The Most Overrated Color in Menswear: Black & What Colors To Wear Instead

[@matias22tk]

Watching this video 16 months ago changed my view on what I chose to wear when I look at my wardrobe. Your promise proves to be right, I now love mixing and matching colors, textures and fabrics. There's so much more outside of black, everything else actually.

[@nonesta13]

If you're wearing a black sport coat with black jeans and a black shirt with a black tie and black converse...you are trying way too hard

[@wazzap500]

trying way too hard to be edgy and not even trying to incorporate some color. It depends though. A metalhead for example would look authentic in that though I'd go for a white shirt.

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

there is a specific time to wear all black outfit! u can pull off this outfit but on a special holiday when u r going out to make a statement

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I'd say wearing all black is more like not trying at all.

[@SPNKr16]

Nah, metalheads wear cowboy boots, original converse, dr. marten, chelsea boots, black jeans (usually skinny or slim), black spandex or leather pants (though that depends on the scene and is not abundant/popular like it used to be and nostalgia focussed communities partake in unordinary materials of the past), and black band t-shirts though gray has been a choice recently in marketing. Of course, these are alternated with traditional fit indigo jeans such as levi's, you see those around still depending on an individual's particular style, or boots/shoes of shades of brown. I've been into thrash metal before, went to tons of different kinds of metal gigs not just thrash, you see all what I listed above. There's no uniform per se. The communities that have a uniform are the scenes like vloggers where they wear just adidas, it's cult member-like. And, like *+Eye Heart Sushi* said, it's like they're not trying at all. I'd say the same goes for just wearing black. Not trying, no individualism, no sense of style, just playing safe and being part of "your scene" (a.k.a I won't have friends if I don't wear their colours). I've done all these thinking I've got my own style not just including black but conforming to a scene, and the bane of the modern gent's existence and style, give in to fashion.

[@Torelel]

Or you are John Wick

[@levgenyterrobias]

During my trip at japan, I noticed black suits are used by fresh graduates applying for jobs. But at Tokyo older men tend to wear more colorful and suits. You tend to stand out there more if you wear pocket squares.

[@bkfabs]

Although I usually agree with most GG videos, I have to disagree with the comments about black for men’s clothing. I have been in the clothing business for 30 years, and black can easily be worn in a more casual way and still look very fashionable. I’m sure some men overuse the color, but it certainly deserves a strong place in any Gentlemens wardrobe for not just Formal but also dressy casual and casual wear when done right.

[@oliverahola6971]

You are right, black is quite alright as color in (classic) menswear. But charcoal and navy are more versatile and, in my opinion, look much better.

[@BtemplesTemples]

I haven’t finished the video yet, so he may address this, but what about funerals? If you own 1 suit, shouldn’t it be black for funerals?

[@aurin_komak]

My black trousers and waistcoat (made from the same fabric don't worry!) pair really nicely with my tweed sport coat's black-brown pattern

[@a1v2123]

@@BtemplesTemples Exactly, if you can afford (or want to have) only one suit, it should be black, and remember that all old-fashioned rules are not useful.

[@Left0verCuRry]

“Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious. But above all black says this: "I don’t bother you - don’t bother me".” - Yohji Yamamoto

[@anansigrimm5273]

That's why I like it

[@jarib3858]

Thanks dude, this video just completely misses the point

[@vanjabulajic1573]

Love this.

[@lucegray1648]

was happy to see this quote

[@seybertooth9282]

So, you got triggered by the video and found a quote on the internet since you don't have any arguments. LOL. Meanwhile, for those with an actual sense of style, the video is absolutely on point. Sorry if you guys overspent on a fashion-forward Tom Ford-like silly-suit but there it is.

[@Xozzen]

The mistake I see a lot is people thinking they look good in a monochromatic black look: Black tshirt, black pants, black shoes. Usually the black is slightly mismatched so it doesn't look the same, and even if it did it wouldn't be a good look. The real truth is though, people have no eye for seeing these blunders, so even if they do a mistake like this, other people won't notice either.

[@JRSnyderJrAZ]

Black has it's place and nothing wrong with wearing it. The problem with it right now is that it is worn too much by too many people and has become cliche. That said brown, tan and navy are great monochromatic colors if you don't want to be splashy with color.

[@newinspiration2108]

I am totally with you on this matter: to me, it is just very simple but it is not as versatile as the majority believes it is. As from artists "black is not really a color, it is just there for other colors to express" Black itself is too bland and too dark, also, all of the details and textures are muted in black.

[@qarhsi]

i agree with almost everything you say except for the point that it doesn't work well it greys. blacks and darker greys can work as a gradient, unlike black and navy. grey is the most versatile colour in menswear. i am sure you can wear black and grey together and look great!

[@ZachariahMBaird]

I have a pair black dress shoes that I want to wear because otherwise they'd just sit in my closet taking up space, so I looked at my suits and tried to decide which suit they paired best with, and I realized that all my suits look better with brown shoes.

[@Doomsterlobster]

Nobody (Western, educated) thought the earth was flat 600 years ago. I do understand your reaction against the over-prominence of black in popular wear, but I think you've swung too far to the other extreme in your attempt to convince. You experience black as too formal, strictly eveningwear-appropriate because you've absorbed the traditions of 20th-century menswear, and you are of course classy to practice that. I too think that its prevalence is boring and disappointing, but it has become something of a norm and does not invoke that kind of reaction in the general populace (the "ignorant" or simply the contemporary audience whom you most interact with). You also focus on black suits and separates, and dress shirts you expect to be worn with a jacket. This focus on classic menswear is why I think some of your points are off-base and exaggerated. (Like so what if the gentlemen at the turn of the last century didn't wear black gloves; it has no implication for today. This fetishizing of history has little style application unless you are specifically aiming for period purism.) Black can be formal, yes, but I would look at the other end of the spectrum instead: black excels in jeans, turtlenecks, and yes, sneakers. When it comes to shirts, mostly you'd see it on fashionable clubbing tees or casual shirts you wear without a jacket (if you're a Spanish heartbreaker anyway). Claiming that "black=formal" even in sneakers is just blindness to context. Nobody experiences black sneakers as formal, you just made that up based on the theory/rule that black equals formal. The same color does not, of course, signify same things in different contexts/pieces. (White socks are not formal but a white scarf is extremely so; brown shoes with blue suit is not equivalent of blue shoes with brown suit, etc.) As for sport jackets, black works when it's clearly casual: specifically corduroy. I think black velvet might work too, but that's a fairly eye-catching fabric in casual wear nowadays. It is important that it doesn't get confused with a formal piece (i.e. the jacket of an off-the-rack suit), but given that premise it's not the color itself that makes it too formal. (I wouldn't wear it because I like my colors, though.) I do applaud you for recommending other colors and agree with the general direction from cheap, easy and boring black options towards textured, nuanced pieces.

[@---Nicolas---]

I'll never understand why shoe manufacturers still sell black brogues. What's that about? Buying brogues in a colour where all the detailing and craftsmanship is lost?

[@jean-lucdefreynes7745]

A mystery for me too, but black brogues are informal.

[@fahrurozi25]

Cause there are people who love black and love brogue at the same time?

[@glenndanzigsmanycats2045]

@@fahrurozi25 thank you sir!

[@fiLthy_Rx]

What's not to love with Christian Bale all blacked-out like that? That's Patrick Bateman for crying out loud!

[@Loki-sk7bi]

Agree!

[@Anti-Taxxer]

I politely disagree. I love the color black; it is elegant and luxurious, it is the color of mystery. Black really looks good with almost anything, and it adds a touch of elegance to any outfit you're wearing regardless of the intrinsic formality of the garment. Black also looks really good with my complexion, so I might be slightly biased.

[@ridethree]

It makes people look at you rather than your clothing

[@theplasticdesert2408]

A nice black jacket or suit for example is far more classier than almost everything this guy wears in his videos.

[@noahrodriguez293]

I love the way he pronounces "sh"

[@christopherlagasse5363]

I agree with you for the most part. Yes, black is a more formal color and there are definitely better colors out there to wear for during the day ... but I do think it is okay to wear black in casual items such as tee-shirts, sneakers, boat shoes, etc. because at the end of the day, these pieces are and always be casual. I don't think black would change the formality of already casual items (but it's definitely better to wear black formal wear in the evening! - agreed :). Great video otherwise!

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

off course dude! that's what i was going to say!

[@williamlucas4656]

By the opposite token, I like to wear a black polo and khaki trousers on a warm summer night on occasion with black loafers and belt. While not colorful, I find it striking, a bit formal, but standout in a crowd of tropical colors.

[@qarhsi]

thank you Raphael! you spoke my mind about black being paired with navy/dark blue. so many people just default to black with the darker blues and it just looks "meh"! charcoal pairs so much better! but i do think that it is okay to wear black sneakers!

[@elijahculper5522]

Black dress shirt, slacks, a dark jewel-tone tie, and rubber soled nonslip shoes is my absolute go-to. I prolly wear some variation of that three days a week at least. I manage CNAs and other healthcare support staff in a hospice setting. And often times I’ll have to teach someone how to do a procedure or cover slack when someone is sick. A black shirt covers the fact that I normally wear scrubs under my shirt instead of a normal under shirt. So I can just take off the shirt and get to dirty work in a pinch. And it black is acceptable when I’m working with a dying patient’s family. Nonslip shoes are a must because they’re just useful. Most days, I look a little dumpy, but it’s pretty practical.

[@romanwagner8709]

I appreciate that you acknowledge that black does have a place where it looks very nice rather than just acting like it is useless.

[@ondrejdolnicek265]

Still not changed my mind. I stil wear black suit. I think its very dignified colour and i love it.

[@was_ist_musik]

"I wear black on the outside, cause black is how I feel on the inside" - The Smiths

[@seybertooth9282]

That's why those of us who aren't depressed Debbie Downers don't wear black. Life's too short to be miserable.

[@TravisTraps]

I agree black can be over rated, but you could please make a video on how properly incorporate black in wardrobes, how to mix and match and pair with black, instead of giving us alternatives?

[@herbertsmagon5777]

no they are trying to sell colorful accessories. When you wear black you are just about DONE. its a simple look.

[@284mbp]

Here's their alternative: Wear literally anything else.

[@brt5273]

Anything can be overrated, overdone and comes with it's own problems and pitfalls. I would say that it is not so much that black is overrated, but that it's best advantages in fashion are not understood or utilized.

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

I agree with the suits not needing to be black, but with something like a turtleneck it's a scientific fact that black absorbs light and warms you up (as mentioned in the video) whilst white reflects it, so black is good for warm jumpers.

[@tylerbatemansociology]

Thanks to the whole team for all of your videos. They are very helpful, and I appreciate the entire way they are put together.

[@darianburkhart752]

I own two black odd jackets that I usually pair with grey pants. I don't think I'll get rid of those jackets, but they are definitely not my go-to's most of the time. I like them for things like church or something very formal, but not for much else

[@dakang5759]

You look amazing in that tuxedo. Goes very well with your haircut too.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thank you!

[@katemarsh6955]

Great video. I definitely wear too much black, I now realise. I always thought it looked good with my dark hair and eyes; I also had no idea what colors go well together, so black was an easy choice. Thanks for the video mate :)

[@blancaw6280]

BLACK CLOTHES MATTER!!!!!!

[@Paul-dz7xi]

Good one.

[@jddiggy2343]

Blanca W I'm done

[@trystanfranziskus]

BLUE CLOTHES MATTER!!!!!!1111!!

[@whypie7081]

All clothes matter LOL

[@lounamana]

Lllllooooollll!!!!!

[@momotheelder7124]

I agree that black is perhaps overrated in terms of people avoiding being creative. But I find the idea that 'black is always formal' and 'a black jacket with jeans is a style mistake' a bit rigid. I feel like it depends how you wear it. What textures are involved. what accessories you wear. I mean if you are talking about a tuxedo jacket with satin lapels, sure. But just a black jacket generally? I think that's a wide brush stroke.

[@adamseidel9780]

Momo The Elder it can be done, but why don’t you just buy a charcoal jacket that you can execute that exact same look with but will also work in a lot of other ways too?

[@wazzap500]

"I find black to be supremely boring" That's simply your opinion. I find Navy to be extremely boring. That's my opinion and that's ok. Black doesn't necessarily show insecurity or lack of expression. The same could be said about gray because grey is just lighter black. Grey lacks any character which makes it truly "boring". Black to me looks serious, misterious but also depressing. Yes an all-black outfit is boring but it says something about the wearer because it's unussual. Black and Navy don't necessarily clash. The Navy color simply has to be saturated enough so it can compete with the intensity of Black. When it comes to suiting I agree. But for casual clothing it doesn't matter what was worn historically. Times and Styles change. A black double rider is a timeless classic. So are black Jeans (though I think charcoal Jeans are better). We are simply changing what is appropriate today. Yes some black items do age poorly though some don't. The same could be said about any dark color. A dark green, burgundy, navy,... Tshirt all lose their color pretty quickly. There are navy jeans that keep their color really long and there are navy jeans that fade really quickly. The fading can be an aspect of someone style (grunge for example). Yes I do agree that black is terrible for the summer. I really can't understand why people do that. A black dress-shirt doesn't necessarily have to be bad. It's a decent option for the rocker-styles. The same goes for black sport-coats imo. I agree on the black gloves. Not a good choice. You are wrong with the shoes. The formality of a shoe is determined by the style, color and its acceptability: - a black sneaker is a viable option for black-based styles and a sneaker will always be casual no matter the color. - A black Chelsea Boot is usually very formal but it can be worn casually because it's accepted by the masses. The same couldn't be said about brown oxfords because they tend to look more formal eventhough they are brown. I'd look a lot more respectable in black chelsea boots than in brown suede derbies but that depends on where you live of course. At the end of the day black is just a color. It's similar to grey. It's a neutral but it's a very intense color. Therefore I think the best way to combine black is to use it rather sparingly (avoid black suits) and to pair it with similarly saturated colors. For example Burgundy, Plum, Royal Blue, Mint, Turquoise,... look great with black. Ultimately I agree with you on the conclusion Rafael. The main reason being that Brown Leather Shoes can play a major role in our wardrobes and black tends to look bad with brown whereas grey works pretty well in most cases. So yes. The best advice I have for beginners is this: The very first pair of jeans should be non-distressed and charcoal grey because it's without a doubt the most versatile jeans color and transitions into all styles.

[@mantalk8798]

UrbanDanger ! The problem with it is formality as he stated. Also, colors may be "boring" to you, but that doesn't mean they don't express anything. When it comes to color psychology, black has no advantages while blue gives off a sense of confidence and grey bringing a sense of maturity.

[@jamesthemames6532]

UrbanDanger ! Technically black is not a color

[@vanjabulajic1573]

Black was also a form of elegant rebellion for me. People always asked me, family in particular, "why do you wear black for casual occasions?" - As if it was indecent of me somehow. Not appropriate. I learned something today - while I admire your knowledge and many tips are indeed good advice... I hate being 'appropriate'. Men should be free to do as they please as long as no one is being hurt. Even if they pair sneakers with suits, wear sandals on the beach instead of moccasins or boat shoes or whatever fruity shoe, or wear black shirts most of the time. CLASSIC NOT CLASSY!

[@Navoii.]

“Men should be free to do as they please as long as no one is being hurt” is so true. Let people wear what they like

[@SGM-89]

Gentlemen, please calm down. Everyone can and are allowed to have thier own opinions. And at the end of the day, it is just one man stating what he thinks. I, myself, am not a fan of Sven's style and don't think it looks good. To me people who dress like that belong to a specific subgroup/subculture that chooses to express themselves in a certain manner. However, I'm not going to say that people who like that kind of dressing style should not wear that. They have the freedom to express themselves the way they want to. For example, if you don't like the color red, why show your disgust when someone else wears that color? The same if you decide to wear all blue, why should that be any of my concern if I don't like the look? And let's be honest, most of you in the comment section with your very strong opinions, you know that you yourself are not even trying much with your own style ;-)

[@berner]

In my eye, black is a very dominant colour, or non colour. If I had to wear a suit to the office, I would probably wear it on maybe a Monday or when I had to close a deal or whatever fancy vernacular they use in business world speak. Even then, I would wear a really fine pin striped black, 3 piece suit, just for good measure. Then again, I would be on cloud nine working in an office because I'd be having so much fun wearing suits and men's formal attire. I wouldn't necessarily be wearing a suit as a necessity piece, but more as an avenue for expressing myself. I do however see where GG is coming from. In terms of versatility, black is hard to pull off since it's a very specific occasion kind of colour. But then again if navy blue suits were used for funerals, major events etc. this video would be titled "The Most Overrated Color in Menswear: Navy Blue"

[@danus-en5vx]

This explains why my mom would buy me and my brother clothes in charcoal or navy rather than black.

[@gtoneable]

I agree that black is kind of an overrated color but it can be right to wear for some and some occasions. I used to wear black items formally and informally, but as I began studying color theory and harmonies, I found out that this color is really too dark and stark for me and my skin tone. I also believe this color kind of washes me out in a way so I, personally, have started wearing less dark and more softer shades like navies, charcoals and olives, especially as shirtwear, to compliment my skin tone and create a more pleasing appearance for me.

[@lalitgupta689]

For some wierd reasons even when I try and force my mind into thinking that he dresses spendidly, I always get a throwback into thinking that he dresses hideously. All this pattern and variety bullshit that he wears. Maybe it's just difference in preferences. I like the colors he combines, but the excess patterns n crap are too much for me.

[@erikw3105]

Watching this, and I appreciated your caveat about priests looking good in black. I'm considering seminary so I was wondering how best to wear black when that would necessarily be most of my wardrobe (especially because I'm currently more familiar with wearing navy and gray suits)

[@JohnNelsonSaxophonist]

I like to dress partially army style. Olive green highlights with brown boots are my personal favorite when im dressing casually. Although, i kind of agree. Green is far too underrated

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

Awesome video sir as usual.....also i think Burgundy color is very underrated....some people say that burgundy chinos look like clown pants but i think they look good with light color shirts....sir i think next video idea must be - BURGUNDY!

[@declanbartlette3074]

Though black is considered overrated, it is underused in my wardrobe. I have just a few items in black: A watch strap; dress shoes and a belt; leather jacket. I had a few other items in black (such as chinos, a V-neck sweater and a sport coat), but I got rid of them.

[@nutyyyy]

The Earth was proven to be round by the Ancient Greeks. Though you are quite on point about black.

[@Well_Earned_Siesta]

This is probably the most negative comments I've seen on a GG video. Looks like Raphael is slaying some people's sacred cows! Nice work!

[@mihailghiga2732]

Perfectly true. I was thinking about this today, when I had a concert and was asked once again to wear a black shirt. It is boring.

[@ivankarim8678]

As long as you can pull it off...to hell with other's opinions..

[@mrrrl795]

Black can be worn casually but not in the manner that most men wear it. Wear things like black denim, black leather jacket, black boots, black knit tie or even two-tone black aloha shirts.

[@chuckmcveigh1896]

I worked as a professional chauffeur for many,many years,so needless to say, I had a closet full of black suits...but now only wear one when going to a formal night time affair, funeral and the like...I like black, it is very rich looking when paired with the right shirt,tie, and cufflinks etc...I always receive compliments when dressed in my black suit and accoutrements.

[@romailfarooq7479]

Raphael what do you think about air jordan 1 or ultra boosts

[@matthewl.5612]

😂

[@romailfarooq7479]

?

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

better ask Richie Le

[@gentlemansgazette]

I have no place for them in my wardrobe. In general, I find it interesting that people are willing to pay quite a premium for Air Jordans. It seems to me it is mostly about the logo, less about the design / look or quality of the shoe / materials. That being said, I loved Michael Jordan growing up and I would have certainly worn any kind of Air Jordans as a teenager, but they were never even remotely part of my budget at the time and now that I could afford them, I don't care for them anymore.

[@LyleNicholas]

thats a heavy statement

[@hnsschrbr4790]

I do agree with every single word you said. I always say, there's enough million of people who wear Black, why should I also wear it!

[@tommymattke291]

Yes? Now the Netherlands its the total opposite. Every man wears navy, and nobody wears black. I find a black suit more professional and serious than a navy suit. My wardrobe consists of a lightgrey suit, Dark Navy suit with stripes, Black suit, and another black suit. I like the plain esthetic of a well cut dark suit. I don't like normal navy or darker grey colours.

[@TheRoadOfLoading]

I was a fans of black years ago, but it is really not versatile and lack of personality. Black trousers were my standard everyday outfit, paired with blue, white and green shirts. Now, I replaced those trousers with white, and it looks more elegant and stand out from the cloud! Would you talk about more unusual colours in next video? Love to know more about menswear classic.

[@Angel-zv2yi]

I simply don’t have the money nor the opportunities to wear a suit so… black is my go for because of it’s versatility and simplicity.

[@loyaltyinteractive]

I love black clothing

[@seybertooth9282]

I don't care what you love. See, we both have opinions we should have kept to ourselves.

[@Navoii.]

This entire video is just one big opinion. Also, self contraction.

[@spectre5x5]

I completely agree with you with black formal wear! However, l love a black polo and t-shirt with shorts.

[@waltski4375]

Lots of good comments and discussion. I agree with Sven, black has its place in a good classic wardrobe. I have a black sweater that I like to wear with khakis and dessert boots. However, the monochrome look, though okay, has been beat to death by various celebrities on the red carpet. At one time, it had visual interest now, pick a number. Johnny Cash rocked black and it suited (no pun) him. If you like monochrome, go for it but it has become too common now.

[@avpimdb]

It looks like the second overrated colour is navy.

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

yeess!!!!!!!! navy navy navy......even navy with brown shoes....i just dont even understand who made that combo

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Mandeep Baweja Navy with tan shoes can work but you're correct: navy doesn't work with brown shoes.

[@blankearth5840]

How about we change our perspective to “there is no such thing as an overrated color and that anyone can wear what ever color they like to express themselves as an individual”

[@Terencedmcgovern]

I am a major fan of your KZbin channel, lots of great information, that I have used repeatedly! I will admit getting away from black is a little difficult as a Priest. Would you ever consider doing a video about Priest (Clerical) attire? I would be most interested in your thoughts. Thank you for all your wonderful advice. Fr. Terence

[@bobtaylor170]

You should do a video!

[@284mbp]

omg 11 minutes of a style nerd trashing the color black, i didn't know that would make my day. I actually don't own much black, but i thought that was just because i'm kinda eccentric and i like colors, also I don't have a job that requires very formal dress. I 100% agree about black button-down shirts, they are terrible. I do own a black suit, it was the first suit I bought and I never wear it, so I felt your comment about stores selling black suits to ignorant people because they got me and my $100 back in the day.

[@connorism69]

Great blazer... Looks quite purple. Very stylish.

[@Myrslokstok]

Hate my black pants everything sticks on to them. Actually whent orange tie/pocket squere as you sugested and it turned an otherwise marineblue suite/outfit to something nice so you are right. Light brown shoes and belt matched the orange nicly. Thanks made me hapy, would have gone for boring blue otherwise. Blue is a nice base, but it is not everything. Thanks!

[@corporate.security]

Rafael: he makes some of the best insults on KZbin. my favorites are the ones when he says don't do X because you look cheep and you don't know what you're doing I think a video in All About ties has a good one. but I can't quite remember where I saw it.

[@MultiMrMiles]

or the other one: "you look like a pesant..."LOL, a classic....

[@brysonstevens1431]

the ancient Greeks knew the Earth was round and the distance from the Earth to the Sun in proportion to the distance from the Earth to the Moon. Still love your channel.

[@Bonanzaking]

Black can age well if you hand wash. I have decade+ old band tshirts I’ve managed to keep in pretty good condition. Its been worth it for my collection of souvenirs from shows.

[@grapetonenatches186]

I love this channel. I also just bought a black plaid suit and it is lovely.

[@forteastro6996]

Black for me works for shoes with navy/dark pants. The shirt is game.

[@fr0z3nskull]

Can you do a video about purple? It's my favorite colour

[@JakeSnake07]

Also, deodorant stains don't show up when you use certain types, black fades into charcoal and then gray, which you like to praise for some unknown reason, and you can easily mix black and navy if you know what you're doing. The only thing you've stated that I don't disagree with in this video is that mixing blacks is bad, and that you shouldn't wear a black shirt with a black suit and tie.

[@bliblablub921]

Altough I get your overall point and think your right about black being a boring color, I realy like black from time to time. For example I own a black shirt, and mixed with a dark blue denim jeans its perfect for a pub Tour with friends for example. Same is with t-shirts. Altough i would not where it under a shirt and a suit, I realy like wearing in the summer time. Because, well, it actually looks pretty good on almost every male.

[@jakedragon7175]

Style is a matter of opinion and Sven I love your content but especially in this video you present your opinion as fact

[@uglukthemedicineman5933]

People didn't think earth was flat 600 years ago. That's a myth. A global shaped earth was commonly accepted as a fact, but people thought the atlantic ocean was too massive to cross.

[@leakyabstraction]

This critical view is certainly appreciable in an age when black is mindlessly applied everywhere, but around the end of the video it's getting a bit far-fetched, in my opinion. :) From my experience, black is just sexy when paired with slim cut and good physique. When I'm wearing a simple black V-neck shirt with jeans, or a black slim-fit polo shirt with e.g. grey chinos, I seem to get a lot more seemingly positive looks than when I'm wearing other colors on my torso. That said, I bought a pair of totally black jeans over half a year ago, thinking that it will be surely incredibly versatile, and I didn't manage to wear it even once; it looks odd with everything. Same with a black jacket I bought...

[@MrDanielWP]

Black is specifically slimming because black has unique properties. Charcoal isn't the same.

[@huberfloover]

Hmmm...black is a color for formal events, yet black is also a very common color of service people's uniforms. And speaking of uniforms, black is the official color of a New Yorker's clothing.........

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

I rather like black - black trousers, for instance. But never black shirts - I have a black suit which I wear with white or colourerd shirts and coloured ties, often red; I admit that I wear it when I want to be extra formal, and my navy suit is somehow more relaxing, and less .... well, intimidating, perhaps. But I'd really like a suit like the beautiful one you're wearing in this video!

[@dog_backwards]

Tbh I bought a navy blue suit first and then started watching these videos. My girlfriend wanted to get me a few ties to go with it and came home with a black and blue plaid one to go with my light blue dress shirts.

[@kynist]

Classic black Converse Chuck Taylor's with white trim always work

[@EugeneSalandra]

In my cultural tradition, it is not uncommon for people to wear black for a period of mourning after the passing of a loved one. This is particularly true of widows, but it is not restricted to them. I wore black for two years after my own beloved mother's passing.

[@Tazzinaespresso]

Great video addressing a good topic! But you may want to rethink the pinstripe with the wide, sharp angle lapel... Not the best look..

[@AD-vg5gv]

In my opinion, black and gold combination looks best. I have a few pairs of designer sneakers in black and gold combination, and they outclass every other color.

[@tristancreed]

Black isn't overrated. But it is simple, versatile, practical and elegant. It works on both formal and casual situations. I should know. Majority of my wardrobe is comprised of it.

[@claremiller9979]

I just took stock of my wardrobe and only one pair of suit pants I have aren't black! My only suit jacket and my nicest coat are too. I think you're right when you say people who lean on black are insecure to some respect, because it's easy. It does go with everything and is straightforward. But it's boring, that is true. It's also not flattering for many skin tones, including mine! Time to hit the thrift shops and find myself something a bit more interesting.

[@westfieldartworks8188]

I saw this video too late, I'm afraid. I had a black sport coat purchased back in 1999. I'm slimmer now and in better shape so I decided to have it tailored. Spent over $100 dollars on the tailoring. Now I realize that I really haven't found anything that I can wear that black sport coat with. Raphael is right about it not working with jeans. The dark navy blue chino's also don't go with it as it makes it looks like I'm trying to put a full matching dress suit together....(but with dark chino's and a dark sport coat); doesn't work. The only thing I can think of for this dark sport coat is a pair of khaki chino's with brown or burgundy shoes, I think??? My budget for clothes is limited, so to lose money on this black sports coat is frustrating.

[@herbertsmagon5777]

i dont salt stain black shirts, but i certainly turn white shirts yellow real fast. So i'll stick to black.

[@seanmapalad]

In my opinion, a black suit can be used in dinners/events wherein it would be too informal for black tie.

[@stewartbone4236]

Italian cinema did a great job in promoting black after the war. This seems to have echoes in today's style. It is a lazy option which is very limited as you suggest.

[@vanjabulajic1573]

I disagree with most of his preferences. I appreciate the thought process however

[@lemonysnicket3153]

They give great tips on how to wear classic menswear but they wear too much colorful clothes you look like a clown, the best colors are gray,black and blue because they are more serious colors

[@vanjabulajic1573]

@@lemonysnicket3153 agreed. I also value functionality over style so some of his advice comes off as non applicable for a guy like me

[@DollarDude]

I have a black suit. I can occasionally use the suit pants to style with other lighter color jackets. But is the black suit jacket useful for anything other than funerals? (Not black tie, I'm aware you need a tux if you want to do that properly.)

[@alexconti7932]

That last promise is so true.

[@robinlutjohann6408]

What advice do you have for priests? Clergy shirts are usually black or grey. The classic look is of course all black. But then different items mismatch when the black fades. I am trying to construct a simple capsule around my professional dress that I can also use for other occasions. If you had to make a capsule around mainly blacks and grey trousers, shoes, and coats, what basic items would you choose?

[@juliuscaesar5005]

Sven and his one man war against the color back!

[@Mortician50]

I would say Raphael, for me I would wish to rather remain the exception, being that as a Goth gentleman, I really do not think bright colors would specifically fit my personality. Nonetheless, good points.

[@fredcalabrese6066]

I liked black t-shirts when I worked on machinery. My other shirts would show grease stains.

[@TenaciousTimGaming]

This video was long over due. I completely agree with your points and wish that more people would listen!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks

[@seth_5394]

Hear Hear!

[@callavaro]

I think this is a very interesting discussion. Personally, I would agree with the color black being dull, bland and a overall color that has limited stylistic options and situations in which one might wear it. For this reason I would stay completely clear of wearing black (waist) coats/jackets and shoes. However, I don't see much of a problem with wearing one black pair of pants or a black dress shirt as part of your outfit. It gives you a little more variation to play with, and makes colors pop if you decide to wear a bright red or blue necktie for example. There is nothing wrong with having one or two black clothing items in one's wardrobe in my opinion, even though I fully understand that traditionally, this is taboo. In short limit the color black to one piece of clothing as part of your outfit and make this color a very small part of your overall wardrobe.

[@leeseung4804]

I guess it also depends on the complexion as well. As an asian with black hair, black seems to pair better. I know its abit blasphemous. But black overcoats and loafers much more prevalent in Asia.

[@Ratlegion]

Off subject, but.. Why does the white background seem to be moving behind you?

[@Navoii.]

If almost everyone wears and likes black, is it really overrated? Or do you just not like it? There’s a difference.

[@jd892]

I agree I think the second most overrated piece of clothing are blue jeans (any blue). Even if you are trying to look really casual or street opting for another colour of Jean is better, like, off-white grey, beiges/browns, Burgundy or olive. You will stand out weigh more. So get rid of most of your black stuff and only keep one or two pairs of blue jeans (one dark blue, one light blue) that's it.

[@thomh6083]

My school always makes us wear all black for concerts. What can i do to look more stylish?

[@ridethree]

But what if I like wearing black? I mean wearing black is not against any fashion rule its just your opinion