Yank here, retired military, grew up under a military father. I don’t work anymore and don’t wear a suit and tie, but still people notice the bearing, and as you mentioned the shine on the shoes, the press of the clothing, and ask if I was in the service. I appreciate your comment that you never know whom you will come into contact with each day. First impressions are lasting.

Visited Hull from Germany, last week. Young guy in shop: "You look very smart, Sir. An example to us all." Made my day!

4 years USMC. You’re absolutely right that the military has a way of drilling you in the importance of appearance. It’s hard to convey t he pride of the uniform for people who haven’t served themselves. It definitely transitioned into my civilian life. Great video mate!

I was a police officer for 30 years. I always bulled my shoes.The compliments and fascination regarding them from people you would not believe!

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

When I left the RAF I joined the Old Bill, been in now for 23-years, still put a mirror shine on my boots (or shoes when I was in CID) every day - as you say, they comments I have received because of the polished shoes outweigh everything else I have ever worn - even defused a few tricky moments when 'clients' noted my polished boots and said "I used to be in army", re-creating that unspoken bond between men who have served. Its the gift that just keeps giving. Ash

@minty448

4 жыл бұрын

The Chap's Guide You’re absolutely right,many a volatile situation resolved when the shoes were noticed.Although I wasn’t in the services I prided myself in my military bearing.Being a police officer in Glasgow housing estates there were many ex servicemen struggling with various issues.The highly polished shoes definitely created common ground and probably helped prevent me getting a doing.

Even though I left the army 34 years ago I still bull my shoes/boots and press shirts and trousers with knife edge creases. People always say Army.?.So yes it is a compliment. Thanks for another informative video.

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

When I left the RAF I joined the Old Bill, been in now for 23-years, still put a mirror shine on my boots (or shoes when I was in CID) every day - as you say, they comments I have received because of the polished shoes outweigh everything else I have ever worn - even defused a few tricky moments when 'clients' noted my polished boots and said "I used to be in army", re-creating that unspoken bond between men who have served. Its the gift that just keeps giving. Ash

@gordon7005

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide I'm a pcso now and my boots have helped out a few times re the same sort of comments Take care

I’ll share with you something that happened recently to me. Our company has relaxed the dress code down to no ties and dark demin jeans, but no T-Shirts or gym shoes. This particular office made it a point to embrace this and ditched the sport coats and button down shirts; all polos and jeans. I was announced for a new position and wore, dress slacks and my coat, polished shoes, button down dress shirt. (in my last position was the standard) after I was announced the first thing was said was “Chris is going to a wedding after work” meaning I was overdressed! It’s funny how as the bar gets lowered how perceptions change. Great points.

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

But by the sound of it, you have set the bar just that little bit higher, a return to classic elegance. Well done to you sir - you are definitely a CHAP!

@viclucyzia

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly .This shows that they have lowered themselves whether they realise it or not while you remained a chap. Way to go.

@realwarriorscholar

Жыл бұрын

More like, “Chris is moving up the ladder and his appearance is one reason why..” the

Alexander the Great first obliged his soldiers to drop the beard and shave, so that the enemy soldiers could not use the beard to grab them during battle. Excellent video! Thanks! 🇬🇷

@TheChapsGuide

3 жыл бұрын

I did not know that. Sadly the no-beard rule has now been dripped by the RAF and I note that about 75% of the airmen now sport facial hair of some kind. I see a clean shave as a sign of good taste and grooming these days.

Bravo.

Thank you.

Agree with you 100% Ash. People notice my shined shoes and compliment my footwear frequently. My drill sergeant would walk up and down the ranks and if he couldn’t see his reflection in our boots or shoes we polished them again. My grandfather said, “Joseph dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Liked, subscribed, and turned on notifications (my only channel with notifications enabled) Returning your salute sir!

Great video!

Agree. Military teaches to care for your "kit", not only clothes also all your stuff.

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree. the most useful 10-years of my young life.

I agree with your sentiments on improving appearance! My father and Grandfather were both in the military in WW2 and I’ve always taken many of their ideas of dressing into my everyday life. My grandfather in particular who was Sergent Major could mirror shine a pair of calf leather Oxford shoes to patent leather standards. Although the army produces many remarkable people i don’t believe you have to be in the army in order to bring in some of those qualities into your everyday life. You can do that bit for yourself! Many people men in particular question my decision to keep wearing a tie in my uniformed job when it is optional but I’m feel more put together and am less lazy when i do so. Aspects I don’t like about the army are war obviously and their expendable attitude towards men in particular and corresponding pedestalising of women. Also some of the unquestioning mindset might work well on a battlefield but be less useful in civilian life. It’s fascinating how many really good classic items of menswear have a military heritage and can be worn until they wear out unlike so called fast fashion.

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you sir. Whilst I mention the military as the driving force behind these positive character traits that I have outlined in this video, I obviously acknowledge that there will always be significant compromises in respect to how military practices carry across to civilian life. I have always attempted to take the positive elements of my own lived-experiences and have used these to super-charge my civilian life. I also agree that any environment where one class of individuals (officer-class) exist in unchallenged privilege over an under-class, where responsibility is apportioned based on education, wealth or heritage, will not yield the best outcomes. Leadership and responsibility should always be merit-based.

One thing I always repented is that I never joined the military even for at least a few years service. I always considered it as a waste of time but I think it comes down to try to take with you every positive note from any situation that will help you further in like, But this gave it to me .Thank you.

@TheChapsGuide

3 жыл бұрын

My military service was undoubtedly the making of my character as a man, but that will be different for everyone, perhaps I just had further to travel than others. There will always be a pride in having served my country, just like my father and other forebears. But I also see the views of those, who feel negatively towards their experiences in the armed forces - to each his own.

High time for another one of these please Ash. Maintain your kit (learn to sew)

Excellent again!

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

Agree wholeheartedly, great video

@TheChapsGuide

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated

Four years in the U.S. Army. Two years enlisted (made SP4 - same level as Sergeant). Two years officer. A year in Vietnam during the war. There is only one way to dress: the best possible. To me that means classically. I abhor today's mediocre informality. Was at the doctor this morning. Only one in the waiting room wearing leather shoes (mirror-shined, of course). I do not own any canvas shoes. Great video, Ash.

@TheChapsGuide

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your service sir - never forgotten!

Great content 👍👏👏

@TheChapsGuide

26 күн бұрын

Thank you 🙌

Former infantryman for the U.S. Army and current law enforcement officer. I still mind the details, polish my shoes and check the mirror before leaving the house. That “gig line” is still important (lining up the shirt buttons, trousers button and belt buckle). Thanks for the videos.

An informative video. I note and thank you for your service in the RAF. I myself served for 29 years in the Canadian Army, joining in 1985 as a Private soldier and retiring as a senior Captain. Your remarks are well thought out and indicate that the RAF teaches its members to dress well. When I started my first civilian job with Ontario Hydro, I had no problem complying with the dress code, which stated that one wore business dress for four days a week and business casual dress for Fridays. I exceeded the standard by wearing a blue or a grey three piece suit, white French cuff shirt, Regimental tie, cuff links, spit shined (bulled) black leather quarter Wellington boots (the dress variety, similar to Chelsea boots, not the rubber ones!) and a dress wrist watch. For the tie, I have several varieties, which I would wear as I saw fit -- Military Police (the Corps in which I served), the Royal Canadian Military Institute (the club which I joined after I became a commissioned officer), the Canadian Army Command and Staff College (which I became eligible to wear after I graduated) as well as some varieties from Harry Potter (Gryffindor and Slytherin!). For business casual, I wore dress trousers with a knife edge press, a French cuff white shirt and cuff links or a turtle neck jumper (sweater) in grey, black or white. I always received compliments on my order of dress, especially from the ladies! Regards, D.A. Stolovitch, CD Captain 2 Military Police Regiment / Canadian Forces Military Police (Retired)

@TheChapsGuide

2 жыл бұрын

Dear Captain S, thank you for nearly 2 decades of dedicated service to the crown.It is no easy feat to move through the ranks and take a commission. The effects of dressing well can be akin to a minor super-power when it comes to turning heads and making an impact on business and social acquaintances. I try and dress well to boost my own confidence and mindset and I always surprised when a stranger compliments me on my attire - it sets me up for the day!! Best regards, Ash

@a51541476

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Dear Ash: I have 29 years of service to Her Majesty - 1985 to 2014 -- almost three decades.. As to my time in rank, I joined as a Private. By 1987, I was a Corporal when I applied for officer training. I passed all the selection boards and psychiatric evaluations, and so I was "demoted" to Officer Cadet. I passed Basic Officer Training and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in September 1987. In August 1992, I was promoted to Captain, the last promotion I received. As a Military Police officer, I was eligible to attend the Canadian Army Command and Staff College as a senior Captain, and I did so in 1997 -- in most other officer classifications, one has to be a Major to do this. I spent most of my career as a commissioned officer, with only two and a half years served as an Other Rank. I think you have me confused with someone who serves for most of their career as an Other Rank eventually achieving the prestigious appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major, and then receiving an officer's commission. Just to set the record straight, that is not me! I will always have the greatest respect for a Captain who was a former RSM. Regards, D.A. Stolovitch, CD Captain 2 Military Police Regiment / Canadian Forces Military Police (Retired)

Always looked sharp Ash

"If you've got a mirror shine on your shoes, people will think..." Military.

I have recently found out that I will be getting medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces after 13 years. With this somewhat unexpected end to my career the most intimidating realization was that I would have to learn how to dress myself! Back when I first meeting my fiancé's family. I was wearing my trusty cowboy boots, (brown Boulet's, a great Canadian brand) and my eternally present plaid button up shirt, with denim jeans, a perfect men's casual style for everyday use out on the Canadian prairie. On my arrival at thier home, as I take off my hat and boots at the front door and my fiancé's youngest sister (15 years old) immediately starts mocking me " Do you have any non-plaid shirts? How about shoes or sneakers? Just cowboy boots?... wow." With full blown teenage sarcastic tone. I was incredulous. I'm a 6 foot tall soldier, Afghanistan War veteran, Im covered in tattoos and face scars and here is some small girl mocking my plaid shirts and boots!!? (The hat wasn't popular either, I found out later.) After some self reflection and examination of my wardrobe I decided she was at least partially right. I needed to upgrade and dress less "uniform". With the looming career change and massive life changes (Im going to be one of those covid weddings) and finally settling in to my early 30's it really was time for this change. But I had no idea what I was doing. At first and I think I managed to make all the beginner's mistakes, some even after I was warned. But with the help of this channel and the others like it a year in, and with 5 months to go until I'm out of the Army. I know I'm well prepared to choose my own clothes from now on. A.W. Brown P.S. The younger sister is now wearing plaid and boots, she's trying to attract the attention of a country boy 😉.

@TheChapsGuide

3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear from you sir. I had the privilege of serving alongside the Canadian military on a number of occasions and even enjoyed a brief detachment to CFB Cold Lake in the 1990's for an exercise, great times and great people. Congratulations upon your retirement, despite it being perhaps not your choice, you must grasp the opportunity and strive to climb the next mountain. As a 10-year military man myself, I understand the trepidation when leaving an all embracing career like the armed forces, but great things await and hopefully you feel excited to begin your new life. As far as dressing well is concerned, remember it's all about the situation. One should never be a slave to the clothing we wear, it should work for us! I always try to look my best in whatever I wear, be that chinos and a sweater (as I'm wearing right now), or a suit and tie (which I wear infrequently these days). Dress for yourself and not for others and always enjoy it. All of us chaps who have taken an oath to Big Mamma (HM The Queen) have a bond that cannot be broken - good luck in your new life and thank you for your service sir - it will never be forgotten!

People often notice my shoes and make the connection. A bit of pride is important. Generally I don scrubs to work in, but if at a non-uniformed event I can't turn up in T-Shirts or jeans.

New subscriber. Like your channel. Always try to dress like a gentleman. Thank you for your service. Cheers

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome to The Chaps Guide. Hope you enjoy our content in god health.

5:01 You meant to say "respirator" surely? Or is that what they call the S10 in the air force?

@TheChapsGuide

2 жыл бұрын

A gas mask is a gas mask by any name. Unless chronic pedantry has taken hold!!

When I first became a glorified babysitter ( prison guard), the inmates asked what other units I've worked at. When I said none, they said "ah, military". I need to find another job, one where I can grow my beard back

@TheChapsGuide

4 жыл бұрын

What cheeky blighters - but they showed good observational skills. Good luck with the beard odyssey.

@ulfricthorsson8347

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Most have never heard their father's belt (IF they even KNOW who their father IS) clearing 6 belt loops in .26 seconds or gotten the wooden spoon from mom

Hi Ash, interesting video! What is the brand and model of the brown leather boots in this video? Thanks, Stas

@TheChapsGuide

2 жыл бұрын

I believe that they are Loake.

@staskouzmine6492

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Thanks for the reply

On the topic of looking after your kit, what is the best device for removing fuzz and pilling from knitwear, please?

@TheChapsGuide

3 жыл бұрын

Personally I use a simple lint roller to remove 'fuzz' and I do have a small, battery powered bobble & pill remover for the larger pilling issues. There are so many on the market its worth investing in one to see if it solves the issue.