The Ultimate Grooming Guide for Gay Men: Things To Know
Straight men's grooming can be a bit of a minefield for gay men. Many men's clothing and accessories brands have unique styles and target audiences, from beard maintenance tips to the perfect pair of high-end jeans. Even niche areas like men's skincare products and sprays tend to skew towards one end of the spectrum or another: Either they're marketed explicitly towards straight men, or they don't go quite far enough in that direction to be considered particularly useful for guys who prefer other guys.
As you might imagine, it can all feel quite alienating for people coming to terms with their sexuality and place within the scope of 'men's fashion. This guide is here to help you navigate this new world – from what outfits best suit your body type to the best places to find masculine clothing that isn't just marketed toward women (or vice versa). We are sure you will find answers to all your grooming questions here. Let's begin!
Establishing Your Sense of Style
The key to nailing any aspect of gay men's grooming is to do it for yourself – not for other people. If you feel like your style is heavily influenced by what you see around you, it's time to find yourself a new muse.
Whether it's an actor or celebrity whose look you admire or an artist whose aesthetic clicks with your sensibilities, finding the person whose style speaks to you and whose world you want to live in is often the best way to find your sense of style.
What to Buy First?
For many men, the first piece of 'men's grooming' they ever buy is a box of hipster-friendly razor blades. While they may seem like a shallow purchase, the right pair of razors can be a staple part of your grooming regime for years to come. For example, you might consider switching to a 'wet shave' with a safety razor, reducing irritation and ingrown hairs while saving a fortune on disposable blades.
Another good investment is a fragrance. Not only does it make an excellent gift for yourself, but picking the right scent for your body type is crucial for maximum impact: A heavy oriental fragrance might be great for a big, broad-shouldered man, but if you're a more petite, slighter guy, it might be a little overpowering.
Gay-friendly Brands and Stores
Brands such as Dapper Dan, H&M, and even M&S have all made real strides in recent times when it comes to stocking stylish, masculine clothing for the modern man. When it comes to gay-friendly brands, there are a lot of excellent names out there. If you're on a budget, ASOS and Zara are great places to start when looking for wardrobe staples like jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies.
Away from the high street, Outfit by Ted Baker is a great place to look for stylish, masculine clothing at a premium price. Their flagship store is on London's Regent Street. However, you can shop from the online store – especially if you're struggling to find clothes to fit your body type.
Another great brand is American Apparel. It is a clothing brand that's been around since the early 2000s, and although it's mostly known for its lingerie and swimwear, they also produce some great menswear pieces. They have stores in major cities, including New York City, LA, Chicago, and Toronto.
Dressing for Your Body Type
- Tall, Broad-Shouldered Men - If you fall into this category, you're one of the lucky few who can get away with pretty much anything. There are a few better body types when trying to nail a particular look.
- Tall, Slender Men - The key with this body type is to avoid looking scrawny; with a few simple tweaks to your wardrobe, you can easily avoid this. Dark jeans, strong-colored tops, and oversized outerwear are all excellent places to start.
- Short, Broad-Shouldered Men - The key with this body type is to avoid making yourself look even shorter; darker t-shirts, jeans, and darker-colored tops are your best bet.
- Short, Slender Men - Avoid baggy clothing at all costs. Instead, opt for fitted pieces. Dark-colored jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies are all great options.
The Importance of Fit
Fit is the most critical aspect of any garment. No matter how expensive the item is, you'll look like a fool if it's poorly fitted. Before buying anything, try it on and assess how it fits in the following key areas:
- Sleeve Length - Make sure you can move your arms freely and that the cuffs don't expose your wrists.
- Yoke Length - This is the length of material between the two side seams. It should be long enough to cover any areas you might be self-conscious about.
- Hem Length - The hem of your jeans should come down to your ankles to avoid looking like you're wearing flood pants.
- Waist - Make sure it's neither too loose nor too tight.
- Crotch - It should be long enough to avoid an embarrassing camel toe.
- Seat - Make sure it's long enough to cover your backside.
- Sides - Make sure it fits snugly without being too tight.
Tips for Gay Men When Shopping for Men's Fashion
- Try Before You Buy - The first thing to remember is that shopping for clothing is a very different experience from shopping for cosmetics or toiletries. Before you buy anything, try everything on. If you can't find anything to fit, head to a store that lets you try on whatever you want before buying it.
- Be Brave - If you feel like you're only able to find menswear for the less confident, remember that many different styles are available. It might feel like you're wearing a costume, but any outfit can look good when it's well-fitting and flattering.
- Consider Accessories - If you're having trouble with making items you like a match, accessories such as bags, wallets, and shoes can be an excellent way to make an outfit feel more cohesive.
Take Care of Your Face
Face Cleansing: A PH-balanced face cleanser made exclusively for your skin type will leave your skin feeling tight, unpleasant, or dry. Sonic washing brushes elevate the procedure by lifting and softening stubble and acting as a pre-shave prep.
Moisturizing: Using a moisturizer is an essential aspect of male grooming. Make sure your skin is protected from the sun and pollution before you leave the house in the morning. Search for products high in SPF and antioxidants. Energizing formulations can also assist in revitalizing tired-looking skin and conceal signs of nocturnal activity.
After the sun goes down, the skin goes into repair mode, so enhance its internal processes with a night cream or healthy mix designed to encourage cell renewal and fight the indications of aging.
Exfoliating: Exfoliation is the removal of the epidermis's very top layer. This has the added benefit of keeping pores clear and blemishes at bay and helping skin feel and appear smoother.
Toning: It's time to tone up with this expert-level men's grooming phase that falls between washing and moisturizing. Toning is used to remove any impurities that were not removed by washing.
Haircuts
It's a bold statement, but a smart haircut may make a more significant impression than an article of expensive clothing. Maintaining your looks should be at the forefront of your grooming routine, especially before a wedding, work party, or job interview.
Get your hair straightened, highlighted, or keratin blow dry. These will help create a smoother texture and make the hair simpler to style.
Body Hair
Previous generations had to deal with the genetic lottery regarding hair. Nothing could slow the progression of male pattern baldness, and the only way to deal with unruly curls and thick frizzy waves was to get a crew cut. Now, with a bit of extra money, there is a remedy for practically any hair problem.
Conclusion
Men's grooming is a fascinating sphere, but it's not always easy to navigate. If you feel like you're struggling to find your place in the world of men's fashion, remember that it's all about doing it for yourself. Whatever your style, you must feel comfortable and confident in your skin.
