Category: Fashion

Car Keys

Though I grew up outside of Detroit, I was never much of a ‘car guy.’ In recent years, however, I’ve gotten a little more into form, function, and design. I found an excellent deal on a very low-mileage Audi A4 back in 2020 and had to move on it. While this isn’t the ‘family car’, it has been an excellent ride. It’s functional, comfortable, and the turbo gives it plenty of pep to take on a back road. While where I live doesn’t get too much snow, I would highly recommend Audi’s Quattro system.

You’ll also notice the only other thing on my key ring is a house key. No secret grocery club membership, no jelly-of-the-month club tag — none of that. I want as little bulk in my pockets as possible.

Wallet

My father carries an enormous wallet — so large he once needed a rubber band to hold it together after the Velcro wore out. Very Costanza. It was at that point I resolved to carry a card case and keep only the essentials in there. And, because I saw so many guys have to replace theirs every two years or so, I knew I wanted something made to last.

So, I decided on a shell cordovan card case. I found this one on Etsy, of all places. It’s made from Horween’s classic Color #8, and the blue contrast stitching looks especially handsome. I’ve had this for about a year, and it’s been wonderful. It’s started to take on a little patina, and has securely held on to what I keep in there. Which, frankly, isn’t much: two credit cards, my driver’s license, and an insurance card.

Wedding Band

Wedding bands are one of those deeply personal things with a story behind them. Here, I’d like to think there’s a lesson to be learned.

When I was first married, I had a 6mm tungsten band. I chose it because a lot of other guys had them — and they were accessible for what we could reasonably afford at the time. But, I was sized for it at about 11am, in the middle of August, after a fairly substantial breakfast. In short, I wasn’t sized correctly and it became very difficult to keep on. Because tungsten bands cannot be re-sized, I needed to purchase a new one after three years.

My band is slightly domed with a round edge. That way, it slips over my knuckle but still sits securely on my finger. I was also sized at 6.75 — not 6.5 or 7. That was as small as I could go while still being able to comfortably get it on and off.  It’s 5mm wide — not 4, not 6, but five. I may have mentioned earlier I’m a little obsessive and this width was chosen not only because it’s unique, but it is, to my eye, the correct proportion for my finger. It’s 14k instead of 18k, as well, because I wanted it a little harder.

The lesson, though, is to select something unique to you, not because it’s currently trending.

Watch

While I can absolutely appreciate timepieces and the intricate designs of these fascinating mechanical objects, I’m probably the least “watch guy” out of the contributors to this site. I do have a decent collection, but my favorite is this Viewmatic Jazzmaster Automatic from Hamilton (ref.H32515555). The 40mm case size is excellent for my wrist, and this dial and strap works with anything from a T-shirt to a double-breasted suit.

I’d had my eye on purchasing it when I found out I was going to become a father, but a surprise work bonus enabled me to do it a little sooner than that. I’ve had it for over four years now, and don’t think it’ll be out of the collection anytime soon.

Phone

I’m not one to line up for the ‘latest and greatest’ of whatever tech gadget comes out next. But, I currently carry the iPhone 12 Pro, and I’m glad I did. The 12MP camera system is excellent, sure, but what I really appreciate over many of the previous models is the return to the more squared-off edges. To my eye, it makes for a cleaner design. I also go for a minimalist case from Peel.

Sunglasses

I’m far from Bono, but my eyes are fairly sensitive and I do wear sunglasses most of the time outdoors. Because I get so much use out of them, a quality pair was well-worth the investment. And for me, there isn’t a pair better than the Persol 714s.

I went for the smaller 52mm model, and that’s worked best for the size of my noggin. The “Havana” tortoiseshell and brown (polarized) lens complement most of what I wear, as well.

While the 714s are the folding model, I actually don’t fold them often unless I need to pack them in a carry-on bag.

Golf Practice Fob

Like many, golf became a huge part of my life in 2020. The course is a place to escape and the game is a way to continually challenge yourself both physically and mentally. I’m fortunate enough to have a club with superb practice facilities literally down the street from my house, so I’m able to get out a few times a week on a lunch break or after my daughter is asleep to hit some balls, and try to reach a single-digit handicap.

Wrapping Up

My EDC will, of course, vary depending on where I’m going that day. But, I’ve been conscious and intentional about what I carry and why. It’s one less variable I have to consider and makes me much more efficient.

Wondering how much does it cost to start a clothing line? 

You’re not alone. 

This is one of the most common questions I get asked by people who are thinking about taking the leap from working 9-5 to becoming full-on entrepreneurs and owners of their very own clothing brand.

When I was starting out, someone told me I’d need at least $50k, and others said that number might be closer to $100k.

In case you’re thinking, that’s a lot of money!

Don’t worry. I once helped a student get her brand started with only $2,500. 

Was it hard?

Yes.

Did we bootstrap literally everything?

Also, yes.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely!

On average I tell my students it costs about $10,000 to start a line. Now if this number sounds like a lot to you, first of all, it’s a holistic number – meaning not just the manufacturing cost, but also development, marketing costs, startup costs… all the things.

Can you do it for less? Absolutely! Can you spend a lot more, like hundreds of thousands of dollars? Also, yes… but I wouldn’t recommend that.

You can refer tothis post where I break down exactly what goes into each step of starting a clothing company. 

Today, I’m going to focus on the costs involved in each step along with some money-saving tips to help you keep spending to a minimum. From there, you can decide which path, based on your budget, is right for you and your brand.

But, before we get started.

Have you heard about the super secret document that everyone in the fashion industry uses, but no one is talking about? Probably not. That is because you can’t find it on Google or TikTok (believe me, I’ve tried).

It’s a form I have used for over 13 years at every job I have ever had. Literally everyone from brands to fabric suppliers use it, but you can’t find it anywhere publicly. 

The best part? It can cut your sourcing time in half, and save you tons of money in product development! This is the kind of info consultants charge the big bucks for. And, I’m giving it away for free until the end of the month. 

so, get ready to make fashion startup life a whole lot easier, and GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE NOT SO SECRET SOURCING DOC HERE

SKIP TO A SECTION

1. Inspiration Shopping
2. Garment Design
3. Tech Packs
4. Pattern Drafting and Grading
5. Sourcing
6. Product Development and Sampling
7. Print and Color Design
8. Buying Bulk Fabric for Production
9. Cut and Sew
10. Packaging, Labels, and Tags
11. Quality Control
12. Shipping and Logistics

THE FEAR FACTOR

Usually when people ask me how much it is going to cost them to start a brand, what they are really asking for is how much money could I potentially lose.

And, if you are looking at your business with this mindset, it might not be time for your to start your brand.

Because you want to be really sure. So instead of thinking how much money could I lose, I need you to be thinking if I invest this much in this one thing, how much could it make me in the future.

Because starting a brand isn’t a quick financial fix. Seeing your bank account drop as you invest in your company can be scary. So, you need to remember, that with hard work and patients that money will come back in.

FIRST THINGS FIRST . . . PROFITS



Before we even get into what everything will cost you, I want to jump ahead for a minute and talk about profits. Because a lot of the information that I see on other fashion coaches’ websites is very misleading.

What I am seeing are these overly simplified examples that go something like this . . . 

If you can sell one shirt a day for $50 (sounds pretty easy, right?), you can make $18,250 a year ($50 x 365)! And, remember that’s just for one style of shirt. Your brand will probably have five, ten, or even more designs.

Sounds exciting right?

REVENUE VS PROFITS

But, we need to remember these products cost money. The value of $18,250 is your revenue, meaning how much money you take in, not your profit. To figure out your profit, you’ll need to subtract your costs.

So…

If you can manufacture a shirt for $10 and sell it for $50, you can make a $40 profit per shirt. Now, let’s do the math again . . . $40 x 365 days in the year equals $14,600 in your pocket a year!

Still pretty good.

But, again this is not the full picture. These simple calculations that turn your eyes into cartoon dollar signs aren’t accurate. Because along with the cost of making your product comes tons of startup costs to running a successful business.

So, how much should you really expect to earn after all of your business expenses are taken care of?

REALISTIC PROFIT EXPECTATIONS

Ready for it? . . . The average profit for a healthy fashion business is about 20% of the company’s revenue. So sticking to the example above, if your business takes in $18,250 in revenue selling one shirt a day for $50, when all is said and done, you will have about 20% of that left in the bank, which is $3,650.

Feeling disappointed? Yeah, I know $3,650 doesn’t sound like much.  

But don’t worry because even the most successful brands are working with figures like these.

The bottom line . . . Don’t underestimate the costs involved in starting your business and staying in business. Because when you understand what it really costs to start a successful business, you can make wiser decisions that will help you grow and scale to profits that will allow you to quit your day job. I promise.

Alright, now that you are clear that revenue is not the same as profits, let’s get into it and answer the question once and for all…

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO START A CLOTHING LINE?

1. INSPIRATION SHOPPING



Many design teams like to start their season off with inspiration shopping.  Inspiration shopping is when designers go out shopping in stores for clothing they like, then they use these garments as inspiration for the next collection’s designs.

And these samples can be important for another reason . . . fabric sourcing. Once a designer is done with the samples, the product development team will cut them apart to create fabric swatches. They then send the swatches to fabric agents to source similar options.

Using swatch samples to show fabric suppliers exactly what you want will make fabric sourcing much easier. The only downside of this process is that acquiring the swatches can be very expensive (like, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars). Especially if you or your team went shopping for luxury textiles.

MONEY-SAVING TIP

Look for garments for inspiration online on secondhand shopping sites like eBay and GEM.app (cut your costs to only a few hundred dollars). Or, your own closet (free).

2. GARMENT DESIGN



Most people that come to me for help have no experience in design, can’t draw, and have never even seen a sewing machine in real life, let alone know how to use one. They think they need a designer.

But here’s the thing—you can DIY a lot of the design work yourself. Before you go out and hire a designer.

The first step is to do some research on your own.

Create a mood board with styles you like that inspire you. This way, when you communicate with the designer you hire, you have examples to reference to help you bring alive the idea that’s in your head. You can say something like, “I want to make this dress, but add long puffy sleeves like this shirt over here.”

Once you know what you want to make and have a way of communicating those ideas with your boards, then you are ready to hire a designer to help you make flats.

Again, having those reference images from your mood board is super important. Any time you can use images to explain your ideas, you are increasing your chances of being happy with what the designer comes up with. Many people end up going way over budget on their design work because they have communication issues and trouble helping the designer understand exactly what they want. Reference images are the shortcut to communication trial and error.

Okay, so what are flats? Flats are pretty much what they sound like. They’re sketches of the garment laying flat. You can think of them as the blueprint for your design.

Flats will cost you anywhere from $5 to $35 per sketch. Anything more than that, you’re getting ripped off, IMO.

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY FLATS ARE IMPORTANT

1. They allow you to see what the garment that you dreamed up in your head will actually look like. 
2. You can share flats with your target audience for feedback on your initial ideas.
3. When you have a flat of each of the styles you want to make, it becomes easy to visualize the entire collection. You might realize all the pieces you thought you wanted to make don’t sit well together, or you are missing key categories that will complete your line.
4. You can use your flats to quickly and cheaply swap in colors and prints, to help you visualize what each style will look when they aren’t just in black and white.
5. And,, you can actually reuse these sketches in your tech pack in the future to help communicate key design features and measurements.

3. TECH PACKS



Tech packs, which are essentially instructions on how to make your design, will cost you anywhere from $100 to $1000 PER DESIGN. 

The price depends on the designer’s experience as well as how complex your design is. Think the difference between a simple t-shirt vs. a custom ski jacket with all the pockets, ad-ons, and bells and whistles.

Tech packs are the key to transforming your idea on paper into a real life garment.

But here is the problem. In my 12+ years in the fashion industry, I have never seen a perfectly made tech pack. And really bad tech packs can end up delaying your process and wasting your money.

One of mySummer Sourcing Intensive students paid thousands on tech packs before working with me. She took the tech packs to her factory and the factory ripped them up. They said they were not physically possible to make and she would need to start again.

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

The problem is, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be hard to tell if your tech pack was made correctly or is a bunch of BS. They all look official and have drawings, sketches, numbers, measurements, all the things. But the problem is all those things can be incorrect and you likely wouldn’t  know.

So, how do you get around this and not waste up to $1000 per design?

There are two ways. One, you can gamble and take a risk on hiring someone. You can do your research, speak to references, and pray whatever they make works out.

Or two, I teach a system in the Summer Sourcing Intensive called the Frankenstein method. It’s a 3-hour lesson that teaches you how to get all the info you need to communicate your designs to a factory just right. And the best part? You don’t need any sort of design or artistic talent to be able to do it. Literally, anyone can!

Before we move on to the next step in the design and development process, I just want to say, tech packs are consistently the place where I I see brands waste money. So, beware!

4. PATTERN DRAFTING AND GRADING



Okay, so you have a sketch of your design and your tech pack. Next, you are going to need a pattern that will be used to cut out fabric shapes that will then be sewn together to make your garment.

Grading means taking that one pattern in whatever size you made it in and scaling it to other sizes. So, your pattern might have been made in a size medium. You will need to pay to have that pattern graded to sizes XS, S, L, XL, or whatever other sizes you want to make.

Patterns and grading range from about $200-$2000. And if you don’t have this skill, you will definitely need to hire a pattern maker or ask the factory you partner with if they have one that can help.

Yeah, that’s a big range. And that’s because it depends on how complex the pattern is. Generally speaking, the more pockets and other details you have in your design, the more expensive your pattern work is going to be.

As a reference – I pay on average $250 per pattern (in the U.S.A.) and $40 per graded size. And, in India I pay around $50 for a pattern, and $15 per graded size.

5. SOURCING



Now that you have the sketch of your idea, the instructions on how to make it, and patterns to physically make it, you need the materials.

That’s what we call sourcing. Finding suppliers that can sell you things like fabric, zippers, buttons, snaps, labels, tags, etc.

If you want to hire someone to do your sourcing for you, it will probably cost you between $500 and $3000 per style. Again, that depends on how many components are in your design  and how difficult they are to source.

IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN THIS STEP YOURSELF, YOUR SOURCING COSTS COULD BE VIRTUALLY ZERO

Some people think the $1,500 price tag for the Summer Sourcing Intensive is too high. So they contact me like, hey can I just hire you to source my garment? And the reality is, that’s even more expensive. Because I charge a minimum of $3,000 to source one garment. Again, you probably have five or more garments in your collection, so that’s over $15,000 to source one season.

The truth of the matter is, with my tips and tricks in the Summer Sourcing Intensive you can do all of your sourcing on your own. Not just for this season, but for every other season after that, which could potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in the course of your business.

Learning to source, like comminuting tech pack details, is a skill that can feel impossible and confusing in the beginning, but it is something that EVERYONE can do if they just learn the right way. And no, learning as you go is not an option.

Thinking you can learn as you go is a great way to blow through all your money and go broke before you can even launch.

6. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / SAMPLING



Okay, let’s get that garment made! Unless you know how to sew, this is a step you will need to outsource.

In general, samples will cost anywhere from $200-$2000 per design.

Again, I know that is a huge range. The cost of the sample will again depend on how complex the style is. T-shirts will be around $200 and jackets with lots of pockets or bags with lots of hidden compartments will be closer to $2000.

REMEMBER TO BUDGET FOR REVISIONS

Keep in mind, you will probably need more than one sample per design. Why? Because samples almost never come out perfectly. After you get your first sample,  you’ll need to make small changes to your pattern and to your physical sample. So make sure to budget accordingly for this.

If you do all of your communication correctly, you will probably only need two samples in total, but I have seen friends have up to 10 samples made to get their product just right. Most of the reason why they needed so many samples was because they didn’t know how to communicate what they wanted. As a result, they wasted thousands of dollars learning as they went. 

One bonus tip here. I always recommend having someone from your target market try the samples on. This way, you can get really good feedback and make any changes necessary before you move into your bulk production order.

7. PRINT AND COLOR DESIGN



Adding prints and colors to your garments will increase your production price and also your product development price. Keep in mind there is a lot of testing that goes into creating a print. For prints, after your design is made, which can cost anywhere from $100-$500, you will need to have a strike-off made. A strike-off is a small swatch of fabric with your print on it. The strike-off allows you to check that the colors are correct and the print is coming out looking like it should. Of course, print houses charge for this, so you need to factor it into your expenses.

CUSTOM COLORS ARE CHEAPER THAN CUSTOM PRINTS

If you are creating custom colors, this will be cheaper to develop because you won’t have the $100 -$500 development fee, but you will have to pay for something called lab dips. Lab dips are exactly the same as strike-offs except instead of a print, they are dyed a solid color. These are necessary before you move forward to make sure that your dyehouse is able to match the colors that you need. This is also important if you are matching different components with different fiber contents. 

One problem with dying is that all fibers do not take and absorb dye the same way, so if you want a polyester trim to match with a cotton body, you will need to make sure that it is possible by using lab dips.

Lab dips and strike offs generally cost between $15-$100 depending on the dye and print houses you are working with. 

MONEY-SAVING TIP

Use deadstock fabric for cool prints and colors instead of custom. This trick can save you hundreds or even thousands. Plus, as an added bonus it’s more eco-friendly!

8. BUYING BULK FABRIC FOR PRODUCTION



I just spoke about the cost required for sourcing fabric. But that was just for figuring out what fabrics you want to design and use. Those fabrics also cost money.

There is a huge range here depending on the kind of fabric and how much fabric you buy. If you order thousands of yards of fabric, you can get fabrics for as low as a dollar per yard, but if you’re ordering only a few yards to start your small brand, fabric can cost up to $20 per yard or more. Luxury fibers like cashmere and silk will cost more with the price per yard reaching up to almost $40, while more commodity fabrics like cotton or rayon will be much cheaper, like $5.

Keep in mind, new technology fibers like plant-based leathers or anything that is getting a lot of buzz but you have not been seeing a lot in actual clothing stores will probably be the most expensive. It takes time for new fiber technologies to get good at what they do and bring down the price. That is why recycled plastic water bottle fabrics are so popular now. They are actually over 50 years old, but  it took 50 years for the technology to improve enough to make the fabric more accessible.

9. CUT AND SEW



Cut and sew is exactly what it sounds like. A clothing manufacturer will cut your fabric and sew it into a garment.

The price for a cut and sew depends on a lot of factors including how much is being made, what country it’s being made in, and how complex your designs are.

For a small order of 20 pieces, if you wanted to make it in a western city like New York, Los Angeles, London, or something comparable, you would probably spend about $40-$80 per garment on average. Again, that will depend on the complexity of your designs. If you want to make it in a place like India, for example, cut and sew will cost about $20-$40 per garment, but you will have to pay shipping costs and also clear and pay customs and duties.

DON’T WORRY THESE PRICES WILL GO DOWN IN THE FUTURE

The more you make, the more those prices go down. For an order of 200 pieces, you can expect to pay. 

Remember, this is only the price for cutting and sewing. You will need to add on top of this the price of your fabrics plus a few more expenses I’ll mention below.

10. PACKAGING, LABELS, AND TAGS



The cost of your packaging labels and tags will be determined by how complex they are (are you noticing this is a trend?). For most new brands, I suggest buying generic boxes with no branding and adding a sticker with your logo for customization.

If you are planning to have something very customized, you can expect to be spending on average $4-$10 per box.

Now when it comes to labels and tags, expect high MOQs, like 1000 pieces per style. This might sound like a lot, but you can use things like labels and tags from season to season.

The cost of labels and tags will range from $0.05-$0.50 depending on the quantity and materials used and what country you are making them in.

11. QUALITY CONTROL



So, your fabric was cut and sewn into a garment, labels and tags were applied, the garment was folded and packaged, and now it’s ready to ship.

But is it really?

If your factory is overseas, I recommend hiring a third-party quality assurance team. This third-party team is responsible for going into the factory and checking their work. They make sure what you ordered is what is actually shipping.

Quality assurance teams generally cost about $300-$500 per day depending on what they are checking.

This expense is often overlooked, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most important things to spend money on. Quality control helps you ensure that all of your hard work paid off and you have a product that is ready to sell (that’s not a bunch of garbage).

12. SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS



And lastly, we have shipping and logistics. If you plan to ship your goods from Asia to the United States, I tell my clients to add $7-$8 on average for shipping and duties.

Then you need to ship everything to customers, clothing boutiques, and sometimes even online store partners.

One of the plus sides to manufacturing locally is that you will not have to pay for shipping and duties. Not only will this decrease your logistics costs, but it will also decrease your timelines.

13. OTHER EXPENSES



Now, the expenses I went over are just for getting your product made. There are lots of other expenses involved in running a successful fashion startup.

These expenses include paying for a website, photoshoots, giveaways, free products for influencers, friends and family discounts, attending pop-ups to sell your clothes in person (which I highly recommend), creating content for social media accounts, trade shows, marketing, and advertising. And other day-to-day things like buying paper to print shipping labels or tape to seal your boxes.

WHERE BRANDS WASTE THE MOST MONEY

You are probably realizing right now that starting a brand is a lot more expensive than you initially thought.

That’s okay.

Remember the story I told you at the beginning of this article?. I had a student who was able to start her brand for only $2,500. Now, did her brand look like what she thought it would at the start of her journey? 

No.

Instead of having 30 different styles in a robust collection, she started with just one very well-researched item. And from there, every season she added more and more items to the collection growing slowly but steadily.

If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: startup founders waste the most money when they learn through trial and error. For some reason, everyone thinks just because they wear clothes it’s easy to make them. And it’s not the case. The best thing you can do for yourself is to invest in education so you can avoid mistakes that can waste your money and put you out of business before you even have any product to show for your hard work.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO START A CLOTHING LINE?

Unfortunately, the only answer I can give you to the question “how much does it cost to start a clothing line” is that there is no real answer.

Spending more does not equate to bigger and better success. Personally, I always recommend bootstrapping. The more DIY you can be, the more you can save. Remember, all those little expenses add up.

When you know what you need and how much it’s going to cost, you can create a plan that is within your budget (no matter how small it is) and get your brand started.

The nice thing about The Summer Sourcing Intensive is that I teach you how to do most of the things you need to do in your clothing business yourself so you can bootstrap and save literally thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Need some help getting your business ideas out of your head and onto paper? Check out this post with a free download on creating your business plan.

Personal Touches: Cufflinks

No formal outfit is complete without cufflinks — that is, the decorative pieces that fasten both sides of a French cuff shirt’s cuffs.

Cufflinks are one of the best — and easiest — ways to add some personality or flair to your outfit. After all, they stand out without being distracting.

Now, there are several ways to get creative with cufflinks. First, they come in different materials, including stones, precious metals, and glass. There are also several closure types to choose from, including:

Fixed back — These slide through the sleeve cuffs without needing adjustment
Chain — A classic option that comes in creative designs
Toggle closure — Perhaps the most common type, these are secure and easy to affix
Stud — These are compact, refined, and minimalistic
Ball return — A complex closure type, these are versatile and easy to customize

When picking out cufflinks, choose ones that represent a specific interest or passion you have. You could also get some that are custom-made or engraved with something important to you — your initials, your bride’s initials, the wedding date, etc.

The great thing about cufflinks is that they can complete your outfit while adding a personal touch. Not only that but you can keep them for the rest of your life as a keepsake to use again on another special day, like an anniversary dinner.

Personal Touches: Sentimental Item

Your wedding day is a great opportunity to add a sentimental item or two to your formalwear. This could be your grandfather’s watch, a tie bar, tie tack, or cufflinks from your father. Whatever you choose, it adds a whole new layer of meaning that only makes the entire experience that much more meaningful.

Another thing you could do is borrow something special from a family member or someone very close to you. Weddings are meant to have something borrowed, right? This doesn’t have to be limited to just the bride. Both parties can (and should) have something sentimental or meaningful with them on the big day.

Personal Touches: Pocket Square

Another essential part of any formal attire is the pocket square. It’s easy to overlook or view pocket squares since they’re such a basic, impersonal detail required for a suit. However, there are actually a lot of great ways to personalize them.

If you search online, you’ll find quite a few companies that can embroider pocket squares. You could, for example, have your wedding date, yours and your bride’s names, a favorite quote, or something else meaningful embroidered onto yours.

Personalizing a pocket square isn’t limited to the groom — guests and other important members of the wedding party can also do this. Depending on the wedding dress code, you could even have themed pocket squares for everyone involved on the big day.

Of course, most people aren’t going to see these little details. Still, it’s a great way to create a very special personal meaning for you to reflect on in future years.

Personal Touches: Custom Suit

Another thing you can add personal touches to is your suit or tuxedo. Now, there are a lot of benefits to getting a custom suit. For one, you can ensure it’s specifically tailored to your frame and style. For another, custom garments are often of a higher quality than premade ones.

When it comes to personalization, getting a custom suit or tux gives you a lot more control over the fine details. This includes things like colors, buttons, monogramming, and linings. In particular, the monogram and lining are the places where you really have an opportunity to do something that has a special meaning to you.

Personal Touches: Fragrance

The last but no less important thing to consider is the fragrance you wear on the big day. Scent is a powerful thing and, when it comes to yours, it can evoke something meaningful to you. This could be a specific time and place or a certain memory. Or it could be as simple as choosing a fragrance you know your bride loves.

FURTHER READING: 7 Best Fragrances For Spring & Summer Weddings

If you already have a signature fragrance that you like and wear a lot, you can also go with that. On the other hand, you can also change things up to fit the moment or theme of the event.

Bottom Line

Weddings are a time for bringing people together, creating memories, and preparing for a bright future with someone you love. As you prepare for yours, remember to add some personal touches to your attire. Whether the event is extremely formal, semi-formal, or fairly casual, you can get a little creative with it.

Specifically, get personalized cufflinks, a sentimental item, an embroidered pocket square, a custom-made suit or tuxedo, and a unique fragrance. The more lenient the dress code, the more opportunity for customization you have. But even with the most formal events, you can still add some personal touches to your outfit.

Summer nights with the boys – we went out biking and skateboarding the other night and let the kids stay up late. June is flying by and I’m like oh man Father’s Day is JUST around the corner.

I found some Father’s Day gifts while I was trying to brainstorm gift ideas for Cody so I put together some of my favorites from Amazon, some of my favorite splurge-worthy gift ideas, and also asked Cody what’s on his Father’s Day wishlist this year – there are options at all price points so you can find something that works for your or your kids budget and things that he’ll use and be excited for.

Let me know if you guys have any ideas this year for Father’s Day you’re excited about! The more inspo the better, right? 🥰

NIKE LOGO SHORTS
BASKETBALL SNEAKERS
UNLIMITED POPCORN REFILL BUCKET (under $25)
NIKE DUNKS
ENGRAVED BRACELET
ENGRAVED DOG TAG NECKLACE

First on Cody’s Father’s Day wishlist this year was a new pair of basketball shoes since he gets so much use out of them. He prefers the lower sneakers so he liked these Lebron 19 Low shoes – love the bright orange color but they also come in black. I also loved this pair if your S/O or dad likes a higher sneaker. Cody wears this Scott Bros bracelet every single day – he wanted something engraved with the kids initials and had this tie bracelet already so I wanted to get him something a little different and ended up finding this engraved dogtag chain necklace. Super minimalist and easy to wear with everything so I think it will end up being another piece he wears daily. Cody also wanted this endless movie theater popcorn bucket with free refills (under $25) at his favorite theatre since we love going to the movies. This is such a simple and cute gift idea that any dad will appreciate! Lastly, Cody wanted some Nike Dunks because he loves matching the kids with theirs 🙂 and since he lives in Nike shorts, he also dropped a hint for a new pair. 😏

RAY BANS SUNGLASSES
ASH COLORED SWEATSHIRT (under $15)
POWER WASHER (on sale – 25+% off)
PICTURE FRAME (under $40)
CLOUD SLIDES (under $25)
ELECTRIC SHAVER
COLLAPSABLE LADDER
DOLCE & GABANNA COLOGNE (on sale 45% off)
BUTTON UP SHIRT (under $20)

I wanted to put together an Amazon gift guide with some of Cody’s tried and true favorites from previous years as well as some affordable gift ideas that will work for any budget. This collapsable ladder  has tons of high reviews and is more convenient to store than a regular ladder. Also this power washer (currently on sale for 27% off) which Cody has used a ton since he got it. I know we hit on this with Mother’s Day and talking about getting luxury appliances or household items haha so I cleared it with Cody and he agreed he would’ve loved to get either for Father’s Day gifts. For affordable dad-approved gifts these cloud slides (under $25) are a great option! Cody loves his just as much as I love mine and we both wear them a ton. Also you can’t go wrong with this sweatshirt – It comes in a bunch of colors. We both wear the XL in ash grey and share it) – it’s SO comfy and under $15!

PIZZA OVEN
RETRO KEYBOARD
FLOATING GOLF TURF
ESSENTIALS SWEATSHIRT (under $100)
SUNGLASSES
TOM FORD COLOGNE
PICKLEBALL SET (under $100)
NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
BLENDER & HYDRATION SET
HAND HELD MASSAGE GUN

I picked out some splurge-worthy Father’s Day gift ideas too. I loved the idea of a pizza oven for the backyard – would be such a fun activity for the kids to do with Cody. I am also obsessed with the idea of this floating golf turf! We don’t really golf but I feel like all of my friends husbands do, and even though we don’t really know what we’re doing I could see us having hours of fun getting competitive with this at the pool or lake. Since Cody likes to workout everyday, I thought these items like the handheld massage gun for muscle soreness and this blender & hydration set are perfect since he always makes a protein shake right after. Also, these sunglasses and this Essentials brand sweatshirt (under $100) make such nice gifts as well!

Sharing a few more Father’s Day Gift Ideas at every price point below – feel free to add more ideas in the comments!

XX, Christine

Happy Monday! Summer is officially here with the kids out of school now and all the warm days we’ve been having. I’ve been pulling out some of my favorite pieces from last summer and also found a few new ones I’m loving for the season, so I wanted to share some of my most-loved and also some of you guys’ most loved that are were the best sellers. Here is a roundup of May’s top 10:

| JELLY SANDALS (under $100) |
| OVERSIZED SUNNIES (under $15) |
| FLORAL BIKINI (under $25) |
| SCOTCHGUARD SPRAY (under $15) |
| MESH TOTE BAG (on sale – under $15) |
| MARBLE CHAIN DECOR (under $60) |
| WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT (under $25) |
| CLOUD SLIDE (under $25) |
| DAD DENIM SHORTS (under $50) |
| TODDLER SMILEY FACE SANDALS (under $25) |

Top 10 Most-Loved Items:

These Amazon cloud slides are easily one of my most-loved and most worn sandals during the summer. The brand linked above is my favorite listing for these sandals – I’ve tried other brands before and haven’t loved the quality and color as much. These sandals are under $25 and come in tons of colors!

I’m loving this cute neon floral bikini from Amazon (under $25), I ordered the medium and the top is easily adjustable with the tie back. They also have a high-waisted version of the print here. 

A most-loved item each summer are these Amazon sunnies are an amazing designer lookalike and are under $15! The oversized fit is so cute and the quality of them is great. They come in other colors and prints too.

I found these jelly sandals for our most recent Florida trip – I got the color rose dust and they run true to size. They also come in other cute colors and are perfect for the pool and beach this summer as well as everyday sandals.

 

I can easily understand why this white button down shirt is one of May’s most-loved pieces…it’s such a summer staple! I have this one (under $25) and wearing the size XL. It’s one of my go-to coverups when I go to the pool or the beach when we are on vacation. It fits Cody too so it’s one of those pieces that do double duty – especially great when we’re traveling.

6. MESH TOTE BAG (on sale – under $15)

Another vacation and summer staple is this mesh tote beach bag from amazon. It comes in tons of colors and is currently on sale right now for under $15!

I’m loving the longer “dad” fit shorts right now which is slightly oversized and high-waisted. So cute with crop tops or even swimsuits as a coverup. This pair is under $50 and comes in multiple washes.

Lovee this decorative marble chain I found on amazon for under $60! I’m so impressed with the quality of it and there’s tons of ways you can style these. I styled it on top of some of our coffee table books on our entryway table.

 

My first job when I was 15 was at Lady Foot Locker I learned this hack and kept it up ever since. I always spray my new shoes now, especially with lighter colors or new sandals, etc. Total game changer! There are so many other uses for this Scotchguard Protective Spray too – I also use it on my couches to keep them cleaner for longer.

Found these cute smiley face sandals for Ollie to wear this summer. They come in tons of colors (I got the black and yellow for him.) They are under $25!

 

7 Spring and Summer Colognes for Weddings

From the classic Dior Eau Sauvage to the refreshing Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford, there’s a fragrance for every personality and wedding setting.

Wedding Fragrance 1: Dior Eau Sauvage

The first spring or summer wedding fragrance is Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior. This is not to be confused with Sauvage, which is a newer fragrance.

When it comes to men’s fragrances, Eau Sauvage is an absolute classic and totally iconic. Its notes include:

Top notes: Lemon, bergamot, basil, and lavender.
Heart notes: Jasmine, rose, carnation, patchouli, and sandalwood.
Base notes: Oakmoss, vetiver, musk, and amber.

Overall, the Dior Eau Sauvage has a very fresh, citrusy scent. It also lasts a long time — anywhere from five to eight hours on average — which is not typical of a citrus fragrance.

If you’re looking for something refreshing, simple, and classic that’s sure to get tons of compliments, Eau Sauvage is a great choice.

Wedding Fragrance 2: Floris No. 89

Next up on the list is Floris No. 89. Now, this is classified as a woody, citrus fragrance. Notes include:

Top notes: Bergamot, lavender, neroli, nutmeg, orange, and petitgrain
Heart notes: Geranium, rose, and ylang-ylang
Base notes: Cedarwood, musk, oakmoss, sandalwood, and vetiver

Floris No. 89 is considered a quintessential English gentleman’s fragrance. To that point, it was said to be a favorite of both Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming (the author of the James Bond novels).

It definitely has a classic gentleman kind of scent. The lavender gives it an almost barbershop-like quality because of how sharp it is. Still, it’s a very fresh and masculine scent that lasts a solid four to six hours. And, since you don’t typically see it in U.S. stores, it’s also a bit unique.

Wedding Fragrance 3: Guerlain Vetiver

The third fragrance is Guerlain Vetiver, which is considered one of the most all-time classic men’s scents out there.

Vetiver is a type of grass native to India. Anything with vetiver in it tends to have a crisp, natural scent that smells, well, grassy. Guerlain Vetiver is simple and has a distinctive scent with the following notes:

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon, neroli, and coriander
Heart notes: Vetiver and cedar
Base notes: Tobacco, nutmeg, pepper, and tonka bean

Although you do get that underlying grassy essence with the Guerlain Vetiver, it’s not as front and center as it is with many other vetiver fragrances. You do still get the freshness you might expect. But you also get a sharp scent combined with a woodsiness that makes this one more recognizably masculine than many other vetiver fragrances. It’ll last quite a while, too — anywhere from six to eight hours.

Wedding Fragrance 4: Tom Ford Oud Fleur

An offering by the luxury brand, Tom Ford, Oud Fleur is the fourth fragrance for spring and summer weddings. This one is particularly unique and distinctive, especially when compared to the other six fragrances on this list.

It has too many notes to list here, but there are three that really stand out:

Rose — Although rose is traditionally associated with feminine perfumes, it’s surprisingly masculine in this fragrance.
Oud — This gives off an overall heady scent.
Incense — This is heady, spicy, and masculine.

Tom Ford’s Oud Fleur has an impressive projection. It lasts a solid six to eight hours. It’s also classy, elegant, unique, and very sexy.

Wedding Fragrance 5: Roja Parfums Elysium

The fifth fragrance for warm-season weddings is Elysium by Roja Parfums. This is considered an aromatic fougère — essentially, it’s fresh, light, bright, and masculine. It has the following notes:

Top notes: grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, lime, and thyme
Heart notes: Vetiver, juniper, apple, cedar, pink pepper, and jasmine
Base notes: Ambergris, vanilla, leather, and benzoin

Elysium is highly refreshing, but it also has a little zing to it. The notes that come through the most are the sharper and more herbaceous notes of grapefruit and juniper.

But what really distinguishes this fragrance from the rest is that it lasts a long time on the skin thanks to the ambergris. Yet, it’s still light and fresh, so it won’t overwhelm you, your spouse, or your guests.

Wedding Fragrance 6: Arquiste Él

Next up is Él by Arquiste. This is classified as an amber fougère, which means it’s fresh and herbaceous but also has a very deep, rich, and masculine scent. The standout notes include:

Top notes: Laurel leaves, clary sage, rosemary, geranium
Heart notes: Cardamom, cinnamon, orange flower water, and black buckwheat honey
Base notes: Patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, and a Fougere accord

Of all seven fragrances in this list, Él is by far the sexiest. However, because this is a deeper and richer scent than the others, it can become overwhelming in the heat. That’s why it’s best for evening events or slightly cooler spring or summer days.

Wedding Fragrance 7: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino

And finally is Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford. This is classified as a citrusy aromatic. The notes include:

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, bitter orange, lavender, and rosemary
Heart notes: African orange flower, neroli, and jasmine
Base notes: Amber, angelica, and ambrette

This fragrance is very light and citrusy, but it’s the neroli that comes through the most. Neroli is an oil derived from the orange flower blossom. Because of this, you do get a touch of the floral, which helps the citrus notes blend together for a smooth scent.

Neroli Portofino is extremely long-lasting — you can easily get eight hours out of this. At the same time, it’s still very light and refreshing. Although you can wear it at any spring or summer wedding, it’s perfect for beach or seaside events.

Bottom Line

When it comes down to it, you should choose the fragrance that best suits you — after all, it’s your (and your spouse’s) day. But if you’re not sure where to start, check out some of these fragrances. They’re all specifically made for spring and summer events, so it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. They’re also unique, niche scents that don’t smell like anything you’d find at most stores.

Of course, it’s hard to know which scent you prefer until you try out a few. If you’re interested in experimenting a little but don’t want to fully commit yet, you can go online and order samples of the ones that catch your eye.

One of many spam-preventing Instagram features, the Instagram automated spam block, was recently introduced in 2021. This automatic feature is programmed to detect specific actions by Instagram users that may appear as spam. Unfortunately, many people were late for the memo and didn’t realize this new feature could block real users’ accounts, like your very own. 

Are you unable to access your account and post pictures, let alone comments? Many users tried to find answers with the Reddit community to try and fix the block. If you have ended up in this corner of the Internet, perhaps you were a subject to it yourself. 

By now, you probably want to know – is this permanent? Are all your efforts to keep up a successful account for nothing? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you with. The article below will help you understand what an automated spam block on Instagram is, how to get rid of an automated spam block and why you were subject to it. Let’s start with the basics – what is  Automated Spam Block on Insta?

What is an Automated Spam Block on Instagram?

Instagram automated spam block is an algorithm designed to detect automated actions by bot accounts or fake accounts. To help decrease the overall spam on the app, the developers created a system that blocks the user’s account – either temporarily or permanently. This means that for a limited time (or sometimes indefinitely), Instagram users may be restricted from following other Instagram accounts, liking or commenting under pictures, posting, or sending DMs. 

You probably became aware of this problem through an in-app pop-up message similar to:

 “We were unable to save your changes due to an automated spam block. If this is a mistake, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.” 

Or another alternative:

“It seems like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. You have been temporarily blocked from using it. We restrict certain content and actions to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”

Now if you receive this, you can contact Instagram and get the issue resolved pretty quickly. However, if you use Instagram automation, or if a bot account receives this message, chances are it will get ignored and the automatic spamming will continue. This instantly flags up on the Instagram algorithm, and your account may become permanently blocked. It’s essential to act on time and do something when you receive this message. You can find more on how to remove automated spam blocks on Instagram in the dedicated section below. 

We have covered spam blocking in our spam comments on Instagram article, where we explained the steps you can take to protect your account from spam comments better. So how does this relate to the automated spam block?

If you have recently commented on an Instagram account, and yet were unable to find your comments underneath the post, chances are your comment has been hidden by this semi-automatic Instagram blocking feature. Why semi-automatic? Because the person using it had to put through specific keywords, they wanted to block manually. 

Let’s say that I have recently received tons of spam in my comments section. I got fed up or upset with it and decided to block specific words and phrases that popped up often, such as “offer” or “click the link” or slurs like “**uk” or even some annoying emojis. If you accidentally used one of them in your comments, your comment would be automatically blocked, and it won’t show up underneath the post. Try rephrasing your comment if this happens. 

Alternatively, if you have been commenting a lot in a short period, Instagram probably detected your activity and thought it was suspicious, temporarily preventing you from commenting. This often happens when you try to advertise something in the comment section or tag people in comments when you participate in daily giveaways. 

So what now? How long until you can comment again? We discuss the different types of automated blocks and how you can fix them in the next section.

Why Can Instagram Automatically Block You?

Many Instagram users find themselves accidentally blocked by Instagram every day. This is the negative side of Instagram’s automated spam block. There are many different reasons why someone can get blocked. Usually, it is because Instagram has registered your behavior as spam or spam-like and may decide to temporarily action block your Instagram account.

If you get blocked by the Instagram algorithm, you often won’t get a warning beforehand, and you won’t be given a reason. There are two types of action blocks on Instagram:

Temporary Action Block

The temporary action block only lasts a short while. Its cause is exceeding the usage of certain Instagram features and violating the app’s Ts and Cs. You can wait out the period from 24 hours to 30 days to gain back access to the account.

Permanent Action Block

This one’s a no-brainer. You’re either banned from your account or completely restricted from specific actions indefinitely. This often happens after an account has had previous violations and has received temporary action blocks.

So what can be some reasons why Instagram has blocked you? Here are the most common causes of blocking on Instagram:

• Instagram suspects you have created an automated account. If you have automated your Instagram actions, the app will think you’re a bot, spider, scraper, or another type of spam account and block you.
• If you have recently logged on from a different IP address, Instagram might be suspicious of this behavior and think you’re someone trying to hijack an Instagram profile. Make sure to always confirm your identity via SMS or e-mail.
• When many people send reports and complaints your way, you might get blocked by the app. People might think you’re a spammer and report you if you have been mass following and mass liking.
• Have you initiated too many direct messages in a short period? Instagram may think you’re a spammer and block you as a result.
• Posting explicit content is another reason for blocking a profile. If you have included sexual content, nudes, or violence (and yes, showing off a nipple in an incredibly edgy yet professional photoshoot counts, too!), Instagram will block you.
• You may get blocked for copyright infringement if you have reshared someone’s art and haven’t included the source or posted the same pictures as a different user without giving them the credit they are due. 
• Putting too many hashtags in the comment section can be recognized as spam, and Instagram may block you.
• Spamming posts excessively also won’t look good under Instagram’s radar. It might look like you’re just trying to build a feed too quickly, which smells fishy under Instagram’s nose.
• If you only log in once or twice a day, but your Instagram ends up doing hundreds of actions, Instagram will register it as suspicious behavior and block you.

Most of the reasons mentioned above only occur if you actually started a legitimate spam account. Of course, there are several exceptions, and a new account that isn’t familiar with the way Instagram operates may mistakenly get itself blocked. So if you’re one of those people, you’re probably wondering what to do next, right?

How to Get Rid of Instagram’s Automated Spam Block?

If you have received a message: ” Try Again Later: We restrict certain activities to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake”, then you should know you have been temporarily action blocked on Instagram.

What now?

This is Instagram’s way of checking whether or not you’re a bot. A bot wouldn’t take notice of a message and try to continue spamming. On the other hand, a real-life user will take note of it.

Instagram’s algorithm can make a mistake, so if you think the app has wrongly blocked you, you can message them directly to let them know they have made a mistake.

There are other things you can try if you want to get rid of the spam block ASAP:

• Try deleting the Instagram app and installing the latest version.
• Clear the cache on your Instagram app from your phone’s settings.
• Take a break – consider staying off the app for 24-72 hours until the block wears off.
• Update your phone to the latest iOS or another system update.
• If you have a link in your profile bio, delete it, log out and log back in again.
• Verify your phone or email to prove that you are not a robot.
• Link your Facebook profile with your Instagram profile.
• Enable two-factor identification.
• Change your password.
• If you’re using automation or bots, know that this may be the reason you were blocked.
• Stop using banned Instagram hashtags.
• Switch from a business profile to a personal profile, or vice-versa.
• Reboot your phone in the worst-case scenario.

The main thing to remember is – don’t give the Instagram AI a reason to believe you’re a bot. Use the application for its purpose. If you’re not sure if you have spammed someone by mistake, check our spam on Instagram article, explaining what spam is.

How to Protect My Instagram Account from Spam?

One of the most famously asked questions – how do you protect your Instagram account from spam? It’s a long and exhausting job to stay vigilant for spammers on all your social media apps. Manually checking each comment and follower and blocking them individually can eat up a lot of your time, especially if you have a big followers count. So what’s your alternative?

Have you tried Spam Guard? Spam guard is a third-party app that serves as a personal Instagram paladin to shield you from unwanted commenting and any spam post that may come your way! Go check it out for yourself – just type your username and start your free analysis! Spam Guard is one of the few tools we trust and vouch for, and it’s effortless to use.

If, however, you aren’t keen on using this app, you can also say goodbye to spam comments and offensive DMs by switching to a private account. Bear in mind that you’ll not only stop receiving spam comments and DMs this way, but your private account will also prevent people from seeing any of your posts, your bio, your stories, and reels. For people making money on Instagram, it might not be the best choice, but it has proved extremely safe!

Before You Head Out…

We hope you found this article useful and answered some commonly asked questions. Now you know how to get rid of automated spam block on Instagram and how to stop comments you don’t like and direct messages.

Do you need more spam-related advice? Check out our article on how to remove fake followers on Instagram to learn a few valuable tips and tricks!

If you know someone who can benefit from this article, share it with them, link our article to your story, or bookmark it for later use! Hope to see you again, and until then – I wish you safe browsing!

When it comes to standardized sizing and size inclusivity in the fashion industry, most consumers agree brands should offer a wide spectrum of sizing options so that people of all shapes and sizes can feel included.

This post was inspired by a conversation I was having with my students in office hours. Currently, I have quite a few tall ladies making brands to serve tall-girl needs, because there is literally nothing out there for them.

Now, a few people in the class thought this was odd, because aren’t clothes made for super tall and skinny runway models? How could it be that be they can’t find anything that fits?

That lead us into a 2-hour discussion on body types, fashion, and financials, and what inspired me to write this…

But, before we get started.

Have you heard about the super secret document that everyone in the fashion industry uses, but no one is talking about? Probably not. That is because you can’t find it on Google or TikTok (believe me, I’ve tried).

It’s a form I have used for over 13 years at every job I have ever had. Literally everyone from brands to fabric suppliers use it, but you can’t find it anywhere publicly. 

The best part? It can cut your sourcing time in half, and save you tons of money in product development! This is the kind of info consultants charge the big bucks for. And, I’m giving it away for free until the end of the month. 

so, get ready to make fashion startup life a whole lot easier, and GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE NOT SO SECRET SOURCING DOC HERE

YOU’RE CANCELLED, YOU’RE CANCELLED, EVERYONE’S CANCELLED

Thanks to cancel culture, many influencers and internet mobs have canceled a host of small businesses that they claimed could never be part of the ethical and sustainable fashion movement because they were not size-inclusive. To influencers, the most important point in regards to sizing is that everyone no matter their size should be able to buy from any brand that considers themselves ethical, sustainable, or conscious.

Don’t carry higher than a size XL? You’re canceled. A couple of months later, it turned into: Don’t carry a size higher than an XXL? Canceled. And this went on for about a year and a half. Now, brands carrying plus-size sustainable fashion up to a three-XL or four-XL are experiencing backlash.

So what do brands do? They carry as many sizes as they possibly can. While it seems like this is a great thing because everyone should be able to buy clothes no matter their body type, it’s actually pretty terrible for quite a few reasons and I’m going to explain why.

REMEMBER WE ARE ALL WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL

I want to say very clearly before we get started I am not against extending size or inches. But, the way we are going about it is all wrong. This article is about teaching you how very short-sighted influencer solutions are actually going to lead to much longer-term problems.

As you read this article, you might get a little angry about the reality of how the fashion industry works. But, that’s okay. Because when you really understand what’s going on, you are going to be able to demand changes in a way that will actually change the way the fashion world operates.

Because, what’s the point of all of this if real change isn’t made?

My goal with this article, like with all the free content I create is to teach people how to create better more thoughtful products.

So put away your Internet pitchforks, get ready to learn, and be a real changemaker. I’m going to explain why being size inclusive can be a bad thing. And, what brands that don’t participate in it shouldn’t necessarily be canceled right away.

WHAT WE WILL COVER

First, we are going to talk about what sizes are, and get a little history lesson on how standardized sizes have evolved. Then we will move right into the pitfalls of size inclusivity including environmental factors, and less than mediocre plus size products. And lastly, I will give a few solutions that I think might just benefit everyone – both brands and customers.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS STANDARD SIZING, TO BEGIN WITH

You might have heard the term standardized sizing thrown around by influencers as a way to make fashion more inclusive, and even cut down on waste.

Both of these idea are totally false. And, I teach you why.

In its most basic form, standardized sizing is a way for brands to communicate the size of garments to their customers.
Sounds pretty simple, right?

If only it was.

Before we get any further, allow me to give you a quick history lesson on standardized sizing.

THE FIRST STANDARDIZED SIZES

While the first glimmers of standardized sizing date back to the 1500s when Spanish tailor Juan de Alcega was concerned with trying to find a way to use the least amount of cloth possible for clothing garments. During people were buying custom clothes that were tailor-made to fit them. Or they were making their own clothes.

They didn’t really start buying pre-made clothing around the late 19th century.

And, when this happened, companies needed to find a way to let customers know what size they would be so they could order what was right for them.

But who was in charge of creating the sizing system?

The start of sizing was pretty chaotic as there were tons of different size rules that different tailors used. Basically, back then, there was as much inconsistency as there is today.

During the American Civil War, thousands of soldiers were measured and with that data, a set of size standards were created based on averages.

Now, while we had somewhat standardized sizing for men, women’s sizing was still all over the place. And was actually based on age.

So a size 14 would be for a 14-year-old. And the only measurement that really mattered for women was bust.
Then in 1939, the U.S. government funded a project to create women’s standardized sizing. This is because at the time lack of accurate sizing was costing manufacturers over $10 million dollars a year.

IMPERFECT DATA PROBLEMS

But unfortunately, the research was biased and did not totally solve the problem. Essentially, 15,000 women were measured, but the women did not represent a cross-section of American women. Since the survey was done on a volunteer basis, it was largely made up of women of a lower socioeconomic status who needed the participation fee. It was also primarily white women. And the measurements still primarily relied on bust size, assuming women had an hourglass figure.

Nonetheless, the first standardized sizes were born.
In the years since, ASTM International, a private organization that comes up with voluntary sizing standards and and size charts published a table of body measurements for women’s sizing, using the basic nomenclature and system developed by the 1958 commercial standard. But the numbers have not been reinvented.

In fact, the ASTM recommendations have evolved over time to accommodate vanity sizing: Meaning, women don’t want to know their real size, so manufacturers re-label bigger clothing sizes with smaller numbers.

SIZING TODAY

Just how much has vanity sizing changed over the past 50 or so years? Well, listen to this! A 1958 size 8 would be a 2008 size 14 or 16. So, that’s basically double.

Needless to say, vanity sizing has served to further confuse sizing across various brands, disrupting any sort of “standard.” Because clothing brands have caught on to the fact that consumers tend to make buying decisions with their emotions rather than quantitative numbers and averages. People are so motivated by the size of their jeans that they will actually resist buying jeans a size larger than what they want to be and they’ll go to another brand offering a similar product with the size label they want. They still look the same in the mirror and weigh the same on the scale. But something in their mind makes them feel better because they’re a size 6 instead of a size 8.

It’s kind of crazy when you think about it—how much a tiny label inside your pants can dictate what it is you do and don’t buy. And brands are desperate for your dollars so they resort to vanity sizing.

Ok, now that we understand how garments are sized, and what these sizes really mean (basically nothing). We can start talking about the issues with inclusive sizing in this broken system.

MORE SIZING OPTIONS CAN CREATE MORE WASTE

I’ll give you an example. Brand One is a startup. When they first launch, they want to offer every single size, but due to a variety of reasons including budget, they’re not able to.

So, they start with small, medium, large, and extra-large sizing options, terrified they are going to be canceled in the process.
After season one, Brand One looks at the data. The smalls sold out immediately, then the mediums. They still have larges and extra larges left, and virtually none of the extra larges got sold.

What that data tells us is that their community, their customers, just weren’t that size. If they were, the larges and x-larges would have sold.

Imagine if they had invested capital into creating 2x-5x sizes that also ended up sitting in their garage?!

THE ISSUE WITH BRAND ONE IS WASTE

I think basically everyone in the sustainable and ethical fashion space would agree that the less we can waste, the better.
But here is the problem: Rushing to create every size possible for every customer is a recipe for deadstock inventory.

Here’s what happens. Generally, the fashion industry makes decisions based on data.

Yea, I know when, you think of the fashion industry you probably think of models, parties, and creativity. But, behind every creative genius, is someone crunching the numbers.

Brands will look at what styles sold, what styles didn’t sell, and what size mixes did the best. They will then plan their next season based on that data.

But when brands are pushed to rapidly develop size ranges they do not have historical data to go off of, they have no way of determining whether or not that extra product they create will sell. Therefore, they run the risk of a business loss as well as creating unnecessary waste.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

The problem is that influencers want change and they demand it now. And, fashion (and quite honestly the world) just doesn’t work like that). Things take time if you want them done correctly.

The right way of offering more sizes to customers is testing a few sizes in a few styles, analyzing the sales data, and then making ordering decisions in the future based on those numbers, not emotion.

The problem is, doing this takes a long time. And, what I think influencers need to realize is that just because they don’t see everything they want, like right now, that doesn’t mean there is someone behind the scenes working on it.

Developing a size-inclusive line, in a conscious and waste-free way could take brand years. Not a session.

OFFERING MORE SIZING OPTIONS COSTS BRANDS MORE MONEY, SO QUALITY IS OFTEN COMPROMISED

Now let me tell you another story.

Brand Two is established. They’ve been in business for almost a decade, and they have a pretty solid customer base. A few years ago, the internet mob came at them demanding they offer extended sizing, so they did.

But the larger sizes didn’t sell as well as they hoped they would. For all the people sliding into the brand’s DM’s and writing them angry emails, they thought their sales would be a lot higher. But they weren’t.

THEY MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG

Now you might be saying to yourself, well I bet Brand Two didn’t represent those body types in their images or didn’t market properly the people who would be wearing those extended sizes. But they did. They did it so well in their campaigns that every type of body type was included (and it cost them a small fortune in photoshoot fees). Nonetheless, the garments didn’t sell – all those people demanding larger sizing in their DMs ghosted them?. And when they did sell, they had a return rate of almost 100%.

The issue with Brand Two is finances. They had some past sales data, they had customers making demands, but what happened was money got in their way. Let me explain.

Brand two had good intentions. They really did want to offer sizing to everyone that wanted to be part of their community.
They just had one thing standing in their way. And that was money.

Now here’s something that you might not realize: Most “successful” small businesses aren’t as successful as many people think. They are just barely squeaking by.

And creating extended sizing is a crazy expensive endeavor to take on if you are going to do it right.

FIRST YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW A GARMENT IS MADE

Before you can even start making a garment, you need a design.

Then when you know what you want to make, you need to source the materials.

Once you have all of that, you need to make something called a fit sample. A fit sample is basically your garment in the sample size. A sample is usually a size in the middle of your size range. So, if you were making a size range of small, medium, and large, your sample size would be a medium.

Now, there is a lot of misinformation out there about sample sizes. And, most influencers claim that brands use the smallest size to base their sizing on.

This is untrue and I’m going to tell you why.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, SIZES AREN’T BASED OFF OF RUNWAY MODELS

The confusion stems from runway samples, which are totally different. A runway sample is exactly what it sounds like. A sample was made for a model to wear on a runway in a fashion show.

Runway samples are often sold in something called sample sales.

A sample sale is where a brand will sell all the different samples that were made during the development and production process. So, often at a sample sale you will find runway samples, but you will also find fit samples, SMS samples (salesman samples), top of production samples, and lots of other different kinds of samples. You might even find (and these are my absolute favorite) samples that were designed but never made it to the full collection (meaning they are totally one of a kind).

So, because super skinny runway model samples are sold at sample sales, influencers just kind of assumed this is what the sizing in stores was based off of. Wrong.

Pretty cool, how you see things differently when you really understand the system right?

BACK TO HOW A GARMENT IS MADE

Okay, so back to the fit samples. Once you have your garment absolutely perfect in the fit sample size, that sample is then graded up and down into all of the sizes you plan to run.

But here is the problem. With petite and plus sizing particularly, bodies have different proportions. You can’t take a size medium and just expand all the proportions to turn it into a size 3XL. Well, I guess you can, but it won’t fit right.

So, to make plus sizing and petite sizing wearable, what you need to do is create a totally new pattern, a totally new fit sample, and a totally new set of grade rules.

If you’re making a brand in conventional sizing, petite sizing, and plus sizing, you are essentially paying to develop three different brands all at once.

And the prices add up quickly, especially if you are manufacturing clothing ethically, or here in America.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IS WAY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE

Let me give you an idea. A pattern will cost anywhere from $150-$450+. To grade a pattern, each size costs around an extra $50. So that means if you make your fit sample in a size medium and you want to create a size small and large, that’s $100 extra.

Then the fit samples will cost around $500 or more.

You also need to factor in sample fabric yards, zippers, buttons and all those other things. On average the cost of materials for a sample is around $150 – $500 depending on the type of materials.

And remember that while the cost of one sample is about $500, brands usually need at least 2- 3 samples before they can get the garment perfect and ready for production.

So basically to develop one style, a brand will pay about $3000-5000. But if they also want to offer petite and plus sizes, that will tack on an extra $6000-$10,000 to their development fee.

YEA A DRESS FOR $200 SOUNDS LIKE A LOT, BUT SOMETIMES THAT’S NOT EVEN ENOUGH FOR A BRAND TO BREAK EVEN

Now let’s look at how this affects the price of the garment.

For argument’s sake, let’s say the total garment cost to manufacture a MOQ of 100 pieces is $50 a garment. That is $5000 for the production total.

Based on the standard rules of retail, we would multiply that by four and the retail price would be $200. (Remember if the brand wholesales, meaning they sell in boutiques and other people’s stores, they can only sell the garment for about $100 to the store, and then the store charges $200).
In this example, the brand’s margin is $150. So on an order of 100 pieces, they can make $15,000.

But then you need to subtract expenses. If the brand’s development fees were on the high side and cost them $10,000, that means they are only making a profit of $5,000. And we have not even discussed their operating costs yet. Basically, they are in the red.

BRANDS ARE DOING JUST ENOUGH TO NOT GET CANCELED

As a result of the costs involved in creating more inclusive sizing options (numbers don’t lie), brands are doing just enough to not get canceled. They’re cutting corners like grading a size medium to a size petite small and 6XL to save money during the development process instead of creating new propper patterns for each size category.
In the end, when all is said and done, customers are left with a pretty crappy product. And this is why cancel culture is often counterintuitive.

The bottom line: Canceling a brand for not offering your size will not create a world where you will one day be able to wear that brand. It will create a world where that brand will half-ass their plus size range so you can’t cancel them. But the sizing and fit will be so terrible you still won’t be able to buy that dress you had your eye on anyway.

SO, WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

If we aren’t demanding that brands offer all the sizes, what should we be doing instead?

EMBRACE NICHE, NOT STANDARD SIZES!

For some reason, influencers and internet mobs have decided that the solution to size inclusivity lies in standardized sizing.

And that every brand should fit every body type.

And, TBH I think that is totally nuts.

Think about it this way. I bet every person reading this has their go-to brand. That brand that just always seems to fit them right. For my mom, it’s Ann Taylor Loft Petites. I can go in and buy her anything in that store as a gift with basically a guarantee that it will fit her. I couldn’t do that at another store. And, all their clothes look like trash on me.

Now, what if we all decided there was only one code of measurements. Every garment produced in the USA had to have the same waist, butt, inseam, and boob measurement. Now . . . what if your body didn’t fit the sizing created by the powers that decided?

Well, you would be SOL and basically need to have all your clothes custom-made or tailored.

EVERY BRAND DOESN’T NEED TO BE FOR EVERY PERSON

That’s why we need to get rid of this idea that every brand needs to conform to a set of universal sizing.

I think back to my recent experience buying a new pair of jeans (something I do once every five years). Literally trying on every freaking pair available to me in Westchester County, and almost nothing out there fit my body.

I have a very wide waist. I’m a classic ruler body type, straight up and down. Jeans that fit me perfectly in the legs are usually too tight in the waist. The brands I find that work for me are 7 For All Mankind, and Nili Lotan. These brands are literally a godsend for me.

All of my friends love Levi’s and I wish I could wear Levi’s too, but I literally cannot button them over my (nonexistent) waist.

And that’s ok. Because the nice thing about not having standardized sizing means that with a little hunting, there is something for everyone.

PERFECTION FOR THE MASSES

Instead of brands offering everything to everyone, and half-assing it in the process, I think they should offer one type of size and do it perfectly. Specialize in big hips, small waists, plus sizes, petities. And just do that, really, really, well.

We need to think of this type of brand strategy not as exclusion, but more as perfection for the masses.

The way influencers want it now is that everyone will be fair, but we will all have a kind of ok mediocre product.

With body-specialized brands, it won’t be for everyone, but OMG will it be perfect for the people it is for.

Honestly, maybe it’s just me, but I am okay with every brand not fitting me. Because I know that there is someone else out there that they will fit.

LET’S FOCUS ON BODY TYPES NOT NUMBERS ON A TAG

All of this to say, sizing should not be about standardized numbers. It should be about proportions and body shapes. As I mentioned with my jean-shopping experience, me and my friend could both be a size 2, and one pair look amazing on me and terrible on her.

It isn’t always about the number.

Instead of governments and organizations investing money into creating a universal standard (what are we robots, made from cookie cutters?), more research should be done into different types of body types and their ratios.

This way, brands can focus on their customers’ body types and create the most optimal product for them.

BUT IF ALL CLOTHING BRANDS DON’T MAKE PLUS SIZES, THEN WHAT WILL PLUS SIZE PEOPLE WEAR?

So far, I told you two stories about brands that considered or attempted adding plus sizes and it didn’t work out for them, one because their customer just didn’t want it, and one because they did it wrong to save money. And I want to leave you with one last brand story.

I know another brand whose average clothing size is 5XL. They hardly even make their styles in conventional sziing, because again, their customers just don’t fit that mold.

They are basically the total opposite of Brand One.

I think a big fear with not forcing fashion brands to make plus sizes is that there will be nothing for plus size people to wear.
And to that, I say . . . hey, come join me in 2022. This isn’t 2005 anymore.

There are soooooo many thoughtful plus size brands out there now with a focus and expertise on creating products for traditionally ignored communities.

And there are going to be even more in the future.

SOMETIMES THE RIGHT THING IS THE HARD THING

If you really care about this issue, your focus should be on supporting and elevating these inclusive brands however you can, instead of spending your time canceling the brands that don’t carry the size range you want.

Here is the thing, it’s much easier to cancel someone than it is to basically do free marketing for them. And, most people choose the easy way out.

But, again. If you really care and really want to make a difference. I challenge you to do the hard thing.

And, this type of brand support is going to become even more important as more brands rush to put out crapy unconscious plus-size ranges with the goal of simply just not getting canceled. The space is going to become more and more crowded, and we are going to need your voice to help amplify the brands that are doing it right and really care.

LAST WORDS

Influencers, internet mobs, and people who have never worked in the fashion industry should not be informing the fashion industry about how to be more woke and conscious. Before we can form opinions, we need to consider the bigger picture. Why are we having this conversation to begin with? Why does it matter? And who suffers the most if change isn’t made?

Regardless, standardizing sizing is counterintuitive to inclusive sizing. It’s an oxymoron. Because if you create a set of standard size rules, everyone is going to be equally unhappy.

Influencer misinformation has created a world where brands are in theory giving them what they want. But, they are doing it so poorly that no one really wants to wear it, and it ends up in the landfill.

(I think I’ll lose my mind if I see another brand put out a crappy, ill-fitting plus-size collection that no one wants to wear, just so they can’t get canceled.)

The first thing we need to all agree on is that standardized sizing is not the solution. In fact, it’s the opposite of the solution we need.

Rather than hold every brand to the standard of inclusive sizing, we should consider the ways in which inclusive sizing can be unrealistic in terms of cost and the amount of waste generated by unsold clothing (which is definitely not sustainable).
Instead, we should embrace niche brands that aren’t for everyone.

The truth is the strategies and demands that influencers are currently giving brands will have long-term negative impacts on their bigger goal.

When you understand how the fashion industry works, you can push to make changes that will actually benefit people. I personally would rather take the long view than make quick, easy, sleazy changes that won’t benefit anyone in the future.

WELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK? I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IN THE COMMENTS!

Main Types Of Formal Shoes

When picking out footwear, consider the wedding dress code, how formal the event is, and your own style preferences. That way, you can ensure your shoes not only complete your outfit but give you an added boost of confidence during the event.

1. Patent Leather Oxfords

Patent leather Oxfords are a specific type of shoe that has a low heel and closed lacing. Closed lacing essentially means that the flaps of the leather that contain the lacing eyelets are sewn under the vamp as opposed to on top of it. This is similar to what you’d see in a derby shoe.

FURTHER READING: Style Defined: The Oxford Dress Shoe

Due to the way they’re made, Oxford dress shoes almost look like they’re constructed from a single piece of leather. This gives them a sleek, elegant aesthetic, which makes them perfect for any formal occasion.

The patent leather Oxford is the most formal style of dress shoe for men. So, you should wear them with a classic two- or three-piece tuxedo or to black-tie events.

If you want to go for an even more sophisticated style, consider getting a wholecut shoe. While Oxfords have the appearance of being cut from a single piece of leather, the wholecut actually is. This results in a very clean, refined look that is both sophisticated and very stylish.

2. Plain Leather Oxfords

Plain leather Oxfords are another popular style of formal shoe, but they’re slightly less sophisticated than the previous option. This is mainly because these shoes are not as shiny. That said, you can still get wholecuts for an added layer of elegance and formality.

For more formal weddings, choose plain leather Oxford dress shoes without a cap toe or any type of broguing (perforations in the leather). These features take away from the shoes’ elegance a little bit, but they can still look great in most formal settings. Avoid wearing this style of footwear at black-tie, black tie optional, or semi-formal events.

3. Opera Pumps

Opera pumps are an old-school style of formal shoe. They differ from loafers in that they have a deeper cutout, meaning they reveal more of the sock.

The classic opera pump is easily recognizable for its bow. However, there are more modern versions that feature a single strip of fabric that evokes the feeling of the bow without going all out.

These shoes are quite elegant and timeless, making them ideal for black-tie events.

4. Belgian Shoes

Originally produced by a small shop in New York City, Belgian shoes have become quite popular today. This style of formal footwear is unique in that it has a quirky aesthetic that includes a small, iconic bow.

Patent leather Belgian shoes are a great alternative to other loafers, especially if you’re planning to wear a full tuxedo. Because of how distinctive they are, these shoes are a natural choice for semi-formal, cocktail attire, black tie optional, and creative black tie dress codes. In each of these scenarios, though, opt for plain leather or suede as these are less formal than patent leather.

5. Velvet Slippers

The velvet slipper is perhaps the least formal type of dress shoe out there, which is why some people suggest only wearing them at home. However, in the modern era, these shoes can add a splash of color and fun to semi-formal events.

They come in a variety of colors and often have some sort of embroidery, which can be used for a monogram or to show off your interests and personality. Since they’re rather informal, they look best when worn to cocktail attire, black tie optional, or creative black-tie weddings. Avoid wearing them with a full wedding tuxedo.

Socks And Laces

When it comes to socks, you can’t go wrong with black silk over the calf socks. This style is highly traditional, has a translucent appearance, and pairs well with formal footwear for an elegant aesthetic. If you don’t have these, don’t worry — most thin socks will do just as well.

Never wear white socks or sports socks with dress shoes, though. Sports socks in particular tend to be bulkier than dress socks. As a result, they often clash or bunch up around your pant legs and shoes, giving your ensemble a sloppy look.

As for the laces, they should be black. The most classic and formal laces are satin, but waxed cotton laces are also acceptable. If you do go with waxed cotton, opt for round laces as they look more formal.

Things To Avoid

Besides what’s already been mentioned, here are the biggest things to avoid when it comes to formal footwear:

Square-toed shoes, boxy shoes, or shoes with a rubber or plastic sole. These look cheap and don’t match the polish and elegance of formal attire.

Boots. Even if they’re considered dress boots, they won’t match the formality of a tuxedo or any outfit that includes a dinner jacket. This type of footwear will stand out in the worst way.

Bottom Line

Whether your preference is patent leather Oxford dress shoes or opera pumps, choose them based on the dress code and or level of formality required for the occasion. Along with this, it’s a good idea to invest in a couple of different styles that you can wear more than once and pair with different outfits. That way, you’ll be ready for anything.

Tell me if I’m wrong – your life may be a mess, but if your nails are perfect, then it’s okay. If your nails are on point, your life is on point, right?

If you’re a nail art novice, on the other hand, and this is your first time considering getting a manicure, you must have millions of questions. What are the different types of manicures you can get? What’s the difference between an acrylic manicure and a dip powder manicure? Is it worth getting a manicure in the first place? Should you save on cash and just have a crack at it yourself? Or go to a professional nail technician and leave it up to them?

You’ll learn all there is to know about manicures in just a couple of minutes, and you’ll be one step closer to joining the nail hype. We’ll be looking at over 10 different types of manicures, so let’s get to work!

Types of Manicures

1. Au Naturale Manicure

The natural nails manicure keeps your nails in check without adding tons of nail polish. It’s an excellent choice if you want to maintain hydrated skin and tidy nails. A natural manicure usually includes some cuticle grooming, nail shaping, a hand massage, and potentially a coat of clear nail polish. An au naturale manicure is suitable for people taking a break between gel polish manicures or people waiting to grow out their nails. This natural method is also a great DIY manicure project you can do at home. Do you work somewhere that doesn’t allow bold and crazy nails? Natural nails may be the perfect choice for you.

How long does it last? Up to a week, as the nails start to grow out.

How much does it cost? This is the cheapest procedure, between $10-$15.

Does it damage your nails? Quite the opposite – it keeps them well-maintained!

2. Basic Manicure

A basic manicure is the next step up from the natural manicure. The procedure includes shaping, filing, and buffing your nails, trimming the cuticles (optional), cuticle oil treatment, a moisturizing hand massage, a couple of coats of nail polish, and a topcoat. Basic manicures don’t use fancy gel polish. They use a regular polish that you can buy from a cosmetics shop. Basic manicure is the perfect choice if you want to opt for a cheap manicure that won’t damage your nails if you’re attending a one-off event that requires more grooming than usual.

How long does it last? About a week or longer, depending on the quality of the nail polish.

How much does it cost? Between $20-$30.

Does it damage your nails? Nope, and that’s why many people love it!

3. Press-On Nails

I used to cringe at the thought of press-on nails. I always picture those nails you can buy in packets from a cosmetics shop that somehow never fit and turn into a whole messy fiasco trying to glue them on. Oh, how the press-on nails have evolved! The quality and variety of press-on nails have improved for the better. You can find hundreds of pre-painted press-on nails nowadays, with all kinds of nail shapes. Whether you wear yours in a classy oval or a bold square shape, there are plenty of choices to go around.

How long does it last? As long as you want them to! Just make sure you use strong glue!

How much does it cost? Between $30-$45.

Does it damage your nails? They shouldn’t damage your nails if you’re careful when removing them.

4. French Manicure

A classy French manicure is an excellent option if you’re looking for a neutral palette. The classic white nail tips can be swapped for more interesting options, like a rainbow tip or a diagonal tip. The French manicures with a twist are a huge trend right now and can be done using regular polish, gel polish, and acrylic.

How long does it last? Anywhere from a week to three weeks, depending on the method you choose!

How much does it cost? Depending on the polish, between $10 – $30.

Does it damage your nails? It depends on the kind of manicure – if you’re using gel, acrylic, or regular nail polish.

5. American Manicure

I’m sure you’ve heard of a French manicure, but are you aware of the American spin-off? The American manicure doesn’t emphasize the white tips of your nails. Instead, it tries to blend your entire nail into a single color, creating a soft pinkish-white hue. This style really buffs up your nails and makes them look healthy and clean. It’s perfect for people who enjoy soft pastel colors, a baby-ish look, and attend to their nail care. It’s an easy manicure to do at home if you’re trying to save on money.

How long does it last? Depending on the nail polish used, anywhere up to 3 weeks.

How much does it cost? $30-$45.

Does it damage your nails? Not unless you’re using gel polish or acrylic!

6. Acrylic Manicure

Are you trying to get striking nails that look like they came out of Euphoria‘s latest season? Then allow me to introduce you to acrylic manicure – gel polish’s foreign cousin! Acrylic is a liquid and powder nail enhancement, which hardens on its own and is often used to create nail extensions starting from your filed cuticles. It’s solid and doesn’t need UV light to set. It’s the go-to choice for impressively long nails in a coffin or stiletto shape. It’s perfect if you need a larger canvas for one of your grandiose nail art ideas.

How long does it last? Over three weeks if done right!

How much does it cost? This manicure is pretty expensive, between $40-$65.

Does it damage your nails? It can, especially if you decide to cover it with gel polish.

7. Gel Manicure

We have already mentioned gel polish several times, but what exactly is it? Gel manicure is ultra-tough and doesn’t air dry like regular nail polish. Instead, it’s baked under a UV light, where it hardens. Gel manicures can last up to three weeks and are preferred by customers who want long-lasting results. There is a downside to gel manicures – hard gel can often damage the nail underneath. Gel manicures can be a long-term investment because they require someone to remove the polish and shape your nail. Thankfully, you can always get your manicure done straight after, and no one will ever know that the nails underneath are in poor condition. Many people love gel manicures due to the great variety of techniques and ideas you can apply. It is also very durable, making it suitable for everyone!

How long does it last? Up to three weeks.

How much does it cost? Between $20-$65.

Does it damage your nails? Unfortunately, it does. The gel is ultra-difficult to remove at home with acetone. Make sure to schedule your next nail appointment in three weeks to remove the gel by a professional. Otherwise, you may risk peeling off parts of your nail.

8. Shellac Manicure

Shellac is a gel polish brand made by Creative Nail Design (CND). The brand claims to be the originator of gel polish. This soft gel will also need a UV or LED lamp to harden. Shellac nail polish has over 160 shades to choose from for your gel nails, and their colors do look braggingly stunning with a high gloss shine.

How long does it last? Up to three weeks.

How much does it cost? Starting at $30 and up to $120.

Does it damage your nails? Yes, if you remove it incorrectly.

9. Dip Powder Manicure

With dip powder manicures, the color of the nail matches the color of the powder polymer poured or dipped onto the nails. Dip powder nails need to be completely dry for the adhesion to work. They are extremely quick to do and require no drying time or UV lamps.

How long does it last? Up to two weeks.

How much does it cost? Between $35-$56.

Does it damage your nails? If used often, it can cause thinning of the nail, so make sure to get a break every two and a half months.

10. Plexigel Manicure

Plexigel is a type of acrylic manicure by the brand CND. There are two main products – a nail shaper and a nail builder. The nail shaper is the repairman, often used to fill cracks or repair broken nails, and can be used to enhance the nail shape. The nail builder allows you to build out extensions from your nails, and is a preferred choice due to its lightweight formula.

How long does it last? Up to three weeks.

How much does it cost? Depending on the nail length, it can be pretty expensive, starting at around $130 for sculpted nails.

Does it damage your nails? No, as long as it is correctly removed.

11. Embellished Manicure

Step up your nail game with an embellished manicure for your next special occasion. Embellished manicures are becoming increasingly popular for fancy events. It’s a form of nail art that can integrate glitter, faux gems, mylar, or other applications to the nails.

How long does it last? Depending on the base of the nail, between two and three weeks.

How much does it cost? Between $50 – $80.

Does it damage your nails? With the right nail tech, it shouldn’t damage your nails.

Why Get a Manicure?

You might be thinking, is it really worth the hassle? What is it about manicures that gets everyone so hooked and obsessed? The truth is, there are multiple benefits to getting your nails done!

Healthy skin

The first one is pretty unambiguous – your nails will look fabulous and well-kept. But it isn’t just your nails exclusively that get a pamper – your skin and cuticles are also taken care of during the process. If you visit a professional nail salon, you’ll most likely receive a brief hand massage with some moisturizing cream which, nine times out of ten, smells divine. You’ll most likely take advantage of the free cuticle oil too, which maintains the necessary hydration on your delicate skin. At the end of the day, regular visits to the salon can make your hands appear younger and healthier!

No More Nail-Biting

Receiving a professional manicure also helps decrease your nail-biting compulsion. I am a notorious nail and skin-biter, and I have tried all kinds of remedies over the years – from bitter hand cream to wearing gloves. Nothing quite worked the way manicures did. I started loving my nails, and looking after them was an immense help. Not to mention, now that I spent money on my nails, it just seemed a waste to start chewing and biting at those beauties!

Improved Mental Health

Lastly, the therapeutic effect you get from a pampering session is another underrated benefit. I leave the nail salon feeling refreshed every single time and I know for a fact other people do too. I have even shared some pretty personal stories with my nail technician, and I haven’t once regretted it! Visiting the nail salon is a great way to spoil yourself with a well-deserved treat!

How to Pick the Best Manicure for Me?

Now that you know the different types of manicures, you probably wonder which one to pick. Decisions, decisions!

It’s best to start by choosing a type of manicure based on your budget. If you feel like you can’t spend much money, you can always get a basic manicure or try getting your nails done at home. There are plenty of YouTube videos to show you how to do it all by yourself, but we recommend this easy-to-follow guide!

If you have some money to spare on your nails and have decided to visit a nail salon, you must be wondering where to start. I usually consider whether I’m getting my nails done for a specific occasion, like a Halloween party or a wedding. If it’s a special occasion, I usually want my nails to last longer than a week. I tend to choose a more permanent option, such as a gel manicure or a dip powder manicure. Make sure you’re aware that your nails will need some time to recover after such a treatment, so once you get rid of the polish, they won’t look ultra perfect!

If I’m not going to a special occasion, I tend to look for neutral colors, especially if I’m choosing a long-lasting manicure. Neutral tones such as pink and cream blend with your nail color and aren’t that easy to spot once your nails have grown out.

Finally, you can find tons of inspiration and ideas on nail designs by browsing Pinterest or Instagram. People come up with unique nail art every day, so it’s worth checking out if you’re feeling at a loss for ideas.

Before You Go

Nail art can turn into a unique way of self-expression, but you don’t have to stop at a manicure. Summertime is around the corner, which begs the question – how often do you get a pedicure? We have answered this popular question and many more in our detailed guide!

There’s a little something for everyone on our blog! If you’re looking for more beauty content, why not check out our top-rated best primers for large pores? Or our round-up of the best indoor tanning lotions!

What is your favorite type of manicure? Let us know in the comment section below!

The Get Ready With Me Guy

Get Ready With Me Guys are Menswear Influencers who have taken it upon themselves to provide their followers with detailed tutorials on how to dress exactly like them. They hold that simply showing their outfits is not enough, and believe all of their followers need step-by-step instructions on how to assemble said outfits.

Taking on this additional responsibility was a significant leap in the evolution of Menswear Influencing. It was no longer just a visual experience for followers, it became interactive with audio or typed instructions. This enabled followers to dress like their influencer heroes unlike ever before.

The Flatlay Fan

The Flatlay is an age-old marketing technique of laying out products in an artistic formation then taking a photo from directly overhead. This has been a practice in the fashion industry for over a century. The more artistic Fashion Infleuncers were quick to pick it up and established their own breed of Menswear content.

Flatlays can consist of an entire outfit, a weekend’s worth of clothing along with the weekend bag you would put it in, an assortment of clothes in a particular seasonal variety, or many other varieties. The possibilities are limitless and the competition for success among the Flatlays depends on originality. That drive for originality to garner more influence results in ever more creative displays of menswear spread out from an overhead perspective.

The Unboxer

@rbbykelly #storymfg #streetwear #nyc #fashion #unboxing ♬ The Hustle – Van McCoy

Who doesn’t love opening up new things? It recalls the childhood joy of unwrapping birthday or Christmas presents. The Unboxer provides that joy vicariously for their followers by filming the opening process of new menswear goods. It seems that for many followers, watching someone else open new items is the next best thing to opening new items themselves.

The real draw of The Unboxer comes from the revelation of new, rare, or exclusive items. The more successful an Unboxer becomes, the more access they get to these desirable goods which provides them with greater success – a true symbiotic relationship between brand and influencer. Since it is a small and very competitive niche within the Menswear Influencer ecosystem, competition is fierce and success is difficult.

The Jumpcut Magician

When Menswear Influencers first emerged, technology was extremely limited compared to today’s standards. The kinds of editing techniques readily available to everyone now were uncommon, hard earned skills back then requiring special programs. Today’s Menswear Influencers can easily produce video content that looks like pure magic.

The most preferred editing trick of the Menswear Infleucers right now is the Jumpcut. Jumpcut Magicians dress themselves with wizardry once reserved for the stages of Las Vegas. With a snap of the fingers or a drop of the cloth, these Magicians are dressed in completely different outfits. Researchers are still unsure if it is an editing trick or black magic, but they are mystified all the same.

The Merchandiser

Merchandising appears everywhere goods are sold. Simply put, it is the art of displaying goods in a way that entices customers to purchase. For menswear, merchandising is a fundamental part of the retail experience. A particular type of Menswear Influencer has made a living from taking the practice from retail shops and adapting it to social media content.

In most cases, Merchandisers will photograph actual store displays. The more ornate the display, the bigger the draw on social media. Other Merchandisers do the work at home, rigging up their own displays or mannequins. From what we can tell, Merchandisers often have professional retail experience as this is a skill that requires professional training to execute at the highest level. While brick and mortar retail is dying off, Merchandisers are keeping their craft alive in the Menswear Influencer ecosystem.

The Vintage Visionary

An entire habitat of the Menswear Influencer ecosystem exists in vintage goods. Within that habitat, thrives a particular sort of Influencer dedicated to finding and sharing vintage menswear. This role was hard work back in the early days of social media as the vintage menswear market was not nearly as developed as it is today. However, as the market has exploded over the past decade, the Vintage Visionaries are now thriving.

Some Vintage Visionaries sell the goods they find and depend on their social media influence to draw customers. Others enjoy the hunt for themselves and keep what they uncover, only posting it on social media to share with other enthusiasts. For followers both shopping and looking, the Vintage Visionary provides a glimpse into the rich history of menswear only available on social media.

The Gear Gazer

A Gear Gazer is an exceptionally modest sort of Menswear Influencer. In a genre known for showing off your looks and drawing as much attention to yourself as possible, the Gear Gazers defer all the attention to the items themselves. Unlike Sartorial No Face Guy, they are removed from the content all together. Their photographs and videos are often closeups that showcase the details of desirable goods.

Gear Gazers admire menswear as one admires a painting. Great menswear can stand on its own, isolated from the wearer, and appreciated unto itself. They are often connoisseurs of craftsmanship, pointing out the details that demonstrate expertise and effort. This particular group of Menswear Influencers are perhaps the pickiest of all, bordering on snobbish. However, they simply know a great thing when they see it and can’t be bothered with anything less.

The Educator

All Menswear Influencers practice education in their craft to some degree – it is a fundamental part of their role on social media. The Educators are specialists who took this one common factor and evolved into an entire subcategory of Influencer. They are easy to spot because they go into far more detail with their content than any of their peers. Educators approach menswear from an academic perspective. They are on a never ending quest for menswear knowledge and enjoy sharing that they have learned with other enthusiasts.

Educator content is laden with facts and explanations. They care more about the history of a garment than how to wear it now. Fashion is important to them in an entirely different way than other Menswear Influencers. They avoid all contemporary trends and prognosticate the heritage of all the great menswear that has come before us. Their dedication serves all menswear followers and enthusiasts alike.

The Female Perspective

The Menswear Influencer ecosystem is unsurprisingly dominated by men. When men are looking for style advice they almost always turn to other men. Yet most men – gay and straight alike – could abolutely benefit from some female perspective. That is why a small group of women have dug out their own niche as Menswear Influencers.

The Female Perspective provides a third person view of menswear that is both refreshing and brutally honest. Menswear Influencers can get stuck in an eco chamber of their own bad advice. There are just some trends that come up in our male blind spots and we need women to point them out to us. Not all men have women in their life that they can trust with fashion advice so fortunately there are Female Perspective Menswear Influencers that they can turn to.

Are you sick and tired of putting foundation or powder on your face and noticing your pores becoming more pronounced and accentuated? You’re probably thinking, “what’s the point of makeup if it can’t cover my skin imperfections?” The truth is if you want a face like a smooth canvas and you have large pores, you need to add an extra step to your makeup routine. 

If you’d like to blur imperfections, it’s time to say hello to a primer for large pores. A smoothing primer will help visibly reduce the size of your pores, add some hydration to your skin, and serve as a protective barrier between your epidermis and your foundation. Some of the best primers are enriched with vitamins E, C, hyaluronic acid, and SPF. We have selected 13 products in the review below, so you’re bound to find the best primer for large pores no matter your skin type and skin issues. Let’s get you acquainted!

Best Primers for Large Pores Reviews

1. Our Top Pick – The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer for large pores

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ordinary hardly needs an introduction, so for those of you looking for a cult primer, you have come to the right place! Its lightweight formula makes it ultra-easy to apply, leaving your face looking dewy and plump. The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer is perfect for applying around the eyes, getting rid of wrinkles, and creating a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. Its unique formula is free from alcohol, water, and oil, making it the perfect choice for combination and normal skin.

2.  Best Drugstore Primer for Large Pores – Bioderma – Sébium Pore Refiner Cream – Pore Refiner Cream

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you have naturally oily or combination skin? Bioderma is the answer. This dermatological corrector will tighten your pores and improve uneven texture. The primer is boosted with silica powders and anti-reflective particles to help reduce shine. The result is a smooth texture and matte complexion with just a few dabs. The agaric acid and salicylic acid help restore radiance and shine through a gentle exfoliation of the face. This is a makeup primer often recommended and prescribed by pharmacists and dermatologists, so relax – your skin is safe trusting this product!

3. Best Primer for Mature Skin and Large Pores –  Honest Beauty Everything Primer Glow + 2HA Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a face primer with anti-aging benefits? Say hello to Honest Beauty! The Honest Beauty cosmetics is made specifically for mature skin with many powerful ingredients working together to fight aging and enlarged pores. This Honest Beauty Everything Primer will guarantee you a radiant glow! It’s boosted with two different types of hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and bind the different layers of skin for a plump appearance. The primer is infused with watermelon, apple, and lentil extracts for ultimate moisture. Did we mention it’s also cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologically tested, AND recyclable? Oh, yeah, and it’s great for all skin types! Thank you, Jessica Alba!

4. Best Primer for Acne Scars and Large Pores – NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pore Filler Blurring Primer, Vegan Face Primer

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We couldn’t exclude NYX from our review – after all, this is a best-selling primer with rave reviews! The oil and talc-free formula is an ultimate pore filler boosted with Vitamin E, just the perfect ingredients for oily skin types. This professional makeup pore filler won’t clog your pores and will leave your skin with a velvety texture and a mattifying effect. This primer is especially effective on acne scars – you know, the deep visible ones, not just light discoloration. The primer visibly fills in the gaps and evens out the skin. Don’t believe me? Just read the five-star reviews underneath the product!

5. Best Primer for Acne-Prone Skin and Large Pores – La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Anti-Aging Face Primer

Okay, time for a serious chat – do you have acne-prone and sensitive skin? Are you quite reluctant to try new products simply because your skin breaks out? I totally get you. I’m the same. But La Roche-Posay is a brand I vouch for ever since my dermatologist introduced me to it. The entire brand focuses on creating products for sensitive skin, and many doctors trust and recommend their products. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Anti-Aging Face Primer will absorb excess oil, visibly blur large pores, and smoothen out thin lines. You’re not only fixing imperfections. You’re giving your skin the sun protection it needs without clogging your pores with harmful ingredients. I’m 100% certain your dermatologist will approve!

6. Best Vegаn Primer for Large Pores – bareMinerals Escentuals Combo Control Milky Face Primer

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• This primer improved their makeup application
• Helps control oil and shine
• Minimizes the appearance of pores.

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you have combined skin and an oily T-zone? The bareMinerals Combo Control Primer is perfect for controlling excess oil and leaving you with a milky-smooth result. Worried it might clog pores? The ultra-lightweight noncomedogenic formula won’t contribute to breakouts, so sensitive skin types can benefit from this product too! To top it all off, the bareMinerals primer is made with a vegan formula. It’s fragrance-free, SLS-free, and cruelty-free! So much goodness in one simple product!

7. Best 2-in-1 Primer for Large Pores – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster moisturizing serum-to-primer hybrid to leave skin hydrated
• Infused with purified Hyaluronic Acid to provide instant hydration
• This priming serum completes the look of your skin with a glowing finish
• Non-greasy formula is designed to make skin appear more plump and energized
• Primer bridges the gap from skincare to makeup, preparing the skin before makeup application

 

  
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Are you looking for a primer and serum combo? The silky formula of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Primer and Serum is designed to instantly energize your skin and give it the hydration it deserves! Wear it as a glow booster with no makeup on, or use its hydrating qualities under your foundation and bronzer for a smooth complexion. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost will visibly decrease the appearance of large pores. The translucent formula mixed with hyaluronic acid is perfect for everyday use at home. It’s a pore-blem solver!

8. Best Primer for Oily Skin and Large Pores – Pore and Shine Control Primer by NARS for Women

It has an innovative formula that minimizes the appearance of pores and mattifies the skin all day long thanks to the blurring powders it contains and also prolongs and enhances the look of makeup.

 

  
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If you’re a fan of NARS, you’re in luck! They have an excellent matte primer for oily skin. NARS’s Pore and Shine Control Primer will oversee oil production through its African whitewood, oleanolic, and peptide formula. The lotion-like texture efficiently controls shine and keeps your fancy makeup in place! Don’t worry. This matte primer won’t clog your pores – it uses a noncomedogenic formula. It’s also oil-free and paraben-free and won’t feel like you just added a heavy layer of moisturizer to your face. Thank you NARS!

9. Best Value Primer for Large Pores – Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

• Features a lightweight, fragrance-free and breathable formula that can be worn alone or with your moisturizer
• Non-comedogenic clear face makeup primer preps for makeup application and leaves skin moisturized for an all-day light feel
• Blurs pores in an instant leaving the skin with a smooth and matte finish for a polished baby-soft skin

Last update on 2022-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer will be a wonderful choice for those looking for a budget solution. Designed as a no-hassle primer, it’s easy to apply and noncomedogenic. The ultra-lightweight formula creates a smooth and moisturized skin texture with a matte finish. Wear it with or without makeup, and you’re guaranteed to look fresh and hydrated with less visible pores. It’s currently on Amazon’s #1 Best Seller list, and for many, it’s the best pore minimizing primer. They call it baby skin for a reason!

10. Best Budget Primer for Large Pores – Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

• Shine control for up to 8 hours
• Pore minimizer
• Hydrating feel
• Smoothes skin
• Oil-free; non-greasy feel
• Lightweight texture

 

  
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Speaking of money-saving brands, you can’t go wrong with Rimmel. Whenever I’m in between jobs or low on money, I turn to Rimmel to fill in the gaps in my makeup collection. Not many people talk about how expensive makeup can be. Once your skin is used to the good stuff, slapping on а cheap alternative can cause breakouts or dry skin, depending on your skin type. But I’ve never had this experience when switching to Rimmel. So if you’re looking for a cheap face primer to minimize the appearance of large pores, allow me to introduce you to the Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer! Its oil-free formula won’t leave your face feeling greasy and heavy – quite the opposite. Expect shine control and hydration for the next eight hours of your day!

11. Best Luxurious Primer for Large Pores – LANCOME by Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer Smoothing Effect

• Oil-free, it absorbs quickly allowing for effortless makeup application. Eyeshadow and blush blend seamlessly, while face powder and foundation stay all-day.
• From a nude makeup to a smokey eye look, La Base Pro works well no matter what the occasion. It enables long-lasting color payoff, with a professional makeup finish.
• Suitable for all skin types, it is good for normal to oily skin, combination to dry skin.

 

  
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If you’re looking for an elegant solution to conceal large pores, you won’t go wrong choosing Lancome. The Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer is specifically designed for long-lasting makeup results. Whether you’re preparing to apply powder, foundation, or spreading the primer around your eyes, it will work well no matter the occasion. Are you aiming for the real-life “airbrushed look” that’s so popular on filters nowadays? Lancome will make it possible. You’re probably worried that your skin type won’t be able to take it, but you’re in luck! This mattifying primer for large pores is suitable for all skin types, with its oil-free and silky-smooth formula.

12. Best Primer for Combination Skin and Large Pores – Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base Primer

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Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bobbi Brown, vitamin-enriched, Fase Base Primer is excellent for oily, normal, and combination skin. The face primer is perfect for dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and oiliness while leaving your skin cushioned and moisturized. Its advanced formula uses shea butter combined with vitamins B, C, and E, and antioxidants to help battle and protect against city pollution. Keep in mind this primer is not fragrance-free, so you’ll notice a scent of geranium and grapefruit. Life could be worse.

When you open the face base primer, you’ll notice it has a thick and luxurious texture. If you were to try and flip the product on its head, it would stay inside instead of streaking out, which means it will last you a very long time. That’s why I recommend you start with a small size, especially when you’re trying out a new product. That way, if you don’t like it (although that’s highly doubtful), you won’t feel like you lose out on a lot of money. Many YouTube makeup gurus vouch for this product, so we couldn’t help but add it to our list!

13. Best NonComedogenic Primer for Large Pores – Dr. Brandt Pores No More PORE REFINER PRIMER

• Instantly and over time* minimizes the appearance of pores, diffuses lines, and imperfections. *Individual results may vary.
• Absorbs excess oil and mattifies shine.
• Creates a smooth, flawless finish with or without makeup.

 

  
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Our final primer on our list will control oils to help create an even skin tone. But that’s not all – it prolongs makeup wear and creates a smooth skin texture. Wondering what it might be? Probably not, if you read the title. Enter: Dr. Brandt pores no more PORE REFINER PRIMER! Are you trying to combat dullness? You have chosen the right product. This dermatological tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free primer is boosted with red clover flower extract famous for its anti-inflammatory qualities. The salicylic acid inside helps unclog your pores and show off your radiant skin to the world! It’s great as a makeup primer, or if you’re after a natural makeup-free look, you can wear it on its own!

FAQ

How does a pore minimizing primer actually work?

Most primers for large pores include an oil-controlling formula with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid, which work to blur wrinkles and add moisture to your skin. This makes your pores appear smaller. Some pore minimizing primers use minuscule particles and powders to reflect light away from your skin, resulting in a skin-smoothing effect.

It’s important to add a small disclaimer here – pore minimizing primers will never solve your pore issue completely. Large pores, caused either by your genes or as a result of acne, can be fixed through various procedures slowly in time, such as micro-needling or laser therapy. So when you’re applying makeup primers for large pores, do keep in mind they are a temporary solution and won’t permanently erase imperfections.

We have about 5 million pores on our bodies, and those on our faces aren’t even half of them. When choosing to fixate on these skin “imperfections,” let’s not forget that, at the end of the day, pores are just glorified hair follicles!

How to choose a minimizing primer?

One of the most important things to look for in a pore reducing primer is SPF protection. UV light activates the matrix metalloproteinase, which damages the supportive collagen in our skin. This is also why many people complain about their pores getting larger with age. Always look for a primer for large pores with SPF protection as a preventative strategy.

Another thing to consider is your skin type. It’s important to buy cosmetics according to your individual skin type – that amazing primer your friend uses may make her skin fabulous, but it might not work for you. Here is what to look for according to your skin type:

Oily Skin 

The best recommendation for people with oily skin is mattifying primers. These won’t add additional moisture to your face, and you won’t feel a “heaviness” when you apply. Many people with oily skin worry that using a primer or moisturizer will accentuate or increase the oiliness of their skin. However, if you choose a matte finish primer, you won’t experience that effect. Washing your face once a day with a cleanser also helps clean your large pores, which makes them appear smaller.

Normal Skin

Mattifying primers won’t really work for you if you have normal skin. They’ll only dry up your skin, so instead, look for a lightweight formula with a dewy effect.

Dry Skin 

If you have dry skin you should look for a primer with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. A mattifying primer will only dry your skin further, especially when putting makeup on top. To boost your skin’s hydration, use a daily moisturizing cream to add to your beauty routine and prep the skin for the day ahead. The primer will then work as a topping-up agent, maintaining hydration throughout the day.

Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

We have included some excellent primers for allergy-prone skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin on our list. The general rule to remember is to buy dermatologically tested primers and skincare products, often ones sold in pharmacies. La Roche Posay, Bioderma, and The Ordinary are safe brands to use that dermatologists recommend. However, always check with your dermatologist if you’re introducing a new skincare element to your routine, especially during acne treatments. 

Finally, I’ll give you my secret weapon when choosing makeup for my acne-prone skin: CosDNA. I always check the ingredients inside my makeup products on this website to see if any of them could irritate my skin. They have an extensive gallery of products. There’s rarely anything I can’t find on there! You can thank me later!

How to use a minimizing primer?

Minimizing primers should be used on a clean face, preferably after your daily cream has set. Apply a pea-sized amount of minimizing primer on your skin, starting at your nose and spreading away towards your cheeks. Repeat until you have gone over every part of your face where the foundation will go, like your chin and forehead. You’re now ready for your foundation!

Why do some people have large pores?

There are several reasons why some people have larger pores than others. The most common reason is genetic – people born with oily skin are likely to have large pores. Oily skin requires a larger pore opening, so the excess oil can be released.

Another reason for large pores is aging. When we age, we produce less collagen, and the pre-existing collagen inside our skin loosens. Suddenly, our skin isn’t as firm, and we notice our pores have become larger than before. 

Lastly, exposure to the sun is another reason for large pores. Sun damage, also referred to as photoaging, only becomes visible when it’s too late. We all like to have fun in the sun and get the trendy golden tan of our dreams, but exposing our skin to harmful UV rays is the worst way to treat it. Consider switching from sunbathing to tanning lotions if you like a brown sugar tan. We can recommend some of the best indoor tanning lotions and explain why they’re a safer bet in comparison to sunbathing.

One More Thing

We carefully selected makeup and skincare brands for this article. Dermatologists would recommend most of the products we chose. We made this choice because we know skincare is not a joke, and we strive to be as informed as possible. This is true for all subjects we write about, so if you have any comments or would like to share your experience with any of the mentioned products, feel free to leave a comment below! 

Meanwhile, allow me to recommend some similar stories! If this is your first time here, or if you have been part of the IFB audience for a while, I think you’ll find the following articles to your liking:

Are you considering getting your first manicure, but you don’t know where to start? We’ve got your back with our guide on manicure types! Find out what you’ll experience when you visit a nail salon so you can choose the best manicure for the occasion!

Speaking of nail salons, when was the last time you got a pedicure? With the warm months approaching, our feet are getting impatient to say hi to the world in our new sandals and open-toe shoes! Find out how often you should get a pedicure in our article!

I hope you enjoyed our guide on the best primer for large pores, and I hope to catch you again soon!

Best Selling Primer for Large Pores

Last update on 2022-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API