Dude, do words like chambray shirt, monk strap shoes or anti-fit set your teeth on edge? Do you cringe when you enter a bespoke store and you are bombarded with jargon like hounds tooth, herringbone and shawl lapel? Let’s be blunt. Most Indian men are sartorially challenged and they grow up in an environment where their moms buy most of their clothes. However, it doesn’t take too much to be a refined man who’s delightfully familiar with every item he’s wearing and is confident about his sartorial choices too. Try and understand these common sartorial words which often throw you off kilter, though you aren’t man enough to admit it.

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Trench coat

Chuck Bass essayed by Ed Westwick dons a trench coat in Gossip Girl

Remember the long beige coat worn by Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl? This versatile garment has the ability to turn you into either a detective or a Wall Street shark — it all depends on how you wear it. Tie the belt around the waist or leave it unfastened.

Monk Strap shoes

A monk shoe is a style of shoe with no lacing, closed by a buckle and strap. They could be single buckled or double buckled. Designers like Kenneth Cole have reinterpreted them in tones like bottle green and tan this fall making them the ultimate closet essential. These beauties are considered less formal than a full Oxford shoe but more than an open Derby.

Distressed

A style of denim that is given a vintage worn-out look through manufacturing processes. They are treated and textured to add to the vintage charm and depth. In fact, some designers fade and age their denim to give it a vintage, worn-out look through methods such as stone washing and enzyme washing.

Varsity jacket

Preppy and sporty at the same time, this is usually accented with faux leather and wool. This layering option works great for fall and winter months.

Fedora hat

Justin Timberlake rocks a fedora hatA felt hat which is usually creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides. It’s a great dandy addition to your look for an afternoon at the racecourse — shields you from the sun glare (also, if you’re having a bad hair day) and adds more character to your dapper suit.

Anti-fit

Slightly oversized pants that look too big or long for the wearer. Clearly not for the faint-hearted! (A word of caution: Opt for them only if you hit the gym at least thrice a week!) 

Chambray shirt

Produced from cotton and also blended with synthetic fibres it’s usually a plain fabric woven in checkered or striped patterns. The fabric is said to have originated in the town of Cambrai in northern France. A must-have in every man (and also every woman’s) closet — this style chameleon can be worn in a conventional formal way and also be played down for a relaxed casual look.