Image via Complex Original
So-called "life hacks" have gained popularity because of the ingenius way they solve first world problems like dunking Oreo cookies in milk and opening pesky plastic blister packages. But did you know there are some that can help you look and feel more awesome?
Take for example, life hacks that will make doing laundry less of a burden, to reducing the time it takes to get ready each morning—because you'll no longer need to spend ten minutes in front of the mirror tying and re-tying your tie. Check out these 50 Life Hacks That Will Make You More Stylish.
RELATED: 15 Things Guys Should Know About Clothes
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RELATED: 10 Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Wardrobe
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Stick your fist and elbow into the waistband of pants to gauge if they'll fit.
For guys of average build, that distance is roughly your waist size. See ya later, fitting rooms.
Pair socks before washing and safety pin them together in the wash to avoid having to re-pair them.
Save yourself some time when you do laundry.
Tie your four-in-hand knotted ties the night before work.
Just throw it around your neck, tighten it, and get on with your life.
Rub stuck zipper teeth with a graphite pencil tip to fix them.
Weirdly enough, the graphite lubricates the zipper.
Avoid floppy collars by hanging your shirts with the top button buttoned.
Or you could you know... get a button-down or spread collar.
Make an awesome clothing rack out of steel pipes and wooden boards.
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Get rid of toothpaste stains by spot-cleaning with water and a little bit of detergent.
The titanium dioxide powder in toothpaste is what causes the white staining on clothing. It can't get out unless there's a detergent. Spot clean with some diluted detergent and a cloth for best results.
In a pinch, use a pin as a quick button replacement.
You also get some extra street cred if the pin's a cool one.
Remember the style numbers of your favorite garments to help you find them again when they need to be replaced.
Most brands print a style number on the care tag. For popular items like jeans, pants, and shirts that come out each season, remembering the style name or number means you can easily find it—or older versions. Why do you think Levi's purists regard 501s and 505s like they were the numbers from LOST?
Keep interior jacket pockets sealed shut with velcro.
Frequent flyer? Never lose your passport again.
Don't wash shirts and pants after only one wear. Your nose and eyes can tell when it needs to be laundered.
Save some water—and lengthen the life of your clothes. Most guys shower regularly and groom themselves enough that they can get multiple wears out of their clothes before needing to wash them.
Look for stitching in shoe soles to determine if they can get resoled.
This tip is also useful when buying vintage footwear.
Throw canvas sneakers into the washing machine to clean them. Let them air dry.
Check the seat of pants for extra fabric to know if you can have them let out.
Keep this in mind when shopping for trousers.
Create a simple coat rack from wooden rods and some twine.
A simple, affordable, and attractive way to stash jackets by the door.
Let oxford shirts hang dry for a rumpled, casual look.
They just look better that way.
Get rid of pilling by shaving your sweaters.
Like when shaving your face, be very careful. You don't want to damage the fabric. A women's razor would work better.
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Store your clothes like files to maximize drawer space.
Storing them vertically instead of horizontally gives you a better view of your stuff.
Make a struggle tie clip with a paperclip.
You can either wear it behind the blade, if you want a more secure hold, or in front of it, if you want a little more Office Space-sprezzatura.
Keep your jeans' zipper up with a keyring.
Slip the keyring over the button before buttoning your jeans up.
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No shoe bag? Pack your shoes in a shower cap to keep the soles from touching your clothes.
No more scuffed shoes, and you're keeping your dirty soles away from your clean clothes.
Fix stuck zippers with Windex.
A q-tip soaked in a mild soapy product like Windex can lubricate stuck zippers enough to fix them, without risking ruining your clothes.
Use Earl Grey teabags to get rid of a sunburn.
This will come in before those dates during beach season. You can apply the teabags straight on the wound, or brew them in warm water, soak it in a washcloth, and apply it on the burn. More detailed instructions can be found here.
Use fabric softener and vinegar in a spray bottle to release wrinkles from clothing.
Make your own homemade wrinkle releaser here.
Use a toilet seat cover to blot oil from a greasy face.
Your oily face is more gross than unused toilet seat covers.
Buy tuxedos and cashmere used. It's not only better quality, it's cheaper!
Tuxedo styles haven't changed much over the past few years. Stick with a conservative vintage style and you'll be good 'til you're practically ready to pass it on to your son.
Edit your bag to a few everyday essentials.
Don't get bogged down by the unnecessary. According to the Valetguys, a bag that weighs more than 10% of your body can lead to back and shoulder injuries.
Use hand sanitizer to dissolve ink stains.
You'll still need to stick it in the washing machine to get it fully out.
Clean out the inside of your bags with a lint roller.
This works best if you turn the bag inside out first.
Air dry your socks to make them last longer.
Dryer heat deteriorates the elastic inside.
Use soda tabs on your hangers to maximize closet space.
Boom. Now you can hang up twice as much gear in your closet.
Remember the measurements of your hand. Congrats. You now have a permanent ruler.
Now, learn your measurements. A tailor can do this for you, for free. Next time you're not sure if something will fit you, you can use your hand to get a more accurate gauge of an item's measurements.
Wash sweaters with baby shampoo.
Handwash sweaters made of fabrics like cashmere in a solution made of baby shampoo and water. Here's how.
Once a year, reverse the hangers in your closet. When you wear something, turn the hanger right-side around again.
After a few months, look at which hangers are still reversed--and get rid of those clothes. You might be bored with your wardrobe, and it's time to go shopping.
Wrap the waistband of pants around your neck to see if they'll fit.
For most guys, your neck measurement is roughly half of your waist measurement. If the ends of the waistband meet, you'll be able to slip them on.
Binder clips make a great emergency tie clip.
Keep it behind the blade to avoid sartorial embarassment, while keeping your tie in place.
Sit down when you try on a buttondown shirt for a more accurate fit.
You're slightly fatter sitting than standing. This is how you determine if that "slim fit" cut is a little too tight. Buttons pulling a lot? Size up.
