Customer Reviews

Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman's Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe

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Beginning with the basics size & shape of your man, Betsy Durkin Matthes asks questions that are easy to answer, but very important in picking the right kind and color of clothes for your man... or men, for yourself.

Chapter 1: Classifications include: the perfect (and not so perfect) man; the string-bean - or lanky; the short challenge; the larger man and his needs; ironclad men (those with the 6-pack belly and muscles like The Rock. Additionally a chart with suggestions for the body types helps pick out the right items.

Chapter 2: What colors are best? Years ago I was classified as an Autumn, and found that the fall colors enhance my appearance; I also buy clothes in the other seasons such as bright yellow (spring), black (winter), sky blue (summer). With the colors outside my season I change the way I do my make up. Since most men do not wear makeup, the choices are more important. Keeping the seasons in mind is helpful in buying the right color clothing and accessories to bring out the best in your guy.

Chapter 3: This is tricky because there are probably a lot of clothes that need to be tossed out -- so you attack his closet...but don't shock him, get him to help you and to understand why his wardrobe needs an update.

Chapter 4: If you don't generally shop in the men's department, just take the plunge and browse. Follow the guide she provides, and fill in the form for your man. Some of these items are jacket size, sleeve length, pants around the waist and to the floor, even tie length because a tall man needs a longer tie. This is filled with good information.

Chapter 5: The salespeople -- if they are on commission, they may try to get you to buy more than you need. That is the value of all the previous questions, answers, and guides. You'll know if they want you to buy everything or the ones that are right for you. You are in charge.

Chapter 6: Now the suits - every man should own at least one suit. This chapter is loaded with pictures that display the cuts of jackets, pockets, lapels, etc. We see the current fads everywhere, but the classics are sharp and can make the man.

Chapter 7: What's the best fabric for a suit? There are a variety of wool types and other fabrics, and some are better for the cut and type of a jacket than others.

Chapter 8: The covers patterned fabrics such as: pinstrip, chalk stripe, window pane, and more. The chart Matthes provides has clear pictures of each type, thus making it easier to discuss with your man and the salesman to find the right one for your man.

Chapter 9: How do you get the right trousers. Suit trousers really don't work as dressy slacks. With a bunch of pant types pictured for you, you'll know cuts, cuffs (yes or no).

Chapter 10: Covers vests -- to wear or not to wear?

Chapter 11: The Tailor is truly the person who can make an off the rack suit look custom. When you find a good one, consider him a jewel.

Matthes' Glossary will answer all of your questions so that if the tailor asks if you want barrel cuffs on a broadcloth pant, you'll know what to say.

With 25 fascinating chapters, you'll find that you are able to choose the best way to dress your man, or for a man to dress himself.

If you are like me, you are in charge of buying the clothes in the house. My husband has zero interest in fashion. All he cares about is looking decent enough to take us out to eat once in awhile, otherwise, he would be just as happy wearing his old jeans and flannel shirts and stay at home. Being in the Midwest, we are generally laid back ~~ with two young kids at home, we rarely have the chance to go out and dine in high style. Maybe someday. I digress.

This book is an invaluable tool for all people ~~ I plan to keep it on hand for when my boys are old enough to start wearing suits or when they need special clothes for special occasions. Even then, this is an invaluable tool to have on hand for any occasion that might arise. It is clear-cut, concise and very informative. It even has a section on shoes (which I will admit that I love shoes and know next to nothing about men's shoes!). It explains on how shoes are made, what kinds there are and the degree of comfortableness and casualness each kind are. She even has a section on socks, which surprises me because I thought, hey, there are just your regular cotton socks and your dress-up socks. And for me, something I have never learned how to do is how to tye a tie. This book even has illustrated demonstrations on how to do so. That will definitely come in handy when my boys are older and I can help teach them how to make a tie.

If you are looking on tips on how to dress your husband, son or any man, this book is definitely one that you should run to the store and grab a copy of! Even if you're not planning to dress anyone, this book is so interesting that it can enhance your knowledge of the male fashion world (which I will admit that I know nothing about). It is definitely a keeper!

6-5-07

This is a different, more mainstream non-fiction book than what I normally review, but nevertheless clothing is an important symbol in society and often a sensual symbol, so when author Betsy Durkin Matthes asked me to read her book, I agreed. Is "Dressing the Man You Love" worth your time to read?

At first I was concerned that this would be another book that urged women to basically be the "mommy" in their adult relationships, a trend I personally detest. Instead, Matthes deals with the realities of how boys and girls are raised differently, offering women advice they may need to help their male partners learn how to dress up in a more conventional manner for their business and social lives.

The book begins with a quiz about men's traditional clothing: think business and formal social wear. I failed it. I grew up in a working class home, and my men do not work in areas where suits are even suggested attire. However, even these men do occasionally have need for a suit.

Throughout this book, Matthes has added drawings and charts that really helped me figure out what she was talking about. The terms used for men's suits meant next to nothing to me until I read the descriptions and saw examples of them. These illustrations makes this a great reference book.

The book is divided into 5 major themes. Theme one is about the man himself. Body type is an important consideration when buying clothing, because you want a good fit. Even though Matthes emphasizes more traditional colors for men (my husband would be disappointed), she does discuss how skin, hair, and eye color play roles in choosing good fabric and colors. Sadly this is the one section of this book that lacks good drawings that would have been very helpful.

Theme two looks at locations. First is his closet and how it can be organized to display his clothing for utility. Second, how men's clothing stores or men's sections of stores are organized. If you know the layout, both you and he will be more efficient and effective in your shopping.

Theme three, the clothing itself, is the bulk of this book, covering 18 chapters; both chapters 5 and 11 look at the role of salespeople and tailors, and I found them out of place in this theme. The rest of this section covers almost every detail you can think of about men's clothing in terms of suits, casual business wear, and formal social attire. The illustrations here are necessary, since subtle differences seem to be the norm for men's clothing.

Theme four is also simply chapter 23, and it looks at caring for the clothing itself. Here Matthes is more intent on saying that a woman should show a man what to do, then expect him to take care of his own clothing. Details such as how to store or hang clothing can add years of life to it and should be something one does when changing in and out of clothes. Oddly, though, much of what is said about caring for these nice clothes struck me as unlivable, meaning how can a man eat or just plain work if he has to be so careful of getting anything on his clothing?

Chapter 24, the final theme before a useful glossary, index, and bibliography, looks at how you can encourage him to change into this more traditional wardrobe over time, or suddenly if a new job requires serious clothing changes. Above all else a man should be dressing to make a good impression in his job and in his social circle. Overall I think this book is for the professional office worker or businessman and not the average worker or partner. Since even the most blue collar man may have an occasion to dress up, though, this book does offer some good information about how to make money go farther for quality, instead of merely saving on a cheap look.

While the title suggests this "servant" role for women, the actual text offers continual hints on how to educate and involve the man in choosing and caring for his own traditional clothing. This is what made this book worth my while to read. I have no desire to be the "mommy" for my male partners, but I do value having information to offer them when they ask my advice, which they will. I learned a lot from this book, and I'll keep it around to look up information next time a man around here needs a new suit or a few more business outfits.

Gone it seems are the days when men took pride in their appearance. Glamourous nights spent at the theatre and escorting their wives to cocktail parties are a thing of the past, surely? Possibly not. In Betsy Durkin Matthes' new book, "Dressing the Man You Love", women are given pointers on how to enhance and preserve their partners' wardrobe. The book is warm and witty, and equally enjoyable for both sexes. This isn't a staid or boring etiquette book.

Men are encouraged to take a more active and concentrated role with their appearance; and there are several clothing chart templates with which you can keep track of various styles of clothing. These charts can easily be used in the home, tacked to the back of the wardrobe door, etc.

On the whole, this is an invaluable tool to help us all keep looking great!

Betsy Durkin Matthes is an actress who has starred on television as Victoria Winters in "Dark Shadows" (1968); plus the role of Jeannet Sloane on TV's "Hidden Faces". She also appeared alongside Lauren Bacall in the Broadway run of "Cactus Flower" (as replacement for the role of Botticelli's Springtime and also understudying the role of Toni).

Bravo, Betsy!

Betsy Durkin Matthes' brillianty written and meticulously researched book "Dressing The Man You Love" gives hope that the classic attire and appearance of a Gentleman does not have to be an illusion of the past.
It is the perfect guide for everyone who takes pride in their appearance. This book teaches class and style...from recognizing quality to determininig correct sizes, Betsy shows you in a fun and unpretentious way, how to choose clothing that will minimize any less-than-perfect aspects of your man's physique and how to focus on his best assets.
It is a very inspiring book that will make your next shopping experience a guaranteed success...and you might fall in love with him all over again!
Thanks to Betsy Durkin Matthes`s book-the Gentleman will be back!

When the author of this book contacted me about doing a review of it I was happy to do so. When it arrived I test marketed it among the ladies in my life who have a significant male other. The results and feedback were great!

Betsy Durkin Matthes has a wonderful guide, easy to follow, and a creative mixture of how to's with explanations to get you going. Helping a man develop a sense of style or enhance his already notions of fashion get an upbeat makeover from Matthes. Weaving her understanding of color, accessories, and other distinctly male clothing lines this book is a guide that isn't tide to trends or seasons. Matthes blends etiquette and shopping tips to make those trips to the tailor easier and more fun. It's a learning experience on the gentleman's version of My Fair Lady.

Behind every great man is a great woman and Betsy Durkin Matthes is one of them.

Being a man, it was not easy for me to sit down and read this book based on its title. I must admit that I did not know what I was going to get out of this book. However, after reading the book I must now admit that I have learned much from Betsy Matthes' book.

The book is just what the title suggests: a book on how to dress for men. It is actually a well written book that moves quickly. The illustrations in the book also were helpful and the pointers that Matthes gives are well worth your time.

Overall, I was happy to have read the book. I have learned that some of my own dressing habits need to change. It's amazing how much you don't realise goes into dressing for success until you see it in this work. Good job Betsy!

"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough," is just one of the witty epigraphs that adds spice to Betsy Durkin Matthes' new book, Dressing the Man You Love. This how-to guide, sub-titled "Purchasing, Coordinating and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe," is a combination owner's manual and fashion primer, based on the concept that women are more like to enjoy shopping for clothes than men, and therefore the best candidate for ensuring male sartorial splendor.

Meticulously researched with detailed drawings of every aspect of male attire, Dressing the Man You Love is a great book for browsing. There is something to learn on every page. The rendering of a man's tie, for instance, is painstakingly labeled with parts I never knew existed. The pointed tail is properly called an apron, or front blade. The narrow part that goes at the back of the neck is a gusset.

Supposedly, by knowing the sum of a tie's parts, the buyer can learn what to look for in that Hermes or Orsini, two of the pricier brands. Making sure the material has been cut on a bias is one sign of quality, and another one is that the tips at both ends are cut symmetrically on either side of their center points.

There are diagrams of different ways to fold a man's handkerchief, and how the pleats on a formal cummerbund are properly placed (facing up). Photos and descriptions of patterned suit fabrics help the discriminating shopper distinguish between tweed and crow's feet, herringbone and houndstooth, chalk stripe and pinstripe.

The book is so chock full of minutia, it doesn't take me long to wonder if the writer is really serious. After all, don't most women have better things to do than outfit their men like a Ken doll, with a different ensemble for every outing with Barbie?

But this book is a fun read, no matter how you cut it. The quotes provide a wide range of views on shopping, men and life. Writer Rita Mae Brown, known for her down-to-earth style, observes: "If the world were a logical place, men would ride side-saddle."

There are chapters on colors, closets, dealing with salespeople in the men's department, the merits of single- or double-vented jackets, socks and everything you always wanted to know about them but were afraid to ask. At the end of the book, a handy glossary offers quick definitions from argyle to yoke, along with an exhaustive index and a selected bibliography.

All in all, I am impressed by Dressing the Man You Love, though I confess the thought of re-phrasing my husband's fashion statements is more than I am willing to parse. I have enough on my hands telling him how to drive.

Written by a former Broadway and television actress, Dressing the Man You Love is a handy guide written especially for women, but invaluable to anyone who has to learn the basics of men's fashion and get a man's wardrobe looking presentable - including men themselves! Chapters walk the reader through everything from how to navigate men's clothing stores and find the most experienced salesperson, to the differences between types of men's shoes, to the three different knots of a regulation tie as well as the mastering the bow tie, to finding suitable business dress for "Casual Fridays", to identifying fabric and evaluating its quality, to creating a wardrobe organization plan that will keep even the most fashion-clueless of men looking fine. Written in down-to-earth terms, and illustrated with a handful of helpful black-and-white sketches and diagrams, Dressing the Man You Love is an absolute "must-have" help manual for male-fashion challenged.

Ms. Matthes' "Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman's Guid to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe" is a pricess reference for this new bride! We often love the man, but not his clothes, or are married to guys who, like my husband, "Would rather visit the dentist than the department store."

Ms. Durkin Matthes tells us all we need to know to get him looking good and keep his clothes that way. She goes beyond what looks sharp and what to wear where to construction and alterations, which I found invaluable. The construction of men's clothes is of course very different from women's, and she explains how to determine the right fit for your prince, how to recognize a quality garment from something that looks good on the outside but is actually poorly constructed, and the right fabric design for each body type. What looks sensational on the rack may not look as good on him once you get it home.

The section on trousers is invaluable for me. I felt okay buying shirts and sweaters, but not suits and pants. She told me how to measure him and determine the proper style and cut. There's even a chart that you can fill out and take to the store!

This is a great reference for anyone - home seamstresses, men planning their wardrobes, wives planning wardrobes for their men, or anyone who has an interest in fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed it.