Reader Questions: Thin Shirts and Slight Breaks

Boys! A small number of girls! Hello! How are you? Did you miss me? I missed you! Really. True story. Hand to God. Scout’s honor. I had a great break, but I’m ready for Fall, and even more than that, I’m ready to tell you all of the things that have been leaking out of my brain the past week and a half about guys’ style. So many things I could hardly keep track (thankfully, that’s what an editorial calendar is for).

Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things and apologies in advance that September means few(er) swimsuit pics. I hope you’ll understand.

And now, the questions!

Nick asks:

Hey Megan. Love the blog. I’ve got a few polos from Original Penguin made of a light material. The fit is good, but because the material is so thin, my nips tend to poke through. Wondering about the girls’ perspective on this, or any recommendations. I had a hard time coming up with anything myself.

WHAT AN AWESOME AND WEIRD QUESTION.

I have never ever ever thought about this, if that tells you anything about the level of attention girls give to guys’ nipples. But after giving it a long, hard think – I take this job seriously after all – I’ve decided that you should just be loud and proud of what you’ve got going on under that polo.

Personally, I wear the thinnest of foundation garments I can get away with as there’s not that much to support and I’m a creature of comfort when it comes to what I put on my body, so I get where you’re coming from in terms of trying to protect your modesty. Really I do. But that said, I don’t really think modesty in the chestal (?) region is something for guys to concern yourselves with. Especially not when it comes to polo shirts. Getting into dress shirts, sure, that’s maybe a different story, but do I think you need a wifebeater – sorry! under-tank-top-thing – just to beat the nip slip in a polo? No, definitely not.

CJ asks:

Okay, so you convinced me to get rid of my bootcut khakis, and I’m a straight leg man now.  But how long are these things supposed to be?  No way can I rock bare ankles working for the government in conservative DC, but the puddle of pants that most guys have around their ankles doesn’t look too hot either.  Is there a guide for how much break one should aim for in various kinds of pants?

Good question! And a good opener to boot – any time I can convince a guy to get rid of his bootcut jeans, an angel gets his wings.
Breaks can be confusing when it comes to pants. But not in rad 80s rap songs, then it’s pretty straightforward.

To, ahem, break it down (gahhh, sorry, I’m so sorry):

• A full break is when the pant develops a crease, or two, or three, or ::shudder:: more at the bottom. The pooling effect you referred to.
• No break is when the pants at the bottom are unbent and evenly touch the top of the shoe. This is probably the most fashion-forward way to wear one’s pants, and is often paired with the no-sock look you’re shunning (which, okay, FINE, but I still like it).
• A slight break is in between, in which there’s a slight line but not as noticeable. Sometimes this is called a half or quarter break, but to my – admittedly untrained eye – they look so close I don’t make a distinction.

As a lady type, I like when guys aim for a slight or no break; it helps you avoid looking like you borrowed someone else’s pants. Plus, a smaller break gives you the illusion of being taller. That’s never a bad thing.

Primer (a great style resource for guys if you don’t know about it already) has a great article on the subject which shows you all the different kinds of breaks and suggestions for your jeans, chinos, dress pants, and more. I highly recommend giving it a once-over.

(image via Primer)