The renaissance of plaid fashion in recent years has afforded sartorially inclined men world over further opportunity to dress with flair and panache.  This statement is no truer than during the Fall and Winter seasons, when the requirement for layering allows us to mix and match patterns that warmer climates simply don’t permit.  And what better way to strut our style than to introduce designs that have truly gone through their own renaissance.

What differentiates plaids from most solids and stripes is that they can be multi purpose.  Rock one out at night or during the day at the office, and with the right suit and tie combination, making an impression will be the least of your concerns.  One of the main things to keep in mind when trying to match a plaid / checkered shirt with a tie is to avoid exactly the same patterns.  Rather, try and introduce variation in size, or in the case of stripes, their direction.  With a plaid shirt, you are best off choosing a solid tie.

Solid ties and plaid shirts are always a great combination!

Your tie color should complement a secondary / subtle color in the shirt.  If you’re riding high on confidence a.k.a Van Damme doing splits for a Volvo commercial, you can match it with a plaid or a checked tie, but make sure that the patterns are not exactly the same as the shirt!

If you’re as awesome as Van Damme doing splits on Volvo’s, it really doesn’t matter what you wear. Sweetness!

Another great look is the plaid blazer that can be worn either casually or on a night out! Notice the mixture of pattern styles and sizes that really brings this ensemble together.

And that’s a wrap for this one.  As always, comments and suggestions are welcome!

Wait.  The French are complaining about reigning in the 35 hour work week?   Western Europe wants to switch their work week to three days?  Ohio State fans are complaining about being irrelevant outside of Buckeye State?  The Three Lions are complaining about an unjust world cup refereeing system – - via accusations a.k.a Minority Report (I knew those damn refs would do us injustice!  I knew that goal line technology was useless, and the damn refs couldn’t override it! – that’s my prediction for another disastrous performance at the 2014 world cup).  Yes, the world vents.  Always.  Especially the French.  But that’s a headfake (not the French part).  I’m talking about the Frustration of Venting – with respect TO JACKETS.  Do we opt for a single vent?  Or a double vent.  As is the case with our other insomnia inducing fashion decisions – do we choose style over function?

I think it’s important that every sartorially inclined gentleman pays attention to the subtle details.  That’s what elevates us.  Shows the world that we know what we’re talking about.  Bang Bang.

Origins of the Vent

So where does the vent originate from? Similar to many other men’s wear details, the vent has its origins  in military heritage.  Vents served a functional necessity by providing comfort for horseback riders.  Not only did vents provide more room and flexibility for the rider, but they also prevented fabric creasing and bunching from occurring.  So, outside of Amish county, what functional benefit do vents have today?  Plenty, if you’re not French.  Vents are of significant benefit in situations where you need to sit.  Additionally, side vents permit easier access to your trouser pockets.  Who wants to go through the hassle of lifting up their suit jacket everytime they want to access their pockets?

Center versus Side Vents

Jacket offerings with respect to vents come in two types: Center and Side vents.  Center vents, as the name implies, run down the middle and consist of a single vent, whereas side vents are double vents (one on each side). Single Vented Jackets are often worn by the gentleman that loves an ultra tapered look, or for other reasons (such as concealing one’s buttocks – which isn’t very useful the second you need to access your trouser pockets), whereas double vented jackets are worn for both style and functionality.  Unless you are going for a very tapered look, double vented jackets, can paradoxically, accentuate your physique, while at the same time provide great functional benefit through extra flexibility, which in turn reduces fabric annoyance such as bunching up and creasing

Most off-the-rack jackets come with single vents.  Double vents afford you bonus points for individuality and flair, and not to mention the point I’ve already hammered home – greater functionality.

Side Vented Jackets demonstrate greater style and allow for improved functionality!

Ventless

Yes, there is a third option brewing under the surface.  NO VENTS.  Looks sharp.  Will fit you like a glove.  Which is also why you will have limited motion and flexibility.  Sounds like an awesome trade off if you’re animation levels are anything north of zero.  You get the picture.

And that’s a wrap for this one!  As always, comments and suggestions are welcome!