Tips for the Fellas

Key pieces

fat ties (4-4.5" wide), abstract & geometric patterns, high-waisted pants, high-waisted vests, 3-piece suits, button braces, military uniforms (or parts of), thick white t-shirts, bowling shirts [daddyos.com], flat caps & fedora hats (see below), cufflinks.

Fabrics

light flannel, light new wool, rayon (shirts), and gabardine.

Colours

Hawaiian, contrasting panels of colour, grey, navy, black, red, white, pink, plum, burgundy, hunter green, bright blue/azure, butter yellow, army navy & airforce colours (not camouflage!).

Designs to look out for

argyle patterns (diamonds), hawaiian, geometric prints, Vargas girls (pin-up), martini & cocktail glasses, vertical stripes, guayaberas (mexican 50's shirts), pinstripes, plaid (checks).

Avoid

clip braces, skinny ties, sports socks, pocket chains (DANGEROUS!), wearing runners with suits, beards, designs with flames (too R&R), boots, hats during performances- unless you practice a lot!

Key search words

guayaberas, swing tie, wide tie, 40s, bowling shirt, Dean Martin, Zoot, Hollywood, cufflinks, plaid, pinstripe.