Think of the effect your actions will have on the growing mind of your child. The way you dress them will send signals as to what you really think of them.  ”The adults are worthy of being dressed well –  How about me?”. “My older brother is worth a new suit – How about me?”  Even though you may not realize it at that moment, you have the potential to either build a strong character in your child or deconstruct the potential for greatness. No loving parent would deliberately debilitate their child’s greatest potential.

TRAINING THEM RIGHT

The bottom line for all of us on how we should treat others so that they feel better about themselves in our company has always been embodied in the golden rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  This rule applies especially with our children and how we treat them. There are many things that we can do to build the world’s future leaders and this short article only deals with the smallest of these things, maybe even the least of these things. Some things we can be sure of though:  When you dress your children as though they are special… they start to believe that they are special. When you buy your fourth child a new suit… he feels as important as the first child…. and so he is. When you dress your boy like daddy, he starts to want to be like daddy and follow his footsteps. Are you worthy of being followed?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Treat your kids special and they’ll grow up special. Dress them for success and they will have the greatest chance at success. Buy them that new suit and that special silk tie even though they will probably stain it within the first few minutes and jump in the first puddle they see…. So what!   How many puddles have you played in, and look at you now!

This article was brought to you by – Gentlemanjoe.com

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Cufflinks have been around for a very long time and are usually associated with formal events (black tie affairs) weddings or special events. Not so these days. They are just another way a gentleman can distinguish himself from the everyday man, the man he himself may be during regular business hours.  Today, a fashion savvy gentleman would have in his wardrobe as many different cufflinks sets as his budget will allow.  The expense of the cufflinks should not be the main criteria for purchasing a certain cufflinks set.  Considering your whole wardrobe and buying to match would be the wiser choice. A well matched set of cufflinks speaks volumes about a man, more so than anything on his resume, and without word. Co-ordination should proceed value and in fact gives greater value to your entire look. French cuffs are the only shirts you can wear with cufflinks and and so the next article to address on your agenda is when to go shopping for french cuffs (the shirt comes with them). Here are a few cufflink types that you should look out for.

1.  Chain Links

These are the classic look in cufflinks.  They usually consist of two studs of equal size connected together by either a chain, a bar or a combination of both.  Both studs are usually identical, so there is no right or wrong way to wear these cufflinks.  These cufflinks would be a classy choice, but note that they are increasingly more difficult to find than other styles.

2.  Fabric Knot (Monkey’s Fist)

This cufflink is a nautical knot resembling, as it’s other name suggests, a monkey’s fist.  These cufflinks are extremely versatile because they can readily be found in a vast array of colors and are comparatively inexpensive.  A good gentleman’s wardrobe would absolutely include a fistful of these cufflinks.

3.  Torpedo (also known as the “push-through”)

One side of this cufflink is usually the more decorative side and therefore should only be worn one way with the decorative piece facing outwards. The other side is usually a plain clip, bar or a much smaller decorated piece that is used to simply fasten the cufflink to your cuff.

This article has been presented by the creators of Gentlemanjoe.com and Silkties.org

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They say that timing is everything. If that is true, then giving yourself enough time is just as important. The worst thing a prospective Gentleman can do is rush out of the door with a badly tied tie and expect that it won’t make a difference to how others perceive him. This is a big mistake. Great care and consideration should be taken in first choosing the appropriate tie knot and then giving yourself ample time to tie it correctly. You may have to tie it a few times to get it right – allow time for that.

THE MIRROR – A GOOD FRIEND

Using the mirror is essential. This may seem obvious but it is still worth a mention. I don’t know how many times I have seen young men with disheveled looking ties that look like they have been tied at a red light on the way to a party. Get in front of the mirror, it will be your best friend when you’re tying your tie. It will help you to see whether the tie is the correct length. Too short equals geek. Too long says, “I’m hiding something”.  Getting the length right is essential to good grooming and one of the first things a Gentleman gets right. If your tie is crooked and badly aligned, you will see it and make the adjustment.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

When you have finished tying your tie, it should look neat and symmetrical. The wider end should completely cover the thinner end. If the thinner end is longer, then it should be tucked into your shirt at the midway point. The bottom “V” part of the wider end should be hanging just over your belt buckle…not too far though.

AFTER THE PARTY

When all the fun is over and you’re removing your tie, great care should be taken. Don’t copy the tie abusers shown in many of the Hollywood movies. They do what they do for effect. You however should treat your tie with respect. The correct way to remove your tie is to gently loosen the knot and remove your tie as if you were repeating the tying steps backwards. As soon as you have the tie well loosened and ready to hang it, consider rolling it up and laying it on its side as a storage option. It will keep the tie in pristine condition.

This article was written and produced by the creators of   Gentlemanjoe.com and   Silkties.org

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It takes strength of vision and an immovable confidence to survive these times and make the right decisions under duress. What to buy and who to buy from are important choices that boil down to trust and a shared vision. Making the right choices can be the most difficult decisions you will have to make. One wrong move in this area and you will be carrying stock that you will have to heavily discount or simply give away, not really the way you envisioned your products flying off the shelves. We feel your pain.

The title of this article: Wholesale Ties – Where and How to Buy,  identifies the area that we are going to focus on. We – the creators of this article, have been on both sides of the fence. That is why we can speak with conviction about the turbulence of retailing and we have made our fare share of mistakes. Our frustration in finding competent Wholesalers who had our interests in mind and not their own agenda, led us to eventually becoming the wholesaler we were looking for, focusing on men’s accessories, specifically neckties. The reason we chose neckties and other selected men’s accessories was that we could control the quality of these items very carefully without spreading ourselves thin which is common among those who try and supply everything. Quality becomes the first casualty, efficiency is the second and then follows all the bad, missing and incorrect paperwork. We keep a close eye on the quality of our products and the efficiency of our delivery by staying in touch with our customers and listening to their feedback.

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When you are deciding which tie knot to use, great care is needed. The tie knot is as important a choice as the style and color of the tie you choose. Some do not give much consideration to the type of tie knot they will wear, choosing instead to use the one they have always used, because they only know of one tie knot. The time has come for you to understand that limiting yourself makes no sense and ignorance is not an excuse. There is no limit to the amount of instructions about “How to tie a tie” on the internet and we’re not going to add any more with this article. What we will do though is expand on the virtues of certain tie knots and discuss when and where to use them.

CHOOSING BY STYLE

The Windsor tie knot is by far the most famous and the most widely used tie knot. It is the widest and largest of all the tie knots and is very imposing. That is why it is suited for job interviews, formal occasions or when you want the most symmetrical looking tie knot.

It anchors itself well either side of the collar and looks the most uniform of all the knots. It doesn’t angle to one side or give the impression of tardiness or of being overly casual. This tie knot should be the one you most use during the working day.

It will offend no one.

The Half Windsor tie knot is similar to the Windsor knot, the only difference being that is has one less step in the tying process and therefore reduces its bulk. It also tends to lean towards one side and gives a somewhat less formal look without being casual. This is still a good choice for most occasions especially for those who prefer a looser feel around the collar.

Four in Hand tie knot is a very simple and loose fitting tie knot for those on the run.  It gives the impression of being very casual and carefree. Not suited for the most formal occasions and may offend your boss in an important business meeting where the strongest image must be portrait.

The Pratt Tie Knot is similar to the Windsor in stature and yet feels lighter to the wearer.  It can substitute for the Windsor knot for those days when you need a break and want to express your versatility.

We hope you enjoyed this brief analysis of the four most common tie knots.  It has been presented by Gentlemanjoe.com

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The finest and most impressive ties are intrinsically unique. The seven-fold tie is one of the purest designs used in quality necktie construction. Consisting of just the silk material folded in on itself to form the body and finish of the tie. It is an aficionado’s dream. The subtle feel and drape are un-matched. These ties however are very expensive and beyond the reach of most individuals.

The tie we see most commonly these days is still a hand crafted tie involving at least 40 separate stages to form the final result. Most of these steps are done by hand regardless of the size of production.

THE QUALITY

The quality of the silk is the first consideration to the creation of a great necktie. You often hear the term “Italian Silk” and right away make the common assumption that the silk is from Italy. This is not the case. Italy does not produce silk.  Asia is the world’s supplier of fine silk, Thai silk being some of the best in the world.

The precision of the cut, the stitching and the quality and cut of the interlining are also very important. What is commonly found in most ties is a weighted, brushed polyester usually between 250-450 grams. The higher the number the thicker and stiffer the feel of the tie. The thickness of the silk fabric varies little.

All of these facets play a big part in the quality of the finished product as well as the cost.

THE CUT

The tie fabric has to be cut on the bias for it to work well as a tie material. What this means is that the fabric has to be cut at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the weave. This makes the material flexible and allows a person to tie the tie with ease and helps to maintain it’s shape. Very important if you want to look good in your tie. Any variation to the angle would result in the tie loosing it’s straight fall and after use, loosing it’s shape. Not a good thing.

THE JACQUARD FABRIC

Jacquard fabrics are woven on a pattern-control loom. They have to be cut individually to ensure that the pattern motifs do not coincide with the tie ends since this heightens the risk of their fraying out.

Individual cutting also guarantees the precise placing of striped patterns, a detail that the connoisseur will appreciate. The cloth for mass production is prepared on machines that slice through more than 100 layers at one time.

BASIC ASSEMBLY

The tie begins in two pieces which are hemmed on the bias in one of the few mechanical operations, in the “hand-made” necktie process. The joint at the neck, or piecing, is pressed flat to eliminate neckband bulk where it would inconvenience the wearer.

INTER-LINING AND SILK FINISHING

Good lining, expertly cut, is the foundation of the superior necktie. It has been traditionally made of pure wool cut on the bias. These days, as we have mentioned, it’s more commonly brushed polyester. Apart from forming a firm foundation, it ensures that the tie retains its shape. The silk shell is then wrapped around the lining and pinned in place every few inches, in an operation comparable to basting in tailoring.

SLIP STITCH AND FINISH

In this crucial step, the main seam which forms the tube of the tie is completed by hand. Resilient construction is dependent upon loose, even stitching. The slip-stitch, as it is called, is sewn firmly onto the front and loose at the back to maintain elasticity. This is a little masterpiece of artistry.

A form is inserted to ensure precisely shaped ends. Pressing is done by hand to avoid a flat dead look.

There you have it. A brief exploration of how a tie is made.

This article was written by the presenters of – Gentlemanjeo.com

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In a perfect world everyone would recognize you for the special person you are….and you are!   Your inner depth, your special skills, your unique views on life, the universe and everything. In reality though, people will judge you on how you look. The first impression people will have of you is what they see. When they get to know you, they may or may not recognize your special place in the universe, but first you have to get past the first impression you give people. Yes you do have some control over how people perceive you.

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES - Make the Smart choice

In the world of business it would be professional suicide to underestimate the power of the impression you make to those new business associates. Dress for success as the saying goes. This rule also applies to any social setting where you will be interacting with people you have never met before. Think of it – How can you expect people to transcend the visual and peer into your soul and see beyond the obvious? Do you have that power? Aside from the super heros we all want to be , nobody really possesses those special gifts. Give people a helping hand when they are trying to work you out. In fact you can control what people first think of you by making some smart choices.

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS – The First Rule

Your first choice in making a good impression is what to wear. Sounds obvious, but so many of us worry about everything all at once and end up neglecting the first thing people notice about us – What we’re wearing – How we’re wearing it. Let’s concentrate on the impression you want to make. Before we get started, one rule we want to make at the outset is this – Less is More. We cannot emphasize this rule enough. What usually happens when you’re trying to make a good impression is that you end up trying too hard, and we all know what we think of those who try too hard. Credibility is the first thing you lose and all your efforts to make a good impression have the exact opposite affect. It is also worth mentioning that making no impression at all in your first try is better than making a bad one and then spending all of your time trying to live it down. Think of a time when you totally screwed up and those who were present always bring it up every time they see you. It is permanently etched in their minds and living it down is almost impossible.  So the rule is – Softly ,Softly….Slowly, Slowly. You’ll get there in the end and you will arrive in style.

A MAN AND HIS  TIE –

When it comes to men’s fashion and the impression we want to make by what we wear, there is nothing more important than necktie choice. Sure you can wear the Armani suit and the Dolce Shoes, but after a very short time, those necessary things blend into the background and when we’re talking face to face, the tie is what we are constantly focused on during conversation ( aside from a person’s face ), and so it is the most important piece of clothing a man can wear. It walks into the room before he does. It tells a story from across the room when the other articles of clothing barely get a whisper. It tells people if you are approachable or if you are a man of mystery. It chooses the topic of conversation when first you meet. People will start a serious conversation or a funny conversation depending on the message you have sent them with your tie choice. It holds power because it communicates from a distance and gives people time to formulate their approach. Don’t doubt the power of your first impression and the role that the necktie plays in it.

CHANGE IS GOOD – Try Something Different

Are you known as a casual dresser that has a disdain for formality and high fashion. Then test this theory out. Next time you are invited out where you know it is appropriate to dress up and you know others will be doing the same, change your look completely. Remember the first rule – Less is More. Just make modest choices for your first attempt. Stay within the monochrome black/charcoal range in colors but add just a small splash of color in your tie that is outside of the monochrome color range. It can be a bright color, but small in proportion to the rest of the tie’s color ( specs of color, not chunks ) You will notice a huge difference in how others treat you and perceive you. Don’t make excuses for the new look. Embrace it. Own it.  You may just make it a permanent change.

This is one in a a series of articles on the virtues of dressing well. Written and presented by Gentlemanjoe.com

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STRIPED TIES

Striped ties have been around for as long as there have been ties. During this millennium we have seen a great resurgence of great looking striped ties with vibrant colors and varied patterns. It seems that everyone has a striped tie in their collection. Have a look at what is in stock at Gentlemanjoe.com. We are sure to have a striped tie that will become one of your favorites. Striped Ties at GentlemanJoe.com

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SOLID TIES

Solid ties are always a good choice and have been the preferred choice for weddings. Formal occasions have also been a place to show off a good quality solid silk tie. What has been happening in the fashion industry for the last 10 years though has given the solid tie center stage in the cutting edge of high fashion. Designer labels like Armani and Dolce have spearheaded the monochrome look and thus created a platform in which the solid colored tie has thrived.  Solid colored neckties also have the convenience of being able to synchronize effortlessly with any style and match your fashion choices.  Every wardrobe must have a series of solid colored neckties to keep you looking sharp and Chic. Gentlemanjoe.com has a great range of solid colored ties for you to choose from. We update our range at least 4 times a year.

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In the recent 5 years or so we have seen an amazing resurgence of the thin necktie or skinny tie as some call it. Neckties in general have had many style changes throughout previous decades and we have seen the skinny tie come and go in the past. What is very different about its return this time around is that it has come back with a vengeance. In previous incarnations of the skinny necktie, we have seen the same old drab look – A thin black cord dangling in front of your shirt, more like an afterthought or a “spare tie” that was pulled out only when your real tie was in the repair shop. Nowadays the range of styles and colors are amazing. You can get thin ties in basically every design and color you see its executive big brother in. What is also of interest is the amount of celebrities wearing these skinny ties. You can see them being flaunted by rockers like Justin Timberlake and movie stars like Leonardo Decaprio. Even American Idol hopefuls are flaunting their stuff wearing thin ties.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A THIN TIE

If you want to get in on the action and join the “cool crowd” you may want to consider a few pointers on what to look for when purchasing a skinny tie. Of course everyone wants a quality product, and for the most part you’ll get what you pay for. Skinny neckties are no acceptation to the rule. You can go straight to the designer labels and choose the styles you like, and feel comfortable with your choice. I guess that is what most people do and there’s nothing wrong with that. They would certainly have what you’re looking for. For the rest of us though, who haven’t got an expendable $80 to throw down on a piece of material that resembles a fat shoelace, then we have some shopping guidelines for you.

You can lay-down some parameters for yourself before you go shopping for that fabulous skinny tie. Will you buy a 100% silk tie or a polyester or microfiber necktie? Do you even know the difference? Do you care?

Most people don’t really care as long as it looks and feels good and that is the best advice to follow. When have you ever had someone come up to you and say – “Is that a silk tie or a Microfiber tie?”…..Never!  What you’re more likely to hear is – “Great tie, Dude!”  or  ”Interesting choice, Bra!” So really, all you have to worry about is whether you like the look or not. As far as quality is concerned, for the most part, ties that are currently circulating in most retail outlets, whether they are made in China or Italy, vary little in quality if at all. These days Chinese manufacturers employ the same skills and use the same milling machines as do the Italians. Over the years they have perfected their craft and are consistently delivering a  quality product. I dare you to spot the difference. Unless your buying dollar store ties or the cheaply made ties you find at some airport stores, then you should be OK.

Generally all you have to consider is how thick you prefer your tie. By that we mean – How thick to the touch. The thickness of the silk doesn’t usually vary, just the interlining (what fills the tie and gives it it’s volume). Some prefer a larger knot, so you would lean towards buying a tie that is thicker. Others prefer a smaller knot and therefore would lean towards a thinner tie. Once you have determined that for yourself, you’re on your way to being part of the cool crowd.

You should be able to get yourself a good quality skinny tie from between $15 – $35 on the average, depending on style and material. Happy shopping.

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Both in women and men’s fashion, the trend has largely been about going back to the past. Runways all over the world have brought back styles from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s – albeit with a modern spin on them.  So, if you want to spiff up your usual office attire, get some inspiration from the fads gone by.

The Rocking 70’s

Big and bold:  That’s what everything was about in the 70’s. So, if you want to bring out the inner hippie in you, then big neckties are the way to go. Keep this in mind though:  If you’re planning to go wide on the necktie, make sure the suit jacket you wear with it has equally wide lapels. Other than that, keep everything else trim and minimalist. Keep your hair clean and gelled in place. You want to channel Sean Connery, James Bond era, not Bozo the Clown.

The Electric 80’s

Ah, yes. The 80’s are definitely back, including Mohawk haircuts, biker jackets and washed-out jeans. When it came to office wear, people from the 80’s knew how to rock their double breasted suits. A friendly tip, though: If you’re planning to go double breasted, choose the slim and trim cuts. Boxy never looked good on anyone, after all. And instead of choosing the usual black, opt for a gray or a pin-striped one instead.

90’s Grunge

I personally didn’t like the fashion of the 90’s very much. It was the age of floor-low jeans, bandanas and animal prints. On men. However, when it came to suits, the 90’s was pretty much headed towards the direction we find ourselves in now:  Tailored, tapered and simple. If you still have suits from the 90’s, there’s no reason to throw them out. All you need to do is to bring them to your tailor so he or she can give them a better and more modern fit. Oh, and don’t forget to wear it with a smashing silk tie.

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