In downtown NYC there is style inspiration on every street corner.
Notice how the clothes, and the way they are worn, tell stories about the men in the photos.
While out shooting, Alex ran into our friend Grayson, as featured here and here.
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Check out these new items just added to the TSB SHOP.
All items are one-off exclusives and are selling quickly. Catch ‘em while you can!
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Rule #1 of the TSB Office: Bring Your “A” Game.
Comment below to let us know which outfit is your favorite!
“New England classics all around… Go Yanks.”
“Money won is twice as sweet as money earned”
“These heavy duty RRL carpenter pants were originally destined for the TSB Shop, but I had to intercept them. I’m in love with them.”
“There goes my favorite layering piece, EVER. ”
“One more spin for this money green leather peacoat, now available in the TSB SHOP”
Thanks for reading,
The TSB Team
Photography by Alex Crawford & Westley Dimagiba.
Check out more of Alex’s work at alexcrawfordphotography.com.
Continuing on with our Garment Doctor Series…
The first image here illustrates how a pair of trousers should fit.
Notice how the fabric is draping smoothly, with no breaking, and the lines are clean and streamlined.
A common issue with men’s trousers is pocket flare, which is often accompanied by wrinkles across the front hips.
Pocket Flare
This can be caused by a number of different factors. Typically, it means the pants are tight across the hips/seat, causing the pockets to pull open. If you don’t have any of the other symptoms shown here, simply letting-out the hips will help the pockets sit flat.
In other cases, the pocket flare (and front wrinkles/crunching) are caused by an athletic seat (high, prominent glutes) and/or a tilted pelvis. For example, all I’m doing differently in this second photo is subtly flexing/pushing up my seat and tilting my hips backward – you can see the dramatic effect on the drape of the pants.
Some guys have naturally strong seats and slightly tilted hips, which makes it difficult to achieve clean-looking pants off-the-rack. If you’re prone to these issues, you would benefit from bespoke trousers. As a cheaper alternative, seek out trousers that have set-forward or western-style pockets: if they’re not constructed on the side seam they will not pull open as easily.
Also, this highlights the importance of trying-on multiple brands before purchasing. Some fits and fabrics will inevitably drape better on your body than others.
Wrinkling under front waistband
Most often, wrinkles under the front waistband are caused by a low stomach bulge, physically pushing down on the front of the waistband. A loose waistband will only accentuate these wrinkles – so have the waist taken-in so your trousers sit snugly in place.
Obviously, a flat stomach helps trousers drape cleanly. If losing a few pounds is not in the cards, I suggest having your tailor trim down the front waistband so the pants sit comfortably under the gut – or go the opposite route and use braces to “float” your natural waist.
Tilted Hip “Crunching”
This pooling of fabric around the upper thighs/crotch is another symptom of a tilted-back pelvis. It’s very difficult to get rid of this, so try avoiding it by finding a trouser that better suits your specific needs.
In one case, I had a client/friend who was tired of this issue and asked his chiropractor about it. Apparently his posture was putting unhealthy pressure on his lower spine. He ended up solving all the issues above with some routine stretches and an exercise plan that focused on straightening and strengthening the lower spine and pelvis. He’s never felt more athletic and energized, and his pants have never looked so good.
Remember, more often than not, the breaking in your clothes is telling you something about your body.
Yours in style,
Dan & TSBmen
Thinking of disappearing to somewhere warm and burying your head in the sand? Do so in style with these beach vacation essentials…
1. Linen Sportcoat by Boss Black - $695
2. Panama Straw Hat by Borsalino - $360
3. Slim Irish Linen Shirt by JCrew - $80
4. Summer Tortoise Sunglasses Han Kjobenhavn - $134
5. Hand Woven Needlepoint Belt by La Matera- $145
6. Subtle Print Shorts by JCrew - $80
7. Surf Tank by Wellen - $20
8. Slim White Denim by Brooks Brothers - $148
9. Two-Tone tote bag by Steele Canvas Basket Co. - $78
10. Kindle Paperwhite - $119
11. Palm Leaves Swim Trunks by JCrew - $70
12. Slip-On Beach Shoes by Rivieras - $70
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Mustafa was voted the winner of our January giveaway, so we figured we’d catch up with him and learn a little about his style.
What got you interested in style?
I have always admired the style of the actors from the James Bond and Rat Pack movies but it was actually a bad breakup with a particular female years ago that lit a fire under me. I started to immerse myself in the world of men’s fashion/style and learn as much as possible.
One of the harshest, but important, lessons I’ve learned is that you only get once chance at a first impression. It may not be fair, but it takes just a quick glance for someone to evaluate you and pass judgment. You have to make your first impression count.
How does your cultural background affect your style?
My cultural background is what allows me to take ownership of my style. It’s what I draw from my varied cultural experiences that brings my style to life. I’ve been fortunate to be born and raised in the cultural Mecca of New York City. Having traveled to 15 countries I’ve made friends all over the world. One day I might tie my scarf the way my Milanese buddy taught me. The next I can be rocking accessories purchased at a bazaar back in my parents hometown of Izmir, Turkey.
What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
Right now, it’s my grey cashmere Emporio Armani sports coat that I thrifted recently. It was near perfect as it came in my size 40. It just needed some minor alterations which my tailor easily took care of. Take a look at it via Instagram @thekacar.
What’s your favorite aspect (other than the giveaway) of TSBmen?
I love the sense of community Dan and the TSB team has created here. Readers can speak their mind, their voice is heard and always appreciated. I also like the way the TSBmen team deals with criticism – they are always true gentleman.
Just checked out your blog … What’s it like writing content for a largely foreign audience?
I was Born and raised in NYC to Turkish immigrants, I’ve been speaking both English and Turkish my entire life. My blog thekacar.com, is a bilingual blog which includes restaurant reviews, photography, hard to find fashion discounts and of course photos of my outfits.
It’s fun writing for a mostly foreign audience because I enjoy giving them a view of New York through the eyes of a native New Yorker. I also love answering questions coming in from different places.
Thanks again to Mustafa for his participation.
Think you got what it takes to win a TSB reader giveaway?
Check out our current giveaway and enter for a chance to win!
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Are you in need of a style makeover?
We’re casting the star of our next TSB Upgrade – see the features we did with Gabe and Andre.
This is a chance to meet the TSB team, be featured in a post, and potentially score some fresh new gear!
If you’re interested, email us at info@tsbmen.com and include a photo or brief video of yourself, along with an explanation about why you need a style upgrade.
Looking forward to seeing the submissions and choosing our next upgrade.
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Rule #1 of the TSB Office: Bring Your “A” Game.
Comment below to let us know which outfit is your favorite!
“First day back in the office, have to keep it sharp.”
“Don’t know why everyone’s tied-up today, just trying to keep it casual. Sansho knows what I’m talking about…”
“Thirty six degrees and snow on the ground today. Had to go with tough boots and a layered-up leather jacket. ”
“Got that long sloppy tie.”
“Breaking out a classic trench for yet another rainy day in NYC”
My homie Sansho came by again today. Keeping it classic Americana, as usual.
Thanks for reading,
The TSB Team
Photography by Alex Crawford.
Check out more of his work at alexcrawfordphotography.com.