Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for... The Tailored/Suited Guy (2020 edition)

[Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy (2020 edition)]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy (2020 edition)](#1) - [5 Favorites – Dappered Contributor Paul K.](#2) - [In Review: The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch](#3) [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy (2020 edition)](r/Dappered/~3/WriamgvztPM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 09 Dec 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. Gifts for the guy who likes watches. Or the rugged type. Or the guy who’s really into shoes. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more in the coming days. [A (slightly unexpected) Pocket Square – $14 and up](//www.thetiebar.com/accessories?category=pocket-squares) - [TheTieBar Domino Paisley Navy Pocket Square – $14](//www.thetiebar.com/product/PCS-1312-0251) - [Le Chateau Italian-Made Wool Pocket Square – $20.99]( ($45) - [Kent Wang Made in France Cat pocket square – $45]( shown above A crisp white pocket square is always gonna look good. But why not go for something different, since he’s probably set on those basics? Try something saturated, or in a wool fabric, or maybe a micro print. [Breathable Garment Bags – $25.99 for set of 3]( [Breathable Garment Bags]( Storing suits sans garment bags is asking for moth-trouble. Storing them in suffocating, cheap plastic bags is asking for rank saturation. These are the answer. Breathable but still dust and water resistant, with a plastic window that allows you to see just which suit you’re grabbing off the rack. Perfect. [J. Crew Travel Shoehorn – $24](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/shoecare/travel-shoe-horn/AG814?color_name=burnished-sienna) [J. Crew Travel Shoehorn](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/shoecare/travel-shoe-horn/AG814?color_name=burnished-sienna) For the travelling (when that’s possible again) suit wearer. Even if his “trip” is a daily stop at the gym pre-work. Shockingly useful. You wouldn’t think having an additional, small shoehorn stashed in your luggage would make a difference, but if you’ve always got a dopp kit packed (whether it be for early morning gym visits / constant travel), it makes a big deal. [Wide Shouldered Suit/Sportcoat/Blazer Hangers – $22.99 per 6 pack]( [Wide Shouldered Suit/Sportcoat/Blazer Hangers]( Is it the sexiest gift? No. But [wide shouldered hangers are gold](, GOLD Jerry!… to a guy who loves to wear suits, sportcoats, and blazers. [Kent Wang Masks (which double as pocket squares!) – $25]() [Kent Wang face masks that double as pocket squares]() Genius. Pure genius. Pleats, a flexible wire nose bridge, and adjustable side straps. Made in Canada too. Something that can pull double duty now, and then in the future once we get past this? It’ll be a reminder to appreciate the norm. [Banana Republic Wool Dress Scarves in Solid]( or [Stripe – $29]( ($59.50) Suits = topcoats. And topcoats almost always = scarf action. Look for a complimentary color to his favorite coat(s). Not something that matches perfectly. [Big fan of that striped option](. A nice gift, but not so expensive that it’ll break the bank. [A Clothes Brush – $36 – $180]( [Kent Clothes Brush | Dappered.com]( Sure, those sticky rollers are great for quick jobs or more casual clothes… but if he really likes his suits and sportcoats, he might think twice before taking an adhesive roller to it. That’s where a clothes brushes come in. They’re specifically designed to lift dirt and hair out and up from a suit’s fabric, without damaging the weave. Kent makes terrific clothes brushes. Shown above is an older model of [the two sided (soft/stiff) bristle brush](. Spendy? Yes. But he’ll have it for the rest of his life. [Made in the USA Brass Money Clip – $38]( [Made in the USA Brass Money Clip]( Guys in suits often carry slimmed down wallets, or, a card case and money clip combo. Here’s a money clip suggestion. Made in Brooklyn. Great angles. [Also available in a black oxide](. Enormous fan of these money clips. [UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Turtleneck – $39.90]( [UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Turtleneck]( Some of us can pull off a turtleneck with a suit. Others of us just simply cannot. If you or the guy you’re shopping for is the former, then try UNIQLO. The lightweight merino wool is perfect for layering (easily) under a suit jacket, and the neck isn’t submarine captain bulky. Far from it. That, and they’re washable. So if you perspire a bit thinking about how DEAD SEXY YOU LOOK in your turtleneck & suit combo, you can easily wash it when you get home. [Best Made Co. Solid Brass Pocket Tape Measure – $39.95]( For those that measure their garments or need to get their own measurements for custom orders, eBaying, etc. Kinda ridiculous (it’s a $40 measuring tape!), but, well, it’s the holidays. [A “garment duffel” – $55]( – [$499]( These are the duffel bags that are designed [to unzip and unroll]( into a traditional garment bag. Perfect for transporting suits and sportcoats (and the accompanying shirts and shoes and what not) while reducing wrinkle risk. Available at many brands and at MANY price points, you can find a review of the (cheap!) Bespoke Post option over [here](. [Rowenta DR8080 Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer – $55]( [Rowenta DR8080 Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer]( Quite an impressive handheld steamer. Some handheld steamers just flat out don’t do the job well. They spit water or hard water deposits, they’re awkward to hold, and/or the water reservoir runs out quickly. That’s not the case on any level with this super well made, easy to wield, plenty of water in the tank steamer. The dry cleaner can be terrible on suits, sportcoats, and blazers. The less trips there the better. So unless it’s soiled or it’s starting to stink, release the wrinkles with this and be on your way. [Coach Card Case With Horse And Carriage Print – $75]( What was that about card cases and money clips? There are a LOT of weird looking card cases out there. Skip the plastic ID window versions and go with something simple. Not cheap (nothing at Coach is), but the branding here is subtle and pretty classy. [Kent Wang Made in Italy Grenadine Necktie – $75]( [Kent Wang Made in Italy Grenadine Necktie]( Skip giving him cheap ties. If the guy on your list wears suits a lot… he knows where to get cheap ties. Instead, if he’s been extra nice this year, opt for a splurge tie. Like this classic, silk grenadine tie from Kent Wang. Solid in color but with that unmistakable texture. Made in Italy. And unlike cheap ties, the construction and quality/weight of fabric makes it tie easier, and drape better. A (future) dressed up dinner out (when it’s possible/safe to do so) Even the most homebodied among us are starting to think about the days of showing up somewhere with good lighting, good furniture, and talented people making the drinks and food for us. With more lockdowns coming/already underway, your local favorite restaurant/bar/cocktail lounge would probably appreciate the purchasing of a gift card. Make it a big one. And promise to take him out on the town once this mess eventually comes to an end. [Ledbury Fine Twill Semi Spread Collar Dress Shirt – $135]( [Dappered.com]( Bar none, the best dress shirt (& collar if you go with the mid-spread) to wear when going tieless in a suit. Perfectly placed, slightly lowered second button. Terrific fabrics and construction. Yes, they’re an investment. And be warned. You might hook the guy on Ledbury if you give him one of these. Suit inspired athleisure! //www.express.com/clothing/men/gray-striped-luxe-comfort-soft-bomber-jacket/pro/04352792/color/HEATHER%20GRAY/e/regular/ - [EXPRESS Gray Striped Luxe Comfort Soft Bomber Jacket – $139](//www.express.com/clothing/men/gray-striped-luxe-comfort-soft-bomber-jacket/pro/04352792/color/HEATHER%20GRAY/e/regular/) & [Matching Pant – $90](//www.express.com/clothing/men/slim-striped-gray-luxe-comfort-soft-suit-pant/pro/03252728/color/HEATHER%20GRAY/) - [Todd Snyder + Champion Wool Pinstripe Sweatshirt – $268](//www.toddsnyder.com/collections/champion/products/pinstipe-crewneck-sweatshirt-charcoal) & [Matching Jogger – $248](//www.toddsnyder.com/collections/champion/products/pinstripe-jogger-charcoal) These are the #2020 WFH version of [Barney Stinson’s suitjamas](. Utterly insane. Yet somehow works. Maybe. Either that or we’re all starting to look like overgrown toddlers in our goofy pajamas. Express options are Polyester/Wool/Cotton/Rayon. Todd Snyder options are Italian wool suiting material… and expensive. [Rowenta IXEO all in one Iron + Steamer w/ 3-position board – $243](  LOOK AT IT. Hide behind your maracas, because that machine is [too sexy](. And it might just be a game changer, being that it’s a steamer and an iron, all in one, with a pivoting 3-position board. Going with a professional style steamer like this one is the way to go if you can spend the dough. Steam will release those wrinkles and freshen up your duds, so you can go longer between dry-cleanings. [Weatherproof Dress Shoes: Allen Edmonds Park Ave. – $267]( or [Strand – $329.97]( ($445) These are a game changer. Not being worried about doing damage to your nice dress shoes when you take the trash out, or make a quick trip to the grocery store, or whatever… is a big deal for those who live in bad-weather climates. Look, you’re not gonna summit Mt. Everest in these things, but still. Between the weatherproof uppers and dainite rubber soles, they deliver enormous piece of mind in the cold and wet weather months. [Anything that gets us to wear our “good stuff” more, right?]( [Spier & Mackay Camel Wool/Cashmere]( or [Navy Wool/Cashmere Overcoats – $498]( [Spier & Mackay Camel and Navy Wool/Cashmere overcoats]( Good grief what a coat. If he’s suited up a lot, he’s probably not reaching for a ski parka. Yes, it’s half a grand, but at other brands? You’d be paying a heck of a lot more. 85% merino / 15% cashmere. Peak lapels. Double breasted front. Patch pockets up front. Single vent in the rear and a “self-belted” back. Geeze Louise those are something. [Black Lapel Custom Suits Gift Card: $499 – $1099]( - [Charcoal Super 110s Wool Suit – $499]( - [Navy Super 110s Wool Suit – $499]( - [Blue Windowpane Shadow Check Super 130s Wool Suit – $699]( - [The Traveler Suit in Slate Blue Super 130s Wool – $799]( For the hard to fit suited-up types. This is a personal opinion, but to me, of all the online-custom suit companies out there, Black Lapel is one of if not the best. They don’t chop their suit jackets (imagine that). They were one of the first to ask for (faceless) posture pics and shoulder slope shapes. If you’re tough to fit (like me) I’d highly suggest giving them a try. I’m a big fan of the ability to add single pleats (not the multi accordion style) to their suit trousers so you can get a little more room for badonkadonk. Also, I like a ticket pocket every once in a while. That’s also an option. ff/Dappered?a=WriamgvztPM:6TX3lzNndfU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=WriamgvztPM:6TX3lzNndfU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=WriamgvztPM:6TX3lzNndfU:gIN9vFwOqvQ [5 Favorites – Dappered Contributor Paul K.](r/Dappered/~3/Lxhuad2oeOI/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 08 Dec 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Sure it’s just stuff. But stuff can make life easier, more enjoyable, etc… Every so often we ask one of our favorite, style-appreciating people to rattle off their five favorite things. Sometimes those things will fit into the realm of “affordable,” and sometimes they won’t. We’re going for the favorites here. Paul K., formally from Atlanta, lives and works as an IT administrator in Los Angeles. When he’s not busy freelancing as a photographer and videographer, you can find him getting his steps in on the many hiking trails of SoCal. [He digs athleisure](//dappered.com/2020/07/how-to-do-athleisure-for-men-9/), as well as that time of year known as “Sweater Weather“… of which he’s dedicating a whole series of style scenarios to, featuring only items less than $100. [Check ’em out](. [Brother XR9500PRW – $249.99]( Yes, a sewing machine. And not really used for arts and crafts. More so a splurge purchase from reading [this forum post last year, “DIY tailoring folks out there?](” started by member HowardC. After a binge of getting my pants tailored to my specifications, which local tailors in my area charged $8-10 per pants, I realized I could have already bought two of these on how much I spent. Wait for this particular model to go on sale, find some thrift store pants to practice on and [some YouTube tutorials]( like I did. I am now able to hem and taper just about any chino’s and jeans to my favorite measurement; 28” inseam, which gives me just a slight break above my shoes [Bonobos Foundation Cotton Suit in Blue]( (out of stock) Picked this suit up about four years ago during an extra 40% off sale items event [I saw here on Dappered](. This was a splurge right when I changed jobs from an entry level to an experienced role. I would have to say, it’s still one of my favorite suits to wear. Breathable materials, and the butterfly lining made attending outdoor summer weddings when living in Atlanta (and the humidity) a breeze. While sitting in comfort, I noticed most men would be wearing a fully lined charcoal suit and sweating profusely. Normally I would also be in that boat as I run hot myself. Every bit helps with dressing to the occasion and the environment it’s in. Boba / Bubble Tea Normally I would go with my favorite dessert, but cutting back on sweets and also being lactose intolerant, this is an easier choice that most in my social circles are familiar with. For those that are not, boba is a cold tea beverage that can be either green or black tea based then mixed with milk or dairy alternatives. The boba offered at different shops can vary from being sweet to being more earthy, so don’t be afraid to shop around. (Photo via [@rosalindjchang on Unsplash]() [Sony Alpha 7ii w/ 55mm Lens]( Though this is an older model and the autofocus isn’t that great, most of my photography and videography aren’t super fast moving objects. Paired with the Sony 55mm FE lens, this is usually my go to for super tack sharp photos or as close as I can get to with this setup. This has been my work horse of a camera setup for the majority of paid gigs since I bought this camera, which has already paid for itself and the lens. [Crown & Buckle Black & Olive Nato Watch Strap – $10 – $15]( A must have for anyone who runs hot or lives in humid weather. Upon learning of nato straps, I pretty much converted most of my casual watches over to utilizing them. It’s like driving the same car, but each day you can easily switch paint jobs and have a “new” car to drive equipped with all the comforts you’re already used to. But my most worn strap is definitely the black & olive with it’s somewhat Gucci coloring scheme. Prior to social distancing people would usually do a double take and compliment on how nice a watch it is, even though it’s a nato on a Casio. ff/Dappered?a=Lxhuad2oeOI:rDG-fdUEDTg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Lxhuad2oeOI:rDG-fdUEDTg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Lxhuad2oeOI:rDG-fdUEDTg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch](r/Dappered/~3/yLNVTyH2U_0/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 08 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm – $371.25]( w/ FRIEND ($495) Note: Just a heads up that the FRIEND code is good for 25% off at Macy’s through Wednesday 12/9. Hamilton is a watch brand for which I’ve always had an affinity. While Hamilton is currently part of the gargantuan Swatch group, [their origins]( and long life as an American watch company have always been appealing. Similarly, their clean and frequently iconic design language has drawn me in. That said, I’d never owned a Hamilton until [the Khaki Field Mechanical]( was introduced several years ago. The watch is a nearly direct revival of a 1960s-era watch, which was Hamilton’s response to U.S. military specifications such as [MIL-W-3818B]( and [GG-W-113](. Its singular, functional focus as a tool for the military is unmistakable, and leads to a purity of design that made it a must-have for me. It’s a classic, and how can you not love a good classic? About as classic as it gets for a field watch. What makes the Khaki Field Mechanical a ‘nearly’ direct revival? The most obvious external changes are that Hamilton has modernized the case size to 38mm in diameter and added very minimal ‘Hamilton’ branding to the dial. There’s also a sapphire crystal (with a very slight curvature), instead of acrylic. Given that I bought my watch a few years ago, I had to opt for the OG black version. Now, though, the Khaki Field Mechanical is available in a wide variety of dial & case finishes and strap options, all with old radium color Super-LumiNova. However I’d still choose the black dial, today — [‘none more black’]( is such a classic look. (Though [the white dial]( is awfully nice…) Mechanical movement is true to its roots. Winding is a breeze. There are [A LOT]( of [other offerings]( in the Hamilton Khaki Field line, and one of the ways in which this watch differentiates itself is by the use of a manual wind mechanical movement, with no date complication. This re-issue originally was equipped with an ETA 2801-2 movement, but that was soon upgraded to Hamilton’s own H-50, which offers an 80 hour power reserve when fully wound. I’ve found my older, ETA-equipped model to be reliable, and though it runs a bit faster than I’d prefer, that can be solved at some point with a service & regulation. The slightly-oversized crown, signed with a fantastically retro Hamilton ‘H’, is great and makes daily winding a breeze. Sapphire crystal Other more modern features include 50m of water resistance and a 20mm width between drilled lugs. From the factory, my watch had that lug width filled with a green NATO strap with leather accents. Honestly, I’ve never worn the watch with that strap. While the strap, itself is perfectly nice, there’s something about the color & material combination that just doesn’t do it for me. Instead, I’ve worn it on a variety of other NATO and canvas straps that were more to my liking. So, how is the watch? It’s pretty [great!]( Such purpose-built tool watches are nearly always very clean and very legible. Many dive watches and chronographs fit this category, and so does this field watch. This watch was designed purely as a tool for telling the time, and the clean aesthetic just works, as was intended. One benefit of a modestly-sized, manual-wind watch like this one is that it’s incredibly lightweight. Compared to an SKX-style diver, for instance, you’ll barely notice the Khaki Field Mechanical is there. Given the clean design, this watch could easily serve in almost any capacity short of dressing up, from the workplace to yardwork to a casual date. Easy to read dial. 80 hour power reserve. On top of all of the good things about the watch is the relatively modest price. The MSRP of the Khaki Field Mechanical family is around $500, depending on the exact dial/case/strap configuration. But keep your eye open for sales at major retailers like [Macy’s]( or [Nordstrom]( — I was able to grab mine for under $400. There are homages, and then there are straight-up reissues. Given the history of Hamilton and their role in providing watches that have served on the wrists of countless military personnel, being able to acquire so close a reissue is a great reminder of that service. That the watch wears so comfortably and looks so darn good in the process is just icing on the cake. About the author: Aaron K. was first brought to Dappered by his love of watches, but has found it to be a great resource for so much more. When not reading Dappered, he’s usually relishing being a dad, spending time with his family & friends, learning about most anything that can fly, or taking photographs. ff/Dappered?a=yLNVTyH2U_0:7ocDJm8U-yY:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=yLNVTyH2U_0:7ocDJm8U-yY:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=yLNVTyH2U_0:7ocDJm8U-yY:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States