Neck gaiters are not something you would normally see the preeminent bespoke tailor in Dallas commenting on. But, as we all know only too well, these are not normal times. 

In fact, here at Edward Baumann Clothiers, your first destination for custom-made men’s suits in Dallas, we have received quite a number of inquiries reading gaiters. You could say that we are up to our necks in questions about neck gaiters. There is one question that really does need attention, however.

Is it ok to wear a neck gaiter as opposed to a cloth facial covering or disposable face mask? 

In reporting on a study done at Duke University, the Washington Post said, “In a recently published study, the researchers unveiled a simple method to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of masks.” The study evaluated quite a wide variety of face coverings, including N95 respirators and bandanas. “Of the 14 masks and other coverings tested, the study found that some easily accessible cotton cloth masks are about as effective as standard surgical masks, while popular alternatives such as neck gaiters made of thin, stretchy material may be worse than not wearing a mask at all.”

As you can imagine, there has been more than a little blowback – not just from folks who love to wear gaiters but also from other scientists, as NPR reported.

Among those saying more research needs to be done is Dr. Vicente Diaz, who specializes in ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases at Yale Medical School. “He says while Duke’s study provides a good starting point, there are many other factors to consider in assessing gaiters — such as testing circumstances and the specific gaiter used.”

“What they found was that when the subjects were talking for 10 minutes, [gaiters] seemed to allow particles [spewed by the wearer] to break up and even spread faster,” Dr. Diaz told NPR. “But that may be a function of the material used as well as the design of the face covering.”

As we so often say, the fabric and the fit make all the difference. That’s as true with custom jeans as it is with bespoke custom suit – and now, apparently, face masks and neck gaiters.

Normally, by now our bespoke tailor in Dallas would have produced an array of sophisticated custom-made men’s suits perfect for warm-weather wear. Of course, there is very little that is normal about life these days.

But there is hope! Things are starting to re-open and people are tentatively emerging from their isolation, blinking in the sunshine of a summer day like adorable little creatures emerging from their burrows.  

And, after months of sweatpants and old T-shirts (It might feel like years, but it has only been a matter of months since we heard a news report that didn’t feature Covid-19 prominently.), people all across this great land are ready to put on real clothes and pay attention to their appearance once again. 

Huzzah! (Which is our way of saying that we are looking forward to seeing you again soon.)

Summer Style Trends

Summer style trends were, of course, established long before we were told to stay home in order to stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19. But many of the looks on display at Men’s Fashion Week back in January and February seem appropriate for these strange new days.  

“Designed and produced well before the pandemic, optimistically patterned shirts and oversized shades are in high supply this season,” the style pros at  GQ magazine note. 

After months spent indoors, those shades will definitely come in handy as you emerge from your lair. And really, who couldn’t use a dose of optimism right about now?

There were also many nods to nostalgia, which we may find comforting as uncertainty continues to dog our every step.  

Among the 10 Top Fashion Trends from Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2020 that the Trendspotter picked up on at Fashion Week, were:

• Oversized Blazers that pay homage to the ‘80s were seen on the runways. “Whether it be a pinstripe or something one color, this is a great way to put a retro spin on a modern outfit without looking too formal,” Ally Feiam of the Trendspotter says. “Pair it with a basic T-shirt or a funky button-down and jeans, and you’re going to be strutting down every street in style.”

• High Waisted Trousers reminiscent of the 1940s are “a flattering style that comes back into fashion every few years, due to its versatility.”

• Flared trousers and jeans will have anyone who has fond memories of the ’70s smile! “With a thin upper leg and an exaggerated ankle, these trousers are sure to make an impact anywhere you go.”

If you didn’t hold on to your favorite flares, fear not! We can create a pair of custom jeans that will be even better than the ones you remember.

It may have snuck up on you this year, which is completely understandable given the current circumstances, but take it from best bespoke tailor in Dallas and a true arbiter of taste, a pandemic is no excuse for letting things slide on Mother’s Day. 

In fact, as one of the wardrobe consultants available to help you find the ideal custom-made men’s suit pointed out on a recent Zoom gathering, the pressure may be even higher to deliver a memorable Mother’s Day this year. 

Gift Ideas for the Woman Who Stole Your Heart

Fortunately, your friends at Edward Baumann Clothiers have your back (and we know how to make it look its best in a tailored suit or Dallas’s finest custom jeans!)

If you would traditionally take your lady out for a family brunch or romantic dinner on Mother’s Day, you are not off the hook just because social distancing makes that impossible. If you don’t think you’re up to cooking a special meal for her (with or without the assistance of the kids) and scaring up a couple of candles, then it’s time to order curbside pickup – from her favorite restaurant. 

With all the family togetherness associated with the Covid-19 quarantine, she would probably be extremely grateful for a little alone time. Give her a basket of scented bubble bath and lotions and tuck that new book she’s been wanting to read in for good measure, then round up the kids and the dog and head out for a nice LONG walk or a drive. If it’s not possible to get the little ones out of the house, just make sure you keep them happily occupied and away from mom until she emerges from her refuge.

Of course, we think she might also appreciate seeing you in something other than your sweats or your favorite pair of old jeans – maybe something like a bespoke custom suit or maybe a custom dress shirt with a well-fitting pair of custom men’s jeans.