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4/28


I'm seeing a lot of hats these days, are they back?

- Brandon, LA

» The solution

 
8/12
Pennsylvania

Pittsburg

  • So it seems that rolling your pant legs is very popular. So, what is an acceptable height and the right technique?

    - Robert

  • Basically, you're looking to roll your pants so that you only have about a finger's width between the top of your shoe and your pants. That way, as you move or when you sit you'll reveal a tad more ankle but won't be turning your pants into capris.

 

The Latest

Date
Location
Question & Answer
2/1
OH

Columbus

  • I go out a lot with my friends and the most dressed up they can do is a polo or an untucked button down. Where can I find a blazer that I can dress down and not be obviously out of place? - Alex

  • Look for an unlined blazer. They have much less structure and are often out of more relaxed materials like cotton, which make dressing them down that much simpler. Plus, they're lighter in weight and more comfortable as well. We just featured this one by Apolis, which fits perfectly and can be worn with everything from a hoodie or T-shirt to a nice button-down or sweater. You can roll the sleeves and pop the collar for an even more casual look. And the price is pretty reasonable, considering it's hand-made in America. But if you're looking for less expensive options, check out Club Monaco. And hopefully, your friends will start picking up some style tips from you.

2/1
WA

Seattle

  • What's an easy way to get rid of post-acne marks? - Tylor

  • For the redness/scarring left behind after a breakout, you can apply an over-the-counter Hydrocortisone cream (Aveeno's also has skin soothing aloe and natural colloidal oatmeal), which helps alleviate and fade the immediate redness. And Kiehl's has a new sport serum called Clearly Corrective that's been proven to fade dark spots, acne scarring and discoloration.

2/1
NY

Brooklyn

  • What, in your opinion, is the best non-shiny lip balm for really chapped lips? - Nick

  • For really chapped lips, you can't go wrong with Aquaphor. An old favorite of the grooming set, it quickly heals cracked, chapped lips while sealing in moisture. Plus, it's not very shiny and has no scent or flavor. But be warned: a little goes a long way.

2/1
MS

Oxford

  • How did the Pea Coat get its name? - Waters

  • The term "pea coat" is believed to have stemmed from the Dutch word "pij," meaning coarse wool. It was later referred to as a pilot's jacket and then shortened to p-jacket before eventually morphing into the term "pea coat."

2/1
Florida

Orlando

  • What are some good hairstyles for men with a receding hairline? Something fashionable without shaving it off. - Nick

  • When it comes to receding hairlines, your best bet is to find a style that works for your face shape. An easy way is to look for celebrities who are doing it right. Jude Law, Josh Duhmel, Bradley Cooper ... these are guys that look contemporary and embrace the hair they have. However much that is.

11/10
District of Columbia

Washington

  • Looking for red elbow patches to sew on to a grey sport coat. Know of an online source? - James

  • You can get elbow patches in dozens of colors (including several shades of red) from Domestic Leather Corp. The $14 kits come with two patches, matching thread and a hearty needle to get the job done.

11/10
Massachusetts

Boston

  • Can you recommend a trench coat that is between $200 to $450? - Harry

  • If you're looking for a classic, double-breasted style trench, Banana Republic makes a pretty reliable one. It retails for $225, but is currently marked down to $170 right now. J.Crew's popular Holborn trench for $198 is a more modern, single-breasted style that still ties at the waist but has a more tailored fit. Brooks Brothers makes a sharp cut city trench for $398. And if you want something more for cold winds instead of rain, Topman has a wool camel style for $180.

11/10
Massachusetts

Boston

  • What is the proper length of a tie? I have heard that the point should be above the belt line and others say at the belt buckle? What is appropriate and fashionable? - Thomas

  • In this case, appropriate and fashionable are two different things. Unlike in our grandfather's day—when a tie was expected to be perfectly pressed, knotted neatly and hit right in the center of the belt buckle—today's ties are anything but precious. After all, when you can wear one cut from selvedge denim or deadstock camo and pair it with a jean jacket and sneakers, formality shouldn't be too much of a priority. Of course, aiming to get your tie's tip right at the belt line is a good start. But there are also a handful of other ways to tie your tie in which you don't have to worry about the length at all.

11/10
Illinois

Chicago

  • After my grandfather passed I inherited what appears to be an old Belstaff jacket that he had acquired in England 25 years ago. It's stiff with old wax, smells strongly of gasoline and mold, the torso is very roomy and some stitching is coming undone. Despite all of this, I want to rescue the old jacket because it has a lot of sentimental value. The jacket has no tears and still has the belt. Is there anyway to prove this is an authentic Belstaff and is there any place that could restore or repair the jacket? - Joseph

  • I wouldn't worry too much about whether it's authentic or not. It likely is, but even if it's not, the jacket still holds significant sentimental value to you. To get it cleaned, rewaxed and repaired, you can send it to New England Reproofers which specialize in revitalizing jackets that have been neglected for years. Or, you could always try rewaxing the jacket yourself. It's easier than it looks.

11/10
New York

New York

  • I tend to sweat a lot, especially under the arms and it's very embarrassing and uncomfortable. Is there a product that can help prevent this? - Chris

  • We've heard really good things about Sweat Block, which all but eliminates any sweating for up to 7 days with a single application. It's a moistened pad that you swipe under your arms before you go to bed. It then keeps your pits dry and fresh. A two month supply will run you $20.

» More Questions from Ask Valet.