The suit embodies both a man’s character and his taste. While it has evolved through eras in America and around the world, its fundamental essence remains timeless.
Fit is Everything
A suit should be like a second skin and fit you perfectly. Not too tight, never too baggy.
It should hug the shoulders, allow a free arm swing, and fall right on the shoes.
Single-breasted or Double?
The versatile single-breasted or the statement-making double-breasted. Choices, choices. It all comes down to your personal preference. On a note, don’t shy away from a statement-making double-breasted power suit; just make sure it’s the appropriate setting.
Fabric Matters
While appearance is key, the fabric of a suit also speaks to comfort, occasion, and season. Wool stands as a durable and timeless choice. Cotton provides both casualness and coolness.
Linen brings a naturally breezy elegance, and blends of silk and cashmere are the pinnacle of luxury.
Color and Pattern
Black and navy are classics, but there’s a spectrum out there. Charcoal and light gray are timeless hues.
Pinstripes are for the bold at heart, while checks and plaids represent where tradition meets modernity.
Details Make the Man
Lapels can be peak for power or notch for versatility. Vents might be single for a classic look or double for added flair. And those cuffs? That half-inch of shirt cuff is pure gold.
Tying it All Together
The tie, belt, and shoes bring harmony. Quality over quantity, always. Each accessory tells its own story: gold watches symbolize timeless luxury, leather gloves scream pure elegance, and hats are the crown jewel. And amidst these, the cigar case stands out.
How to Smoke a Cigar
Knowing how to smoke a cigar isn’t just about looking the part.
Alt tag: How to smoke a cigar properly
It’s about savoring the experience, understanding the craft, and, yes, a bit about looking sophisticated, too.
Cutting with Care
The first step in savoring a cigar is ensuring a precise cut. The straight cut is the best for most cigars as it provides a clean, even cut. For those who prefer just a small hole, especially on cigars with a larger circumference, the punch cut is ideal.
There’s also the V-cut, which makes a distinctive V-shaped notch and is often the preferred choice for pyramid-shaped cigars.
Lighting the Right Way
Your light source can make or break the experience. Cedar matches allow the sulfur from the match to burn off first, then light the cigar. On the other hand, butane lighters are clean-burning and effective. Avoid regular petrol lighters – they affect the taste.
The Perfect Draw
Take a moment. Feel the cigar and understand its weight. Then, take gentle draws, letting the flavors dance on your palate. Don’t inhale deeply; this isn’t a cigarette.
Etiquette and Enjoyment
There’s an art to enjoying a cigar. First, let the ash form a bit before tapping it off. An inch of ash retains the cigar’s temperature. Next, rotate the cigar every now and then. This ensures an even burn.
When done, leave the cigar in the ashtray. It’ll go out on its own. Snuffing it out? Considered bad form.
Storing and Aging
A good cigar gets better with age. A humidor preserves and enhances its flavors at around 65%-72% humidity.
Fashion and Cigar Pairings: A Match Made in Elegance
Fashion and cigars share a unique relationship: both are about expressing individuality and embracing sophistication. Let’s explore how to pair these two, ensuring each complements the other.
Light and Summery
Lighter cigars from regions like the Dominican Republic tend to have a mellow, creamy texture, often with hints of cedar and nut.
Opt for breathable fabrics. Think linen suits in beige or light gray, complemented by pastel-colored shirts. White sneakers, loafers, and perhaps a Panama hat to complete the summery vibe.
Medium-bodied Marvels
Medium-bodied cigars, such as those from Honduras, offer a balanced blend of flavors like cocoa, earth, and a hint of pepper.
This calls for versatility. A well-tailored navy or charcoal suit paired with a crisp white shirt. Leather shoes – preferably oxfords or brogues – add an edge. A silk tie with subtle patterns can bring the look together.
The Robust and Rich
Full-bodied cigars, especially from regions like Nicaragua, bring robust flavors: dark chocolate, coffee, and sometimes a spicy kick. These powerful flavors demand a commanding outfit.
Think dark, bold colors. A black or deep burgundy suit. Monochrome shirts in blacks or deep blues. Polished leather boots or high-gloss oxfords. And, to complete the look, a statement watch and perhaps a pocket square.
Casual Yet Classy
Corojos or mild Cubans, known for their smooth taste and occasional hints of sweetness.
Casual doesn’t mean careless. Go for dark-washed jeans paired with a tailored blazer – perhaps in tweed or corduroy. Underneath, a light turtleneck or a polo. Finish off with suede chukka boots or minimalist sneakers.
