 1900. In that case I’m using sleeve holders because I likes it and it fits the style very well.
Feeling uncomfortable?
*Crotch photo*
Me: yes.
Love the videos! Keep it up!
I don't agree with the shirt stays. I love shirt stays and it keeps you looking crisp despite bending and lifting. They aren't uncomfortable either, unless you make them too tight.
Disagree on the best pocket square holder. Absolutely love it!! Highly recommended
But... But... But... I LOVE my sock garters. Especially along with my plaid Bermuda shorts and two-tone Wingtips!
I would agree with 95% of this.
The remaining 5% I reserve for defending the wearing of St George brand stainless-steel Armbands (aka Sleeve Garters), which look particularly tasteful and dapper on a mature gentleman.
I don’t know what chicks you’re bangin’, but all the dames LOVE my garters. Lookin’ like a Leyendecker Painting up in this piece.
MrArtDeco Lol, his "chicks" are just his wife. Don't know her name.
Sleeves garters are great.
That suit is awesome. Had one similar and I always received compliments. It was my favourite suit because it was such a classic look and very few men wear them.
I appreciate this channel so much. Thank you for doing it.
That suit looks very nice on you. Have you deliberately chosen the sleeve buttons to be just decorative?
Also, in some videos you use the square-fold and in others the puff-fold. What makes you decide which one to use?
I know they aren't for everyone, but I do personally wear metal sleeve garters if I am wearing a dress shirt, off the rack, that hasn't been tailored. I just have shorter arms so my sleeves are usually too long.
I can say that from a professional standing point, shirt stays are a must for my day to day... Plus mine are very comfortable, not sure if that's just because I've become accustomed to them but I've never noticed them
Edit - I'm a bartender so I'm always moving around and reaching for different bottles both low and high
I recently bought shirt stays on Amazon and I was genuinely impressed by how good they work. As with anything new, yes, they will feel a bit odd at first but I wouldn't say they are uncomfortable; the more you use them, the more you get accustomed to them. I don't use them daily but only on occasions I need to.
I agree with you for 9/10 of the gimmicks. Excellent video as usual!
Personally, I have a high metabolic weight and thus I am still skinny after all these years of trying to 'bulk up'. This has given me an endomorphic body shape so I have a very little curve at my waist. This means that there is very little tension at my trousers meaning that even my 2 bespoke shirts won't tuck in properly. I think in Mr. Schneider's case though, he is lucky to have a gentleman of a more founded girth so he has very little use for shirt suspenders. I am however, worried that I may have to forego them when I buy the Fort Belvedere socks I'm saving for as I fear I may damage them.
So in summary, if you're a gentleman of slender build, shirt/sock suspenders are a great option!
You've probably already solved this problem, but they DO make shirt stays that work like the sock suspenders. They go around the thigh and pull the shut down with clasps, without touching the socks
shirt stays are a really good option - your green shoes are more gimmicky, instead
Mike Bertelli Disclaimer: my work environment is pretty formal at times... The only shoes one should wear with a suit or any semi-formal wear are black lace up shoes. Brown shoes are fine, but only for informal situations. The only sock colour that’s acceptable is black, no patterns. Plain brown is OK but again only informal wear. I am something of a rebel, so I sometimes wear black boots with a suit (boots from RM Williams - highly recommended, take a look).
@@Orwic1 Nothing to do with what I said but congrats
Raphael helped me save money. I could have easily walked into a gentleman's store and bought these without realising I dont need them.
I love my pocket square holder because it supports my pocket square at work. It allows me to fold it and forget it, meanwhile it looks great all day!
Agree with all of these. There's no way I'm going to wear shirt stays, even if they do work. Beautiful pocket squares you sell...
Incoming Military bro’s coming to attack after you put Shirt Stays in here.
Every 3rd comment is one of them
I had good luck with socks when I quit buying just whatever was at Kohl's. Same with underwear. Love the briefs from Banana Republic. As for collar stays this is something I just started noticing recently with my polo style shirts. I got those plastic stick on triangles. I have a system now of trimming them to a specific shape and working great so far. Asked my tailor about adding stay pockets but she'd never heard of that. Might ask around other places. I know of one shirt maker that makes polos with stay pockets so might try them out...
I mostly agree, but the shirttail garters are quite nice. I don’t find them too uncomfortable. Apart from that, great tips.
I wholeheartedly agree on almost every single point and only disagree, or really just have a different preference, on the shirt stays. I use to keep shirt tucked even on custom shirts where the fit has really been dialed in and armholes are high and fight. I find sitting and standing will simply pull out shirt a little and over the course of a day I rather use shirt stays to then not sorry about that at all. I find them comfortable and not issue at all once worn a few times and get length and tension correct. Having high waisted pants also alleviates some of shirt from coming out, but as you said, not entirely.
Every other point I totally agree with and have found similar results as yourself.
Shirt stays are 100% worth their money! I wear them regularly, as even a tailored shirt doesn't always stay tucked in when active. And comfort has never been an issue.
I've served 30 years in the Army, and I too found the shirt garters uncomfortable to wear. That's until I realized that wrapping the shirt garter around your leg had a much comfortable feeling to it, as if the garters were apart of your legs. It's not perfect, but after a while you forget that you are wearing them, and more importantly, you look great! I recommend giving it a try.
Love your suit! Super sharp and classic. 👌🏻
Nice video.
In my opinion the quality of the iron is often surprisingly fluctuating. During a vacation in the Netherlands we slept in a business hotel and the Rotterdam City Hub. The hotel had a cleaning service, but the iron board had a bad quality. On the other hand, the City Hub had a really great iron board from a good German brand.
Agree with all except the sock/shirt garters. Just began using them 2 weeks ago, and I wish I had gotten them years ago.
The shirt collar iron was specifically made for military duty uniforms. The collars can easily get warped and the device works well to straight them out 🤟
i for one like shirt stays because even a well fitted shirt starts to form the donut when im dancing and i got used to them comfortwise
The shirt stay from KK and J I bought were very effective. I don’t feel anything when I wear them. Only thing I sacrificed was the 3 minutes I have to put them on everyday.
Personally, I like sleeve garters with some looks like when I wear my outfits from the 1800’s.
All these products for looking impeccable for the entire evening. Let your shirt blouse a little, let your tie loosen a little. Fix everything when you go to the restroom. Embrace the true spirit of Sprezzatura.
As Glenn O'Brien said; "Why look impeccable when you can be perfectly peccable?"
mason s. N
Gary Cooper did that for years... If it was good enough for Coop, it's good enough fer me!