what happened to manly clothing

**whodat** · 04-01-2009, 09:24 PM

I'm confused. What happened to clothing for men that looked good but was rugged and classic "manly"? It seems like stuff is either "stylish" (look at Ralph Lauren nowadays) or is work clothing like Carhartts (LL Bean, Timberland, etc.). I want something that I'm not going to feel uncomfortable in going out into public, but that doesn't look like I'm about to go work on a ranch or sip tea by the fire. I've been buying jeans and t-shirts/polos/button-up casual shirts from Target these days...

Anybody know of a place that has something worth looking at? It's hard to explain what I'm looking for -- but I know that, if it exists, someone here at B&B will be able to lead the way. Just throw some ideas out.

**Leche** · 04-01-2009, 09:29 PM

Take a look at Duluth Trading (online). They have casual but presentable and rugged clothing. Not sure if its what you're looking for but its a start.

**GreatDane** · 04-01-2009, 10:19 PM

I'll just say that I have a collection of polo shirts and cargo pants and leave it at that.

**scoopster** · 04-01-2009, 10:47 PM

To the chagrin of my wife - I work in a develoment group at a software company so I feel compelled to dress improperly. I am not worst offender by far

I live in jeans (rugged) and wrinkle-free Brooks Brothers shirts (classy). Yes jeans and Brooks Brothers... The two shouldn't pair but it works for me.

**TimmyBoston** · 04-01-2009, 10:48 PM

Here's something to think about: Abercrombie and Fitch was one of the favorite outfitters for Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt.

**Dink** · 04-02-2009, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Here's something to think about: Abercrombie and Fitch was one of the favorite outfitters for Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt.

Indeed, didn't Banana Republic start as an Army surplus store?

Cheers,
David

**dixee6** · 04-02-2009, 01:43 AM

Originally Posted by Leche

Take a look at Duluth Trading (online). They have casual but presentable and rugged clothing. Not sure if its what you're looking for but its a start.

You beat me to it! But yes Duluth has got some really nice stuff. I have one of their firehose shirtjacks on now. It is comfortable, rugged and good looking,...........like me! Oh, and be prepared to spend some money.

**blackfoot** · 04-02-2009, 02:06 AM

Now here is an interesting history lesson!

**New Orleans** · 04-02-2009, 03:39 AM

Work clothes are for working. That would be rugged jeans, work boots, work shirts and t-shirts. There are also clothing that are casual without being foolishly "work" like. For instance, a good pair of Khakis, like Bill's Khaki's, worn with a button down, with loafers is "preppy", but not at all "work" like. If that isn't quite right, then wear the Khaki's with a sweater or just a decent t-shirt. It is possible to dress without blue jeans.

**blackfoot** · 04-02-2009, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by New Orleans

Work clothes are for working. That would be rugged jeans, work boots, work shirts and t-shirts. There are also clothing that are casual without being foolishly "work" like. For instance, a good pair of Khakis, like Bill's Khaki's, worn with a button down, with loafers is "preppy", but not at all "work" like. If that isn't quite right, then wear the Khaki's with a sweater or just a decent t-shirt. It is possible to dress without blue jeans.

What! The man knows not what he speaks.

**SRock** · 04-02-2009, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Here's something to think about: Abercrombie and Fitch was one of the favorite outfitters for Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt.

No surprise there, like anything, the times they are a changin'

Originally Posted by Dink

Indeed, didn't Banana Republic start as an Army surplus store?

Cheers,
David

I've heard this as well.

BTW, I about fell over when I saw an ad in the states that pictured a man wearing what my wife calls capri pants, I call them clam diggers. I don't get that at all!

**bluepunk18** · 04-02-2009, 06:21 AM

I'm still trying to wrap my head around "low-rise jeans" Its bad enough that a lot of people let the tops of their underwear stick out, but now its only being encouraged.

And not just for girls, guys too.

I'd say you have to find something that is not only comfortable but looks good on you and that you like. Not everyone digs polos and khakis. Just like not everyone wears jeans with a sport coat. Duluth does seem to have a bit of what you may be looking for. Good luck!

I for one wouldn't mind the traditional frock coat from the 1760s making a comeback...

**GreatDane** · 04-02-2009, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Here's something to think about: Abercrombie and Fitch was one of the favorite outfitters for Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt.

A&F was a major name in outfitting hunters. They used to sell some beautiful firearms.

**SRock** · 04-02-2009, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by bluepunk18

I'm still trying to wrap my head around "low-rise jeans" Its bad enough that a lot of people let the tops of their underwear stick out, but now its only being encouraged.

And not just for girls, guys too.

+1 and most of the guys that wear these things are built like teenage girls. Personally I think men should look like men and women should look like women.

This reminds me of Pat from SNL.

**bluepunk18** · 04-02-2009, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by SlagleRock

+1 and most of the guys that wear these things are built like teenage girls. Personally I think men should look like men and women should look like women.

This reminds me of Pat from SNL.

+1

I'll be glad when women can start looking healthy and curvy again

instead of looking like 12 year old boys.

**Flange!** · 04-02-2009, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by GreatDane

A&F was a major name in outfitting hunters. They used to sell some beautiful firearms.

The same could be said for Eddie Bauer and several other shops. I cringe everytime I go into a sporting good store with more floor space devoted to clothing rather than sporting goods.

**erudolph** · 04-02-2009, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Here's something to think about: Abercrombie and Fitch was one of the favorite outfitters for Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt.

Yes, what the heck ever happened to A&F???

**rabidpotatochip** · 04-02-2009, 07:15 AM

The man purse thread wasn't enough for you guys?

I went to a rave once and there was a guy wearing two articles of clothing... rainbow striped shorts (practically briefs) and butterfly wings. On the scale of manly dress, let's call that a 0 (zero). Let's agree on a definition of what a 10 would be and rank ourselves accordingly.

Also, jeans can be dressy. If you work in a rough environment but are also having a business meeting they bridge the gap quite well.

**blackfoot** · 04-02-2009, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

The man purse thread wasn't enough for you guys?

I went to a rave once and there was a guy wearing two articles of clothing... rainbow striped shorts (practically briefs) and butterfly wings. On the scale of manly dress, let's call that a 0 (zero). Let's agree on a definition of what a 10 would be and rank ourselves accordingly.

Also, jeans can be dressy. If you work in a rough environment but are also having a business meeting they bridge the gap quite well.

Limecat, you are a breath of air. I didn't say a fresh breath.

**richmondesi** · 04-02-2009, 07:35 AM

First, A&F went from my favorite retailer to a place that I won't even go look at anymore. This happened concurrent with all of their shirts fitting like "my little brother's shirt" phase.

Second, a humorous anecdote:

My first year in minor league baseball, I get sent to Auburn, NY. My first day in the new town, I was walking around to see the sights and coming down the street was a guy riding a beach cruiser style bike. This bike had tassels, glitter, stickers, and "flair" on the scale of 5 year old given free reign to decorate. He was wearing a toddler-esque sailor suit (yes they were shorts), a top hat, twirling a baton, and blowing a whistle like he was leading a band... Problem was he was by himself. I'm sure it was because I was staring that he came by and gave me a hug welcoming me to Auburn... Not exactly a manly outfit, but a nice guy

SIDE NOTE: My first game, I noticed the same guy at the park wearing some Daisy Duke shorts, a tank top, glittering hard-hat, and had his "family jewels" quite literally hanging out. I was very glad to get out of Auburn