J.Crew's Jack {he knows best}

There's an article over at the Examiner (click here) that asks the age old question, "White after Labor Day?" and J.Crew's Jack comes to the rescue! ;)

White after Labor Day, guys? Jack knows best
By Brandon Roberts
September 7, 2009

Surely this Labor Day, it is the question on every guy's mind: will I be able to wear my white jeans tomorrow? Tradition says no, but whose tradition? And don't some traditions fall out of fashion with time? For example, men used to wear powdered wigs- haven't seen that much lately (and Elton John doesn't count on this one). Before shelving those white jeans or khakis-- along with your beach-filled memories of summer 2009 now that school is back in session, the days grow shorter, and the bittersweet rusting of the leaves (and extra chore of raking them) is just around the corner-- consider the wisdom of J. Crew's men's stylist, Jack, on the subject. The J.Crew web site features advice from this stylish dude Jack (surname unknown), and since J.Crew would know, here is the definitive word on the subject, from the web site:

"Can I wear white jeans before memorial day? Absolutely. White or wheat-colored denim works year-round, despite what the old rule says. As soon as it gets colder, wear them with sturdy boots (right now I'm particularly attached to my Red Wing® boots) and heavy-gauge sweaters or a great tweed sportcoat."

So there it is... now breathe a collective sigh of relief, and enjoy the rest of your Labor Day.

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If you have a question you want to ask Jack, send an email with your question to jack@jcrew.com. The following is Jack's complete advice at JCrew.com (click here & here):

How long should my pants be?
It's personal preference. It's more modern to let your hem graze the top of your shoes without any break, but there are plenty of men who prefer to go longer and that's fine, too. (If you want your ankles—or socks—to be covered when you walk or stand, I recommend the longer length with a slight break.) Really, the most important thing is how the pants fit overall.

Where can I wear a linen suit?
Wherever (and whenever) the weather is warm—a good rule of thumb is Memorial Day through Labor Day, but if you find yourself in the tropics in the middle of winter, by all means break out the linen. The most important thing is to make sure it fits properly (there's nothing worse than an ill-fitting linen suit). Another thing to remember: the wrinkles are supposed to be there, so don't go too crazy with an iron.

When do I wear a crewneck sweater versus a V-neck?
There's no hard-and-fast rule—one isn't considered dressier than the other, so it's entirely up to you. Some guys prefer the way a V-neck sweater looks when they're wearing a tie, but I happen to think that the shirt/tie/crewneck combo is pretty sharp, too. Either way, just make sure you keep that collar tucked in.

How often should I wash my jeans?
It all depends on the kind of denim and how quickly you want your jeans to age. With raw or rinsed denim, your best bet is to wear them for at least three months before washing them (some denim enthusiasts would actually recommend a minimum of six months wear before washing, and I know some purists who don't ever wash theirs). When you do decide to launder your jeans—and I recommend doing so as infrequently as you can possibly stand—turn them inside out and handwash them in cold water. I always hang my jeans to dry, but if you want to throw yours in the dryer, I suggest using the lowest heat setting possible.

What should I wear to a wedding?
Get an idea of what the groom is wearing—if he's not wearing a tux, then neither should you. As a general rule, you can't go wrong with a tropical-weight suit in either solid navy or charcoal grey. Pair it with a white broadcloth shirt and a dark-colored tie and you're good to go. (During the summer, you can trade darker suits for khaki or other light colors.) However, if the invitation reads "black tie", be prepared to break out the penguin suit.

Two buttons or three buttons?
It depends on your build. A three-button jacket can help a tall guy look more balanced, while two-button jackets can actually make short guys look less so. Both styles are considered equally wearable, so choose whichever looks best on you.

What's the difference between a sportcoat and a blazer?
Both blazers and sportcoats are similar in design to suit jackets, but they're meant to be worn as separates. People often use the two terms interchangeably, but traditionally speaking, the word blazer refers specifically to wool or cashmere jackets that are solid navy in color. Sportcoats are slightly more casual and are usually made in a wider range of fabrics and colors (they can also have patterns, like stripes or herringbone).

How can I make my clothes last longer?
For starters, take care of them when you're not wearing them. Invest in some good wooden hangers for your closet (the wire ones from the dry cleaner that say "We heart our customers" don't count), and hang your clothes up as soon as you take them off. A good wooden hanger will keep the shape and lines of your clothes intact, which means they'll look better when you do wear them and will last longer.

Can I wear white jeans before memorial day?
Absolutely. White or wheat-colored denim works year-round, despite what the old rule says. As soon as it gets colder, wear them with sturdy boots (right now I'm particularly attached to my Red Wing® boots) and heavy-gauge sweaters or a great tweed sportcoat.

If I am going to buy one pair of jeans, what should I get?
While I appreciate all kinds of denim, I happen to think that the most authentic kind is rinsed or raw (it's the ultimate DIY project). Buy a pair that's dark and clean and break them in on your own—that way, every whisker, crease and threadbare spot is totally unique.

I have to wear a suit to work every day. How can I add some variety to my look?
Not with your tie—please, no funky ties. Ever. I like to keep my shirt/tie/suit combo timeless and crisp and suggest you do the same. If you really feel like you need to mix it up, try bright or patterned socks (or no socks at all). You can also play with the silhouette of your suit: try a slimmer cut or change up the number of buttons on your jacket—it's a subtle adjustment, but it'll make a big difference.

What's the best way to wear a cardigan?
I love it as an alternative to a sportcoat, if the occasion is right (think lunch with your in-laws, not a job interview). It also works with a tee shirt and jeans for a more casual look.

Button-down collar or point collar?
I tend to save point-collar shirts for nicer occasions, like weddings and interviews, and wear my button-downs for everything else (originally a shirt for sports, it still has a more casual feel). That said, I happen to be a big fan of wearing button-downs with suits (with or without a tie) for an everyday, laid-back look that works for just about any occasion.

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I find Jack's advice at to be fun & good sense (for the most part). Although, I don't know about the advice for how often to clean jeans. Waiting 3 to 6 months to wash them sounds ridiculous (as in gross) to me.

What are your thoughts on Jack's advice? Do you agree with waiting 3 to 6 months to wash your jeans? Do you think it's a clever marketing move on J.Crew's part? Do you think the advice section is thoughtful or obvious? :)