The Men’s Style Guide

Style matters as much for men as it does for women. Pakistani men are increasingly style conscious but there are still plenty of men who look scruffy compared to the woman on their arm. With apologies to the many well-dressed men out there, here are some styling tips for the average Pakistani man.

Menswear by Charcoal

The number one no-no for guys is definitely B.O. Our tropical climate means you can’t help but sweat, but you can definitely make sure you don’t smell. Extra strength deodorant should definitely be on your bathroom shelf but don’t make the teenage mistake of trying to mask B.O with an extra squirt of spray. Pair that antiperspirant with generous use of soap and water; nothing beats regular showering.

Deodorant is essential but it’s no substitute for showering

Staying on the topic of grooming brings us to the next biggest fashion crime, which has to be bad hair. This covers everything from joined up eyebrows to dandruff to brylcream. Even worse, most guys haven’t changed their hairstyle in decades and nothing is more aging than a staid hairstyle. With so many men’s salons out there now, there really isn’t any excuse.

Actor Shaan styled by Nabila

No one’s saying you have to turn into Beckham and sport a different style every week, but there’s no harm in experimenting a little. Even if your job demands you look professional, there is nothing wrong with going for a more “with it” look. At worst, you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks to grow out a style you don’t like while at best your hotness rating could go through the roof.

Nabila has a dedicated Men’s Salon

When it comes to dressing well, the styling tool most under-used by men is definitely the iron. Since most men here don’t even have to do their own ironing it’s really criminal how many guys you see in crumpled and badly pressed clothes. If your domestic arrangements leave something to be desired, invest in the services of a laundry. Ironing is so cheap that there isn’t any need to go around looking as if you slept in your clothes. Of course, if that’s the look you are going for, do it right and make sure that your clothes fit well and are so up to date they give off sparks.

Arsalan & Yahseer at Fashion Pakistan Week 2013

Do make sure you find a good tailor. If custom tailoring from the excellent Cochese in Lahore is above your touch, hunt out a good tailor who can do those little alterations that make clothes sit properly, no matter what your size or shape. On the subject of fit, make no mistake, cut is as important in men’s clothing as it is in women’s clothing. There is a reason that designers experiment year after year with silhouette and cut. Try on a pair of your eighties trousers and then go and try on a pair of recent Armani pants. You’ll be shocked at the difference. Either your eighties pants will be shockingly tight or will be baggy around the thighs and butt, while the Armani pants will make you look slimmer, taller and better built. Your budget may not stretch to Armani but shopping around will help you find clothes that are cut well, and that is the key to being better dressed.

Lastly, remember that the people notice a guy’s accessories too so make sure you spend that little bit extra on your shoes and your watch. It’s worth investing in pieces that you are wearing almost constantly and great accessories can lift any outfit. Oh, and a final tip, never ever wear white socks unless you are playing sports.

Local brand EXIST at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2013

For those guys reading this and thinking it doesn’t apply to you and that fashion doesn’t matter, remember that the most powerful men in the world pay spin doctors through the nose to help them look better. It’s a brave new world out there and nowadays it isn’t just women who are judged by their appearance. Ambitious guys take note.

First published in Karachista’s regular column for the Express Tribune