37 Essential Lifestyle Hacks For The Modern Gentleman

This article was originally published on absolutelyconnected.com and has been republished here with permission

There are a few things that every man should be aware of to increase their confidence and gain sophistication. First impressions matter, and whether it’s for a first date, a job interview, you want to make a good one. So, in this day and age, what should a modern gentleman do? Style hacks are useful since they help you look better without adding extra steps to complicate your life. The key to quick style hacks is to always be on the lookout for methods to improve any routine you have, including clothing and grooming. Employ anything that saves you time and makes your movements more efficient. If not, consider other options. Take a look at these suggested style hacks below.

Roll your shirt sleeves in the proper manner

Because you can’t wear t-shirts or even short-sleeve button-ups to work or special occasions, you have no choice but to roll up the sleeves of your good dress shirt to keep cool. But how do you do it without looking sloppy and without leaving your sleeves wrinkled when they need to be rolled up later?

Flip the cuff back and pull it to just below your elbow instead of rolling it up your sleeve gently. Then fold the bottom (inside-out section) up, trapping and covering the bottom cuff. Your shirt sleeves won’t unroll, and it will look stylish as well.

Pack a suit without getting it wrinkled

It turns out that carrying a garment bag through the airport isn’t the best method to travel with a suit (or worse, ironing it later). Contrary to popular belief, a suit can be packed in a bag without developing a massive wrinkle.

Take a suit jacket and pop one of the shoulders inside out. Then take the other shoulder and fold it back into the other jacket so the inside of the jacket is facing out. Fold the jacket in half and put it in a Ziploc bag. Finally, take all the air out of it before you pack it

“Sometimes, always, never” rule of jacket buttons

When it comes to buttoning up a suit jacket, there’s a simple guideline to follow: “Sometimes, Always, Never.” It is basically fashion gospel for men (women are generally allowed to button the bottom button). Men’s suit designers often even tailor the fabric so suit jackets and waistcoats look more flattering and unbuttoned at the bottom.

The rule is: the top button should be buttoned on occasion (stylistic decision), the middle button should always be buttoned (it pulls the jacket together and is flattering), and the last button should never be buttoned (it messes up the tailoring and flare of the jacket).

Match your dress shoes and suits

It’s difficult to choose the proper pair of shoes to go with your clothes. If you are wearing shorts, keep your footwear simple. Sperrys and other boat shoes are the most popular choices. You can also opt for casual sneakers such as Vans or Supergas, and if you want to be bold, go for a brighter color.

Finally, men’s espadrilles are a good option. They are breathable and light, making them ideal for a hot day. You can dress up your jeans at times and be completely casual at others. If it’s the former, invest in a pair of oxfords.