Grown Man Swag
So a new year has started and for many men out there this also means new aims and objectives/resolutions which will revolve around a mixture of things the world and themselves have deemed as the real definition of a man. Make more money, Drive a bigger or nicer car, Get hench or die trying, avoid mad women, Commitment, being more religiously in tune etc etc. Me? I’ve put a couple of the above on my list and have also added maintenance of simple but effective swag (for a lack of a better word).
As a teen I used to think the Versace shirts with the top three buttons open and sunglasses often worn by the likes of P before he was Diddy, The Rock and pretty much every R&B brother was the definition of swag. But growing up I realised the likes of Eric Benet, Idris Elba and Maxwell were actually keeping it quite simple with the smart jeans and top which encapsulated the definition of simplicity and for many women a visual definition of a man. Could you imagine your dad dressing like Omarion or one of the kids from the New Boyz or even worse Lil Wayne?. If he did then I have two words for you Mid-Life Crisis (or is that three?).
Now this post isn’t aimed in guiding you to achieve the items mentioned above however as a Brother With No Game I simply try to help in identifying the simple things we have more control over. There are 5 items a brother trying to make that transition from boyhood to manhood should consider possessing/maintaining, remember judgement is usually made before a word is spoken.
Number 1: Time Piece
The most required item and something I think every brother should have in their locker is a fine time piece . Now I’m not talking high life watches where the bezel looks like it’s been dipped in glue and then drowned in an ocean of diamond cluster; neither does it need to look like you have a 60 carat Gold time piece on your wrist. Simplicity is key so a nice simple piece whether steel or gold will do the trick.
They say alot can be said about a man by his watch, a loud watch signifies wealth and plenty of confidence but some could signify insecurities or early life hardship and as a result the need for others to recognise ones achievements. A simple watch could imply a man who is assured of himself and recognises the need to go about his business with an appreciation for time. Imagine a beautiful woman asking you for the time and you don’t have a watch some would say that was an opening gone although many may argue that I could ceck the time on my phone however to me that’s young
Lady: Excuse me do you have the time?
Guy: Yes I do, its 6:45..are you in a rush? (success)
Same scenario but with the use of the phone.
Lady: Excuse me, Do you have the time?
Guy: – Yes I do…somewhere, let me just check
**20 seconds later, whilst still tapping himself down**
Guy: I’m sure I have it here somewhere
Lady: (laughs) you could start with your wrist
Guy: Oh I don’t have a watch was looking for my phone
Lady: In fact never mind…
Guy: I’m sure its somewhere I just had it on me
*lady walks off**
SADNESS!!
Moral of the story, get a watch it’s a must for all men
Number 2: Wallet
Although this like your teeth is an item which is rarely seen, the thing to note is you never know who is inspecting; those moments when a woman compliments you on your teeth randomly…did you expect it? Probably not, however its something which catches women’s attention and can swing her mind in whether to engage in kissing you. Similarly having a decent looking wallet can sometimes be that last seal of approval before she opts to take your business card.
A nice wallet for me is near enough as important as possessing a watch and similar to a watch it doesn’t need to be flashy neither does it need to be run down. The image of a bulky pocket and coins jingling reminds me very much of secondary school, also I’m sure bringing out a large amount of cash just to get to your business cards wouldn’t sit well at work with both senior staff or a client (though a golddigger will do cartwheels and olympic backflips). If in doubt then its worth investing in a money clip or a coin holder however a good old fashioned wallet should be the preferred option.
Number 3: Shoes
Speaking to most women nowadays they will tell you the first thing they notice on a man is his shoes, in the city especially there is the notion that a lot can be said about a man by the watch on his wrist and the shoes on his feet. Footwear has the ability to make an outfit a winner or a sore loser, so just based on that its fair to say that footwear constitutes a large part towards a man’s outfit. Shoes which still maintain the smart look without the need of a suit is a winner for example … Marlow tassel loafers or boat shoes both of which maintain the tailored appearance even with a pair of jeans.
Number 4: Jacket
Growing up I use to tell everyone if your shoes and jacket is grown then the outfit is grown no matter the jeans or the top worn. Watching TV/Movies growing up all the greats had a dope jacket, The Fonz, Axl Foley, Terminator, Neo, Alonzo Harris etc. Life lessons taught me that wearing an adidas tracksuit hoodie over a shirt isn’t grown. A grown jacket equates to a grown man; examples include a good old trench coat for work, a pea coat for a more dress down look however still maintaining the mature appearance and if you really want to push the boat out then a nice chesterfield jacket would do more than the trick. Nice
Number 5: Aftershave
As Signs of the Disiac Part 1 stated, never underestimate the importance of smell as women surely aren’. The right smell will have a woman turn her neck back at you as you walk past, make conversation with you just to get a whiff or have her saying and doing things she claims she’s never done before. Oh its true. This combined with the other 4 items is one which can create a image about the type of person you possibly could be and I’m pretty sure smelling right is an image you’d want even your enemies to have of you.
There you have the 5 simple items which if not a real man but an acting man should have a greater sense of knowledge about, if not already posses all the mentioned above..remember you can’t change first impressions so make the first interaction without actual interaction count.
Maverick
Ladies and Gents do you agree? What other items help heighten the male image? Brothers what styles of watch, afterhsave, shoes and jackets do you wear? Enlighten me!
19 comments on “Grown Man Swag”
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Interesting read although I think a decent trim is definitely up there also. None of this patterns on the side marlarky, nike ticks and swirls or out grown hair that you look like life is beating you up. Short back and sides with a shape up to perfection with a dash of dax for the shine.This definitely would get me to turn my neck combined with a guys cologne. Guys you owe it to yourselves to get a good barber, forget dwayne your boy who just started out cutting hair and jacks up your hair line. Stick to Earl the old dude who always has something to say taking his sweet time as you look at your Michael Kors watch ready to draw for the wallet cos you got a date and leaves you feeling like you got some word concious stuff about life that all you could do was say “hmmm” cos you weren’t sure whether to say, amen, jah knows or roots, but you know once he is done cutting you rose up from that chair feeling a king and give yourself that “diddy” touch of the top sides and then the beard saying (diddy voice) ” yeah yeah I like that”.
So inconslusion your hair definitely is part of the grown man swag. -
I agree with this post 1000% grown man swag is different from grown boy swag, his closet around the age of 30 should now have catergories (street clothes, dress/work clothes) I love a nice watch and a nice chain (nothing too big and gaudy) but a nice quailty piece around his neck — that screams grown and sexy to me. I am a watch affecionado myself so I can spot a nice watch when I see one and NO it doesn’t have to cost a stack or more but just have it fit nice and you good.
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Great post. Oh. So. Necessary!
Fellas, pleeease take all these notes!! If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a guy with fudged up any ones of these talking to me in public, let alone tryna move me up. All I’m thinkg is, “Is this how I look to you? Do I look like yooouu?! Nooo” *cries mental tears*. Fellas, stop doing this to us ladies please. We’re trying. Thank you.
I’m gna rank these. Some of them you can get away with, but I can’t see you consecutively flop twice or it’s over, don’t even talk to me. Often times even if you later fix up cos one of these days you might just revert *signs cross*.. All I can do in my head is larf..n its usually a spiteful sort of snigger laugh, the kind we know you can’t stand, lol! So please just stop doing it to yourselves.
1. Shoes. British men are well reknowned for their shoes. Well heeled and perfectly fitted. When it come to shoes, a British mans shoes are the epitome of quality, and the rest of the world follows. A pair of shoes is the single most telling aspect about the quality of a persons life. I shan’t go into the science of it but I can confirm to you that I never take a man in plimsols seriously. In fact I take a fella who only wears top of the range creps more seriously than you. If you are going to insist on wearing plimsols, at least let them be Vans. Those can look more solid and manly.
2. Watch. Automatic qualifer of value. You value your time, you will value mine, therefore I’ve got time for you. Feet, face, arm. Contact is usually made instinctively in those places in that order. Feet, non confrontational, unintrusive. Face, invites communication, determines interest. Hand, proffered to confirm acknowledgement, show acceptance. This is all cognitive. Once the hand is proffered and a watch comes into the picture, the thinking shifts a level to metacognitive. Universal subtle touch that It seals the deal for you.
3.Jacket. Creates your silhouette. Sells your overall image. Reveals a sneak peek of what is to be had once the metacognitve level is in full swing. Tbf this should/could rank lower but a jacket can completely make or break a mans swag. It should be clean. No holes. Not smelly. And even if its rather simple let it be sharp. Saggy, drippy, worn out coat spell out s.e.c.o.n.d.a.r.y s.c.h.o.o.l. Images of coats chucked in corner piles while boys play penny up or tag rugby instantly come to mind!
4. Wallet. Not every man carries one but a man should note that most women carry purses (its a delicate/elegant touch that shows of a bit more of your personality while serving a purpose), so whatever form your money comes in essentially becomes your wallet. Whether that is your card, your money clip, your cash, and iou note, and as such you will be judged on that. Therefore, you might as well carry a nice tasty wallet. These times, even if it only houses an iou note, no one need ever know and you will be judged on that rather than a bit of paper. A wallet is a bait sign of a made man. Woment normally buy a ‘first wallet’ for their lil bro’s etc.
5. Cologne. Icing on the cake and a pretty woman magnet. The thoughts that whizz through a womans head when a man smells good are ridiculous! If a man can go against the grain and smell good it is a super-sweet-boy-mega-points bonus. This is because it is not a necessity and is hardly expected. Hence it is a pleasant surprise packing the clout of a surprise eg. bunch of flowers. that prettier ladies in life are generally more accustomed with..
One thing is missing. And that is the trim. With a smashing hair cut n I’m talking front, back, sides and face, and that lick of dax, a lil slip in any one of other 5 listed areas can be overlooked. A fresh trim will get you a bly. A regular fresh trim will afford you a regular bly. Choose your bly well though.
So like I said, abeg, take every note and go fix up. You will see how your self-confidence will sky rocket these times when every girl will be fighting to get a piece of you (smile at you, follow you, sit next to you, talk with you, flirt with you, dine with you and so the list goes on…)
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5 good pointers Mav…to help brothers in there quest for a good woman….
Personally aftershave and probably shoes are ranking top out the 5…the following 3 I’ll be happy to school a brother on lol!
Other ESSENTIAL pointers to heighten a males appeal:
1. Clean Teeth!!!
2. Minty- Fresh Breath!!
3. Trim/ shape up + hair oil + brushed hair!
4. Clean Nails!
5. Moisturised Hands!
6. No BAD house or food smell in clothes!!
Keep it up mate…grown man swag is the way forward!
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pahahaha@scene with the watch!! Its funny, ive never been fussed with watches and never really understood the whole deal with guys and their watches…… until just now.lool. I think i should start paying attention to this now. loool
liking this post, changed up the tone once again BWNG, goodtimes!
your cologne …..lolWelcome back!!!!
BWNG have kept it moving!!!!! -
im gonna need you to go ahead an pass this out to every man on the streets.
thanks.do NOT underestimate the power of a scent. more is not more, but the combination of man + whatever his signature scent comes to be is more swoonworthy than something that may come out of your mouth. no joke.
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“Growing up I use to tell everyone if your shoes and jacket is grown then the outfit is grown no matter the jeans or the top worn. ”
That’s my motto. People always tease me that I’m never dressed down, but I keep it fairly simple. Fitted sweater, jeans, leather/suede boots, trench/wool coat and I’m good to go. Fall is my favourite time of year.
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Great post! I agree with all 5, but I think you should update it with the perfect trim. You can have all five, but if you have a trim like William from ‘Girlfriends’ it’s game over for you.
Lols
getmelolly recently posted..No Make Up
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Great post and I am glad the ladies have added some more suggestions. The only thing that is missing and probably the most important thing a man should wear is A GOOD CHARACTER. Shoes, clothes, watches etc are important but what is more valuable to a woman and to the rest of the world is a man of noble character. A man who treats women with respect, a man who is not afraid to stand up for what is right even when its not trendy or fashionable. A man who takes responsibility for the actions and who strives for excellence in all he does. Ladies, it is much easier to change a man’s wardrobe than it is to change his character! Fellas, lets spend more time fixing up our inner selves. The rest is easy…..
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I can not tolerate men who wear uggs
Jessica recently posted..Eddie Long crowned King
Great post! I think one for women would be an interesting read!