See the picture to the left? It’s of the world’s greatest golfer, Tiger Woods. See what he’s wearing? It’s what would in most circles be considered dress pants, together with a non-collared, “Dri-Fit,” moisture wicking type shirt. Does it work for Tiger on the course? Course it does – he’s a phenom and is wearing that shirt while participating in an athletic event. Makes perfect sense. Athletic shirt at an athletic event.
So what’s the rub here? The rub is this: Way too many men are getting the wrong impression that these collarless Dri-Fit, Under Armour, Cool Max or other moisture-wicking type t-shirts are suitable for business or business casual environments. We think not. Sure, on a casual Friday a guy could get away with wearing one of those numbers if it had a collar on it, tucked into dress pants. When it comes to wearing the type Tiger has on above at the office — the type without a collar — never-ever Grooming Guy approved. Look around, you’ll see what we mean.
Actually, we just mispoke as there are a few situations where it’s OK:
- It’s field day at the office and accounting will be facing off against marketing in a series of three-legged races.
- It’s mid-summer, the air conditioning is broken and the man in question hasn’t purchased a Grooming Lounge approved anti-perspirant.
- It’s Tiger Woods day.
- You are Tiger Woods.
Now, if you’re sporting shorts or actually exercising, nothing better than a good ole’ wicking item. Just our take, take it or leave it.
I think a lot of people wear polos to work as a sort of business-casual deal. Many such polos today are of a wicking material (although they’re not quite so shiny and tigery as the above shirt, and they do have collars). Even Lands End, that paragon of belly-hiding one-piece swimsuit conservatism, is selling “wicking” polos. And frankly, they’re pretty scrumptious.
Maybe I’m just not in a job where I’m required to wear a tie, but three buttons, a collar, some sort of advanced space-shuttle wicking cotton material, and an undershirt (in my case, usually under armour, but it’s not like you can see it under said polo) seem formal enough for most offices I work in these days.
Make an impact on! what an idea !! What a concept !! Stunning .. Wonderful …