Confidence is one of the highest-rated qualities that women look for in a man. It’s the number one necessity in the game of seduction. Now, I’m no dating coach nor will reading this article enable you to get any girl you want, but I invite you to keep reading as you learn how confidence relates to fashion.

As I mentioned in the previous article, confidence is probably the most important aspect of wearing a garment. “The clothes make the man” and indeed they do. A man’s first impression based on his confidence (or cockiness) can help him attract women as it can easily sabotage his attempts. It’s a natural asset that can be easily acquired (and easily lost).

Along with one’s physical appearance and style, other factors affect one’s confidence level: financial stability, height, listening skills, state of mind, etc. I’m not here to tell you how to groom yourself nor to drink milk to be taller (some of us Asians weren’t as lucky at the height roulette), but I’m here to give you advice on how to dress for confidence.

What you wear on a daily basis will play an important role in how people in your life, both strangers and acquaintances, will treat you. This, in turn, will affect the way you feel, which will then affect your state of mind and consequently your confidence. Remember, one’s first impression is based primarily on how that person is dressed. We are all blinded by stereotypes to the point where we ignore any experience or information that does not conform to our preconceived notions.

The Men’s Wearhouse Inc. conducted a study by Kelton Research, which resulted in the following:

• 91% of Americans think dressing well can make a man appear more physically attractive than he actually is
• 75% of Americans believe these men are more successful at work
• 22% of men think they could earn more money if they learned to dress better
• 78% of women think one of the hottest things a guy can do is dress well
• 85% of women think a man who dresses well is sexier than one with a lot of  money
• 63% of the female respondents preferred a man in a suit to a man in a uniform
• 80% of women said they would give up something in their lives – going out to dinner, using their cell phones or even having sex for an entire year – for a better-dressed partner

“The study revealed that nearly three out of four men feel underdressed most of the time, so it’s no wonder  so many dislike and lack confidence in shopping” said George Zimmer (Men’s Wearhouse founder/chief executive officer). Even if you disagree with the research, you have to accept the fact that we are living in a society that has brain-washed us to envision well-dressed men as sexier, smarter and more successful.

Despite these facts, I suggest dressing the way you want to dress, and not to conform to society. If you wear a suit and you don’t feel comfortable in it, take it off! It’s the worst when you have to impress someone but you don’t feel good in the skin you’re in. Like I said, it doesn’t matter what you wear, people are still going to judge you anyway. Just be yourself and wear whatever you want to wear. If you’re a t-shirt guy, occasionally add a blazer to spice things up and instead of wearing destroyed denims, change into a pair of chinos. If you’re always wearing a suit and tie at work, change that look with a bow-tie and a better fitted suit jacket in a heavier fabric perhaps. Play around with the fabrics and colors, and although the occasion (black tie, semi-formal, casual) or season may have an impact in what you could wear, don’t be afraid to wear beanies during the Summer or a light material during the Winter. It’s all about layering up, and layering down.

The smallest additions to your outfit will top it a notch. Add a watch to your bare wrist or a pocket square with the chain hanging out. Wear glasses once in a while to change up your look for a more sophisticated style or comb your hair differently. Carry a stylish man bag instead of the traditional bag packs or switch the colors of your laces to match your shirt. Add a tie clip to secure your neckwear or sport a pocket square to add volume to your suit. The littlest details will be noticed, and when noticed, will add personality and a touch of glory.

The only problem with adding things to your outfit, is adding too much. Often enough I see people over-accessorizing themselves. You don’t want to look like you tried too hard to look good, but rather, you want to look good being confident in what you’re wearing, without trying. The other two assets that will help you maintain this confidence in the clothes you’re wearing are your posture (stand up straight and do not slump your back) and the silhouette of the clothes.

Fit is the most important thing about a suit. It can be cheap, it can be threadbare and it can be hideously patterned. But the man wearing it will always look better than his contemporary if it fits him well– and his contemporary’s does not. Naturally, the more physically fit you are, or the closer your appearance is to what society deems attractive, the more eyes there will be on you. But what if you’re unsatisfied with your physique or your body won’t let you wear certain clothes? Maybe you’re fat, maybe you’re too short, maybe your skin is too pale, or maybe your muscular arms can’t go through regular fitted jackets? Then what are you supposed to be wearing to maintain being confident and still being fashionable? We’ll get into that topic next month! Until then, keep in mind that wearing a suit makes a man look better than his counterpart!

About the Author
Ninh Nguyen is one of Amped Asia's style columnists. Of Vietnamese origin, Ninh was born and raised in Paris, France and currently resides in New York City. He's the designer of the NINH COLLECTION, a clothing line designed for the modern-day renaissance man.

Written by Editorial Staff