40 Style Myths Explained

Bustin' makes us feel good.

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Image via Complex Original
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Menswear is full of rules. Wear this with that. Don't ever wear these things. Chill out from bowties for a little bit. Some of them have a social history, and some of them are total hogwash. From old-school urban legends (did Tommy Hilfiger say he didn't want black people wearing his clothes?) to so-called "rules" (you can't wear white after Labor Day), we took a magnifying glass to some of the murky beliefs and rumors surrounding menswear. Here are 40 Style Myths Explained.

RELATED: 10 Men's Grooming Myths Exposed

Selvedge denim is the best quality denim.

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"Black tie" means "tuxedo."

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Monk straps were worn by actual monks.

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Levi's painted the arcuate on its jeans to save thread during WWII.

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True Or False: TRUE
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Black and brown can't be worn together.

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A tie should touch your belt buckle.

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Fat people can't wear slim clothes.

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Superior Japanese denim is actually made on vintage American looms.

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Shampooing every day is actually bad for hair.

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The best way to wash your raw jeans is in the ocean.

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Wearing a hat frequently causes hair loss.

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Flip-flops can cause foot problems.

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After actor Clark Gable appeared without an undershirt in the film It Happened One Night, undershirt sales declined.

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Neiman Marcus once charged $250 for a cookie recipe.

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Polarized sunglasses make it easier to drive in the rain.

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Freezing your raw denim kills the bacteria inside them.

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"Broguing" in shoes was originally meant to allow water to drain out of them.

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Maya Angelou wrote a poem claiming Timberland is owned by the KKK.

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Cleaning the lint filter in your clothes dryer makes it more efficient.

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Troop Clothing was owned by racists as was an acronym for "To Rule Over Oppressed People."

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Vans shoes have the "Star of David" on the sole as an Anti-Semitic statement.

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A&F produced a sexually inappropriate catalog in 2003.

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Gap is an acronym for "Gay and Proud."

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Abercrombie & Fitch recalled a line of shirts offensive to Asians after numerous complaints.

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Harris Tweed is a brand.

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LL Cool J snuck in a "FUBU" reference during a Gap commercial.

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Sagging pants was born from a prison practice signaling sexual availability.

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The "Super S" you drew in elementary school is linked to the Stussy clothing brand.

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Some Chinese-made hairbands were made from recycled condoms.

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You can't mix gold and silver jewelry.

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A customer got a refund for tires at Nordstrom, even though the retailer doesn't sell auto parts.

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Raw denim must be bought super tight because it will stretch out to your desired size.

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Tommy Hilfiger said he didn't want black and Asian people wearing his clothes.

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You can't wear white after Labor Day.

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Your shoes always have to match your belt.

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Bandanas were used to denote a gay man's sexual preferences.

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Horizontal stripes make you look short and fat; Vertical stripes make you look tall and thin.

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FUBU stands for "For Us By Us."

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You can't wear black and navy blue together.

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Super skinny jeans can cause a low sperm count in men.

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