Butch Attire & Fashion

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Ummmm, yeah, no one knows what this means. Bring it down to the common man, Mr. Snot!

Yes, what's hard is where one starts with their body's. I went right to talking about men's clothing because uniquetobeme stated this is what her partner wore, but you do have to go with what fits correctly and then tailor it from there.

I've said it before and I will say it again...I'm so glad I can buy "off the rack"!

Kelt, it would be awesome if at some point you would share (post photos) what's going on with your hair (or when it is complete). That is a BIG step, man!

Oy vey, okay breakdown. If someone has a waist of 32 (or 42, 52..) and a hip of 40 (50, 60..) the difference is 8 inches, this is the "drop". In a mens cut, that is the max there is to work with. Some female bodied people have more of a difference, say a 32 waist and a 42 hip a 10 inch difference and then they should start with a womens cut so there is enough fabric to work with. You can always take in, but you can't add what isn' there.

Also with a larger difference you can get gapping at the back of the waist and if the waistband is already split (has a seam at the back) then it can be easily altered.

Using the jargon makes it easier for me to talk to the tailor.

I have been on both ends of the spectrum and had to learn on the fly with a big weight swing up and then down.

For Dapper: Buy this book



Thank me later.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Oy vey, okay breakdown. If someone has a waist of 32 (or 42, 52..) and a hip of 40 (50, 60..) the difference is 8 inches, this is the "drop". In a mens cut, that is the max there is to work with. Some female bodied people have more of a difference, say a 32 waist and a 42 hip a 10 inch difference and then they should start with a womens cut so there is enough fabric to work with. You can always take in, but you can't add what isn' there.

--------------------------------

You douche, I was talking about for others, not me!!

<----- see name over there.



For Dapper: Buy this book



Thank me later.

Yet another insult!!

I personally have found this one helpful.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/category/dress-grooming/

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Ummmm, yeah, no one knows what this means. Bring it down to the common man, Mr. Snot!

I know you know, don't get yer Calvins in a twist.

Originally Posted by DapperButch

You douche, I was talking about for others, not me!!

<----- see name over there.

Yet another insult!!

I personally have found this one helpful.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/category/dress-grooming/

Because of course calling me A) Mr Snot and B)You douche are not shots over the bow inviting recourse!

BTW, I love the hell outta that site and especially these helpful playing cards for casual stuff. That is where I tend to get lost. Formal attire has rules and a rule book so folks like me can figure it out. Casual is for people who have more creativity than a rock (as in, not me). So they help a lot.

For Other People (not Dapper who knows everything already ) the book I referenced is especially handy for vintage shopping. I provides interesting history and also subltle signs to look for that point toward quality, like which way the button hole on a gusset should be. I find that the sizes run smaller also which is a godsend for the stature challenged.

[Duchess]

[Duchess]

[Jess]

Originally Posted by Kelt

I know you know, don't get yer Calvins in a twist.



Because of course calling me A) Mr Snot and B)You douche are not shots over the bow inviting recourse!

BTW, I love the hell outta that site and especially these helpful playing cards for casual stuff. That is where I tend to get lost. Formal attire has rules and a rule book so folks like me can figure it out. Casual is for people who have more creativity than a rock (as in, not me). So they help a lot.

For Other People (not Dapper who knows everything already ) the book I referenced is especially handy for vintage shopping. I provides interesting history and also subltle signs to look for that point toward quality, like which way the button hole on a gusset should be. I find that the sizes run smaller also which is a godsend for the stature challenged.

As I was reading this, I heard my mother's voice in my head from years ago, I think about age 7, telling me that "mens shirts have hole left- button right and men's hair parts left combs right."

I will still to this day make sure which side the button is on when looking at what can be viewed as andro or metro-sexual clothing. Not that it truly matters, as I only wear what is ultimately comfortable for me, but because it was once a standard way of distinguishing male and female clothing.

The fabric or cut could be the exact same, but because of the placement of a button, it was deemed male or female.

The rules of fashion aren't so clear cut these days. Not so "his" or "hers" and I think it is pretty cool.

I wear men's clothes but I shop based on texture of a fabric or tones and then by cut. I will indeed refer to sites listed previously in this thread for tips on tailoring or event specific attire, but mostly I go by instinct.

I have met very few butches (or femmes) who are comfortable in their self id that dress poorly. Just about everyone I have met from this site (or it's predecessor) lack for want of style or appropriateness in dressing for whatever given occasion I have met them. I am always impressed with the community from here I meet.

I apologize for the segue in conversation, just something about the highlighted statement struck a chord that resounded with me and I felt an urge to share. I appreciate this thread and while I don't post often, I do read it when new additions are made.

Thanks Y'all!

[dykeumentary]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

[COLOR="Blue"]You douche, I was talking about for others, not me!!

<----- see name over there.

Is "douche" an insult because it has something to do with woman's vagina?
Just asking for clarification.

[Kelt]

I want to re-post something that was posted on this site a little while back (I can’t remember where) because I think it is more representative of the variety of choices and how great many butches are with creativity. I personally tend to focus on mens attire but that is just me, shopping both sides of the gender isle, and kids too, yields so many more options and I like to see how people combine them.

This photographers gallery showcases all kinds of butches ranging across differing presentations, ages, and cultural backgrounds and I really enjoy it.

“BUTCH is a environmental portraiture project and exploration of the butch aesthetic, identity and presentation of female masculinity as it stands in 2013-14. It is a celebration of those who dwell outside of the stringent social binary that separates the sexes and a glimpse into the private and often unseen spaces of people who exude their authentic sense of self.” - Meg Allen

[Liam]

Apparently there is a second edition of Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2...ype=blogs&_r=0

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by Liam

Apparently there is a second edition of Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2...ype=blogs&_r=0

You're right, the original came out in 2009 and that seems to be the one referenced in this article. The one I have is the third edition from 2011 and I see now on Amazons page it shows a release date of 2012. I haven't seen anything indicating revisions to content though.

I regard it as my go to source for anything on more formal attire. Indispensable!

[okieblu]

Originally Posted by Kelt

I want to re-post something that was posted on this site a little while back (I can’t remember where) because I think it is more representative of the variety of choices and how great many butches are with creativity. I personally tend to focus on mens attire but that is just me, shopping both sides of the gender isle, and kids too, yields so many more options and I like to see how people combine them.

This photographers gallery showcases all kinds of butches ranging across differing presentations, ages, and cultural backgrounds and I really enjoy it.

“BUTCH is a environmental portraiture project and exploration of the butch aesthetic, identity and presentation of female masculinity as it stands in 2013-14. It is a celebration of those who dwell outside of the stringent social binary that separates the sexes and a glimpse into the private and often unseen spaces of people who exude their authentic sense of self.” - Meg Allen

Yeah, this is a great photo series. I dont know if they are still working on it or not.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by Kelt

While on the subject of appearance, I decided to play with hair. Since I've only had 2 now 3 hairstyles in the last 30 years this is significant for me.

I knocked the corners off my flattop and am growing out the top a tad.

Going for kind of a George Clooney in "The American" look. I have a little more pepper to salt ratio but since we have a similar face shape I thought I'd try it. I'll never look good like him but we both have that longish, trending toward jowliness-with-age shape.

It's weird to look in the mirror and see a round top of head. So what did I do today but go out and buy a flat-topped hat (pork pie).

I think I may have hit an idea here for myself, and wondering if others do this or have considered it.

Cutting my own hair. Wondering if it is hard to do. I see on youtube the place is overrun with how-to’s about it. Until a few weeks ago I was wearing a flattop which really would not work as a self-do, it’s hard enough to find even a barber who can get it right. Now that it’s a bit longer it is much less precise, which is both great and horrible. The OCD, all knolling, neat freak that I am is pretty out of sorts about having things on my head not lined up right. It’s also eff’n up my routine of every 14 days which naturally had a couple of other rituals/habits tied to it. Hmm…

On the other hand, I gather it isn’t supposed to be perfect this way. Makes it a moving target though, that’s for sure. It’s really hard to know when I am done. BUT, since it is quite short and seemingly pretty generic I can’t imagine a few practice tries wouldn’t yield a reasonable facsimile. It’s all done with clippers which would make it ambidextrous. I’ve done it to my friend many years ago and I remember the main thing was to go all directions to catch strays. Changing the length attachment would do the three (as far as I can tell) lengths. I know a good stylist/barber has training and experience but they are good at all haircuts. I only need one, and it looks possible. Opinions??



*Note: I'm thinking that another trip or two, paying super close attention, and asking questions first is a good plan.

Originally Posted by Kelt

I think I may have hit an idea here for myself, and wondering if others do this or have considered it.

*snip* just to save a long quote box

Shaved m'own head for years...it's really easy. I cut Pops' hair with clippers and different comb lengths which is also really easy.

Cutting my own with more than just a shave or one length all over? No way, no how!
I want it to look real sharp and I wouldn't be confident doing it for myself.
I have very high expectations of my young barber dude, thankfully he lives up to them or else I'll be back to an all over shave.
Not only is he really good but he's cheap too at £6 ($10) sans tip for a cut in which he takes his time to get it 'just so'. He knows I'll be back if I find a flaw.

I look forward to seeing your experiments in self hair cutting

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

I know a good stylist/barber has training and experience but they are good at all haircuts. I only need one, and it looks possible. Opinions??



*Note: I'm thinking that another trip or two, paying super close attention, and asking questions first is a good plan.

<--- strongly considering encouraging Kelt simply so I can get a big belly laugh out of it (not certain how i will get him to send me the picture so that I can get this laugh, however).

So you are talking for the flat top or for "The Clooney"?

[uniquetobeme]

You all rock! Thanks for the advice!! The interview went pretty well, keeping fingers crossed!!!