Shirt Tales
In shirt making it's the four C's that count. Cut, collar, cuffs and color.
1. Cut is the easiest choice. Fitted or full. If you're slim and trim - take your pick. If your muscles make the Hulk green with envy, you'll probably need a little extra room. Find a shirt that has pleats at the shoulders to accommodate your bulging biceps. If your broad back could hold up the weight if the world, get a style that's got a pleat at the center of the shoulder yolk.
2. Collars are more confusing. Designers have turned out more styles than there are in the New York subway system. Button down, turn down, club, wing tip, and band collar. But the basic rule of thumb is based on the shape of your face:
broad face: narrow spread
thin face: broad spread
Again you'll just have to experiment to figure out which style is more flattering.
Spread: The distance between collar points.
3. Cuffs. Again, two options. French (you'll have fun collecting cuff links) or Barrel (when a simple button is enough).
4. Color. There's really no reason to make a choice here. You know you need more than one. Everybody's gotta have a great white shirt, but the other alternatives are endless. Personally I'm really into that whole monochromatic thing. Match your shirt to your tie and you can't look more elegant.
I know I said there were only four things to take into consideration, but this one should be taken for granted. Cotton. Whether it's oxford cloth, Egyptian or Pima, cotton is the most comfortable and low maintenance fabric you could choose. Polyester holds on to odor, silk is a dry cleaners nightmare and linen gets more wrinkles than a Shar Pei's face.
Over starching a shirt will beak down the fibers and wear it out before its time. Get used to the feel of little or no starch, and you'll save beaucoup bucks on replacement costs.
Lipstick On Your Collar?
First use a cleaning agent like Shout or Spray 'n Wash to remove the grease. Then, with an eyedropper, flush the spot with white vinegar to get rid of the leftover color. Next, thank your sweetie for that afternoon delight, and get back to work
