The psychobilly jacket is an important accessory necessary to complete the overall look of practitioners and followers of the psychobilly music style. The retro jackets are customized to fit the individual wearer's taste and fashion sense, and are often made to reflect the owner's preference for a specific band or psychobilly singer.
Psychobilly Music
Psychobilly music is an outgrowth of the rockabilly genre. Psychobilly musical stylings combine the diverse influences of outlaw country western, punk rock, surf rock and hillbilly boogie woogie. The psychobilly sound contains overtones of heavy metal sub-genres, including death metal, thrash metal and goth metal. The names punkabilly, honky punk, cowpunk, slacker swing, hard twang and alterna-country have been used to describe the psychobilly style. The Cramps popularized the movement in the early 1970s, taking the name psychobilly from the Johnny Cash song "One Piece at a Time."
Psychobilly Fashion
The psychobilly look, including custom-made jackets, is a throwback style, with origins in American 1950s rockabilly and rock 'n' roll fashion. The rockabilly clothing style derives from the British Teddy Boy, Mods, Rockers and skiffle band subcultures. Black leather motorcycle jackets, and blue denim biker jean jackets provide the basis for the customized psychobilly jacket. The jackets style is modernized by skinhead, punk and outlaw motorcycle gang influences.
Leather
The leather psychobilly jacket starts with a basic black leather motorcycle jacket like the one worn by Marlon Brando in the 1953 movie "The Wild One." Embellish the jacket with custom painted touches influenced by 1950s tattoo art. Use skulls, dice, playing cards or Harley Davidson emblems. Paint your favorite band name or logo on the back of the jacket. Add traditional country-western motifs such as red roses, treble clefs and musical notes.
Denim
Start with a traditional Levi's or Wrangler blue-jean jacket. Cut or rip off the sleeves to make a vest type jacket popular with biker gangs and heavy metal fans. Hem the sleeves or leave them frayed. Heavily wash or bleach the fabric. Slice, rip or tear the denim. Adorn the jacket with appropriate psychobilly patches, badges and painted decoration. Include tour dates and portraits of your favorite psychobilly singers and band members.
Measuring a man for a suit jacket is not difficult, but it's important to measure the two key sizing factors so that you get a good fit. Typically, the two basic measurements that need to be taken are the chest and the actual height of the man. If these measurements are taken properly, you can ensure a great fitting suit jacket. A few additional measurements may include sleeve length and a shoulder measurement.
Instructions
- Wrap a tape measure loosely around the man's chest. The tape measure should go around the widest part of the torso, which is directly under the arms and across the chest, just above the nipples. This measurement is the chest measurement.
- Measure the height of the man while he stands up straight against a wall. This will determine whether he needs a short, medium or long suit.
- Measure across the back, directly above the shoulder blades but under the neck, from shoulder to shoulder. Some online suit companies require this measurement to ensure the suit fits across the back.
- Measure from the top of the arm to the wrist to gain an accurate sleeve measurement. The length of the suit jacket sleeve should allow the shirt peek out about a half inch to an inch.
Since 1865, the varsity jacket has been an indefatigable symbol of sportsmanship, athletics and vigorously talented youth. While it continues to serve as a badge of honor for school-age youths, the varsity jacket has shifted into mainstream men’s fashion. You may not have worn a letterman since high school, but it might be time for you to go old school and pair this modernized jacket with a variety of modern ensembles. Of course, you'll want to keep in mind that while the varsity jacket is stylistically versatile, it is strictly an athletic and collegiate look; it's never appropriate for business professional or business casual.
Summer
Although most men stray from wearing jackets in warm summer months, the varsity jacket can make an impressively stylish statement when paired with typical summer clothing, like shorts and tee shirts. For example, designer Micah Cohen's 2013 summer and spring collections included varsity jackets coordinated with colorful, low-neck tank tops, dark shorts and slip-on shoes. Men's magazine FHM recommends a polo shirt, chino shorts and espadrilles for a no-fuss casual look.
Spring
Spring weather, in many parts of the U.S., can be unpredictable; fortunately, this will allow you to pair your varsity jacket with a variety of weather-appropriate outfits. On warm days, slip on a pair of khaki or tan corduroy shorts, boat shoes and a brightly colored t-shirt for a modern yet comfortable look. Cool days call for a little extra warmth. Go casual prep with a vintage polo or your favorite plaid shirt, casual slacks and penny loafers.
Autumn
You'll have plenty of opportunities to wear your varsity jacket as the autumn days grow shorter and weather begins to cool. Use your varsity jacket to kick a little spirit into an otherwise drab outfit by wearing it with an oxford cloth button-up, khaki pants and a pair of lace-up sneakers. Switch out the khakis and sneakers for a pair of chino pants and colorful suede driving shoes to shake up your style routine.
Winter
Jackets were made for winter. This is your chance to really make your varsity jacket shine. Add a little old-school Harvard to your look by accessorizing with neutral colored wool scarves and your most comfortable cardigan. When the winter days reach their coldest, don't sacrifice comfort by wearing light materials. Wear denim jeans for an athletic look or corduroy pants for an old-fashioned Ivy League style. Keep your shoes simple and warm for winter by wearing high-top sneakers, ankle boots or leather loafers. As you work your way through the next year, keep in mind that personal style trumps fashion trends. Make sure that your look reflects your personality, comfort and tastes.
The beauty of a blue suit is it's a classic color that's chic, super fashionable and looks superb on both men and women. Fashion trends have broadened the array of blue hues on the style scene. From cobalt to cerulean, the specific color of blue blazer you choose should set the tone for the shirt you wear under it.
Dark Blue Jackets
A classic-cut, navy blue suit is the most frequented shade of blue. It's a safe choice, perfect for the office or any event requiring a professional polish. Guys, add a fresh style to the classic navy jacket with a blue-and-white bengal-striped shirt with a pale-gray sock and caramel-colored wingtip brogues. Women should try a navy blue button-down with white polka dots. Indigo is an excellent choice for a blue suit in the new brighter, more saturated hues. This vibrant color, traditionally used for coloring denim, works well with white shirts. Indigo is also a fantastic color to experiment with spring colors such as cerulean -- a fancy name for sky blue -- for a more fashion-forward style.
Light Blue Jackets
The light blue suit that used to hide in the shadows until summer is on-trend all year round now that designers are producing suits and jackets in rich blue colors such as cerulean. Wear a pale blue blazer with a light neutral button-down such as white, ivory or heather gray. For a bolder style, wear a shirt that has a dark purple-blue stripe or check. Same rules apply to both men and women. Avoid dark shirts under a soft blue jacket or it will throw off the balance of the outfit.
Plaid Jackets
A blue plaid jacket is more style sensitive than it's solid counterparts. If you're wearing a dark blue jacket with a lighter plaid pattern, work with the lightest color in the jacket. The safe choice is a solid shirt in that color or lighter. If you're confident in your fashion sense, try something highly fashionable and wear a white shirt with a blue check that's in between the two shades of your jacket. Women can accomplish this pattern-on-pattern trend with a bow-tie blouse in a similar color scheme.
Pinstripes
Few suits can hold their own against the navy blue pinstripe suit. A navy pinstripe jacket has a classic sophistication not to be messed with -- keep the accessories simple with a crisp white button-down. Women, wear a matching pinstripe vest with no button-down for a sexy look that balances the masculinity of this jacket.
Denim Shirts
For a chic, fashion-forward style statement, go tone-on-tone and wear any blue blazer with a denim dress shirt. The new take on the traditionally western-wear style of button-downs is more fitted, woven in finer fabrics and sits neatly under a jacket. Guys should add a bow tie or a graphic-print tie for a preppy-cool look. Women, keep your shirt unbuttoned and add a gold statement necklace for a stunning mix of refined, rugged and polished elements.
Stylish men keen on making a statement ought to have a checkered sports coat stashed away in their wardrobe arsenal. With styling capabilities ranging from trendy to sophisticated, a checkered sports coat is your ticket to looking both masculine and chic. Whether heading to the office, a business dinner or a Saturday picnic, a checkered sports coat is your ticket to looking cool and put together with minimal effort.
Slacks
Slacks are the perfect pairing with a sleek and chic sports coat. When attending a dress-to-impress occasion, a checkered sports coat with a pair of slacks in a neutral shade is a safe bet. But, if you're a fashion risk taker, pair your sports coat with slacks in a bright, bold shade such as cobalt blue. Whether rocking neutral shades or vivid hues, a pair of well-fitting slacks is a stylish choice indeed.
Denim
A pair of dark denim jeans is a great match for the sports coat. Relaxed yet sophisticated, a pair of jeans tones down the seriousness of a sports coat, while still making it appropriate for casual yet dressy occasions. Once more, the fashion-forward male can incorporate a bright shade of denim to make a fashion statement with a checkered sports coat. Confidence is key to pulling off this hip and trendy look.
Neutrals
V-necks in neutral shades are a cool yet sophisticated pairing for gentleman hoping to put a modern spin on the sports coat. A black, white or tan button-down shirt will work well with most checkered jackets. A great combination for jeans or slacks, neutrals are a chic and safe bet for keeping the sports coat stylishly appropriate for a ton of occasions.
Brights
Opt for a pop of color underneath a sports coat for an outfit that's awesomely on trend. For a cohesive look, choose a shade that appears in your coat, or go off the grid and choose a contrasting shade that's just as chic. A brightly colored shirt under your sports coat can look great when paired with either jeans or slacks, so experiment with different combinations before you hit the town.
Sports coats, blazers and suit jackets can pull your whole look together -- if they are the right size. Keeping up your dapper appearance requires that jackets fit your personal dimensions. Although using a professional tailor is the most common way to ascertain your dimensions, learning to take your own measurements will enable you to make informed purchases both online and in person with minimal assistance from a tailor.
Instructions
Taking Measurements
1 Measure the length of your jacket by holding the end of your measuring tape at the front base of your neck and allowing it to roll down your chest. With your arms and shoulders relaxed, ask your assistant to read the measurement that is parallel to your knuckles at the base of your fingers. Make a note of the measurement with a pencil and paper.
2 Have your assistant measure your shoulder width. With one end of the tape pressed on the furthest point of your left shoulder, have your assistant extend the tape to the furthest point on your right shoulder and read the measurement aloud. Make a note of the measurement with a pencil and paper.
3 Determine the sleeve lengths by placing the end of your tape measure at the edge of your shoulder, where your arm and shoulder meet. Allow the tape to roll down along the length of your arm. The appropriate length for a tailored suit will be at your first thumb knuckle, where the joint meets the palm; the appropriate length for an off-the-rack suit will be parallel to your wrist. Write down both measurements and repeat the process on your other arm.
4 Place the end of the tape measure at your navel and run it all the way around your waist; mark the measurement. Place the end of the tape measure on the widest part of hip and run the tape around your entire hip; mark the measurement. Place the end of the tape at the center of your chest and run it under your arms, all the way around your body; mark the measurement.
5 Have your assistant measure the breadth of your chest (across the nipples) from the left armpit to the right armpit; mark the measurement. Have your assistant run the measuring tape all the way around your relaxed bicep; mark the measurement. Have your assistant measure the widest part of your back, over the shoulder blades; mark the measurement.
The main distinction between toggle coats and duffel coats is that duffel styles are traditionally made of heavy fabrics intended to withstand chilling winds and moisture, and they are equipped with large hoods. Duffel coats were originally mass produced for military purposes. On the other hand, any coat that fastens by virtue of a rigid piece of material that passes through a loop of leather, fabric or elastic qualifies as a toggle coat.
Button Up
A coat toggle is, by definition, a form of closure involving a short, stiff object that connects one frontal flap to another by being passed through a loop. Toggle-button coats are believed to have been worn since the mid-1700s, but the mechanism of fabric closure probably dates back much further. Toggles are considered to be decorative as well as functional forms of closure on coats. The loops can be made of eye-appealing fabrics, and the "rods" can be fashioned from bones, metals, ceramics or wood.
Sailor Style
Defining features of a duffel coat are a spacious, detachable or fixed hood and a roomy silhouette that extends to the knee or lower. Duffel coats date back to the late 1600s, and they were popularized during World War I when they were manufactured to protect sailors in the British Royal Navy from the icy winds of the North Atlantic Ocean. Early duffel coats were constructed with oversized pockets that gloved hands could be stuffed into, and easy-open toggle closures that gloved hands could manipulate easier than buttons or zippers. The coats' spacious hoods were designed to fit over sailors' caps, and their thick woolen fabrication is attributed to sturdy woven material that came from Duffel, Belgium.
Dashing Duffel Coats
Duffel coats grew in popularity after World War II, when they became widely available in military surplus stores. Prestigious European labels regularly produce updated versions of Duffel coats that stress form as well as function, as do esteemed American labels known for luxury as well as performance. A modernized duffel style was saluted by "Esquire" magazine as a "best winter coat" for 2010 by virtue of its refined wool-and-synthetic blend fabrication, shapely contours and elaborate metallic fasteners.
Trendy Toggles
The decorative and form-flattering possibilities of toggle coats makes them popular among women. Yankee traditionalist labels treat toggle coats as staples in their outerwear collections, but edgier labels are known for infusing toggles into their assortments as well. Star entertainer Jennifer Lopez managed to cause an Internet frenzy of speculation just by stepping out in late spring of 2013 in London wearing an orange, fur-trimmed and leather-piped toggle coat that made the world's fashion mavens wonder who designed it.
