In or out? When it comes to tucking in button-down and polo shirts, the quick answer is… it depends. So to make the decision easier on you, I’m breaking down the whens, whys, and hows of this day-to-day debate.

The Button-Down
If a button-down hangs below your hips, Esquire says that tucking the shirt in is a must. Guys, it just looks sharper. Whether you’re wearing it with dark jeans, corduroys, khakis, or dress pants – always, always keep the button-down tucked if you’re in dress pants – make sure to use a belt and tuck the shirt in nice and tight. The last thing you want is an anything-but-modern blousy tuck. If you’re wearing a jacket over a button-down, take GQ‘s advice and keep your shirt tucked in.

For a more casual look, go ahead and keep that button-down untucked – but make sure your proportions are clean. The shirt should hit above your hips, and take care to avoid pants that are too roomy. This look can easily sway toward sloppy.

If you’re adventurous, try the half-tuck. Tuck in half of your shirt, letting the other section fall over to the side of your belt buckle. The front-tuck, with both sections tucked behind the belt buckle (as seen on The Sartorialist), is another variation. This look falls into more casual territory, but it also has a bit of debonair flair (see David Beckham rock it) and shows that you’re comfortable experimenting. Proceed with caution, though, and trust your gut – the partial tuck can easily go wrong.

The Polo
The polo is inherently more casual, so the general rule is to leave it untucked, but there are a few exceptions. Esquire‘s below-the-hip rule also applies here, so if your polo is on the long side, tuck it in. On the golf course, always go with a nice, clean tuck and be sure to wear a belt – your look should be as sharp as your game. Likewise, if you’re working a polo on casual Friday, tuck it in to maintain a more professional vibe.

Looking to push some style boundaries? You can also attempt the front-tuck with a polo, but again, proceed with caution. I would only recommend it with a looser shirt and belted pair of well-fitting jeans. If you’re not feeling 100% confident (and totally nonchalant) about it, this front-tuck is best left alone.

Our Original Penguin Boutique opened Wednesday, May 1, at 11AM ET.

By Chrissy Makkas, Staff Writer

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As I was walking on Houston Street in SoHo I couldn’t avoid seeing the four-story billboard for Concept, Calvin Klein’s new men’s underwear line, and wondering – are men really that particular about underwear? Remembering the last time I assisted a celebrity stylist, I quickly answered my own question: why yes, they are. I was once sent to get black Calvin Klein boxer briefs for a celebrity, and when he discovered they had a white elastic band rather than a black one, I was immediately sent back to buy him the all-black pair.

With the launch of Calvin Klein‘s Concept collection bringing their underwear line count to 16, I realized just how many pairs of underwear there are for men to choose from. We all know the classics like Hanes and Fruit of the Loom, which are known for comfort and cotton, but there are more options out there – with each one offering a little something special.

Take D.HEDRAL for example. This British label’s underwear is patented with ANGLEFIT technology and made with lightweight luxury Italian fabrics. There is also Garçon Model, a Canadian label that offers cutting-edge fashion and comfort while using premium fabrics. Then there are labels like Flint and Tinder – all their products, from fabric to packaging, are made in the USA. In the end it’s a matter of what’s important to the man buying the underwear – and once that decision is made, he will not back down (trust me on this one).

By Alejandro Lopez, Adentro Style

What’s your favorite underwear style? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Plaids come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know which patterns are on-trend. For a classic spring look, guys can’t go wrong with a good tattersall or gingham shirt – but if you’re wondering what exactly these patterns are (or the difference between them), you’re not alone.

Tattersall
Taking its name from our friends across the pond, this graph check can be traced back to the Tattersalls horse market, where tattersall-splashed woven blankets adorned horses up for auction as early as 1766. It has since become the traditional print of English horseback riders and preps alike.

Gingham
First imported from Malaysia by the Dutch, this classic checked pattern – rooted in the Malay word genggang, or “striped” – was introduced to England in the 17^th century. From there the solid-and-white check textile was mass-produced on everything from tops to table linens.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.   

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The best part about spring? The way warmer temps create decidedly more casual office attire. Case in point: rolling up the cuffs on your dressy button-downs. It’s like the cool, nonchalant way of saying, “There’s work to be done here.” But did you know there’s a proper way to execute this laid-back look? Check out the steps below to achieve an effortless sleeve roll, then go ahead and get your hands dirty.

1. Flip your cuff back and pull it up to just above your elbow.
2. Evenly roll the nearby inside-out shirting until it covers half the cuff, keeping the sleeve snugly in place.
3. Make sure to leave the edge of the cuff out so that any contrasting patterns or colors peek through.

Our Brooks Brothers Men Boutique opens Thursday, March 21, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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With the weather getting warm(er), it’s time to start thinking about beachwear – and just what your swimsuit says about your personality. To find the print that fits you best, check out the trunk decoder below.

Our Tommy Bahama Men Boutique opens Friday, March 1, at 11AM ET.

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When it comes to men’s fashion, there are a few things that remain timeless: bow ties (yes, there will always be someone awesome rocking one), dapper loafers, and polo shirts, to name three. But what is it about the polo in particular that seems to translate to all types of style? From athletes to punk rockers to Nantucket-bound prepsters, you can find them all rocking this casually comfy staple, and here’s why:

1. The Collar: Whether popped or laying classically flat, this is possibly the most important part of the polo’s anatomy. Ever since the dawn of time (a little dramatic, but close enough), it’s been debated whether or not this staple should be popped or not – Esquire investigates.

2. Casual yet Dressy: It’s almost as if casual Friday was invented with polos in mind. For those occasions where you’re unsure of the dress code, for first dates, for meeting the parents, for a night out with the guys… the list goes on. And don’t get me started on the layering abilities.

3. Versatility: These toppers can be worn paired with just about any bottom. From jeans to khakis (even shorts can be coupled in here), there’s no limit to your pairing options. As for suit pants? Stick with a buttoned-up number.

4. Golf: As long as business meetings, resorts, and movies like Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore are around, so will this beloved game and its not-so-secret uniform. Most country club dress codes even require you to wear a polo in order to play a round.

5. History: Originating from the sport of polo in the 18oos (only with long sleeves), the polo shirt didn’t take off in the fashion industry until 1926 when Rene Lacoste first donned a short-sleeved version at the U.S. Open Championship.

Refresh your collection in our Tailorbyrd Boutique opening Saturday, January 19, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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6AM: Early morning run. Resolutions aren’t so hard to keep when the music (literally) plays to your own beat.

7AM: Choose a room-commanding power suit (just follow GQ’s tips for each body type) and remember to add accessories. Cuff links and accent socks go a long way.

8AM: Grab a cup of coffee and get to the office early to crush it.

9:30AM: Client meetings all morning. Although this is run-of-the-mill, don’t forget to brush up on your meeting skills to keep things running smoothly.

12PM: Conduct a meeting with senior management. Just don’t forget the fundamentals of business.

1PM: Lunch with the guys. Get away from the office for a quick bite, a walk, anything to help you clear your mind for an hour or so. Studies show that leaving your cube helps you think outside the box.

2PM: Take a client call and work on proposals and paperwork. This time also usually includes tweeting. That’s right – businessmen tweet, too.

6PM: Happy hour with coworkers and dinner on the town. Swap your office attire for a more casual button-down before heading out (yes, this requires planning ahead). Go for something with a fun, printed cuff to stand out from the sea of suits.

Our Workplace Warriors: Men’s Suiting Essentials Boutique opens Saturday, January 12, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Today, the leather jacket is pretty much cultural shorthand for cool – put it on and your outfit instantly exudes an edgy, bad-boy quality. Here, a look at how the outerwear icon evolved from protective gear to a modern-day style must-have.

Early 1900s
Brown leather flight jackets are worn by aviators and members of the military. During WWII they become known as “bomber jackets,” prized for their heavy insulation and warmth.

1928
Irving Schott designs the first motorcycle jacket and sells it for $5.50 (yes, you read that right) at the Harley Davidson store in NYC.

1953
Here’s where the Hollywood years come in. Marlon Brando wears a leather bomber jacket and schools everywhere ban “the Brando look,” fearing it symbolizes a rebellious youth culture.

1955
Rebel-without-a-cause (and movie star heartthrob) James Dean is hardly ever seen without his leather jacket, further perpetuating its rebellious reputation.

1963
Paired with his signature aviators, Steve McQueen single-handedly makes the leather jacket the epitome of cool.

1974
“The Fonz” debuts his leather jacket on the popular TV show Happy Days. This very jacket remains on display today in the Smithsonian Institution.

Early 1980s
Punk rockers (see Blondie and Billy Idol) give the leather jacket their own spin, adding studs, safety pins, and of course, plenty of attitude.

Today
The leather jacket is an outerwear staple seen on a slew of celebrities. Purchase your own in our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique.

Our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique opens Wednesday, December 19, at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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“Alpine” Chocolate Leather Insulated Gloves. Those snow gloves – you know, the ones he uses to shovel the driveway? They won’t quite cut it with that dapper peacoat. Give him these gloves and he’ll have you to thank for the flood of compliments.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

From Versace to Valentino, take a peek behind the labels that have defined men’s formalwear. Through trial, tribulation, unexpected deaths, and iconic on-screen moments, these luxury houses continue to rule the fashion roost.

Brioni
Founded in Rome, 1945

Classic cuts made for the ever-confident guy, charismatic businessman, and bona fide bad boy. Brioni is known as the official suit of James Bond (worn by actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig) and was made infamous by New York crime boss John Gotti of the Gambino family – who earned his nickname, “Dapper Don,” thanks to his extensive wardrobe of custom Brioni suits. These timeless pieces were also favorites of handsome Hollywood hall-of-famers Clark Gable and Cary Grant, and can be seen on today’s red carpets on the likes of Al Pacino, Kirk Douglas, and Donald Trump.

Versace
Founded in Milan, 1978

Contemporary, one-of-a-kind, stand-out-from-the-crowd pieces, these suits are for the man who likes to make an entrance. Worn famously by rap stars and musicians alike, the distinguished Versace name is associated with glamour and over-the-top chic. Elton John dons Versace duds encrusted with diamonds or crystals. Versace designs were also favorites of the late rap star Tupac Shakur and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.

Continue reading “Luxe to the Last Stitch: A Look Behind the Labels” »