So in preparation for this video, I started going through my closet looking for floral pattern shirts that I could show in this video. I didn’t even realize how many floral pattern shirts I had. And, since I’m unfortunately up a few lbs since the shelter in place orders, some of these don’t fit so well any more so they’ll be going up for sale on my Poshmark page. If you’re a size Medium and you’re interested in checking out what I have for sale on the cheap over there, please check out my Poshmark page. I’ll also leave some store links to most of what I’m showing down below as well in case you wanna go pick up one or two of these shirts for yourself.
Are floral patterns okay over 40?
Okay, the obvious first question is: ‘Are floral pattern shirts okay to wear for guys over 40’? My opinion is yes, with some stipulations. First, there’s a big difference between a nice-looking, sophisticated floral pattern shirt and the Hawaiian Aloha shirt. Nothing against the vacation favorite, but in this video, I’m not talking about the Hawaiian shirt. Yes, the traditional Hawaiian Aloha shirt is technically floral pattern, but the fit is typically oversize, it usually has a wider and more casual camp collar, and the floral pattern is normally way too big and bold.
Keep the pattern small.
Keep the patterns tight and small. This accomplishes several things in your favor. First, small tight prints or micro-patterns look more classic and sophisticated. Smaller patterns also aren’t typically as bold as larger prints. And if you’re carrying a few extra pounds around the middle, larger patterns are never really a good idea.
Avoid super bright & saturated colors.
Next is the color. Keep the colors subdued to avoid looking like a clown. Again, the Hawaiian shirt is a different animal. Yes, you can incorporate color with a micro-print floral pattern, but look for muted and somewhat less saturated colors. As you can see from the examples I show in the video, there is obviously some color, but it’s a more muted color tone and not overly saturated and bright. The brighter and more poppy and saturated the colors are, the more it starts looking like a cheap clown shirt, in my opinion. The shirt’s already gonna be bold on its own because of the pattern, so there’s no need to amplify it with any additional loud color.
Fit is key.
Next up is making sure the shirt fits you well. I talk about fit a lot, and with a relatively bold shirt like this, fit is pretty important. You don’t want a shirt like this to fit oversize because it’ll look way too huge and all people are going to see and notice is your giant, loud shirt. Even though this is a casual shirt, consider it like a slightly casual version of a dress shirt and keep the fit relatively slim, but not tight. If you need to take it to the tailor to have the sleeves taken in or add some darts to the back, definitely do it.
Keep everything else neutral.
Next, keep everything else that you’re wearing neutral. Let the shirt be the only patterned piece you’re wearing. Let the young guys go a little crazy here, but there’s absolutely no need to mix in stripes or plaid or any other loud color because it gets to be way too much way too fast. Even if you want to dress down a suit with a floral print shirt, keep everything else plain. Even your pocket square.
If you’re still not quite sure weather or not floral patterns are for you, maybe start with something less busy and sort of creep up on the idea and see if it grows on you. Gentlemen, real quick, if you’re not yet a subscriber to my YouTube channel, please consider it because I’m making at least two videos every week that surround men’s lifestyle topics for grown-ups. And the entire reason this channel exists is to prove that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to make a change in your life or start something new. Gentlemen, I’ll see you in a few days, but until then, live well, stay healthy and I’ll see you very soon.
Some shirts in the video are no longer available in store, but I did what I could to find some good links for you guys.
Short Sleeve Blue/Black – https://go.magik.ly/ml/vpge/
Gray/Red floral – https://go.magik.ly/ml/vpg5/
Short Sleeve Red/Black – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4j5/
Similar Wide Print Floral – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4j8/
White Floral – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4jc/
Classic Soft Wash Orange Floral – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4jj/
Similar Black/White pattern – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4kc/
Similar Black/Gray Floral – https://go.magik.ly/ml/x4kk/
