7 Steps to Being the Perfect Gent

Section: Gentlemanly Pursuits - Blog

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You may think you are the quintessential gentleman but do you really know what it takes to be considered a true gent? And no we’re not talking about ‘Jolly good chap’ and tipping your hat to the ladies; there’s a little more to it than that. And while investing in a custom tailored suit – something we highly recommend – is certainly a step in the right direction, it’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve perfect gent status. To be considered a gentleman, you must possess the majority if not all of the following qualities.

1. Be polite to everyone

Not just the ladies, the boss or a potential new client, but everyone. A true gent will mind his manners at all times and show genuine appreciation for even the smallest of gestures. Like saying thank you to the taxi driver or giving the barman a smile and a nod when your scotch arrives.

2. Love your jacket

We’re talking dinner jackets and blazers here not parkas. We’re big advocates of dressing yourself up no matter what the occasion is and as a gentleman you’ll be well versed in working your tweed blazer or suit jacket into your everyday look.

3. DON'T SEEK OUT attention

At any social event, you won’t court attention of any kind. You’re humble, modest and, above all, not a loudmouth. There’s nothing that reeks of ungentlemanly conduct more than a bragging know-it-all, so even if you are more well-informed than your present company, don’t let it show.

4. Be serious about personal hygiene

You might wonder why we have to write this at all, but you’d be surprised at how many of us men at the peak of our evolutionary progress have yet to master the art of personal hygiene. Your breath will be fresh, your hair kempt and while you might not be clean shaven, every facial follicle will be in place and trimmed.  When you look in the mirror and think "she'll be right" for a few more days, you're probably already past your use by!  And do we need to mention those nasal hairs?

5. Never wear a creased shirt

It’s pure sacrilege for a gent to be seen in creased clothing of any kind. As a gent, you should have your shirts pressed or ironed well in advance. But even when the unthinkable happens and there are no un-ironed shirts in the wardrobe, you’ll risk the ire of the boss by missing the last bus rather than be seen on the street looking like you slept in your shirt.

6. Have an empty swear jar

We’re not sure that anyone keeps a swear jar these days, but if you do and profess to be of gentleman ilk, then that swear jar should have cobwebs in it. Not a single blaspheme or word of the four letter variety (you know what we’re talking about) should ever cross your lips. A tough ask these days but one you might be more capable of than you think.

7. Consider the ladies first

Why would you not? The most ostensibly gentleman-like behaviour is that of treating ladies like.. well like ladies of course. Go down the stairs first to break her fall should she slip, open her car door, pull out her chair. These are the things that you should be doing anyway; chivalry is not dead you know.

Possess a few of these attributes and you’re on your way, possess them all and give yourself a pat on the back – you are in fact a true gent already and we bow to your chivalrous and honourable nature. And while we're on the topic of gentlemanly pursuits... why not pop into our showroom and let the gents at Montagio help you achieve that classic gentleman look :)