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The days when men do not bother about what they wear are all behind us. The days when a man is contented with wearing one t-shirt over a denim pant day in and day out and mange to keep it clean by washing it at night before he goes to bed are gone. In our modern time men are very conscious of how they look and what they wear as their level of self confidence is reflected in their physical appearance. Unfortunately the modern society tends to pass quick judgment on people based on their physical appearance.

Your physical appearance which inevitably is tied to your self confidence is very crucial in a society that is faced with steep competition in every sphere of life. A society that requires you to prove yourself for what are you say or claim to be, in order to do this you literally have to tell people how to threat and respect you. Your cognitive skills and talents that are not readily visible are not enough for you to prove your worth to others, so you must back your intangible talents and skills with what is visible to other people, your physical appearance. You must exhibit enough confidence in yourself so as to give a hiring manger the reason to hire you and colleagues at your work place to respect you. You must portray yourself with unflinching confidence and dignity for anyone you meet on the street to recognize and treat you with respect. The unspoken way to exhibit this dignified confidence is through your physical appearance. What you wear and how you wear it, is what give you the confidence you communicate to people around.

To dress properly and appropriately at every event and situation you should have good and adequate men’s clothing and accessories in your wardrobe. In this article I will help you to go through the list of some of men’s clothing and accessories you need so as to dress properly and command respect from anyone your meet. These men’s clothing items could be called wardrobe essentials or wardrobe stables that every man should have. Before going down the list of these men’s clothing items and accessories, let me emphasize that quality and fitness are very necessary when choosing or buying any clothing item. Always aim at buying high quality clothes that fit your physique and choose colors that blend with or compliment your skin color.

Let us begin going down the list with most basic men’s clothing item;

1. Tee Shirts; T-shirts are the very basic men’s clothing besides under wears that every man should have. Always buy fitting t-shirts that match and compliment your physique. In making your choices, diversify the neckline of the t-shirts. Buy both crew neck and v-neck t-shirts. Have as many different colors and patterns of men’s tee shirts as possible; be sure to include white and dark colors (Navy and black) in the t-shirts you buy. Let other colors and patterns of t-shirts you choose match your skin color and your facial structure or shape.
2. Jeans – When buying jeans, always choose style that compliments the shape of your legs, preferably chose slimmer styles over baggy ones and darker colors over lighter ones as jeans often fade with time as you wash them.
3. Chinos (Pants or Trousers): Choose the style(s) of your chinos as the ones you chose for your jeans, prefer pants made from cotton material to those made from wool material. Diversify the colors of your pants as much as you can but always have chinos (pants) in darker colors (black & navy), these colors are very good for winter season. Lighter colors (grey, cream and beige) should be your preferred colors in the summer season
4. Shorts: – In purchasing shorts apply the suggestions given for style and colors for buying your pants.
5. Casual shirts: – Have as many casual shirts as you can afford. Go for button down casual shirts that you can wear with or without ties and blazers, which you can also wear over any shorts, jeans or pants. If possible buy both solid colored and patterned casual shirts. Diversify the colors of the casual shirts you have, always be sure to have casual shirts in lighter colors such as white and mild blue. In choosing patterned casual shirts, buy patterns that compliment your physique and facial shape. For the style of your casual shirts, go for slimmer fits that are not too tight.
6. Dress shirts: – Dress shirts are the most important clothing items in any man’s wardrobe. These are what you wear for formal occasions and often to your work place, so it is important that you pay close attention when buying dress shirts. Use your neck size to buy your dress shirts and buy only shirts sizes that correspond with your neck size (that means you must know your neck size). Buy dress shirts with any cuff of your choice. Be sure to use cufflinks on double cuffed shirts. When buying dress shirts lean more towards very light colors such as white, mild blue, light purple or light pink, avoid dark colors when buying dress shirts. The reason why light colors are preferable for dress shirts is because light colored shirts can go with any color of suits or tie. If you choose to buy patterned dress shirts, buy patterned shirts that compliment your physique. If you are tall or slim you can always go for striped dress shirts.
7. Suits: – Every man needs couple of suits if not for work, for formal events such as wedding parties, dinner parties or any other formal event as the situation arises. Have suits in navy and grey colors respectively. In choosing the colors of your suits prefer darker colors to lighter ones. Always choose suits that fit your physique, aim at slimmer suits. Use your chest size to pick the size of your suits. Buy suits with wider lapels as opposed to those with skinny type, as to match the width of your tie. Aim at 2 button suits that will give you a slimmer look and remember to button your suit jacket when you are not sitting down. You can also add tuxedos in the collection of your formal wears
8. Outer Wears:- Every man needs couple of outer wears that should also be part of the wardrobe essentials. These outer wears include:
   • Sweaters: – When choosing the style of your sweaters use the suggestions for choosing the styles of your t-shirts. Buy wool sweaters for winter season and cotton sweaters for warmer season. Diversify both the colors and designs of your sweaters. Choose darker colors over lighter colors especially for your winter sweaters. In addition to sweaters you can also add sweatshirts and hoodies in your winter outer wear collections
   • Coats: – Preferably choose wool blend coats for your winter coats (be prepared to dry clean them as often as possible as wool coats stink when they are wet). You may be better off buying peacoats or long winter coats that are knee length or even below the knee. When choosing the size of your coat, remember to chose coat size that will give room to the suit you will wear beneath it. Prefer darker colors such as black/charcoal, gray, navy or beige. You may also need to have a trench coat that should be the same color as your coat. You need the trench coat for rainy days. Prefer cotton trench coats to trench coats made from any other material. Besides winter coats and trench you can add sports coat and car coats to your collection of men’s outer wear.
9. Formal Shoes: – It is necessary for you to have couple of pairs of good shoes, always go for high quality good leather shoes, preferably choose Oxford or Brogues shoes. Have at least a pair of black and brown shoes each. These two colors will match any color of suits, jeans and pants.
10. Casual Shoes – Have couple of casual shoes such as sneaker, sandals, boots, ankle length boots depending on your style and taste.
11. Accessories:- There are essential accessories that you should have in your wardrobe. These include;
    • Belts – The colors of the belts you wear should always match the colors of your shoes. You need to have at least a black and a brown belt each, preferably always go for leather belts
    • Cufflinks: Be sure to have cufflinks in your collection of men’s accessories if you have double-cuff dress shirts. Cufflinks come in different designs. There are cufflinks with religious over-tone, jewel stone cufflinks, diamond and gold cufflinks. Choose the type of cufflinks that appeals best to you.
    • Ties – In choosing ties, pick silk or wool ties, prefer traditional wide ties to the slim or skinny ties. Choose darker colored ties over lighter colored ties. You can always use darker colored ties with any color of dress shirts and suits. If you choose patterned ties, lean towards darker patterns
    • Vests: You may need to have some vests, choose the colors of your vests wisely, choose colors that match your shirts. Prefer cotton vests for summer and wool vest for winter season.
    • Winter Scarves/Mittens: You need winter scarves and mittens to keep warm during the winter season. Prefer cashmere wool scarves to scarves made from any other material. In choosing your winter gloves or mitten you may want to go for convertible mittens. Convertible mittens will give you the freedom or room to do things with your hands without removing them. If you are a fun loving person, you may add trapper hats to you winter accessories.

These are some of the basic wardrobe essentials every man needs to have to be able to dress properly and appropriately at every event and situation. It can never be over emphasized that in choosing your clothing you should always go for high quality clothing and accessories. Apart the fact that good quality clothes enhance your physical appearance and self confidence, they save you a lot of money over time, as high quality clothing are more durable compared to low quality clothing.

To learn more on men’s wardrobe stables visit http://www.quora.com/Mens-Fashion-and-Style

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Looking for men’s long winter coats and outer wears? Visit us at http://shop.graciousstore.com/Outerwear_c14.htm

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Irene_A_Essien-Akpan/1457933

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The foot is one of the most common areas of injury in avid walkers, climbers, hikers, backpackers and skiers. This is predictable when one considers the many various factors affecting the feet during such recreational activities. These include proper or improper shoe gear, structural variations in the feet, environmental factors, rough terrain, cumulative mileage and impact factors to suggest just a few.

To eliminate one of those factors you can reduce risk of injury by paying attention to your foot gear – probably the easiest preventable measure you can take and one of the most important. When you purchase a brand new pair of hiking boots it is best to take the time necessary to slowly break them in.

There is no quick way when it comes to doing this. To do a good job, you have to put in the time and be patient or you will pay the price in sore feet, blisters and frustration. Never – ever- ever wear a new pair of boots out on the trail for a lengthy hike without going through the process. You may think you can handle it but if you listen to those who’ve gone before you and head the warning, you will have a much better hiking experience!

Protect Your Feet From Blisters, Pain and Regret! There is nothing like a new pair of hiking boots to get you excited about hitting those backcountry trails. Just the look of them says outdoors and adventure. Everyone knows what they represent. A good pair of sturdy boots is the most important piece of gear a hiker can have because without them you cannot get very far. Finding quality boots is very important. They can mean the difference between a hike from hell and a hell of a hike! I will probably always echo the Boy Scout motto whenever I can and that is “Be Prepared”. By being prepared with new hiking boots that simply means – break them in properly before going hiking!

You want your feet to be protected from the rigorous terrain often found on the hiking trails. Hikers encounter everything from rocks, mud, uneven surfaces, water, unexpected holes, thick brush and various obstacles along the path. Wilderness trekkers can expect to run into even rougher terrain. Along with great quality you want a perfect fit for your foot. They should feel snug but not tight as boots tend to loosen up as they get broken in. If they are too loose or too tight then you will have friction which is a definite cause of blisters. You need to be able to wiggle your toes freely yet feel a snug ankle support that does not rub or pinch. A boot that does not fit well can cause all sorts of problems. Also remember that men’s and women’s feet are different in many ways and women should not opt for a scaled down version of a man’s boot but rather purchase one specifically designed for the female foot to insure a better fit.

Once you’ve found the perfect boot that is the right price, look and fit then it’s time to break those babies in. Warning: if you do not break them in prior to hiking you may end up with serious injuries and pain. Having foot pain can alter the way you walk and cause leg and even hip or back pain. So taking this topic seriously will result in a better outcome for you.

The best way to break in new boots is to do it gradually. Start out by wearing your boots for short periods of time with the same socks you will be wearing to hike in. Just putz around your house wearing them for a day or two and see how they feel. If there are no tight spots or rubbing proceed with wearing them outside a few times when you do some light errands or yard work or just walking your dog. The key is to gradually put some mileage on them and allow the boots to loosen up and relieve some of the new stiffness.

Depending on the type of boots, it may take longer to break in and soften some heavy duty leather types or it may be quicker if you have a lightweight model that is not so rigid and stiff or even made of non-leather. There are many types and styles of boots today. Hiking boots are for more rugged trips like backpacking or longer hikes while hiking shoes are often more comfortable, lightweight and intended for use during day hikes. Many of the day hiker shoes are made of mesh and nylon and can be worn immediately like a tennis shoe.

If you search the net you will find references to a variety of ways that people like to break in new boots. Some use saddle soap and mink oil, Nikwax or NaturSeal leather conditioner, Neatsfoot oil, or alcohol and water. Some swear by getting them soaking wet and wearing them until they dry and conform to the shape of your foot. Some methods may work, some may not but gently breaking boots by wearing them over time will definitely work and costs nothing.

If your current boots are so comfy and broken in and feel perfect but have seen better days, then it’s time to start slowly breaking in a new pair while you still have your old kickers to rely upon. Before you know it they’ll be in perfect hiking shape too! It’s always hard to give up those old boots that you’ve spent miles of time with – it’s like losing an old faithful friend.

Before your trip you should purchase some moleskin at the local pharmacy to add to your first aid supplies that you should have in your pack anyway (remember -be prepared!). If during your hike you develop a hot spot the best thing to do is stop immediately and treat the area. A friction blister is the build-up of fluid or blood between the epidermis and dermal layer of skin caused by forceful rubbing or friction applied to the skin. A hot spot is the pre-curser warning that a blister will form if you fail to treat the area quickly.

Remove boots and socks and allow feet to rest and cool. A soak in a cool stream would be ideal. Shake out and dirt and sand or pebbles from boots and socks. Apply a soft piece of moleskin to the red area. It may prevent the development of a blister. Change into fresh socks if at all possible and/or apply some cooling foot powder.

Prevention of Blisters:

* Reduce perspiration by applying topical antiperspirant

* Identify areas of friction and pad them with moleskin

* Check shoe fit

* Wear socks that wick away moisture (polypropylene)

* Apply Vaseline to areas of friction

If you already have a blister do the following. If it has already broken, trim away any loose skin and apply antiseptic to prevent infection and then apply a bandage. Apply some moleskin or even duct tape over the bandage to lessen the pain when you start to walk again. If the blister did not break, use a sterile pin or knife cleaned with alcohol to poke it gently from the side to drain out the fluid. Leave the roof of the blister intact. Apply antiseptic and leave the skin intact as it serves as protection to the new skin underneath. Do the same as above with moleskin and tape. See a doctor if an infection does develop.

The socks you choose also play a very important role in your level of comfort during the hike. Cotton socks are a no-no. The absorb moisture and when wet will definitely be a source of chafing and blisters. Choose wool blend socks or wicking socks which are made with synthetic fibers that pull the moisture away from your skin. Also use a thin liner sock under your thicker socks to minimize friction and rubbing against your skin. Throw an extra pair or two in your backpack – they don’t weigh much and can really save your feet when a fresh change is in order.

Simple but important tips: trim your toenails before the hike and make sure your socks have no holes – two simple preventive measures that can save you some rubbing that leads to blisters and pain. Also if laces are tied too loosely or tightly friction again can cause blisters so tie them just snug enough to be secure and comfortable.

This advice is also for anyone who buys new boots, especially leather ones -construction workers, military personnel, ice skaters, mountain climbers, cowboys, etc. Any new boots should be broken in so as to help it mold and conform to the shape of your own foot and avoid causing you any pain from blisters. There are lots of techniques for softening leather and methods of breaking in but for hikers the best way is to wear them and walk in them since that is what you will be doing in them anyway!

Happy trails and happy feet!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gail_Leopold/136334

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