Man Up: Buy Your Own Shirt, Dawg

By Eric

I’ve discovered a new phenomenon. Well, “new” and “phenomenon” may be overstating it a tad, but I’ve discovered…something.

Let me first say that I am by no means a “fashion guy.” Do I like to look good? Certainly. But, I am by no stretch of the imagination a fashion expert. I’m not “fashion-forward”—I don’t even know what that means. I’m not a male fashionista (fashionisto?). I’m not up on the latest trends; nor do I particularly care.

I’m just a guy.

What I’ve discovered recently, is that most guys (or many, at least) don’t shop for their own clothes. They have their mom, sister, girlfriend, or mom’s sister’s girlfriend do it for them. I take umbrage with this.

Seriously, dude, if you can’t pick out your own polo you’re just giving men a bad name. It’s not that hard, I swear.

You don’t need to have any sort of in-depth knowledge of fashion to buy a shirt. Just pick the one you like (I prefer blue; it makes my eyes pop), make the purchase, and bring it home to wear at your next box social. You don’t even need to try it on—just check the size on the last shirt Mommy bought for you.

I suppose, to an extent, I’ve always been aware of the fact that a lot of guys don’t shop for themselves. My dad and brothers certainly don’t. And in their cases I will admit it is certainly ineptitude.

For most guys, however, avoiding shopping is just laziness pure and simple. Yes, certainly, there are plenty of guys who would wander around a mall aimlessly if left to purchase on their own, but the majority of guys could figure it out. Stores basically showcase what looks good by placing items on mannequins. It’s sort of an idiot-proof system.

Most guys just take advantage of the system. If they don’t have to go shopping, and one of the women in their life will pick something wearable out, why bother going on their own? It’s a win-win.

I’m not here to point fingers, and if I were, I certainly wouldn’t accuse women; especially mothers. They’re frightening (in a loving way). But this is a two-way street. If women continue to put up with guys’ clothes nonsense, the fellas will just keep manipulating the system. Just cut him off, ladies. Send him out on his own.

Sure a lot of guys will keep wearing the same stuff they have until it completely wears out (and possibly longer), but eventually they’ll have to buy new stuff. So don’t give in. Make your homeboy choose for himself.

And, guys? Stop being so lame. Man up and buy a shirt—as long as it isn’t Ed Hardy. (Alright, maybe I have some fashion advice.)

So what’s up? Guys, do you want to defend yourselves? Or am I actually the only man who buys his own clothes? And ladies, are you sick of buying all the clothes? Do you like picking out stuff for the men in your life? Holla at yo boy in the comments, or fill up the inbox: [email protected].