"HOW DO I MAKE MY CLOTHES LOOK BETTER?" : TIPS FOR MEN

A lot of my guys always want to know how to make sure their clothing looks good once they start making the investment in new, better-looking stuff (which we could say is the best tip of all).

So today, I'll rapid-fire some tips that can help your stuff (new and old) look much better on you.

First, stop buying crap stuff. Synthetic fibers are more prone to wrinkling, fraying, etc. Also, stop buying fabrics that are prone to wrinkling, such as linen, if you don't want to deal with it.

I get most of my stuff when possible in wrinkle-resistant fabrics. I know some of you menswear nerds might poo-poo that in favor of "traditionalism" but that's something I don't want to worry or care about.

Never wash your stuff on hot. Avoid heat at all costs. Heat shrinks and warps the fibers of your clothing.

Consider that most of your clothing, at one time, was a plant. If you take one of your household plants, throw it in boiling hot water and then spin it at jet-turbine speeds in your washer, do you really expect it to come out looking normal?

Cold wash for nearly everything. Low heat for nearly everything. And while you're at it, avoid heavy chemical detergents and get one that is unscented like this. It makes sure your clothing scent won't compete with your cologne.

And make sure not to use fabric softener It leaves a thin coating of crap on stuff that ruins both your items and your washer over time.

As a matter of fact, you're probably washing your stuff too frequently anyway. There are hardcore menswear nerds that don't ever wash their jeans and opt for throwing them in the freezer to neutralize odor and bacteria. Couldn't be me. But let that be a lesson to you - you are washing your stuff far too often.

Only wash something if it is actually dirty rather than working off muscle memory and throwing everything into the laundry hamper at the end of the day. You don't wash your car every time you drive it, do you?

Know this: The majority of clothing does NOT get worn out by you wearing it. It gets worn out by you washing it.

A mantra I repeat to myself: "The more I wash it, the more I ruin it".

Get yourself a spray like this. This can help to "release" wrinkles. Use this when you travel or at home.

At home, I have a steamer, but I hardly ever use it (but get a good one anyway). Instead, I use a spray bottle filled with water, and using a fine mist, I lightly spray my clothing while "petting" the wrinkles out.

When storing clothing, I hang the majority of my stuff - even lighter knitwear (on the appropriate hangers, of course).

Hanging stuff will allow it to naturally release wrinkles and not crease under other clothing.

It also allows you to see all your stuff. I find that when I can visually see every option displayed in front of me, I can create better outfits.

It also helps me keep a running tab of how much stuff I actually have so I don't overbuy. When you hide your stuff in drawers, it seems to have a sneaky way of multiplying on you. Hang everything.

When hanging your stuff, make sure if the item has buttons, you're buttoning at least the top two buttons while on the hanger. This will make sure that the item holds its collar shape better, rather than spreading out and laying flat across your chest when you wear it. For suits and sportcoats, do not button them at all when hanging them.

I like to wear a lot of darker colors, especially bottoms like jeans and wool trousers, especially when I travel. They hide wrinkles better, don't show any weird dirt or stains I may accidentally pick up, and they slim me down.

If/when you get your stuff sent out to be laundered and dry cleaned, make sure to use a good one - read reviews. They sometimes burn the collars of your shirts, which a lot of people confuse for something that their neck stained. Also, try not to starch your shirts.

Dry clean as little as possible anyway - just like laundry, it deteriorates your clothing. I do my suits once a year unless they're really dirty.

Shoe trees are one of the most important things you can own. I didn't use them for a long time, and I still kick myself for it, knowing I could have made my stuff last so much longer. They make a huge difference. Get cheap ones on Amazon (must be wood) and use them for every pair of shoes you have that is leather, especially suede.

Use this kit to clean your shoes. Use this to polish your shoes up. Pick up good wooden hangers while you're at it - your clothes will look better, and your closet will look cooler. And use collar stays.

Tailor stuff. I tailor about 50-60% of the stuff I own, just to make it perfect. Adding 15-40 dollars on top of the cost of the items I buy is a worthwhile expense. You can tailor nearly everything. You should round up a handful of stuff to tailor right now and get it done. It feels great to know everything in your closet fits. And if it doesn't fit at all make sure you...

Get rid of stuff. If you haven't worn it in 6 months to a year, you're not going to. Donate it to someone who will. Throw out the stuff you know you should that has holes, stains, etc. It's easier just to get rid of it and buy better unless it's something you love that you paid a lot for, then get it repaired (but if you loved it that much, it would have already been repaired).

And most importantly, buy the best you can afford. Everyone (including my younger self) doesn't believe that if you spend a little more on your stuff, you look better. I am here to tell you, as a guy who used to cheap out, you most certainly do.

And because no one believes that (or really does any of the above stuff) it gives you an incredible advantage over the average guy. Buy the best you can afford. You don't need a lot of clothing, just the right clothing. And when you do buy the right clothing, take care of it, and it will take care of you.

If you have questions, you can schedule a phone call with me, and we can talk about your goals - chat with me here - Patrick