The XMI Style Guide

Innovations Straight from the LAB...

There has been much discussion lately regarding the so-called 'death of the tie industry'. 

There have been numerous articles in major media outlets quoting the same source, which cites that "the number of men who wore ties every day to work last year dropped to a record low of 6%". 

While no one can contest that business casual attitude of many workplaces has at least, in part, contributed to tie usage declining in the U.S. workforce, this figure is a bit misleading - it only counts people who wear ties every day to work.  At the least, the stat dis-includes the thousands of U.S. businesses who partake in the practice of "Casual Fridays". 

The articles also fail to address another point - that the usage of ties is growing in another area - the casual tie wearer.  What once used to be a business necessity is now growing into a new way for young adults to express themselves during a night out. 

The folks at XMI anticipated this trend, creating the LAB line of shirts and ties. 

LAB is meant for younger men: narrower-fit shirts with attitude that work well both in the office and out at the club.  Great with designer jeans, and a perfect compliment to narrower-tailored clothing.  XMI designed LAB sport and dress shirts. 

In addition to the shirts, XMI also developed LAB ties, narrow neckwear (3 inches) that also speaks to a younger consumer. 

Darker colors, textures, and unique finishes define LAB.  It's attitude that combines the streets of London with the colors of Manhattan.  More details on www.xmi.com.

 

It's Never too Early for Style...

It's never too early to be stylin`. 

Take a look at baby Ian and his proud Dad showing off thier XMI ties and shirts:

Wall Street Journal Proclaims Death of the Tie Industry

Today's Wall Street Journal article announced the end of the Men's Dress Furnishings Association (the trade group representing American tie makers).  Definitely a disappointing day for the men's fashion industry. 

What was even more disappointing, however, is how the individuals interviewed for the article expressed their doom and gloom outlooks on the future of the tie industry as a whole.      

Harry Sheff, Web Editor at MRketplace Magazine, provided his own interesting observations:

“What the tie business needs is some more good press. I’m not talking about my periodic fits of nostalgia on the MR blog, I’m talking about mainstream TV, movies and magazines.”

“God bless Ryan Seacrest,” one of Harry’s interviewees said.  “Every Tuesday night he’s on TV with a narrow tie, narrow lapels and a slim suit.”

To check out the full post, click here: "What Will it Take to Get Marty Staff to Wear a Tie?"

Staying Fashionable Affordably During the Down Economy

Welcome back from the long holiday weekend.   

Now, onto business - it's a fact that the US economy is currently not doing well.  People are buying less and saving money for potential bad times to come.  Yet at the same time, many of the same people also still want to stay fashionable.

In today's post, Bert Pulitzer will address one way to do just that:

"How to stay fashionable while still keeping your wallet fat."

Look for “investment” pieces: quality matters, not quantity. You don’t need 20 dress shirts in your wardrobe! Quality fabric, classic cuts will long remain staples in your wardrobe and become your “go to” items.  A few quality clothing purchases will last longer (and, be more comfortable) than a slew of cheaply made clothing products.      

 

AskMen.com Features the XMI Signature Back

...check out the feature on www.AskMen.com! For the direct link, click Here.