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Cuffs, pro and con.
A man can add style, professionalism and a dressy touch with the right trouser cuffs. While even jeans can benefit from a simple cuff, tuxedo trousers are always finished plain. Invented in the early part of the 20th century, cuffs protect against damage, fraying, mud and general wear and tear. Today, cuffs on any trousers display…
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Alterations options.
How much can we help when the size isn’t right? Blouse a shirt sleeves can be shortened, collars and cuffs replaced. Moving the collar button a quarter-inch can improve fit. The shoulders and chest are unalterable. Pants can usually be taken in or let out two to three inches. Shortening legs is easy, lengthening not so. Of…
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Take extra care.
Popular Scienceadvises how to get more life out of your clothes, with four easy tips. Launder less often, some even advise washing jeans once a year! Turn your clothes inside out before washing to reduce friction. Avoid heat, especially for synthetic fabrics and blends. Try line drying to make everything last much longer.
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Fabric science 101.
There’s a lot to learn about the differences between natural and synthetic fabric, since every fabric needs different cleaning procedures. Synthetics are sensitive to heat and oils, like sunscreens. They hold color better than natural fibers and don’t shrink or wrinkle like cotton. Garment care tags are the best guide to effective cleaning, whether you…
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Boot season.
Winter boots can serve for many years, but proper care will extend their wearable life. Clean them often with a brush to dried-on soil. Store them upright, using boot trees to avoid creases. Use a boot dryer when they get soaked, never prop them next to a heat source. Oil the leather regularly, especially the…
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Fleece care tip.
Laundering your fleece sweater every six or seven wears is easy. To keep the nap smooth and soft, turn the garment inside out and wash with similar colors and nothing linty like towels. Rinse twice and air dry. Avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets if your fleece is water-resistant. Pet hairs? Before washing, wipe down…
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Hang it right.
Treat yourself to the right hangersfor every garment. Start with solid wood hangers like you see at fine clothing shops. They help retain the garment’s structure and are recommended for shirts, blouses and light jackets. For suits, choose a hanger with wider, contoured shoulders and a bar to drape trousers. A special clip hanger for pants…
