As a bonus, Red Wing Shoes had a leather expert on hand to show Complex how to distress your own leather in order to maximize the antique effect. Michael Napoli, demonstrated how to turn your boots into intstant vintage, minus the break-in stage. See below for pointers on how to add 10 years to your leather in five minutes…

INGREDIENTS
• nail polish
• sandpaper
• black shoeshine
• soft rag

STEP 1: Use rag and dip into acetone nail polish remover and rub all over the leather to make it damp.

STEP 2: Take a piece of sandpaper and rub into leather; the more pressure you apply, the darker it will be. Use gentle strokes (ayo!) if you want your boots to stay light.

STEP 3: Use the brush with a little bit of black polish rub and apply on leather.

STEP 4: Once you’ve achieved this antique look, take a clear neutral wax polish and go over it.

RED WING IRON RANGER
Click here to Buy It Now at Red Wing Shoes or Bloomingdale’s, $270

RED WING CLASSIC IRISH SETTER BOOTS
Click here to Buy It Now at J.Crew, $325

RED WING 6″ CLASSIC LIFESTYLE BOOT
Click here to Buy It Now at Opening Ceremony, $230

• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX STYLE POSTS!

It may seem remedial, but keeping your clothes neatly folded will not only preserve the life of your clothes, it will help you keep your wardrobe better organized as well make packing for a trip that much easier. Not to mention it’ll make whichever girl you got spending the night think you got your shit together. So to help you out, we’ve put together a short-but-simple, four-step tutorial on how to properly fold your shirt. Read on for the illustrated tips…

STEP 1. Smooth out any wrinkles and lay the shirt face down on a flat surface with the bottom edge closest to you.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
STEP 2. Fold the shirt vertically down the left side and pull the sleeve toward the middle, leaving an inch from the left side of the collar. Repeat with the right side. Fold both sleeves back to meet the shirt’s edge.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
STEP 3. Bring the bottom of the shirt up and rest it just below the collar, creating a horizontal fold.
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STEP 4. Flip over. Now it should look just like Mom did it.

STEP 1 – CLEANSE THOROUGHLY. Hand-wash shoes inside and out with warm water and a drop of liquid detergent. Just a drop, folks. You don’t want your sneaks leaking suds.

TIDE ORIGINAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT Click here to Buy It Now at Walgreens, $10

STEP 2 – LET IT MARINATE. Pour a spoonful of baking soda in each sneaker—you part-time crack-dealers know what’s up. The baking soda will remove the bacteria stewing inside. Leave overnight; if the sneaker material is canvas then it can be left outside to be sun-dried. Shake out when sneakers are dry.

ARM & HAMMER BAKING SODA Click here to Buy It Now at shoplet.com, $20

STEP 3 – DISINFECT. Spray sneakers with deodorizers specifically designed for foot odor problems after each use.

GETS THE STINK OUT ODOR SPRAY Click here to Buy It Now at Sports Authority, $13

STEP 4 – SANITIZE. Here’s the important part: Before putting on your socks, apply foot powder like Gold Bond to absorb the moisture from your sweat to prevent itching and the formation of odor-causing bacteria. It’s like safe-sex for your feet—this is proactive prevention, people.

GOLD BOND MEDICATED FOOT POWDER Click here to Buy It Now at Walgreens, $9

MADRAS
This light weight hand-woven Indian cotton is perfect to rock when it’s humid out. Rock them when you’re out having drinks with the fellas with khaki smart shorts or jeans for a casual and comfortable look.

RUGBY WESTERN MADRAS SHIRT Click here to Buy It Now at rugby.com, $79.50

SEERSUCKER
This striped and usually crinkled fabric flows well when you’re chillin’ on vacation, or are hitting Sunday brunch in the summer. Wear them with a navy linen or white terry cotton shirt ONLY if you’re really going for that resort-island look.

TOPMAN WHITE AND BLUE STRIPED SHORTS Click here to Buy It Now at topman.com, $50

GINGHAM
This preppy check pattern is a lightweight woven cotton. Perfect to hook up to your rumpled dark-colored chinos or jeans.

RUGBY EXPLODED GINGHAM SHIRT Click here to Buy It Now at rugby.com, $69.50

PLAID
This most versatile of the summer prints, you can wear it wherever you are with a single colored polo shirt to maintain the country-club comfortable look.

POLO RALPH LAUREN BLEECKER PATCHED PLAID SHORT Click here to Buy It Now at ralphlauren.com, $79.50

FLORAL
This floral pattern can be messy if done wrong. Be sure to choose a softer pattern if you’re looking for a sophisticated look. Finishing off a grey suit with a floral tie makes for a great ensemble for summer weddings. In general, the loud pattern should be surrounded by a monotone warm color to make it more wearable and easy on the eyes.

STEVEN ALAN SKINNY COTTON LIBERTY TIE
Click here to Buy It Now at stevenalan.com, $29

Flasks are a bit of an old-school accoutrement but they’re making a comeback (just in time for the recession) with a lot of fresh new products. Along with a look at our top market picks, check out our guide to flask etiquette below…

WHAT:
So what’s your poison? Whiskeys or vodkas? Doesn’t really matter, but stick to one liquor so as not to dilute the taste. Mixing Jack and soda is not an option.

THE GOOD BOOK
Click here to Buy It Now at amazon.com, $28

WHERE:
Pro sporting events are the perfect setting for a flask because getting drunk on stadium beer will kill your wallet. (Opt for a glass flask to dodge any metal detectors.) Other times for a flask? Jury duty, waiting at the DMV, grocery shopping, laying on the beach, zipping through traffic…wait. NOT zipping through traffic. Definitely not that one. Our bad.

NALGENE
Click here to Buy It Now at nalgane.com, $9

HOW:
Keeping a flask inside your jacket pocket is ideal, but in the summer, the waistband of your shorts will have to do. You can also go cowboy-style and rock it tucked in your boots.

CENTURY
Click here to Buy It Now at tiffanys.com, $750

COAT OF ARMS
Click here to Buy It Now at HomeWetBar.com, $15

ZIPPO SIN SET
Click here to Buy It Now at leesworld.com, $34

CARE:
Clean every two or three uses. Don’t use soap. Pour vinegar inside and shake. Afterwards, rinse and leave with hot water overnight. This will help break down the alcohol—now you change up the liquor of your choice.

6OZ GAS CAN
Click here to Buy It Now at HomeWetBar.com, $25

STYLE:
Complex endorses a two-button suit. It has a modern look and fits most body types. As far as lapels go, you’re always safe with a notch lapel even though it’s business attire.

UNIQLO SLIM FIT STRETCH JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Uniqlo, $80
UNIQLO SLIM FIT FLAT FRONT TROUSER
Click here to Buy It Now at Uniqlo, $40

COLOR:
Unless you want to look like Colonel Sanders, stick with neutral tones like light-gray, khaki, or stone this season.

RUGBY NEWBURY CHINO SUIT JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Rugby, $245
RUGBY NEWBURY CHINO SUIT PANT
Click here to Buy It Now at Rugby, $125

FABRIC:
Be comfortable in a light material that’s 100% cotton. Hybrid fabrics such as linen-cotton offer more of a casual feel for the spring and are very breathable in the heat.

BANANA REPUBLIC COTTON-LINEN CHINO TWO-BUTTON SUIT BLAZER
Click here to Buy It Now at Banana Republic, $250
BANANA REPUBLIC COTTON-LINEN CHINO SUIT PANT
Click here to Buy It Now at Banana Republic, $130

FIT:
Opt for a slim fit but don’t go too skinny or you’ll sweat through it.

• JACKET: Rule of thumb: When arms are straight, the bottom of the jacket hem should line up with your thumb knuckle. Also your sleeve should fall a quarter-inch from your wrist.

• SHOULDERS: Beware of the shoulder-pad rule: If the cut is too wide, it may look like your head is too small and if the shoulder cut is too narrow it will make your head look too big.

• TROUSERS: Depending on the style, trousers should be slightly tapered as it is stylish and slimming without being overly trendy.

TOPMAN COTTON SKINNY JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at TOPMAN, $280
TOPMAN SKINNY TROUSERS
Click here to Buy It Now at TOPMAN, $120

ACCESSORIES:
It’s all in the details. A pocket square or a pair of no-frills sneakers keeps the look fresh and true to your style.

GENERIC MAN CHUCKMAN Click here to Buy It Now at Generic Man, $250

COMMON PROJECTS CANVAS SAFARI BOOT Click here to Buy It Now at Revolve Clothing, $341

STEVEN ALAN POCKET SQUARE Click here to Buy It Now at Revolve Clothing, $35

To get the scoop on buying a hybrid, we consulted bicycle-education expert and producer of Ready to Pedal, Ray Keener. Read on for more about hybrid bikes, the best hybrid bikes on the market, and general buying tips…

THE DNA OF A HYBRID BIKE
• Stronger wheels and wider tires than a road bike
• Durable on bumpy urban pavement and mellow gravel trails
• Much lighter and responsive than a mountain bike with a similar wide gear range for any terrain
• Comfortable flat bars and the upright seating position are preferred by most cyclists

COMPLEX PICKS:
JAMIS ALLEGRO
Click here to Buy It Now at EMS, $585

RALEIGH ROADSTER
Click here to Buy It Now at Raleigh USA, $500

BIANCHI TORINO
Click here to Buy It Now at Bianchi USA, $509

SCHWINN SEARCHER RIGID FK
Click here to Buy It Now at Schwinn USA, $400

GENERAL RIDING TIPS from Complex Expert Ray Keener:
1. Wear cycling gloves. Gloves are underrated. They protect your palms in any accident and cushion your ulnar nerves on every ride.

2. Pedal faster. The world’s best cyclists spin at 80-120 RPM. Most casual riders are pushing hard at 50-60 RPM, which wears out your quads quicker and stresses your knees. Whatever gear you’re comfortable in, try one lower. You’ll go faster and farther!

3. Stay hydrated. Cyclists need a quart of fluid an hour. You’re constantly moving through the air so your sweat evaporates quickly. Dehydration will creep up on you. Carry a bottle around and drink it down when you get home.

4. Strong core, relaxed arms. Seasoned riders support their upper body with their core and relax their arms to reduce tension. In doing so you would have better shock absorption, less lactic acid buildup, and feel fresher when you’re done.

Variables such as diet, stress and your body’s PH balance can all affect the way your fragrance will smell on you. Above all, the most important thing affecting how a scent smells on you is your skin type. With the assistance of Pirooz Sarshar of The Grooming Lounge, we’ve prepared a handy guide on what kinds of cologne go well with different skin types…

1. OILY SKIN
Oily skin has more active chemistry. Additional oil on the skin’s surface can mix with cologne which creates scents that last longer and are more powerful. However, skin that is too oily can combine with your cologne to create an funky odor. To prevent this from happening, apply less cologne and choose lighter fragrances. Try fragrances that have hints of citrus and floral tones.

OILY SKIN OPTIONS
INFUSION D’HOMME BY PRADA
Buy It Now at Sephora, $74

MALIN + GOETZ LIME TONIC
Buy It Now at Malin + Goetz, $48

2. DRY SKIN
Dry skin breaks up cologne faster than oily skin. This means you will need to apply it more frequently. Be careful not to apply too often as this could further dry out your skin. Try using fragrances that are stronger and reduce the need to reapply such as “winter” colognes which are designed to last longer in drier and colder seasons.

DRY SKIN OPTIONS
BVLGARI POUR HOMME
Buy It Now at Sephora, $58

POLO EXPLORER BY RALPH LAUREN
Buy It Now at Ralph Lauren, $65

3. SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is especially prone to rashes and acne, so it is best to keep your fragrance routine simple. Avoid using cologne in tandem with strong aftershaves and body sprays. This will help to avoid allergic reactions. When choosing a fragrance, follow the same guidelines for dry skin. You should also look for fragrances with all-natural ingredients.

SENSITIVE SKIN OPTIONS
ACQUA D GIO BY GIORGIO ARMANI
Buy It Now at Sephora, $70

ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA INTENSA EAU DE COLOGNE NATURAL SPRAY
Buy It Now at Grooming Lounge, $83

GENERAL COLOGNE TIPS
• Apply cologne to pulse points such as the wrists and throat. The heat generates the best mix between cologne and natural oils.
• The chest and backs of knees are great spots as scents tend to rise.
• Be careful not to over-apply. No one should be able to smell your cologne from clear across the room.
• Never spray directly on your clothes.

SUGGEST: Soften the angles and lengthen the face with a narrow, rounded oval style. The oversize teardrop-shaped of aviators are a perfect look.

RAY-BAN OUTDOORSMAN II
Click here to Buy It Now at Ray-Ban, $129

ROUND

SUGGEST: Narrow and angular frames will add length and definition to your face. Go for square or rectangular frames.
MOSLEY TRIBES BOROUGH
Click here to Buy It Now at Tobi, $180

OVAL

SUGGEST: Wide frames draw attention to your face’s natural balance. Box frames will work best. You can’t go wrong with Wayfarers, which have been around since the ’50s.
SUPER WHITE FLASH
Click here to Buy It Now at Revolve Clothing, $147

RECTANGULAR

SUGGEST: A low bridge shortens the nose and decorative frames add width. Get a frame that’s more rounded and stay clear of boxed ones.
PERSOL VINTAGE
Click here to Buy It Now at Luis Aviaroma, $365

DIAMOND

SUGGEST: Highlight eyes and cheekbones with rimless or curved frames.
KSUBI PADGET
Click here to Buy It Now at Tobi, $235

If you didn’t catch the trend in our April/May issue, then you’ve surely been noticing it on the streets—the spread of hard bottoms (a.k.a. dress shoes) among the Complex generation. Yup, hard-bottom shoes are no longer just for corporate jobs and weddings (and court dates, you miscreants): If you’re still wearing sneakers 24/7/365 and you’re not in high school, it’s time to start incorporating some grown-up shoes into your repertoire.

Look, we’re not suggesting you go Gordon Gekko overnight. One solid pair of proper footwear may cost the price of an Air Jordan Pack, but it’ll last you many, many (many) years longer. So what follows is an easy introduction to the different types of dress shoes, how to buy a pair, and when (and with what) to wear them. We’re gonna ease you into some hard bottoms, my dudes. Pause infinity!

SHOE TYPES:
SHOE #1: OXFORD

Click HERE to buy the Graham Dress Oxford at calvinklein.com, $148.

WHAT: The plainest, simplest silhouette that can be worn with everything
WHY: If you’re buying your first dress shoe and have a limited budget, this is a must-have. It can be worn either casual or dressy. For your first pair, we suggest going black first.
DO: Wear this dressy with a proper suit or casual with straight-leg, dark/indigo denim. The cuffed look works great.
DON’T: Avoid shorts (obviously). Beginners should also stay away from the “khaki pants x oxford” look that Blockbuster employees made famous.
EXAMPLE: Denim

SHOE #2: PENNY LOAFER

Click HERE to buy the Classic Leather Penny Loafer at jcrew.com, $150.

WHAT: The dressy collegiate slip-on shoe
WHY: It’s less heavy and slightly less informal than the others. Plus, a little WASP style never hurt anybody.
DO: Wear with slim-fit denim or narrow pants. Daring types can try it with khaki shorts, but only if you’re vacationing in Cape Cod or Monaco.
DON’T: Instead of your usual shoe size, go down a half because the cut is lower and the leather will expand and stretch out over time.
EXAMPLE: Preppy

SHOE #3: WING TIP

Click HERE to buy the Kenmoor at florsheim.com, $225.

WHAT: The W-shape cap toe
WHY: Also known as Brogues, this traditional country-club classic has a wing-tip pattern that always lends an air of sophistication.
DO: Think dark colors paired with similar tones, like black with gray wool pants. Brown/burgundy wingtips go perfectly with khakis or white denim.
DON’T: Make sure they are supportive, and not squeezing your foot.
EXAMPLE: Laidback

SHOE #4: CHELSEA

Click HERE to buy the John Varvatos Murray Chelsea Boot at bergdorfgoodman.com, $498.

WHAT: The ankle boot
WHY: The Chelsea is a leather boot with a slight heel which can look sleek dressed up or down. Also from the same family, the Chukka has the same silhouette but is made from suede and calfskin.
DO: From traditional to casual, these boots go well with narrow suit pants. For a more relaxed look, try the Chukka with boot-cut denim or cotton pants.
DON’T: Never rock the elongated tip (ayo!) or them Purple-Rain pointy stiletto boots.
EXAMPLE: Sporty casual w/ Chukkas

GENERAL BUYING TIPS
1. KNOW YOUR SIZE. If it’s you’re a rookie, don’t shop online; your safest bet would be to go to a retail department store or an independent boutique. If you have a large instep, they can conduct proper fittings to determine your exact width size.

2. INVEST IN A SHOE KIT. Wax polish, a horsehair brush and a dust cloth will preserve the life of your hard bottoms.

3. USE TREES. Shoe trees are necessary to retain shape and remove odor. If necessary, you can also stuff your shoes with newspaper.

4. DON’T SLIP. Scuff new leather bottom soles with a wire brush to improve grip.

5. GET YOUR SOCKS UP. White athletic socks with dress shoes is definitely not the move. Stock up on silk solid-color socks for formal wear, wool or cotton solid-color socks for business attire, and all kinds of funky styles for casual wear.

6. GIVE IT A REST. These ain’t Vans, sucka! Rest a pair of dress shoes for a day after all-day wear.

1. Prepare warm water + hydrogen peroxide in the sink or basin.

Other remedies:
Oxy Clean Detergent
The Laundress

2. Fold out edges to meet the middle.

3. Fold jacket in half at the center seams.

4. Fold jacket in half so the bottom meets the collar.

HOW TO FOLD YOUR TROUSERS

1. Fold up inner pocket lining away from the front.
2. Fold top at a 45 degree angle towards the front. Then take the bottom and fold upward to the break at the knee.
3. Fold in half.

WINDSOR

• The WINDSOR knot offers a more bougie, straightforward look. Named after the Duke of Windsor, it looks like an equilateral triangle that fills the spreads on office-ready collared shirts.

PRINCE ALBERT

• The PRINCE ALBERT knot is great for the laid-back summer look. Its small compressed knot works well with long collars.

For instructions on how to tie all the knots above, click here.

Sounds simple, right? It is, if you know what the hell you’re doing. Below, we break down the three most important care-label logos you should recognize when it’s time to get the detergent out…

REGULAR/NORMAL CYCLE

• If there’s a hand in here, it means hand-wash only.

SET DRYER AT LOW HEAT

• Two dots = medium heat and three dots = high heat.

DRY CLEAN

• This garment is too nice for soap. Leave it to the professionals.

THE DANDY
STEP 1: Hang scarf around your neck equally on each side.

STEP 2: Cross both sides.

STEP 3: Bring both of the ends towards the back of the neck.

THE CLASSIC
STEP 1: Hang the scarf allowing one end to be longer than the other.

STEP 2: Take the longer end and bring it around your neck and let it fall onto your chest.

THE EURO
STEP 1: Hang the scarf allowing one end to be longer than the other.

STEP 2: Take the longer end and bring it half way around your neck.

STEP 3: Take the longer end and tuck it into the scarf.

STEP 4: Gently pull down.

THE CHOKE
STEP 1: Bring the ends of the scarf together, creating a hoop.

STEP 2: Let the scarf hang around your neck with the hoop on one side of the shoulder.

STEP 3: Take the other end and pass it through the hoop.

STEP 4: Tighten the loop to complete the look.

THE OVER-UNDER
STEP 1: Hang the scarf allowing one end to be longer than the other.

STEP 2: Take the longer end and bring it around your neck.

STEP 3: Take the longer end and pass it under and over the other ed forming a hole.

STEP 4: Take the longer end and form a knot. Now, adjust both sides facing forward.

There’s ways to wear it that depend on the pants, and sneakers you’re rocking. If you were wondering how to achieve the look the right way, here are three different types of cuffs you can sport, minus the crease…

HIGHWATERS

• Roll: Fast fold and tuck
• Works With: Denim and canvas sneakers
WE SUGGEST:
JOHN VARVATOS STAR USA Cotton Pants $90
ZURIICK Ake $39

POINDEXTER

• Roll: Evenly tripled
• Works With: Cotton Pants and low-tops or dress shoes
WE SUGGEST:
EVER Orland Khaki $121
CLAE Mcqueen $120

RAGGA ROLL

• Roll: Folded in and doubled up to form taper
• Works With: Cotton pants and Wallabees
WE SUGGEST:
FILIPPA K Steve Cotton Pant $67
CLARKS Wallabee $120

The problem with cargo pants is there’s a fine line between the right way and the wrong way to wear them. Luckily for you, Complex knows how to pull the all-American look off without looking like a lame. Read on to find out how, and to see flicks of our favorite cargo pants…

DO THIS

• Wear with sneakers, a polo, and a denim jacket if you want to do it right.

NOT THIS

• Don’t stuff the pockets, or rock them with sandals and an army jacket, unless you want to be called a dirty hippie.

CARGO PANTS WORTH BUYING
G-STAR Space Rovice Belt Orphus $167

DIESEL Pistry-Service Grey $130

RUGBY by Ralph LaurenCorduroy Fatigue $90

RUGBY by Ralph Lauren Snorkel Fatigue $50

KIRYUYRIK Casual $343

1) Buy Overseas
• You won’t get killed on sales tax, and watches are available in models that you can’t find in the U.S.

2) Expand Your Brand Scope
• You already know Hublot, Rolex, and Audemer, but Breitling, Nixon, and Burberry also changed the time-telling game.

3) Verify Your Online Purchase
• Check Watchfinder.com, then email the manufacturer to validate the deal.

4) Fix & Restore Your Father’s Vintage Piece
• Aaron Faber Gallery specializes in the restoration and refurbishing of antique and treasured timepieces.

Below, we’ve selected our favorite watches that cost less than $1000…


Victorinox Swiss Army Infantry Vintage Chronograph, $695

Nixon Time Teller, $90

Burberry Antarctic, $695

Diesel Gents’ Round, $180