How Much is Too Much Pattern?

Pattern button down shirts have been coming into men's fashion for the past few years that started of cautiously but is now running with the wind. So, how do you know when too much pattern is too much? 

Simple answer: when it hurts your eyes. 

Everyone tends to start with plaid or stripped shirts when beginning to venture off of the solid colors. 

source: GQ

Cameron from Modern Familiy,
Source: 4.bp.blogspot

And then there's always the floral print that is becoming a classic. But how do you wear floral? Well, the louder you go, the more casual you become. 

This shirt is a great example of a floral shirt you could wear with a conservative suit in the office. A solid conservative suit will balance out the floral print. Keeping the floral print on a smaller scale will keep it from getting too loud. Try to keep in mind the colors you are wearing as well, this shirt is a nice light blue, keeping in line with traditional work shirts. 

Ted Baker Fiftrim Floral Button Down
Source: Ted Baker

The louder the print, the more casual you become. Something to keep in mind when wearing loud floral is to watch when it starts adapting a tropical flavor. Once you go there, you either border or enter the Hawaiian shirt territory; which are great for vacations or if you work at Pixar, but not so much for every day work wear. This shirt keeps an upbeat playful attitude while catering to those who are bolder than someone just entertaining floral. 

source: Gitman Bros, Mon Chou Chou print

What's really growing in popularity are tiny prints and I love them! It's more playful than floral but can still be conservative at first glance due to its small scale. They are also in vogue this season for men but I'm sure they'll be sticking around much longer than that. 

Polka dots are a classic more playful pattern. Most men tend to shy away from this look, thinking it to be more feminine, associating it with children. However, printed shirts are becoming more playful and are allowing men to be less conservative without going overboard. 

Ted Baker Thebosa Shirt
source: Ted Baker

This shirt looks conservative from afar but when you get up close, it's full of fishes!!
Ted Baker Fishbiz Shirt
source: Ted Baker

Now this isn't to say that you can't wear louder shirts full of color or large prints. If you though, just be sure to own it. Don't let the shirt wear you, you better be wearing that shirt and showing it off with pride! 

Cameron of Modern Family
source: AfterElton

Want to know what patterns we have? Thinking about trying to pair a fun shirt with your suit? Take advantage of our Buy a Suit, Get a Shirt promotion! Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Floral Bow Ties and Floral Pocket Squares, Oh My!

The days are finally feeling warmer and the notion of Spring being around the corner is more of a reality than a fantasy. 

Transitioning your winter wardrobe to a spring wardrobe can be daunting for some, especially for those who don't have an extensive one. A simple way to start is with accessories, pocket squares and bow ties. Bow ties are more playful and evokes a lighter spirit than neck ties do. Neck ties can weigh an outfit down because it automatically draws attention downward. Bow ties draw attention upwards to your sparkling smile, ready and waiting to charm. 

Splashes of color and/or pattern brings darker winter solid colors to life without staying in dark colors or jumping head first into brighter colors before the weather is right. Start with the classics before you venture to bolder colors and patterns. Florals will always in fashion during the warmer seasons, it's how you wear it that will keep you in vogue. 

Our studio is getting ready for Spring with the help of new furniture and our little garden is blossoming...

9tailors Spring Floral Bow Ties & Pocket Squares

If you're not quite ready to experiment with bow ties, pocket squares are a safe bet. They are beautifully understated and changes the mood of your suit in an instant. 

Interested in trying on one of our new floral bow ties or pocket squares with your suit? Want help transitioning into spring? Need a lighter suit for warmer days coming? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com 

Happy New Year! Spring 2014 Trend Report- PRINTS!

You know the cliches, out with the old and in with the new. Fashion has a non-stop revolving door of trends from season to season. Whether or not you decide to jump on board ahead of schedule or mid-game, it's good for you to have an idea of what you're jumping into.

For the month of January, every Tuesday will spotlight an upcoming trend for men's suits. Until then, enjoy other menswear trends for Spring 2014. 

There are multiple patterns to pick from to find the one best suits your fancy:

FLORAL
Embrace elegance this upcoming season and mix it with structured clothes to keep a masculine edge. 

                           

 ARMY PRINT
This trend has come and gone and at this point, is becoming a classic, just be sure not to go too crazy with the camouflage like in the 90s. Use this more of an accent or a single piece, don't cover yourself from head to toe in pink, purple, blue, green and brown army print.

POLKA DOTS

I love polka dots! I'm very excited about this trend and am anxious to see this on men. They're playful enough to have limited rules about the scale and all over prints but is best to one piece. 

Interested in working with a style consultant to help you incorporate these trends with your current wardrobe? Want to start straying away from your standard navy suit? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com