For being a thin, basically rectangular piece of fabric, a tie is a pretty complicated garment. There are all those knots, fabrics, and rules about height and width…it is understandably frustrating. However, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne strives to make your life easier, so we’ve assembled these simple guidelines for wearing a tie properly:

Length

A tie should always hit at your beltline. Not above, not below. Capiche?

Width

Your tie should be about two and a quarter to two and three-quarter inches at its widest point. Any wider, and you start to look like a congressman.

Knot

The four-in-hand knot should be your go-to. It’s knot too big, knot too small (sorry, couldn’t resist). Also, avoid the half Windsor. It is a huge knot and you will look like you have a giant tortilla chip hanging on your collar. No bueno.

The dimple

The detail of details matter. In this case, it is the tie dimple that will take your tie from passable to polished. Here’s how you do it: 1. When you’re almost done tying your tie, press your thumb against your index finger just beneath the knot, so the fabric forms a crease. 2. Pull down the narrow end of the tie to tighten the dimple, and slide up the knot. 3. Finesse either side of the dimple to accentuate the fold and set it in place. Voilà, dimple.

Bow ties. Bow ties are no longer limited to tuxedos and Pee-Wee Herman. Bow ties are cool now. GQ calls the bow tie the, “dapper man’s version of the skinny straight tie.”

Tie bars.

There is only one, repeat one, place for a tie bar. And it’s between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. Also, never wear a tie bar wider than your tie. Just don’t.

Matching your tie with your suit.

Match your tie to the fabric of your suit. Cotton ties with cotton suits in summer, wool ties with wool suits in winter.

If you have more questions, and are in the Fort Wayne area, come see us at CJM. We are always here to help.

A cardigan is a sign of a well-dressed and confident man. It is kind of a jacket, kind of a sweater, and its versatility can make your wardrobe more dynamic. It is so versatile in fact, that it can accompany you through all of Fort Wayne’s seasons and temperatures.

Cardigans come in a gajillion different fabrics, cuts, colors, and prints. But you can spot a cardigan based on the following characteristics: it is knitted, has a v-neck, buttons in the front, and (usually) has two small pockets on its lower front, one on either side.

Wool cardigans are perfect for fall and winter, and maybe a cool spring day. A gray wool cardigan with wood buttons is classic. A cashmere wool cardigan is another luxury winter staple. A thin knit, lightweight cotton makes for a perfect summer cardigan.

Fit is highly important, much like a suit jacket. But unlike a suit jacket, cardigans are flexible, so you can usually buy one off the rack with no adjustments needed. Just make sure it fits in the shoulders, tapers down through to the waist, and opens some at the abdomen. Also, make sure it covers your waistline or belt.

As mentioned, cardigans are extremely versatile. Which, on the one hand is a good thing (who doesn’t like versatility in fashion?), but on the other, it means there are endless choices and options, which can be daunting, to say the least. In general, a dress shirt and tie pair well for a work ensemble, while your favorite t-shirt is a great match for the weekend.

Ultimately, the best advice we have is to let your instincts guide you. Cardigans are supposed to be dynamic, so there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule on how it should be worn. Other than with your best foot forward, of course.

You just landed a new job. Congratulations. Now, your mission is to prove all those skills, experience, and potential that you sold your employer on in the interview. Getting the results is up to you, but Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne does know the best place for you to start, and that is:

Look the part.

To instill the confidence of people who essentially know nothing about you (other than your resume), you must look like the kind of guy they believe in. And that means dressing like him.

Here are the five most important elements of dressing for success.

1. Wear a suit that fits like a glove.

A suit that fits flawlessly is the foundation of dressing like a capable businessman. If your suit jacket shoulders have more divots than an unkempt golf course, you will illicit little professional respect. To be sure a suit fits you too T, take it to a tailor. A good tailor is worth his weight in gold.

2. Stock up on dress shirts.

You can never have to many high-quality dress shirts. Since you are new, play it safe and go with neutral colors, like white or blue, and stick to subtle prints. Once you get more comfortable, then you can bust out the Robert Graham.

3. Shine your shoes.

Maintaining eye contact in professional conversations is expected, but don’t be fooled—the eye does…and will…wander. Especially when they are sizing you up. Don’t let them catch sight of dirty, dingy shoes. It may make them question how well you pay attention to details. To keep them sparkling, polish them at least once a week.

4. Upgrade your accessories.

I hate to break it to you, but now that you have a real-man job, it is time to put away—preferably donate—your X-Men wallet, and upgrade to more sophisticated accouterments. Several fine leather belts, a nice wallet, and maybe even a tie clip—if you’re that fashion forward, will definitely show you pay attention to detail.

5. Consider purchasing a tuxedo.

Now that you have entered the world of after-work events and schmoozing, it isn’t a bad idea to have a nice tux in your closet. Tuxes are a little more tailored than suits, and they usually have satin trimmings (whereas suits are made of one fabric). You never know when you will need one, and a rent-a-tux can be a hassle if done at the last minute.

6. When in doubt, overdress.

When you are starting a new job and not sure of the dress code, the rule of thumb is to overdress. You need not go as far as a three-piece tux with tails, but maybe wear a tie and keep your suit jacket on until you get more familiar with the environment, and see how other employees dress. Another great rule of thumb: pay attention to how your boss dresses and follow…suit (no pun intended).

And…

7. Have confidence.

Surprise, there is an extra tip. Consider it your reward for reading this far. In short: confidence is the most important thing a successful career man wears. Without it, superb suits, shiny shoes, and designer labels do nothing. So, carry your head high at all times.

And again, congratulations on your new job.

The winters are cold here in Fort Wayne, so undoubtedly you need several layers to keep warm. But layering isn’t always as easy as piling on a few different shirts. You have to combine complementary fabrics and prints.

This is why Christopher James Menswear loves Monterey, California-based designer Robert Talbott, who makes a line of sport shirts that are perfect for layering. Keep a few of these in your closet and you won’t even have to think about what goes with what.

Robert Talbott sport shirts come in a variety of subdued prints and solid colors—navy, olive, gray, plum, and others. Most are 100% cotton, and natural fabrics are the best insulators.

Top one of these bad boys with a zip-up cashmere sweater (also an excellent insulator—lightweight and impossibly warm), and you are ready to spend a weekend in a chalet in the Swiss Alps (or on your couch in Fort Wayne, either one).

If it is casual Friday at the office, wear one of Robert Talbott’s sport shirts under a V-neck sweater and accessorize with a Robert Talbott tie (also a great product from this designer).

Just remember: when you layer, choose one print or brighter color, and pair it with a solid, or neutral color. The patterned garment should be the bottom layer, generally. Also–and maybe this goes without saying–layering is a more casual look, so it’s best to avoid shiny fabrics and anything that is overly formal.

Come into Christopher James Menswear and we will help you pick a few things out.

Let’s take a break to discuss breaks.

We have superb in-house tailors here at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and so this post is in honor of them.

A break, in fashion speak, refers to the horizontal line that occurs in the fabric when your pants hit your shoes. A break is categorized based on how pronounced it is, or rather, how much fabric you have piling up around your ankles. There are many names for pant breaks (deep, full, quarter, half, short, etc.), but basically, they all boil down to three lengths: short, medium, and full. Read on for a description of each.

1. Short

A short break is when the bottom of your pants hit just below the top of your shoes, leaving the laces exposed. Short breaks are very fashion-forward, but I’m guessing you are a business man and that, unless you are the CFO of Vogue, shorts pants don’t fly in your office. That’s why the next break—medium—is likely the one for you.

2. Medium

Not too long, not too short, just right. The medium break is the standard among executives. In the front your pants cover the top of your shoe and most of your shoelaces, while in the back, the hem slopes downward, creating a mild horizontal break. It is classic, clean, and professional.

3. Full

A full break is when you just let it all hang down. I think the full break looks unkempt—as if you bought pants that were too long and didn’t care to get them tailored, but it is considered a trendier style for those who like to push boundaries. Either way, it is probably not the best look for the boardroom.

Of course, which break works best ultimately depends on the man. You have to take into account height and weight, and what looks best with your body shape. If you are not sure what works for you, come into Christopher James Menswear and one of our expert tailors will size you up (in a good way).

The one thing about the polar vortex that is for sure is that it wreaks havoc on your footwear. Shallow, perhaps, but true. All that ice, sidewalk salt, snow, slush, and whatever they all become once pooled on the ground, is the nemesis of nice shoes.

But there is a solution for the men of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and it is a brand of boots called Wolverine (unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on your view—they are not associated with the famous X-Men character). Wolverine makes elegant, cold-weather boots that are perfect for men in Indiana, where snow, rain and frigid temperatures often occur all at once, making it seemingly impossible to dress stylishly and not ruin your favorite footwear.

Wolverine is actually best known for its high-quality, durable work boots, but Christopher James Menswear carries their casual styles. So, these boots have all the makings of durable, warm work boots, but are sleek and casual enough to wear to brunch or run weekend errands.

And did I mention that they just look cool? They are sleek but a little rugged too. Pair them with dark washed jeans, a plaid button down, and a cashmere sweater (layers on men is an especially popular look these days), and you are good to go.

One of the most annoying things in the world is a wayward shirt collar. You fuss with it every five minutes—pulling, re-tucking, tugging…after a while it feels like self-conscious origami. Thankfully however, the men of Fort Wayne need not worry about collars that are all sorts of all over the place, because Christopher James Menswear carries Würkin Stiff collar stays.

What is a Würkin Stiff collar stay? It is a tiny piece of magic. That and it is also a small metal bar that you insert in your collar to make it stand up straight all day long. It takes less than 10 seconds to place and you don’t have to think about it again for the rest of the day.

Watch this video to see exactly how it works, around the 2:13 minute mark.

It is bafflingly easy, and saves you from looking like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Unless you want to look like John Travolta is SNF. If so, Würkin Stiff collar stays come with tiny magnets that you position underneath your collar, so that it stands up any way you please.

Since the magnets go under the shirt collar, no one will see them. Brilliant.

You want your colleagues in the boardroom focusing on your well-crafted business proposal, not your sad, floppy collar. Come into Christopher James Menswear and get yourself some essential Würkin Stiff collar stays today.

There are many benefits to shopping in a specialty store like Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne. Here we will discuss three.

Many men are not keen on shopping. The word alone conjures traumatic images of holding their wife or girlfriend’s purse as she digs through endless racks of clothing for hours just to buy what she already has, or spending time at the mall when a Packer’s game is on…or when paint is drying.

So when it comes to shopping for himself, a man usually wants whatever is quick and easy (i.e. letting the wife pick up whatever she thinks is best while he stays at home watching the game).

But—and no offense to any man’s wife’s tastes—this is the wrong approach.

Not just any old pair of pants will do. Not just any dress shirt with buttons and a collar from a department store or online will say to your boss, “This guy is magnificently capable and you should promote him and invite him to play golf.” A polo shirt tucked into cargo khakis won’t tell your date, or wife, that you have sex appeal.

A smart man knows that dressing well is the key to success in all facets of life and that in order to dress well, a man needs to take an active role in designing his wardrobe.

This is where specialty stores, like CJ Menswear, come in:

Reason #1 to shop in a specialty store

The expertise. CJ Menswear’s expert tailors and sales consultants have decades of experience in menswear and know their stuff. They will find you suits that fit, styles that you feel comfortable in, and of course, they will tell you when something isn’t working (true friends are honest, right?).

Reason #2 to shop in a specialty store

It saves time. A man could waste hours in a department store scavenging through racks for a few things that basically fit, or a few minutes ordering garments online only to return them immediately. With an expert at your side, you get it right the first time.

Reason #3 to shop in a specialty store

The service factor. You can get treated like gold or bulldozed by a mom on a time crunch. Your choice. CJ Menswear is independently owned and therefore has the ability to fine-tune the environment, perhaps to make it more comfortable, or manly. Here you can sip on wine and watch the game.

Once you shop in a specialty store like Christopher James Menswear, you will find it hard to go back to the mall. Excellent service paired with excellent results is hard to quit. Come into Christopher James Menswear today and see why.