Butch Attire & Fashion

[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!

[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.

[uniquetobeme]

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

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"?

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by Daktari

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

I agree with you on the perfection factor when I had the flattop, precision required, no question. It wouldn't be possible to self cut. What I'm thinking of is I believe what you are referring to as clippers w/comb attachment. It looks like three lengths plus razor line the neck which I touch up myself anyway.

I'm thinking one or two trips to the barber paying very close attention and then give it a try. I don't have to look like anything for anyone right now so I could have a couple of "mistakes" and either take it all down to a #2 and try it again in a couple of weeks or, if it just needs correcting slap on a hat and make a sheepish trip to said barber to fix it.

Originally Posted by DapperButch

<--- 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"?

This would be the "Clooney" which I am currently sporting. Knock the corners off a flattop and you have it in two weeks since it is just an overgrown Crew cut. Turns out it is called a "Harvard Clip" officially.

Translated into Dapperese:

Flattop: $12 + $3 tip x 26 times per year = $390 annually

Quality clippers $50, nope free, already have them.



All this said, last week I gave the cat a summer cut and it looks like I threw her at an industrial fan.

If it's one length all over then I'd say have at it, give it a go and get a mate to check it over (within a day) for stray long hairs, tramlines, etc.

The Pops has always said there's only a fortnight between a bad and a good haircut!




I was going to go to the barbers today but it's a little bit too late in my day to do so before I do other stuff...and I washed m'hair and it's all a bit fluffy so I'll leave it until tomorrow when I'm less tired, have more time and don't have quiff that looks like a cat straight outta the tumble dryer.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

I agree with you on the perfection factor when I had the flattop, precision required, no question. It wouldn't be possible to self cut. What I'm thinking of is I believe what you are referring to as clippers w/comb attachment. It looks like three lengths plus razor line the neck which I touch up myself anyway.

I'm thinking one or two trips to the barber paying very close attention and then give it a try. I don't have to look like anything for anyone right now so I could have a couple of "mistakes" and either take it all down to a #2 and try it again in a couple of weeks or, if it just needs correcting slap on a hat and make a sheepish trip to said barber to fix it.





This would be the "Clooney" which I am currently sporting. Knock the corners off a flattop and you have it in two weeks since it is just an overgrown Crew cut. Turns out it is called a "Harvard Clip" officially.

Translated into Dapperese:

Flattop: $12 + $3 tip x 26 times per year = $390 annually

Quality clippers $50, nope free, already have them.



All this said, last week I gave the cat a summer cut and it looks like I threw her at an industrial fan.

Just messin' with you. I believe me hair is a bit more complicated, but we could try!

"Male business cut" (something along those lines): $41 + $8 tip x 17.33 times per year = $849.17

PLUS

Hair lightening: $ 85 + $16 tip x 5.77 times per year =$582.77

Annual Cost = $1, 431.94

Flying Quality Kelt twice from the wrong coast - Over budget!

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Just messin' with you. I believe me hair is a bit more complicated, but we could try!

"Male business cut" (something along those lines): $41 + $8 tip x 17.33 times per year = $849.17

PLUS

Hair lightening: $ 85 + $16 tip x 5.77 times per year =$582.77

Annual Cost = $1, 431.94

Flying Quality Kelt twice from the wrong coast - Over budget!

Dayum! You must be purdy!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Dayum! You must be purdy!

I SURE is!

<--knows it is all in the details

Hair lightening?

Fer real?

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Daktari

Hair lightening?

Fer real?

Yep. I add a touch of blond to my light brown hair. I look rather drab, otherwise. I don't get a lot, just a touch on the top and on the top portion of the sides.

People never notice when I have it done.

I suppose that if my hair wasn't such a light brown, it would be noticeable. Or, if I didn't get it done consistently I suppose it could be. I've only been asked if I "darkened" my hair when I skipped a time of getting it done. I don't get asked if I lightened it.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Yep. I add a touch of blond to my light brown hair. I look rather drab, otherwise. I don't get a lot, just a touch on the top and on the top portion of the sides.

People never notice when I have it done.

I suppose that if my hair wasn't such a light brown, it would be noticeable. Or, if I didn't get it done consistently I suppose it could be. I've only been asked if I "darkened" my hair when I skipped a time of getting it done. I don't get asked if I lightened it.

Soooo... You get it lightened all the time so it won't be dark and if you skip a session it is darker and you get asked if it is darker.

Aand... Since you lighten it all the time people do not notice the difference when it is light because it's all the time...

Tip for ya; Give it a decade, it will lighten for free and you can call it "distinguished".

Here's $582 bucks, get yourself something nice.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Soooo... You get it lightened all the time so it won't be dark and if you skip a session it is darker and you get asked if it is darker.

Aand... Since you lighten it all the time people do not notice the difference when it is light because it's all the time...

Tip for ya; Give it a decade, it will lighten for free and you can call it "distinguished".

Here's $582 bucks, get yourself something nice.

Funny. Not.

My point is that it looks natural and chit.

[Kelt]

Tis true, a true gentleman or gentleperson is always well groomed for whatever the occasion.

Lightening

Think of what you could buy with nearly SIX hundred dollars a year hair lightening cash.

Finally found time to visit the fabbo young barber dude I've found...he's at the local indoor (Abingdon Street) market as it happens. I love that he takes his time, does a really great job and is still the cheapest in town.
I got bitten to billy-o by midges at the wedding on Saturday...seems they chewed my head good and proper...the bites were revealed [and the tops painfully shaved off all of them] by the clippers.

<<<clickable
Taken just a few minutes ago, this is the 'morning' or 'daily casual' can't-be-bothered quiff with no product. M'hair is so thick it does what I want it to do pretty much on it's own




Note the two b.c.r [ball closure ring] ear-rings.
I took all my piercings out years ago, bar four of them, 3 of which can't be seen by the general public I took out yet another in the last couple of years and now there's only 2 that cannot be seen.
Recently, upon hitting two years clean I decided to mark it in a small way with two small, purple bcrs in my ear...just the one, the left ear.

Any other chaps wear stuff in the ear-lug/s?

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Tis true, a true gentleman or gentleperson is always well groomed for whatever the occasion.

Yeah, yeah....

Originally Posted by Daktari

Lightening

Think of what you could buy with nearly SIX hundred dollars a year hair lightening cash.

Finally found time to visit the fabbo young barber dude I've found...he's at the local indoor (Abingdon Street) market as it happens. I love that he takes his time, does a really great job and is still the cheapest in town.
I got bitten to billy-o by midges at the wedding on Saturday...seems they chewed my head good and proper...the bites were revealed [and the tops painfully shaved off all of them] by the clippers.

<<<clickable
Taken just a few minutes ago, this is the 'morning' or 'daily casual' can't-be-bothered quiff with no product. M'hair is so thick it does what I want it to do pretty much on it's own




Note the two b.c.r [ball closure ring] ear-rings.
I took all my piercings out years ago, bar four of them, 3 of which can't be seen by the general public I took out yet another in the last couple of years and now there's only 2 that cannot be seen.
Recently, upon hitting two years clean I decided to mark it in a small way with two small, purple bcrs in my ear...just the one, the left ear.

Any other chaps wear stuff in the ear-lug/s?

Daktari, if I had thick fabulous hair I might not bother, but what I actually like the best about the product is that it thickens the shaft (no pun intended) of the hair follicle (mine are very thin). It isn't something a hair product or a different hair cut can fix....wait...why am I explaining this to you?

When it comes to ears I had some piercings, pretty thick in the ears (the upside down horse shoe type, ball closure type). I wanted to move towards lugs, but alas, there is no place for them in my professional world. I am limited in the same way I can be when it comes to hair styles.

That's ok, though.

[kingbutch]

Shorts, tshirt trainers

Tshirt/shirt & jeans


Formal:
Shirt
Slimcut formal trousers
With vest [ if its windy]


Very formal:
Suit, shirt and tie
Or
Suit, grandad collar shirt ( unbuttoned first 2 butyons)

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Yeah, yeah....



Daktari, if I had thick fabulous hair I might not bother, but what I actually like the best about the product is that it thickens the shaft (no pun intended) of the hair follicle (mine are very thin). It isn't something a hair product or a different hair cut can fix....wait...why am I explaining this to you?

When it comes to ears I had some piercings, pretty thick in the ears (the upside down horse shoe type, ball closure type). I wanted to move towards lugs, but alas, there is no place for them in my professional world. I am limited in the same way I can be when it comes to hair styles.

That's ok, though.

Sorry you thought I was inviting you to give an explanation of why you do the hair thing you do. I was trying to tease and it seems it didn't work.