Ask the MB: Collar Tucking with Crewnecks

Q: What do you suggest that one does with their collars when wearing a crewneck sweater? Keep them tucked in or flop them out?
--Rob

A: If you are wearing a woven shirt, keep those collars in. If your shirt is a knit either way is acceptable. MB JFK tucked his in; MB William F. Buckley let his hang out.

posted:

11.21.08

filed under:

• sweaters
• shirts
• ask the MB

Ask the MB: Sport Shirt Tuck-In Clarification

Q: I live in a total flannel shirt and NASCAR baseball hat state but consider myself a MB. Going back to your article "The Tyranny of the Untucked Sport Shirt", there sems to be a little lack of clarification. Is it OK to tuck in the sport shirt when wearing jeans? As a 32 year old guy, I don't want to exude that older, dad look. Please advise.
--Evan in Maine.

A: If you notice the Bravo toolbags, they're all wearing denim. Unless your shirt is specifically designed to be untucked, then tuck in, especially if you're in jeans.

As far as the dreaded "dad look" goes, this has more to do with the choice of denim and belt-mounted communication device than it does with tucking in your sport shirt.

posted:

11.7.08

filed under:

• jeans
• shirts
• ask the MB

Ask the MB: Tucking In

Q: Is it ever acceptable to wear a button up shirt untucked? I always tuck my shirts in, but my friend always tries to get me to untuck them. Should I ever listen to him on the topic of shirts (or anything else)?
--PO

A: We have discussed this issue before in a post entitled, "The Tyranny of the Untucked Sport Shirt." Unless the shirt is designed to be untucked, like this "Brando Military Shirt" from Edun, your shirt should be tucked in. In other words, ignore your friend in all matters, not just sartorial.

posted:

11.3.08

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts
• edun
• saks fifth avenue

'Joe the Plumber' -- What Not to Do

Joe Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe the Plumber," has hired a publicist and may run for Congress, but he's already got a full-time job as the anti-MB. Yesterday in Defiance, OH: inarticulateness, shirt-sleeve legibility, and tapered jeans with cowboy boots.

posted:

10.31.08

filed under:

• boots
• shirts
• legibility
• 2008
• jeans

Again With the Sleeve Rolling

Not to put excess emphasis on this, but notice yesterday Obama's sleeves headed into exposed elbow Newman/Dean territory (bottom), while McCain stuck in non-mavericky two-turn middle-manager mode (top).

posted:

10.27.08

filed under:

• 2008
• shirts

John McCain meekly rolls his sleeves only two turns, and too neatly. Barack Obama makes three turns, which explains his lead in the polls. However, both could take sleeve-turning lessons from all-time MBs Paul Newman and James Dean, who turn them up past their elbows.

posted:

10.24.08

filed under:

• 2008
• celebrities
• shirts

RIP to an Original MB -- Paul Newman

Longtime readers know how much we dug Paul Newman. In an interview earlier this year we cited Newman as one of the four most stylish people who've influenced us, along with Oscar Wilde, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez. With two of the four dying this year, 2008 has really sucked. Hang in there Chi-Chi!

Anyhow, beyond the movies, the blue eyes, the philanthropy, and the tasty salsa and salad dressing, Paul Newman's greatest achievement -- even better than being on Nixon's enemies list -- was demonstrating the coolness of a v-neck sweater with woven white shirt.

posted:

9.29.08

filed under:

• celebrities
• shirts
• sweaters

What's Wrong With This Picture?

The winner -- total toolbag Paul Azinger -- is wearing a mock turtleneck. The loser -- MB-ish Nick Faldo -- in an artfully disheveled collared shirt.

It's one thing for Mr. Azinger to be unstylish -- that's par for the course with him -- but does he need to dress up the entire team in that awful outfit?

In spite of the lopsided victory, that photo will not stand the test of time. In 20 years people won't be looking at the winning 2008 Ryder Cup team and say, "Geez, those guys really had style back then." Exactly the opposite.

posted:

9.23.08

filed under:

• celebrities
• mock turtleneck
• golf
• shirts

Ask the MB -- Copying Your Boss's Style

Q: I wear a lot of buttondown shirts to work, and I see my boss not buttoning down his collars. So I ask the MB, should I follow his example?
--Mike

A: Mike, you can laugh at his jokes, maybe order a similar drink at happy hour, and own his pet project, but never compromise your own style. Keep your buttons buttoned. Besides, unbuttoned buttondown shirts is a little TTH. Even worse is GQ's Style Guy Glenn O'Brien, who, in a recent column, admitted to buttoning one and leaving the other unbuttoned, which is artful dishevelment all wrong.

posted:

8.14.08

filed under:

• shirts
• artful dishevelment
• ask the MB
• gq

The Wall Street Journal Should Stick to P/E Ratios

The Wall Street Journal isn't known for its style coverage, and rightfully so. Yesterday's piece on "How to Pull Off 'CEO Casual'" highlighted Trevor Kaufman, chief executive of digital-branding agency Schematic. He might be pardoned for watching Mad Men "with zeal," but wearing no-iron cotton Brooks Brothers dress shirts and pressing his Levi's 501s turns the MB aesthetic of artful dishevelment right on its head. Squatting on desktops is also off-MB-brand.

posted:

8.8.08

filed under:

• shirts
• jeans
• artful dishevelment

Tommy Bahama -- Out of Frying Pan, Into Fire

Tommy Bahama's 40-something middle-management casual style is one thing, but need they compound the problem by giving their shirts toolbag names? Witness the "Bambooze Cruise Shirt." On sale!

posted:

7.28.08

filed under:

• tommy bahama
• shirts

An Overhead Smash to Magnificent Bastard-dom

Something just ain't right about seeing the completely unstylish Rafael Nadal triumph on the completely stylish lawns of Wimbledon. Nadal's match with Roger Federer may be an instant classic, but neither that dreadful sleeveless top nor those long shorts will stand the test of time. Poor fella looks like some weird combination of Menudo and Rambo.

posted:

7.7.08

filed under:

• shorts
• shirts
• celebrities
• tennis

Ask the MB -- Polo Shirts

What is the Magnificent Bastard take on something I've always thought to be a staple in my closet, the Polo shirt (http://tinyurl.com/32uco2)? I personally have always loved them for casual wear, but want to make sure I'm not a toolbag by doing so.
--Chris

A: Ralph Lauren makes some fine clothing, but why choose a logoed item that's so ... very ... common? So you can look like that middle manager with the penny loafers and Blackberry hanging from his belt? Wait a minute, that's the office calling.

Save yourself $25 and get into something like this slim-fit, unlogoed polo from Barney's Co-Op. No popped collar, and you can show off more of your hard-earned biceps.

posted:

7.2.08

filed under:

• shirts
• ralph lauren
• barneys co-op
• ask the MB

Ask the MB -- Tucking In Shirts

Q: I like belts, but the only way to show one off is to tuck your shirt in. That works with some shirts, but not all. What shirts do you think can be tucked without looking bad? What thoughts do you have specifically on tucking polo shirts?
--Dustin

A: We have addressed this issue before to some degree with a post entitled "The Tyranny of the Untucked Sport Shirt," and demonstrated different ways of making "tucked-in" work in an MB way.

Regarding polos, sport shirt rules apply: use the shirt's length as a tuck-in guide. For example, the poor fella in the Tommy Bahama polo (top) needs to either tuck it or move down two sizes. Or better yet, change brands. On the other hand, the fitted D&G pique polo (bottom) demands to be untucked.

Make sense?

posted:

6.24.08

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts
• tommy bahama
• dolce & gabbana

Ask the MB -- Dress Shirts and Muffin-Tops

Q: Today I decided to wear a button up dress shirt with my jeans. I'm tall, and typically need to buy shirts that properly fit my height and arm length, but I often end up with a shirt that is much larger in the torso than I. Aside from looking at getting my shirts tailored, are there any recommended means for tucking in my shirt so that it doesn't look like I'm sporting a cotton muffin-top around the waistline?
--Jim

A: Three things:

1. You know how many aspiring MBs would give their left nut -- and maybe even their right one -- to have your problem? At least you've currently got a cotton muffin-top and not a blubber muffin-top. Blubber muffin-tops far less MB. Trust us.

2. You ought to look into the tailoring option to turn your regular-fit shirts into slim-fit shirts. Find a good tailor -- preferably a tiny Asian man who doesn't speak English -- and you also might be surprised at how affordable it is.

3. Explore the world of slim-fit shirts. We've mentioned them before, and it's a little weird talking about $220 dress shirts when there are food riots in Port-au-Prince, but these Dolce & Gabbana slim-fit dress shirts are some of the best we've ever seen and worth every penny. Get one and you won't want to wear anything else.

posted:

4.25.08

filed under:

• shirts
• dolce & gabbana
• ask the MB

What Not to Do: Tom Arnold

At the premiere of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Tom Arnold, host of the best show on TV ("My Big Redneck Wedding"), demonstrates why long, once-tucked, now untucked sport shirts with exposed undershirts are bad things. (Andy Dick too obscured for sufficient analysis.)

posted:

4.17.08

filed under:

• celebrities
• shirts
• t-shirts

Top Toolbag: Tom Colicchio?

Top Chef's lead judge Tom Colicchio, last night decked out in an unbuttoned black woven shirt, over a black t-shirt. We bet Mr. Colicchio $1000 his shirt, besides being black, was also overlong and untucked.

Um. Nevermind.

See also: yesterday's post touching on this matter.

posted:

3.27.08

filed under:

• celebrities
• toolbag
• shirts

Ask the MB -- Undershirts and Dress Shirts

Q: What are your feelings on undershirts when your shirt is not all the way buttoned up? Crew neck, v-neck, or none at all....My father who always dresses well tells me if it is going to be any at all it should be a v-neck, but if at all possible none at all... What do you think?
—Brandon

A: Your papa taught you how to wipe your ass, shave your face, and tie your tie. Let's not start doubting him now.

Few things are more vulgar than a white crew neck tee under an unbuttoned woven shirt; you'll look fully unstylish and clueless. A v-neck isn't much better -- the lines look like ass and are the men's equivalent of panty lines -- but may be permissible in extremely cold conditions, either outside or in the office.

In conclusion, do what your dad says and leave the undershirt for the weekend.

(Note: Nothing we just said applies if you are Carson Kressley.)

posted:

3.26.08

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts
• t-shirts
• celebrities

Ask the MB -- Business Casual Shirts

Q: Sick of ironing shirts. What is a good alternative to shirts for business casual?
—Jeff

A: Jeff, first of all, it's impossible to be a Magnificent Bastard and iron your own shirts. This is what illegal immigrants are for. Let's apply some simple economics to your question: For $2.00, to have your collar scrubbed and the shirt cleaned, pressed, and delivered (the only way to go, by the way) ... that doesn't pay for an MB's time that it takes to figure out how to get the fucking ironing board to stand up straight.

Regarding alternatives to shirts for business casual, even though it's business casual, you still need to wear a shirt. Depending on your office's tolerance for rumpledness, this Steven Alan model works great when taken right out of the dryer.

posted:

3.20.08

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts

MB Endorses -- Dolce & Gabbana Dress Shirts

Yeah, Dolce & Gabbana sometimes missteps badly, like this pair of pink & silver logo mesh sneakers (inset). But they get it way right with their dress shirts. Modern and flattering cuts, top-quality fabrics and buttons, and traditional-with-a-twist collars make for a very MB shirt-wearing and shirt-owning experience. Expensive, but worth it. Especially for you.

posted:

3.18.08

filed under:

• shirts
• dolce & gabbana

Something an MB Can Safely Never Wear: Robert Graham Shirts

For years we've been perplexed and alarmed at the seeming popularity of Robert Graham products. His shirts violate the MB principle of understatement, not to mention the universal principle of good style. Avoid.

posted:

3.11.08

filed under:

• robert graham
• mark shale
• shirts

Roger Clemens Clearly Confirms Magnificent Bastard Editorial Decision

Two days after magnificentbastard.com declares it safe to never wear banded collar shirts, toolbag juicer Roger Clemens shows up at Congress wearing a banded collar shirt. Thanks, Rocket!

posted:

2.8.08

filed under:

• celebrities
• shirts

Things an MB Can Safely Never Wear: Banded Collar Shirts

No matter how deep the discount, you can safely never wear a banded collar shirt, like this version from otherwise fairly astute designer Adam Lippes.

posted:

2.5.08

filed under:

• shirts

These days, no matter where you go or what you do -- hit a club, take out the garbage, eat out, watch TV -- you're bombarded with men wearing untucked sport shirts. How did we get here, to this slovenly place? Have our collective asses gotten so fat we need to cover them up like a bunch of women? Why is this still perceived as being "cool" by so many men?

The pictures above will hopefully help make the case against the untucked sport shirt. All images taken from a single night's viewing of Bravo, a.k.a. The Toolbag Channel.

Help put this tired trend to rest -- and stand out from the crowd of untucked masses -- and tuck in your goddamn shirt (albeit in and artfully dishevelled sort of way).

posted:

2.1.08

filed under:

• shirts

These Two Guys Not Helping the Black Shirt Cause

Top: Billy from The Real Housewives of Orange County, who's the biggest toolbag on a show chock full of them.

Bottom: Michael Kors, grossly overrated designer is that guy living in a glass house (he actually designed this shirt), who likes throwing stones.

posted:

1.18.08

filed under:

• shirts
• michael kors

Ask the MB

Q: You're really ragging on black shirts? Here in NYC we wear them all the time.
—john

A: Whatever you say, Principal Richard Vernon.

posted:

1.3.08

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts

Ask the MB

Q: I love your site and the witty comments when answering a mail. I know that you endorse white shirts and have proclaimed it the "ultimate MB essential," but I would be curious to have your insight on black shirts. I just bought a magnificent black shirt (Jones New York) that perfectly fits my charcoal Fendi suit as well as another black suit I have. Of course, I haven't found a matching tie yet so I wear it on those not-so-formal occasions when a tie is not required. I like the fact that it is original and I am usually the only one wearing a black shirt! So, are black shirts MB-ish (albeit at a higher degree of difficulty, I reckon) or is it just wannabe material?
—Johnny

A: We can tell you're as excited about the rebirth of Menudo as we are, but isn't this taking it a little too far? Black shirts cannot be written off entirely -- George Clooney can be seen wearing them on occasion -- but we just can't get behind them with much enthusiasm. They seem far more appropriate if you're a "latin pop" star like Ricky Martin (left), Enrique Iglesias (center), or Marc Anthony (right). Better to be livin' la vida loca dressed in something else.

posted:

12.18.07

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts

The Incredible Shrinking Collar

First Banana Republic unleashed the spread collar on unsuspecting twenty-something male professionals. Now with the new "BR Monogram" line they're removing even more material with the "cutaway collar" shirt. Soon the collar may disappear entirely. Henley dress shirts anyone? Avoid this trend, and no matter how long your face, stick with the point collar, preferably a high one like this beautiful YSL version (inset).

posted:

11.2.07

filed under:

• wtf
• ysl
• shirts
• banana republic

The Medium is the Message. And No One Cares.

Last week we threw printed polos and velvet blazers on the fall style bonfire (ooh, that's nice and warm!), and this week it's the message tee's turn. "United People Against Intolerance" Now isn't that special? It's also -- surprise -- on sale. Avoid like you do that crazy preacher on the street corner.

posted:

10.25.07

filed under:

• lisa kline
• shirts

Printed Polos Passé

Add this to the style scrap heap: the printed polo shirt. Look for these on sale (like this Boss Orange version) and walk right on by.

posted:

10.17.07

filed under:

• boss
• shirts
• saks fifth avenue

Ask the MB

Q: A couple weeks back, I got a Blackwater Security polo shirt from a friend of my sister's. It's black with the "bear paw in a crosshairs" logo and the words "Blackwater" on the left breast. I was wearing it ironically for a while, but now, with the congressional hearings and such, I'm not sure if I should be seen in public with it. What's your take?
—BJ

A: Great question. It led us to create the following "Magnificent Bastard Ironic Value Chart." At this point you're better off wearing an O.J. Simpson jersey. May we suggest selling it on ebay and donating the proceeds to the Red Cross?

posted:

10.9.07

filed under:

• ask the MB
• irony
• shirts

Lunch is for Wimps

The Washington Post is trying its hand at fashion advice for men and is recommending this Club Monaco banker's stripe shirt with contrast collar. Yes, we're all celebrating the 20th anniversary of Wall Street like everybody else, but this return of a "classic" feels like it'll be outgoing by the time you finish reading this. Some things are better left in the '80s. Like the Thompson Twins.

posted:

10.5.07

filed under:

• shirts

Ask the MB

Q: What's your view on popping your collar? More specifically with polo shirts? Is it ever alright or is it a bad idea? Thanks MB.
— Tom

A: Well Tom, your question is answered simply by observing Phil Mickelson's career.

Top: In 1991, as a 20 year-old amateur with a popped polo shirt collar, Phil Mickelson won the Tucson Open and had to don that ridiculous conquistador's golden helmet.

Bottom: 13 years later, with an un-popped polo shirt collar (not to mention flat front pants), Phil Mickelson wins The Masters and slips into a green jacket.

posted:

10.4.07

filed under:

• ask the MB
• golf
• shirts

Cool Clark's

One of our favorite spots for cool casual clothes is Clark's Register. While we certainly don't endorse that belt, and are only so-so on the shirt itself, the Magnificent Bastard staff all heartily agrees with the sales pitch:

"A guy can't have too many white shirts."

posted:

9.26.07

filed under:

• clarks register
• shirts

Ask the MB

Q: Now that fall is coming around, it's time to break out the blazers; but is the t-shirt/blazer combo still in vogue or has that ship sailed?
—Sherwin

A: That ship has not only sailed, it was attacked by pirates, looted, burned, then sunk, and the crew was eaten alive by sharks.

Even though he throws like a goddamn girl, or perhaps a lousy cricketer, just look at how Hugh Grant oozes casual cool with this crisp white shirt (tucked in, of course) and an unbuttoned top button.

Try this instead.

posted:

9.14.07

filed under:

• blazers
• ask the MB
• shirts
• t-shirts

Theory Goes Long

One of our favorite brands is Theory, for its clean lines, good quality, and reasonably good value. But their shirts' sleeves were always a little short for Magnificent Bastards with long arms (and you know what they say about guys with long arms).

They've finally addressed that problem with new, more traditional dress shirt sizing like R 15.5 and L 16.5, and now they fit nicely.

posted:

8.21.07

filed under:

• theory
• nordstrom
• shirts

Ask the MB

Q: Why are shirts made for the fat f***ers of the world and not for slim build guys. Is it still ok, not to want to have baggy clothing that makes you look as if you have just been released from prison?
—Bystander

A: Let's be honest. Most of the shirt-wearing public are fat f***ckers. Have you seen the latest US obesity statistics? Brands are just making what people can wear without them looking like a stuffed sausage.

However, there are companies that understand not everyone looks like Dick Cheney. Just about anything from Urban Outfitters will do, as will the entire American Apparel collection. As much as we might hate to admit it, one of our favorite shirts over the past two years is the J.Crew broken-in jersey polo. It's well-made and versatile; and with its slim cut and short sleeves, doesn't leave a single bench press to waste.

posted:

8.16.07

filed under:

• ask the MB
• shirts
• american apparel
• j.crew
• urban outfitters

World's Worst-Dressed Golfer — Jim Furyk

Recently we called Tiger Woods the world's 2nd-worst-dressed golfer, and a few people emailed wondering who's No. 1 (so to speak).

Almost on cue, Jim Furyk wins the Canadian Open yesterday, in double-pleated pants and his signature tucked-in camp shirt that looks like pajama tops.

We're wondering where one can even buy something like that, besides the sleepwear section at Macy's.

posted:

7.28.07

filed under:

• shirts
• pants
• golf

Like Pan-Am Cocktail Napkins

Get 'em while you can still get 'em. John McCain polo shirts, soon to be valuable ironic sportswear.

posted:

7.25.07

filed under:

• 2008
• shirts
• irony

Attention Transformers Fanboys

Do names like Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Jazz, or Starscream ring a bell? This might be the sweatshirt for you.

(About the actual movie itself, critics didn't really like it that much.)

posted:

7.11.07

filed under:

• fcuk
• shirts