Americans dress like slobs compared to the rest of the world (2 Viewers)

[DA RAIDERS]

I do think there is some element of honoring the past in this.

My grandfather was 60 years old before he flew on a plane. He was a farmer from rural Mississippi. Heavy southern drawl. As a boy, I remember picking him up at the airport after his first flight.

He walked off the plane wearing a suit and tie. This would have been in the late 70's. I said, "Wow, you look nice!".

He said, "Well ahhhh genuhreally fly this way".

Growing up, a friend of our family was a travel agent. She would sometimes get us her travel agent rate. if we were flying representing her we had to be dressed up. I was so confused as a little kid. I looked good though.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

My oldest studied in Rome for a semester. He's the kid who is fine wearing nothing but sweatpants t-shirts and pullovers simply because he'd rather be comfortable and hates clothes that aren't.

We had to buy him a whole new wardrobe for Rome just for this reason. He didn't need to stand out for any reason. All nice slacks, nice shoes, nice shirts. Didn't care what he wore in his apartment but if he was going out he dressed better than his norm. Came back home and probably hasn't worn any of it since.

I wear suits a lot and am comfortable in a nice shirt so I usually am the one "overdressed" for something. I hate ties with a passion though. If I never had to wear one again I'm ok with that.

 

[JohnnyU]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

My oldest studied in Rome for a semester. He's the kid who is fine wearing nothing but sweatpants t-shirts and pullovers simply because he'd rather be comfortable and hates clothes that aren't.

We had to buy him a whole new wardrobe for Rome just for this reason. He didn't need to stand out for any reason. All nice slacks, nice shoes, nice shirts. Didn't care what he wore in his apartment but if he was going out he dressed better than his norm. Came back home and probably hasn't worn any of it since.

I wear suits a lot and am comfortable in a nice shirt so I usually am the one "overdressed" for something. I hate ties with a passion though. If I never had to wear one again I'm ok with that.

Obviously he didn't want to stand out in a bad way at the school in Rome. I know multiple people in this thread insinuate they don't care what others think of them, but most of us do. Kudos to your son.

 

[Juxtatarot]

There has been a shift to more and more casual through the decades. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Might as well roll with it.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

when I go to Italy/europe I choose my clothes purposefully. I dont want to look foolish. I even bought a tight booty short bathing suit. :style:

 

[Snoopy]

I like Timber Mill restaurant on Frasier where they cut off the ties

 

[Ilov80s]

There has been a shift to more and more casual through the decades. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Might as well roll with it.

I fully support casual but it's the sloppy part I am against.

 

[offdee]

There has been a shift to more and more casual through the decades. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Might as well roll with it.

Covid and the months locked in the house, along with working from home becoming more common is a big factor in this as well.

 

[JohnnyU]

There has been a shift to more and more casual through the decades. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Might as well roll with it.

Covid and the months locked in the house, along with working from home becoming more common is a big factor in this as well.

While I agree that COVID changed the landscape of the workplace, it has nothing to do with having common sense on dress attire in certain situations. But I suppose it could have influenced the lazy.

 

[Skipdog77]

I'm so confused by this thread. Why are people getting dressed up to go to Manny's?

The waiter is wearing a T-Shirt.

Seriously. Without doing any other research other than that website, it looks on par with a Texas Roadhouse. And when I go to Texas Roadhouse, I consider myself lucky if the other patrons are actually wearing bottoms of any kind.

 

[Hov34]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

 

[JohnnyU]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

I don’t say it often, but you’re right, it’s probably best not to use it at all. But neither is saying what I responded to when it isn’t true. I’m not trying to force my preferences on anyone, but I am entitled to my opinion on the subject and made observations.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

I don’t say it often, but you’re right, it’s probably best not to use it at all. But neither is saying what I responded to when it isn’t true. I’m not trying to force my preferences on anyone, but I am entitled to my opinion on the subject and made observations.

100% agree. You are absolutely entitled to observe and share an opinion on anything you choose. Nothing wrong with that at all.

(Just like people can wear whatever they want)

 

[JohnnyU]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

I don’t say it often, but you’re right, it’s probably best not to use it at all. But neither is saying what I responded to when it isn’t true. I’m not trying to force my preferences on anyone, but I am entitled to my opinion on the subject and made observations.

100% agree. You are absolutely entitled to observe and share an opinion on anything you choose. Nothing wrong with that at all.

(Just like people can wear whatever they want)

Of course we’re in agreement on that. People can wear whatever they want. I believe I said it’s anything goes in the US In 2023. That doesn’t mean I agree with it, but can laugh and shake my head at it.

 

[Scoresman]

I'd rather people dress like lazy slobs than act like them. The two usually go together though.

At least wash your clothes. Stained clothes are the absolute worst.

Also, if you are over a certain age, or have ugly feet, please wear socks or close toed shoes. Nobody wants to see that.

 

[JohnnyU]

I'd rather people dress like lazy slobs than act like them. The two usually go together though.

At least wash your clothes. Stained clothes are the absolute worst.

Also, if you are over a certain age, or have ugly feet, please wear socks or close toed shoes. Nobody wants to see that.

My wife said I have Fred Flintstone feet, so I can relate.

 

[bigbottom]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

That’s fine if you’re a tourist. But I’m there on business and not looking like a slob matters.

 

[bigbottom]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

Same here. I actually had a couple suits made over there. But funny story, my Italian counterparts came to meet with me in the little beach town in FL where I live. I met them at an upscale marina for lunch where I'm a regular. It's Florida and on the water so even though it is nice it's very casual. But I was sure to wear a shirt with a collar, my nicest shorts, and my formal flip flops. The Italians? You guessed it, they showed up in black suits. I took them to a corner table but every eye in the place was on us the entire lunch. And the waiters and bartenders always look at me sideways now but the upside is ever since I get over-the-top exceptionally snappy service.

You’re “connected” now!

 

[Joe Bryant]

Also, if you are over a certain age, or have ugly feet, please wear socks or close toed shoes. Nobody wants to see that.

I'd amend this to "Also, if you are over a certain age, or have ugly feet, p Unless you're at the beach or poolside, please wear socks or close toed shoes. Nobody wants to see that."

 

[Hov34]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

I don’t say it often, but you’re right, it’s probably best not to use it at all. But neither is saying what I responded to when it isn’t true. I’m not trying to force my preferences on anyone, but I am entitled to my opinion on the subject and made observations.

What I meant was, you seem to be the most "sensitive" person in this thread, so stop telling others not to be so sensitive.

 

[hagmania]

We're the WalMart of countries and it shows, OP acts like this is a big revelation.

 

[JohnnyU]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

Yep, that is the way Americans think now. Anything goes.

It’s bad manners to try to force your own preferences on others.

LOL, I'm not forcing anything. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just stating my opinion on the subject. My world isn't affected by what people wear. If anything it's humorous in some situations.

You really shouldn't be saying this so often.

I don’t say it often, but you’re right, it’s probably best not to use it at all. But neither is saying what I responded to when it isn’t true. I’m not trying to force my preferences on anyone, but I am entitled to my opinion on the subject and made observations.

What I meant was, you seem to be the most "sensitive" person in this thread, so stop telling others not to be so sensitive.

Ok, there is some truth to that, but IMO it's a strong opinion on the subject, thus the reason I brought it up.

 

[JohnnyU]

We're the WalMart of countries and it shows, OP acts like this is a big revelation.

Funny Wal-Mart comparison. No, not a big revelation, just a conversation. I get bored in the Shark Pool sometimes.

 

[phandango]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

When in Rome ...

 

[JohnnyU]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

When in Rome ...

Since we're going to Rome next May my wife was reading up on it and told me the men there really care about how they dress, shirt, pants and shoes. She also said the women are stylish.

"Italians tend to take a lot of pride in their appearance and typically look dapper for any kind of public outing. One doesn't need to dress conservatively (many Italians don't), but casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beach wear) is generally inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated."

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

When in Rome ...

Since we're going to Rome next May my wife was reading up on it and told me the men there really care about how they dress, shirt, pants and shoes. She also said the women are stylish.

"Italians tend to take a lot of pride in their appearance and typically look dapper for any kind of public outing. One doesn't need to dress conservatively (many Italians don't), but casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beach wear) is generally inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated."

My day in rome, when we walked most of the city, was the day I went the most casual. It was the only day I didn’t wear a collared shirt. still wore a “nice” t shirt.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I do think this is a super interesting topic.

Lots of different angles.

One is the expectation and norms set for certain situations. (And of course, WHO gets to set those norms).

Whether it's Tony Soprano telling the guy "They don't sell hot dogs here and we took the bleachers out three years ago" or telling Ricky Vaughn, "We wear caps and sleeves at this level, Son". https://youtu.be/S1v0FExW-z8

There's something that some folks connect with. It's interesting.

 

[pollardsvision]

Norms and expectations, I'll go with. If you care about that, fine.

But I don't agree with the word "manners" being thrown around for this discussion. Nowhere in the "some us care about manners" thing did anyone mention how the person actually behaved.

Maybe for some, wearing conforming clothing is manners, but I tend to think of it as how someone behaves and interacts with people.

To me, manners is being kind, engaged, generous, and gracious. Clothing is not a factor for any of those.

 

[pollardsvision]

I spend a fair amount of time in Rome on business and the professionals there are fit and dress impeccably. I’ve had to step up my game just so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb in the board room. Never wear a black suit in the U.S. (unless it’s to go to a funeral), but wear one there regularly.

We're going to Italy next May and I've been reading the same thing about how they dress compared to how we dress. You can stand out like a sore thumb if not careful. That is where my statement about American tourist comes from. I'm not even talking about a work environment either. They don't wear shorts unless they are working out or going swimming and to my knowledge don't wear baseball hats.

Stop caring so much about what others think about you or what they are doing. You can have your own style and they can have theirs.

That’s fine if you’re a tourist. But I’m there on business and not looking like a slob matters.

For work, of course it matters. Not following customs or norms can get in the way of feeding your family and paying the bills.

Fortunately for me, I'm a dishwasher.

 

[-OZ-]

Not all jeans, t shirts and sneakers are created equal. Really depends on the fit, style, brand etc. You can easily look a lot sharper in the before mentioned if done right as opposed to some stiff rocking pleated Dockers and a button up.

I personally don’t believe t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate for fine dining in any form. I agree that not all jeans are created equal however. This is just my opinion. Aren’t pleated dockers out of style and have been for years?

correction for fine dining - You can get away with a t-shirt if you’re wearing a sport coat

Depends on your “fine dining”. Around here there’s some “nice fancy” places but we don’t go to those. We get good food in a setting we enjoy. I thank God my wife hates the overly expensive restaurants.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I agree, it’s embarrassing. When jeans and no hat are considered getting really dressed up, it’s sad.

I'm a full slob by this thread's standards 90% of the time time (Mariners cap and metal shirt is my uniform), but will still put a little effort in if going somewhere and agree with you guys. I started seeing jeans and a T-shirt at weddings years ago and started to old man grumble.

When it is most notable is the mis-matched couples, and guys it's never the ladies that are the slob in the couple. Woman looking nice and dressed up, yokel she came with rocking shorts and a cap or some nonsense. Take 10 mins and get your crap together, dammit.

 

[Ilov80s]

I agree, it’s embarrassing. When jeans and no hat are considered getting really dressed up, it’s sad.

I'm a full slob by this thread's standards 90% of the time time (Mariners cap and metal shirt is my uniform), but will still put a little effort in if going somewhere and agree with you guys. I started seeing jeans and a T-shirt at weddings years ago and started to old man grumble.

When it is most notable is the mis-matched couples, and guys it's never the ladies that are the slob in the couple. Woman looking nice and dressed up, yokel she came with rocking shorts and a cap or some nonsense. Take 10 mins and get your crap together, dammit.

It's really strange when you see a couple so mismatched like that. On Mothers Day, I went for a walk in my town and saw families going to restaurants for brunch. One woman, probably mid 30s looked very cute, was all dressed up. Hair, nails, make-up, the works. Little daughter maybe in 1st grade or so also in a dress I think. Dad is smoking a cig, has baggy basketball shorts, flip flops, white tshirt that needed to be replaced 2 months ago, Lions hat, sloppy beard. I always wonder, is this just how they have always been and the wife is chill about it? Doesn't care what he wears? Or am I seeing this guy totally giving up on his marriage and looking to throw in the towel on it?

Maybe others disagree, but to me, it makes sense when going out to kind of match the vibe of the others you are with.

 

[belljr]

Not all jeans, t shirts and sneakers are created equal. Really depends on the fit, style, brand etc. You can easily look a lot sharper in the before mentioned if done right as opposed to some stiff rocking pleated Dockers and a button up.

I personally don’t believe t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate for fine dining in any form. I agree that not all jeans are created equal however. This is just my opinion. Aren’t pleated dockers out of style and have been for years?

correction for fine dining - You can get away with a t-shirt if you’re wearing a sport coat

Depends on your “fine dining”. Around here there’s some “nice fancy” places but we don’t go to those. We get good food in a setting we enjoy. I thank God my wife hates the overly expensive restaurants.

I need to dress up to eat at Applebee's

 

[Ilov80s]

Not all jeans, t shirts and sneakers are created equal. Really depends on the fit, style, brand etc. You can easily look a lot sharper in the before mentioned if done right as opposed to some stiff rocking pleated Dockers and a button up.

I personally don’t believe t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate for fine dining in any form. I agree that not all jeans are created equal however. This is just my opinion. Aren’t pleated dockers out of style and have been for years?

correction for fine dining - You can get away with a t-shirt if you’re wearing a sport coat

Depends on your “fine dining”. Around here there’s some “nice fancy” places but we don’t go to those. We get good food in a setting we enjoy. I thank God my wife hates the overly expensive restaurants.

Not sure why I need to dress up to eat at Applebee's

There is no need to dress up for dinner at Applebees. Just don't dress like you are homeless.

 

[DallasDMac]

People in the US are lazy, plain and simple. They'll make claims about it being about being relaxed, being comfortable, whatever. But, end of the day, it's just about being to lazy to even make an effort. And I doubt, deep down, this is a revelation to anyone. How else do you explain crocs?

 

[Orange&Blue]

not saying being a slob is kosher, but seeing the amount of money people spend on clothes is ridiculous. sorry, but I'm not spending $200 for a freaking pair of jeans. I'd rather retire sooner, work less, or do something with my family.

 

[Orange&Blue]

People in the US are lazy, plain and simple. They'll make claims about it being about being relaxed, being comfortable, whatever. But, end of the day, it's just about being to lazy to even make an effort. And I doubt, deep down, this is a revelation to anyone. How else do you explain crocs?

the origin of crocs is quebec city

 

[-OZ-]

Not all jeans, t shirts and sneakers are created equal. Really depends on the fit, style, brand etc. You can easily look a lot sharper in the before mentioned if done right as opposed to some stiff rocking pleated Dockers and a button up.

I personally don’t believe t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate for fine dining in any form. I agree that not all jeans are created equal however. This is just my opinion. Aren’t pleated dockers out of style and have been for years?

correction for fine dining - You can get away with a t-shirt if you’re wearing a sport coat

Depends on your “fine dining”. Around here there’s some “nice fancy” places but we don’t go to those. We get good food in a setting we enjoy. I thank God my wife hates the overly expensive restaurants.

I need to dress up to eat at Applebee's

why would anyone eat at Applebees when there’s actual decent food at local places?

 

[pollardsvision]

not saying being a slob is kosher, but seeing the amount of money people spend on clothes is ridiculous. sorry, but I'm not spending $200 for a freaking pair of jeans. I'd rather retire sooner, work less, or do something with my family.

Yeah, we have a nation of families drowning in debt largely because they are trying to impress others.
As a nation, buying nice clothes would be a terrible idea.

I know "presentable clothing" need not be expensive, but we all know how this goes. If you're doing it because of what others might think (as this thread is pushing for), people end up overspending.

 

[pollardsvision]

One thing I think we'd all agree on is that there is no way around being judged by how you dress. Whether right or wrong, there's no way around it.

And those pre-judgements can be correct. The guy dressed like a slob can sometimes actually have bad manners. Sometimes, the person that really cares to look nice has good manners.

But working in the service industry, I can assure you this very often not the case.

 

[Ilov80s]

not saying being a slob is kosher, but seeing the amount of money people spend on clothes is ridiculous. sorry, but I'm not spending $200 for a freaking pair of jeans. I'd rather retire sooner, work less, or do something with my family.

Nor would I personally.Levi’s are just fine. In no way am I saying people should be buying Armani suits or anything like that. You could buy all your clothes at Target and look good.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I agree, it’s embarrassing. When jeans and no hat are considered getting really dressed up, it’s sad.

I'm a full slob by this thread's standards 90% of the time time (Mariners cap and metal shirt is my uniform), but will still put a little effort in if going somewhere and agree with you guys. I started seeing jeans and a T-shirt at weddings years ago and started to old man grumble.

When it is most notable is the mis-matched couples, and guys it's never the ladies that are the slob in the couple. Woman looking nice and dressed up, yokel she came with rocking shorts and a cap or some nonsense. Take 10 mins and get your crap together, dammit.

It's really strange when you see a couple so mismatched like that. On Mothers Day, I went for a walk in my town and saw families going to restaurants for brunch. One woman, probably mid 30s looked very cute, was all dressed up. Hair, nails, make-up, the works. Little daughter maybe in 1st grade or so also in a dress I think. Dad is smoking a cig, has baggy basketball shorts, flip flops, white tshirt that needed to be replaced 2 months ago, Lions hat, sloppy beard. I always wonder, is this just how they have always been and the wife is chill about it? Doesn't care what he wears? Or am I seeing this guy totally giving up on his marriage and looking to throw in the towel on it?

Maybe others disagree, but to me, it makes sense when going out to kind of match the vibe of the others you are with.

After thinking about it more, IMO what is on display is a lack of respect. As you and others have been hammering, it's not that you have to be wearing $200 shirts and your outfit has to be top of the line or anything. People get that not everybody has money to do so, or the desire to do so. IMO taking 5mins of effort on my part signals to other people that the event I am at is different than the other 90% of my daily living, so I will respond in kind. At the end of the day, I just feel people should treat a dinner with friends/family, a wedding, church, graduation, we could go on - different than taking my kid to the park or mowing the lawn. When I see dudes like how you described, ESPECIALLY on an event day like Mother's Day when I see it, or weddings - that's what comes to mind: disrespect for the other person. Obviously his SO thought it was important enough to get dressed up, so to me it signals to the other person you DGAF.

At the very least take a shower, trim your facial hair, lose the cap, and maybe wear a shirt with buttons and/or pants that aren't denim? That takes very little effort or money.

And people go overboard the other way - 100s of shoes, contastly crimping and adjusting, etc.. that's not what I am talking about either. Just a signal to other people that you give a crap about the thing you are doing enough to not look like a total slob and it's different than 90% of the other stuff you do on the daily.

 

[KarmaPolice]

not saying being a slob is kosher, but seeing the amount of money people spend on clothes is ridiculous. sorry, but I'm not spending $200 for a freaking pair of jeans. I'd rather retire sooner, work less, or do something with my family.

Nor would I personally.Levi’s are just fine. In no way am I saying people should be buying Armani suits or anything like that. You could buy all your clothes at Target and look good.

I did a Stitch Fix for a couple months a couple years ago and I loved it. I think the first box was $200 or so, but it had a couple pairs of pants, a couple nice shirts, and a pair of shorts. Again, nothing earth shattering, just a nicer looking pair of brown pants and a shirt I can wear when I go to a more casual event, but want to lose the daily jeans/t-shirt look. Like you said - you could easily get something at Target and look good. It doesn't have to break the bank.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Dad is smoking a cig, has baggy basketball shorts, flip flops, white tshirt that needed to be replaced 2 months ago, Lions hat, sloppy beard.

Sorry about that, I was having a rough morning.

 

[massraider]

There has been a shift to more and more casual through the decades. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Might as well roll with it.

A person can be well dressed and casual.

 

[massraider]

Anyone can rationalize walking around looking like ****. It's an easy argument to make.

 

[belljr]

Not all jeans, t shirts and sneakers are created equal. Really depends on the fit, style, brand etc. You can easily look a lot sharper in the before mentioned if done right as opposed to some stiff rocking pleated Dockers and a button up.

I personally don’t believe t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate for fine dining in any form. I agree that not all jeans are created equal however. This is just my opinion. Aren’t pleated dockers out of style and have been for years?

correction for fine dining - You can get away with a t-shirt if you’re wearing a sport coat

Depends on your “fine dining”. Around here there’s some “nice fancy” places but we don’t go to those. We get good food in a setting we enjoy. I thank God my wife hates the overly expensive restaurants.

I need to dress up to eat at Applebee's

Lol....no idea how that happened....

 

[SWC]

americans are slobs compared to the rest of the world take that to the bank brohans

 

[Leroy Hoard]

americans are slobs compared to the rest of the world take that to the bank brohans

Sorry bromigo, but my bank has a dress code.

 

[culdeus]

Doesn't help that every other person in the US is carrying an extra 50 lbs or more.