#4 The Gentleman Giant
The keys to dapper style and how to avoid baggy, daggy business attire.
Greeting from on high! Glad to have you back here and if you’re new, welcome! This weeks issue I want to share some of my favourite brands and some insights to dress like a billion dollar man or luxurious lady. I hope you enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment.
Tailors are a necessity
If you’re like me you fit in the category of giant commonly referred to as ‘lanky’. Thankfully I’ve filled out in recent years but make no mistake I am well acquainted with the struggle of trying to buy suits, shirts and trousers that profess to be ‘great for tall people’ only to try them on and realise it’s better for ‘BIG and tall people’.
Rather than having to outlay thousands for bespoke suits my first realisation was the value of a good tailor. If you can find a tailor that has a sound understanding and appreciation of how to fit to the tall and slim body shape, then you have an ally for life.
Now be aware there are without doubt some cheap and shitty tailors out there, so be cautious, get reviews and ask them how they would best fit your boxy suit to fit your slender frame. Use your gut instinct to tell you if they’re just trying to hustle or if they genuinely know what they’re talking about.
Find yourself a local tailor and get your suits and shirts refitted. You won’t regret it and you can thank me by sharing this post with others 😜.
Bespoke Staples
Suits
A few years back after being tired of having to buy off the rack suits that fit me about as well as a single mattress bedsheet I was introduced by a friend of mine to the world of custom made suits.
We went to a fantastic store called Institchu in inner city Melbourne and the experience was just next level. We’re talking whisky on arrival, one on one fitting and design, the whole nine yards.
Now I know what some of you are thinking ‘yea and it would have cost a fortune’.
Look I hear you, there is a price that comes with quality but I like to live by essentialist principles where I can. Having one tailored, bespoke suit that is highly versatile is something we should all own at least one of.
I highly recommend making that investment, and make no mistake it is an investment. One that will pay off for years to come.
Shirts
When I first started my career in the corporate world I splurged a little on some bespoke shirts too.
Now these were much more affordable and if you’re considering buying a Ralf Lauren shirt for the office of casual Friday drinks, I’d reconsider for a moment.
Every man and his dog rocks those shirts and while I’m not dismissing them (I myself own 3) what I would suggest is if you want to stand out and look sharper than the average yuppy go for something that’s fit just for you.
Tailors Mark are an excellent choice. They have an intuitive and easy online process for putting in your measurements and an incredible array of choices.
From colour, material, pattern and accentuating add ons, Tailors Mark has been my go to for many years now and one I recommend to all my friends.
Fresh Footwear
Ahhhh footwear, the bane of my existence for many years. To an extent it still is. Whilst travelling through Europe my worn Nikes were thrown out in the belief I could surely find another pair of size 15’s (50EU).
How wrong I was, and how loud my feet groaned after 6 weeks of over 10km days with nothing but Vans and sandals.
I digress, but make no mistake that more than what clothing you wear above your ankles, you need to spend some money on your feet.
R.M. Williams
When it comes to business attire my absolute go to is a good pair of R.M. Williams boots. They are versatile, incredibly high quality, easy to maintain and supremely comfortable.
Now, if you walk down any city business district in Australia I’d say one in every three man and perhaps one in every five women are rocking these leather luxuries so I’ll be honest you’re not standing out much with them.
That said I’ve had mine for 6 years and they’ve never let me down, never caused my feet to be in pain and if they are large enough for me, chances are they will be for you too.
Bared Footwear
A lesser known but equally impressive option is Bared Footwear. They have a broader selection of casual sneakers (my favourite are the white leather low tops), boots in many varieties, formal suit shoes and much more.
More affordable than R.M. Williams these can be a good entry point for those wanting to get something to stand out from the crowd without being flamboyant or spending their rent money for the week.
A short break next week
Hoping you all have a glorious week and dress for success! Next week we will be having a brief intermission as I will be moving house.
I know, I know your disappointment at this is likely as bad as mine watching the Lakers get washed, but fear not there will be plenty more on its way!
Stay Super Tall!
😁 What fun to read!