Tailored clothing is a rite of passage for any gentleman wanting to make his mark. Bespoke clothing, though, is a different kettle of fish.

Generally, custom clothing is just that – custom. Yet distinguishing whether they're worth it can be quite overwhelming. Fabrics, style, process, and cost – all of these considerations can make made-to-order clothes feel altogether excessive. 

Here's what you need to know before deciding to embark on getting a tailored or bespoke suit.

Figuring out which suit to wear for a particular occasion is usually an easy decision. More formal events call for a darker suit; more casual or daytime events are well suited to lighter colors. We tend to choose our fine accessories according to the theme, the location, or our mood. 

But what about shoes? They're seemingly the most confounding of menswear staples. This really is a two-part question then: what color shoes to wear with your suit, and what shoes to wear with what color suits? 

At R. Hanauer, we value the details. In this edition of The Gentleman’s Guide, we'll spend some time with the small but mighty cufflink. It has waxed and waned in popularity over the last several centuries, but it has never disappeared from elegant settings. 

We’ll explore a little cufflink history and answer several common questions around when and how to wear cufflinks. Join us!

Are bow ties business professional? To us here at R. Hanauer, the answer is: of course. But we wear a bow tie most everywhere and recognize that we may be a bit... biased. Zooming out from personal preference however, the answer is: it depends. 

Let’s get into the criteria for deciding whether wearing a bow tie to work is right for you.

At R. Hanauer, we consider every day to be an occasion for a fancy bow tie. We appreciate, of course, that not everyone feels the same way.

Some gentlemen reserve their bow ties for special events. Others do not have any bow ties in their wardrobe at all - and even wonder, “Are bow ties in style in 2023?” (Chagrin!) We are delighted to inform them that bow ties indeed are still very much in fashion and are not likely to go out of style any time soon.

In this article, we’ll show you some suitably fancy and fashionable bow ties to have a little fun with, highlight a few luxury bow ties, explore the most popular bow tie color, and suggest some accessories that will spiff up every wardrobe!

Viva Magenta has been named the Pantone Color Institute’s 2023 Color of the Year while being fittingly proclaimed "an unconventional shade for an unconventional time." 

But what's behind Pantone’s choice? Come explore with us magenta's fascinating history and symbolism, color pairings - and... does it even really exist as a color?

Today, the necktie serves the role of fine accessory, elevating one’s look from casual to business casual or formal attire. Examining the history of the tie however, it’s clear that its original purpose was more functional than decorative.

Join us on an exploration of the long and fascinating history of the necktie, as well as what the tie has symbolized through time. 

Fashion trends come and go, but Black Tie and White Tie dress codes are as evergreen as they come.

For this holiday season, consider treating yourself to a White Tie occasion, and feel instantly confident and elegant in your skin. 

Let’s address at the different dress codes, look at which is more formal, and which type of events call for which attire.

If you are among those distinguished gentlemen who wear a bow tie most every day, the question is not When to wear a bow tie? but rather, When not to wear a bow tie?

Both are good questions that warrant comprehensive answers. Read along to learn the ins and outs of where and when to wear a bow tie.