Sauna Etiquette – Clothing Optional?

By Amy Nutt

To wear, or not to wear; that is the question! All kidding aside, there are some serious things to discuss when it comes to the question of clothing inside of saunas. Some people have no problems when it comes to stripping down to their birthday suits, no matter who sees them! The majority of the population however does have problems with being seen naked in public – even in a sauna. What then, is considered proper etiquette in a sauna when it comes to clothing?



I will never forget one moment in my childhood when I opened a sauna door and encountered a very unattractive, naked woman sitting inside. I quickly closed the door, and saunas have never been the same for me since! Granted, there are some settings in which you can go without your clothes in a sauna. For example, if you own your own private sauna in your home, there shouldn’t be a problem going in your birthday suit! Another example would be at a private club where the clothing option is clearly stated. In a public sauna however, it really is best to leave your clothes on.



Europeans have been using saunas for generations now, and North Americans only discovered them a few years ago. It is well known in Europe that saunas work the best when the user is not wearing any clothes at all, and maybe nudity is more accepted over there because of this fact. In North America however, nudity is not so acceptable! It is better to use a sauna without clothing, but when you think about sharing space with eight or nine other people – especially when those people are complete strangers, clothing is suddenly more important than getting the best use of the sauna.



Another reason not to forget your clothes when going into the sauna is because of the position your body must be in to get the maximum results. Sauna experts will tell you not to sit in the sauna – you must lie down to get the full sauna benefits. They will also tell you that if you do have to sit down, it is best not to let your feet dangle. In these positions, it is probably best to be clothed!



You can get away with a very small bathing suit, or even wearing a towel wrapped around your body in the sauna. As long as the material of the suit and the towel is made of breathable cotton, you should still be able to reap the full benefits of the sauna. Some very uncomfortable moments can be created when you don’t pay attention to the kind of sauna you are entering without clothing – please pay close attention to this very important detail!



Saunas can be a great experience for anyone who wants to go, and you’ve got to remember not to spoil that experience for everyone else! (Like it was spoiled for me!) Home saunas are pretty affordable to build, and if you choose an infrared heat sauna, it is actually cheap to run as well, and you can feel free to wear your birthday suit as much as you want.



About the Author: Saunafin will help you with your sauna and steambath needs. We offer saunas, steambaths, pre-fab and infrared sauna.



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How to Pick a Tie

By David Sanderson

A man's clothes are interpreted as a reflection of his character and standing. As Polonius wisely tells us in Hamlet, ‘the apparel oft proclaims the man’. It’s a shame, then, that in the arena of formal clothing, men have so few ways to distinguish themselves from one another. One notable exception to this is the men’s tie.



Sitting so near to the face, men’s ties have the power to make a huge statement about the wearer’s character. Bow ties out of context, for example, can have an unintentionally comic undertone, whilst oversized men’s ties can evoke an oversized ego.



However, a man who takes the trouble to put on the perfect silk tie, handmade and correct for the outfit and occasion, will give a lasting impression of style and sophistication which is well worth the extra cost. Here are some pointers on how to get it right with men’s ties.



Length:



Make sure your tie is the right length. Most shop bought ties are 55/56 inches. Men’s ties are the correct length if they just about reach the belt buckle, which is generally 58 inches, although taller men may require even longer ties.



Texture:



It’s very important to choose a tie made of high quality material, natural fibres are always best, whether silk, cashmere or wool. However, silk ties don’t go with every kind of suit, so be sure that the texture of the tie complements the texture of the suit. Like generally goes with like although there are exceptions, for example a woolen flannel suit looks very chic with satin ties, a complete contrast and opposite.



Pattern:



When deciding on a pattern, there are a number of things to take into account with men’s ties. Firstly, take care not to clash with the pattern on the shirt or jacket. The tie should complement, but not compete with, the rest of the clothing. For example, if you go with a striped tie, don’t wear a similarly striped shirt or you could be mistaken for an optical illusion. Face shape is also important - men with angular faces suit striped ties, whilst round-faced men will look better in spot or neat printed ties. Nobody should ever wear a novelty tie.



Colour:



Blue in general is a particularly flattering colour for men, including navy, medium or sky blue. Blue ties go best with blue or white shirts and blue or grey suits. When choosing a colour you should take the season into account as well. In winter, for example, wines, green or brown hues are good options and in spring and summer lilac or pink can are a dashing alternative.



Handmade Ties:



Making a top-quality handmade tie is a tricky business, and leads to a more expensive product. But really good handmade ties should last for years and will always create a stylish focal point for a formal suit. Along with other benefits, a good quality handmade tie should be made from generous blocks of silk allowing a deeper fold at the back of the tie, giving the tie a more luxurious feel and enabling it to be hand slipped more securely.



About the Author: David Sanderson buys all of his silk ties from Drakes, the largest independent producer of handmade ties in England. Drakes exports men's ties and other accessories all over the world to the very finest stores, both high fashion and traditional.



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Accessories to Create a Unique 'Black' Elegance

By Leah Pisay

Who says dressing up in black can be boring, a drab, or even unsophisticated? There are a lot of great things that black clothing can do when you wear them properly. For instance, black can certainly flatter your figure and your look. Some people actually look slimmer in black while others look absolutely elegant in it. Black clothing can also be worn anytime of the day; that's unique in the realms of color. With a nice pair of shoes, some good and colorful accessories and the right attitude, your basic black can quickly become not so basic at all. Let's check out some of the ways to dress up in black.



For work, simple black clothing can easily be made into a more professional look by, for example, opting to wear a colorful shirt in shades such as yellow, green, red, or blues in a basic black suit. For ladies, a tote in fun shapes and sizes can easily achieve functionality and professionalism. Also try on fabulous shoes in metallic tones and wear bold jewelry such as rings, bold bangles or dangly earrings and your sure to spice up your ensemble! For men, try wearing colorful ties and uniquely printed ones for a sure fire hit wardrobe.



During daytime, a button down shirt paired with Capri style pants can be a good choice for women. Wear accessories in odd shapes and sophisticated colors for a more interesting look. A red coat can give added punch to your outfit. At night time, your little black dress can look glamorous with the right kind of pearls and dressy shoes that anyone would die for. Create a more dramatic look by putting on darker lipstick and shades that will bring out the beauty in your eyes.



When going formal, a long black gown can turn heads with the right hair style and jewelry. Keep them as simple as you can. For a more glamorous effect, you can put on a faux fur stole. For men, a black tux has that irresistible appeal especially on women. It gives a certain aura of mystery that most men would like to keep. The shoes play very important roles in dressing up. If in black, go for special ones with character. Women have Manolo Blahnik, Kate Spade or Guess as perfect examples of these. For men, Prada and Gucci are just perfect for their sophisticated look. For those with tight budgets, watch out for sales in designer stores. This way, you can look incredible without going broke.



Finally choose the right kind of jewelry. Try different pieces especially when in black. Pearls or necklaces with semi-precious stones best fit women. Men also have their own necklaces and bracelets, and the cufflinks. Cufflinks, especially engraved cufflinks, add a more elegant and classy look on men in black. Having engraved cufflinks certainly give a statement on the personality of the one wearing them. It's the best choice if one prefers individuality and personalization. These items might be small, but they certainly give a huge impact when dressing up. So, who says black is boring?



About the Author: Whether your interests are in silver, gold, artistic, sports, or other theme-related cufflinks we've got you covered. Cufflink Aficionado carries a broad range of mens cufflinks designed to meet each connoisseur's individual style and interest. Our selection of cuff links are sure to top off that perfect look.



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Budget-Friendly Fashion Tips For Men

By Leah Pisay

These days, we have to admit that times are really hard. With the financial crisis and economic recession that hit almost everyone around the world, we can't be unwise especially in our spending. As food and energy costs continue to soar, can we still afford new clothes and a wardrobe change? Well, it all boils down in finding the best deals on clothes and inexpensive alternatives, so we can still achieve the best look for less. How to be fashionable without the pain in the pocket? Try out these tips that were especially formulated for men:



1. Shoes are probably one of the few items that men are willing to spend a fortune to. But then again, cost is a concern nowadays so you have to choose wisely. There are brands in the market that are not so expensive, but they give you that same look when you buy the expensive ones. You just have to look really well and shop more until you find the one that suits your budget.



2. Jeans have been a staple among men's wardrobes. There are outrageously priced pairs that reach up to $200, but you can easily find items that are around $50 or less. What counts is that it fits you in such a way that wearing it makes you feel comfortable. Make sure, too, that it flatters your body shape.



3. Of course, one of the best ways to save on your clothes is by choosing colors and fabrics that you can wear all year round. Pick out neutral colors, like white or blue for a dress shirt and gray or black for trousers. Your sports coats and sweaters should be neutral, too. Follow this tip and you are always good to go!



4. When you shop, go for sale events. It is the best time to shop for great stuff as discounts can reach up to 65% off! Don't get turned off with the long lines when paying. You can't help it if there are many people who think the same way you do.



5. As you choose and buy items for yourself, you can easily double your wardrobe potential by having reversible pieces that offer two looks in one. Most pieces like jackets, sweaters, and tees are often made reversible.



6. Don't forget to accessorize. These days, companies are producing really cool watches that look more expensive than they really are. You don't need to buy fake ones when there are now cheaper choices available.



7. Watches are not the only items that you can have as accessories. It's now common to find men's cufflinks all over the place! These cufflinks add a plus factor on your look especially when you go formal. They vary in designs, sizes, and yes, on prices too. All you have to do is pick out a pair that says something on your personality then find the best deal on them.



The hard times may be upon us now, but that does not mean we can't keep with the fashion. Bear these tips in mind, and you will always be ready to go.



About the Author: Whether your interests are in silver, gold, artistic, sports, or other theme-related cufflinks we've got you covered. Cufflink Aficionado carries a broad range of men's cuff links designed to meet each connoisseur's individual style and interest. Our selection of mens silver designer cufflinks are sure to top off that perfect look.



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