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Todd Shelton is manufactured exclusively in the United States

The Secret to Men’s Clothing

Here’s the big secret to men’s clothing: the way men dress today is the same as how they’ll dress 30 years from today. To think things will change, or need to change, is to ignore history. Very little changes.

In men’s clothing, one wheel has been invented and it does not need to be reinvented—it’s called timeless style. It’s the way men have dressed successfully for generations. It’s relevant today and will be relevant 30 years from today.

The greatness of timeless style

Some of the most legendary men in history knew the secret of timeless style. The greatest architects, designers, thinkers, and artists preferred to be known for their work instead of their fashion. Dressing in the fashion trends of the day would have minimized the long-term legacy they were creating.

In 1908, Adolf Loos, an influential Austrian architect, wrote an essay titled Ornament and Crime. He defined the ornamentalist (or trend follower in today’s terms) as a “cultural laggard or a pathological case. He himself is forced to disown his work after three years. His productions are unbearable to cultured persons now, and will become so to others in a little while.”

Even more controversially Loos asserted, “The lower the standard of a people, the more lavish are its ornaments. To find beauty in form instead of making it depend on ornament is the goal towards which humanity is aspiring.”

Adolf Loos still influences modern design today, over a hundred years later. He is quoted as saying, “Be not afraid of being called un-fashionable.”

History shows us timeless style is actually the most modern style. Timeless style centers on classic colors and fabrics. Every generation tweaks the fits and proportions slightly to put a unique stamp on it. But at its core, timeless style remains pure for the next and future generations.

The fashion industry thrives on constant change. Change (trends) drives clothing sales. Change is also the most popular choice for business people to try and fix business problems (i.e., it’s not working, change it).

But change creates confusion, and change is most often unnecessary in men’s clothing. We all have experiences with how change in clothing has worked against us. We find a fit and product we like, return to buy it again, and it’s not the same—if it’s there at all. Forcing us to start a new search from scratch.

Change is necessary for most things in life (you knew that). But men’s clothing does not have to change. Change in clothing can actually be wasteful and frustrating.

The value of adopting timeless style

“I can’t, I’m too busy.” These days, these words seem to be on repeat. We struggle to find enough time to focus on our careers, our families and friends, and ourselves.

But all the things we do throughout the day can be looked at as opportunities to simplify. If we simplify enough, we can free up time and headspace for the things we really want to spend time doing.

Dressing is one of the most significant things we do each day, and it can be easily simplified. By using traditional rules of timeless style, we can create a stable wardrobe that is positively predictable and simple – and frees up time.

If you have a personal story about simplifying your clothing, we’d love to hear from you – if it ended in success or not. Please reach out to us at support@toddshelton.com.