"There's something inherently virile and masculine about growing a beard. It kind of evokes a mountain climber, an explorer, a warrior. I'm a man, dammit, and I'm not going to be coiffed, and I'm not putting on moisturizer, and I don't need toner and exfoliant and all that crap..."
 

GQ STYLE EDITOR ADAM RAPOPORT ON THE CURRENT POPULARITY OF BEARDS,

CHICAGO TRIBUNE | 2.17.08

Hmm, sounds like a bear to me! 

The Complete Bear remembers an age when masculine style was cultivated in all aspects of life. A time when a shave included a hot towel and warm shaving cream. A time when a man could smoke a quality cigar and enjoy an aged scotch. A time when a merchant knew your name and your neck size.

We remember that time. We hope to offer helpful grooming tips and guidelines to enhance your rugged style.

10 Yard Penalty -

Unless you actively engage in a sporting activity, you can’t wear the uniform. And unless you are Pussy from the Soprano’s - track suits are a no-no.  . . "

Buy A Tux -

First and foremost – every man should own one. Too much money? Consider that if you wear it three times, it’s less that what you’d spend on rentals. And like all things classic, pick the right one and it will never go out of style.

A few basic rules:

And to answer that age old question – the cummerbund folds face up. They were traditionally meant to hold theatre tickets.

A reader disagrees -

Hey in reading in your rugged style section about purchasing a tuxedo, it was stated that cumberbunds were originally meant for holding theater tickets, but the pleats are entirely too small for such.  In all actuality - cumberbunds were worn to catch bits of food (crumbs) from falling into one's trousers at dinner, which is why the pleats must be worn up and also explains how it they became part of appropriate formal dinner attire.  Just wanted you to at least tell people that in addition to the theatre ticket tidbit.

Bob E.H.
Visual Design Specialist
Nashville TN

McGyver Would Approve - 

You're about to head off to that big interview and one of your collar tabs is curled and sticking out.  Collar stays?  Where the &%#@ are they?  Relax, grab a paper clip.  It makes a great collar stay.  Now the interview?  That one you have to handle on your own!!

Recycle -  

Don't throw away that Tuxedo Shirt. Instead take it to a tailor & have the short fly collar taken off & re-seamed, making a one inch collar band that stand up. It makes for a great Nauru, Mandarin or Quaker style shirt  - a great look with jeans. Especially if you have a thick neck like I do.  The stand-up 1" collar band makes for a slight camouflage of that thickness & gives you a svelte look in Wranglers or the slacks of your choice.   Don't button the top two buttons. It's OK to show some Fur. We own it, we've earned it & men love it... Sean

Got a tip?  Send it to Rugged Style. 

If we use it - we'll send you something beary cool.