Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 80 – Mixing Textures

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In part 1 of this series of articles, we covered the simple techniques that can be used to layer your clothes properly and what fabrics are considered to be spring/summer or autumn/winter appropriate. But let’s be honest, that’s the easy part out of the way. Simple tricks are simple to master after all. This time we’re going to move onto a skill that will up your layering game to a whole new level. That skill is mixing textures. This is something that is often attempted but, without the right sort of consideration, can turn a look into a disaster. This is a shame because, with a few simple guidelines, it can really give your outfit that sartorial ‘cherry on top’. So where do you begin? With all these textures going around, how on earth are you supposed to pull them all together? Well, as always, bear in mind the layering rule of ‘thick to thin’ and then try out these simple techniques:

1. Monochromes

The easiest way to mix textures is to keep them all within the same neutral tone. Shades of grey, blue and black are simple, chic and classic in appearance and, due to their muted tone, pull together different textures effortlessly. Multiple tones of blue is probably my favourite, because every guy looks great in blue and there are more options available at every price point to pull this off. However, grey on grey on grey has been a popular trend this spring/summer so that’s not to say it shouldn’t be tried. As for black, mixing textures is the best (and some might say only) way to pull this off successfully within one look. For example, some raw black jeans will look perfect alongside a black brushed cotton dress shirt and silk knitted tie, with the different textures enabling each piece to stand out individually against the other. So why not channel your inner Johnny Cash and try it out? Example Looks:

  • Allsaints Scythe ShirtAllsaints Scythe Shirt
  • Topman Blue Herringbone Heritage BlazerTopman Blue Herringbone Heritage Blazer
  • Gucci Palma Cashmere Jacket 127987Gucci Palma Cashmere Jacket 127987
  • Farhi By Nicole Farhi Navy Cord Straight JeansFarhi By Nicole Farhi Navy Cord Straight Jeans
General Guidelines

However, when deploying any of the above techniques to level up your layering game, it’s good to bear in mind a couple of universal laws as well. Firstly, when going for the ‘same family’ or ‘monochromatic’ looks, make sure you vary the texture each time you add a piece. Unless they come as a whole, such as suit jacket and trousers, you never want to keep adding the same textured material to a look. The denim tuxedo is the greatest of all these sins. Secondly, if you want to wear the same sort of material multiple times it is OK to do so. A vast majority of American urban style is built around cotton but the key is to vary the texture of the fabric each time. For example, brushed cotton looks fine alongside waxed cotton and oxford cloth cotton. Brushed cotton five times, does not. Lastly, try to pick pieces that will not compete with each other too much. Cords and denim are great and were made for each other; they are both durable, heavyweight and worker wear based pieces. However, either of those materials with an overly fashion forward leather jacket (asymmetrical, wrinkled with huge arse aviator lapels, for example) is just too much.

Final Word

So there we have it guys, three fool proof methods of layering and mixing textures together. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, and tell the community the principles you like to stick to. In the final part of this series, we will focus on specific looks you can put together, utilising fabrics that compliment each other, and what to do during those awkward transitional months.

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