MILITARY STYLE TIPS - THE CHAP'S GUIDE TO LOOKING SHARP

I once saw a gentleman in London or Canterbury, he was dressed immaculately in suit and clean shoes and wore a regimental tie, I reckon he was a former soldier.

Bravo.

Great content 👍👏👏

Visited Hull from Germany, last week.
Young guy in shop: "You look very smart, Sir. An example to us all."
Made my day!

Four years in the U.S. Army. Two years enlisted (made SP4 – same level as Sergeant). Two years officer. A year in Vietnam during the war. There is only one way to dress: the best possible. To me that means classically. I abhor today's mediocre informality. Was at the doctor this morning. Only one in the waiting room wearing leather shoes (mirror-shined, of course). I do not own any canvas shoes. Great video, Ash.

Thank you.

High time for another one of these please Ash. Maintain your kit (learn to sew)

Agree with you 100% Ash. People notice my shined shoes and compliment my footwear frequently. My drill sergeant would walk up and down the ranks and if he couldn’t see his reflection in our boots or shoes we polished them again.

My grandfather said, “Joseph dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

Liked, subscribed, and turned on notifications (my only channel with notifications enabled) Returning your salute sir!

4 years USMC. You’re absolutely right that the military has a way of drilling you in the importance of appearance. It’s hard to convey t he pride of the uniform for people who haven’t served themselves. It definitely transitioned into my civilian life. Great video mate!

Former infantryman for the U.S. Army and current law enforcement officer. I still mind the details, polish my shoes and check the mirror before leaving the house. That “gig line” is still important (lining up the shirt buttons, trousers button and belt buckle). Thanks for the videos.

An informative video. I note and thank you for your service in the RAF. I myself served for 29 years in the Canadian Army, joining in 1985 as a Private soldier and retiring as a senior Captain. Your remarks are well thought out and indicate that the RAF teaches its members to dress well. When I started my first civilian job with Ontario Hydro, I had no problem complying with the dress code, which stated that one wore business dress for four days a week and business casual dress for Fridays. I exceeded the standard by wearing a blue or a grey three piece suit, white French cuff shirt, Regimental tie, cuff links, spit shined (bulled) black leather quarter Wellington boots (the dress variety, similar to Chelsea boots, not the rubber ones!) and a dress wrist watch. For the tie, I have several varieties, which I would wear as I saw fit -- Military Police (the Corps in which I served), the Royal Canadian Military Institute (the club which I joined after I became a commissioned officer), the Canadian Army Command and Staff College (which I became eligible to wear after I graduated) as well as some varieties from Harry Potter (Gryffindor and Slytherin!). For business casual, I wore dress trousers with a knife edge press, a French cuff white shirt and cuff links or a turtle neck jumper (sweater) in grey, black or white. I always received compliments on my order of dress, especially from the ladies!

Regards,

D.A. Stolovitch, CD
Captain
2 Military Police Regiment / Canadian Forces Military Police (Retired)

Hi Ash, interesting video! What is the brand and model of the brown leather boots in this video? Thanks, Stas

Yank here, retired military, grew up under a military father. I don’t work anymore and don’t wear a suit and tie, but still people notice the bearing, and as you mentioned the shine on the shoes, the press of the clothing, and ask if I was in the service. I appreciate your comment that you never know whom you will come into contact with each day. First impressions are lasting.

People often notice my shoes and make the connection. A bit of pride is important. Generally I don scrubs to work in, but if at a non-uniformed event I can't turn up in T-Shirts or jeans.

"If you've got a mirror shine on your shoes, people will think..." Military.

Agree wholeheartedly, great video

I have recently found out that I will be getting medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces after 13 years. With this somewhat unexpected end to my career the most intimidating realization was that I would have to learn how to dress myself! Back when I first meeting my fiancé's family. I was wearing my trusty cowboy boots, (brown Boulet's, a great Canadian brand) and my eternally present plaid button up shirt, with denim jeans, a perfect men's casual style for everyday use out on the Canadian prairie. On my arrival at thier home, as I take off my hat and boots at the front door and my fiancé's youngest sister (15 years old) immediately starts mocking me " Do you have any non-plaid shirts? How about shoes or sneakers? Just cowboy boots?... wow." With full blown teenage sarcastic tone.
I was incredulous. I'm a 6 foot tall soldier, Afghanistan War veteran, Im covered in tattoos and face scars and here is some small girl mocking my plaid shirts and boots!!? (The hat wasn't popular either, I found out later.) After some self reflection and examination of my wardrobe I decided she was at least partially right. I needed to upgrade and dress less "uniform". With the looming career change and massive life changes (Im going to be one of those covid weddings) and finally settling in to my early 30's it really was time for this change. But I had no idea what I was doing. At first and I think I managed to make all the beginner's mistakes, some even after I was warned. But with the help of this channel and the others like it a year in, and with 5 months to go until I'm out of the Army. I know I'm well prepared to choose my own clothes from now on.
A.W. Brown
P.S. The younger sister is now wearing plaid and boots, she's trying to attract the attention of a country boy 😉.

On the topic of looking after your kit, what is the best device for removing fuzz and pilling from knitwear, please?

Great video!

One thing I always repented is that I never joined the military even for at least a few years service. I always considered it as a waste of time but I think it comes down to try to take with you every positive note from any situation that will help you further in like, But this gave it to me .Thank you.

Alexander the Great first obliged his soldiers to drop the beard and shave, so that the enemy soldiers could not use the beard to grab them during battle.
Excellent video! Thanks! 🇬🇷

Agree. Military teaches to care for your "kit", not only clothes also all your stuff.

New subscriber. Like your channel. Always try to dress like a gentleman. Thank you for your service. Cheers

Even though I left the army 34 years ago I still bull my shoes/boots and press shirts and trousers with knife edge creases.
People always say Army.?.So yes it is a compliment.
Thanks for another informative video.

I was a police officer for 30 years. I always bulled my shoes.The compliments and fascination regarding them from people you would not believe!

I agree with your sentiments on improving appearance! My father and Grandfather were both in the military in WW2 and I’ve always taken many of their ideas of dressing into my everyday life. My grandfather in particular who was Sergent Major could mirror shine a pair of calf leather Oxford shoes to patent leather standards. Although the army produces many remarkable people i don’t believe you have to be in the army in order to bring in some of those qualities into your everyday life. You can do that bit for yourself! Many people men in particular question my decision to keep wearing a tie in my uniformed job when it is optional but I’m feel more put together and am less lazy when i do so.

Aspects I don’t like about the army are war obviously and their expendable attitude towards men in particular and corresponding pedestalising of women. Also some of the unquestioning mindset might work well on a battlefield but be less useful in civilian life.

It’s fascinating how many really good classic items of menswear have a military heritage and can be worn until they wear out unlike so called fast fashion.

When I first became a glorified babysitter ( prison guard), the inmates asked what other units I've worked at.
When I said none, they said "ah, military".
I need to find another job, one where I can grow my beard back

Always looked sharp Ash

I’ll share with you something that happened recently to me. Our company has relaxed the dress code down to no ties and dark demin jeans, but no T-Shirts or gym shoes. This particular office made it a point to embrace this and ditched the sport coats and button down shirts; all polos and jeans. I was announced for a new position and wore, dress slacks and my coat, polished shoes, button down dress shirt. (in my last position was the standard) after I was announced the first thing was said was “Chris is going to a wedding after work” meaning I was overdressed! It’s funny how as the bar gets lowered how perceptions change. Great points.

Excellent again!