The 4 don’ts of cell phones
Today’s world – surrounded now in the digital universe – finds many of its inhabitants owning, carrying, and using mobile devices. Smart phones, flip phones, iPhones, and Bluetooth headsets fill the pockets and bags of most every man. In fact, more and more we discover our dependence on them growing.
While a helpful addition to life, a cell phone should never overplay its role. Moreover, learn to keep your digital devices in the background of your wardrobe. Here are 4 cell phone actions to avoid:
1. Don’t walk around with a Bluetooth headpiece on your ear at all times. I come across this all the time, almost every day. It tells the people around you, “hey, I’m too occupied with calls and other stuff to devote my attention to you.” Keep it simple – wear the device when talking on the phone. Take it off when the phone is off.
2. Don’t wear a “cell phone holster.” Your phone should not be attached to your belt. It distracts from the overall appearance and looks tacky. My first cell phone, bulky and red so as not to miss it, sat on my belt for all to see. At the time, I think I saw it as portraying importance. I was wrong.
3. Don’t sport bulging pockets. Keep from carrying 10 items in your pockets. This means staying away from a single pocket filled with a phone and keys and wallet and … and … and …
If it looks like you are carrying the entire contents of your desk with you, its time to unload the cargo ship. I am waiting for the day when cell phones literally shrink down to the actual size and thinness of a credit card. Some day.
This point constantly fights with me. Women have their purses. What do men have? Hands and pockets? In order to decrease the swollen look of full pockets, I have done everything I know to do. I removed ninety percent of the cards and papers from my wallet. I jettisoned all but an essential four keys from my key chain. I avoid stuffing my pockets with change, receipts – anything I pick up throughout the day. And, I am constantly surveying the marketplace for a thin phone.
4. Don’t cover your cell phone with crazy colors or themes. Believe it or not, people make judgments based on your phone – just like your car and clothes. So if you want to display a more professional or classic phone, avoid the Spiderman cover. However, if you operate outside of the business world or comparable sphere of influence, you may interpret this differently – it’s up to you.
Overall, you should see your phone as a tool. Keep it out of the spotlight. When someone walks up to greet you, a cell phone should not capture their first glimpse of you. Think about it – they will notice the Bluetooth or the flamboyant cover or the holster or the weighted down pockets. Make a few corrections and let them notice YOU overlooking your phone.
© Copyright 2012 Fashion for the average man.
I agree with this! Especially the Bluetooth. Though… bedazzling always gives me a good laugh! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my blog!
My best friend bedazzles everything! This made me giggle. 🙂
Jeremy, I love this post! These are great tips that I think all men should know! Great post man!
Thanks for the kind words.
No problem at all! I work with a lot of people in the area of careers, coaching, etc. These tips are needed in our industry.
Oh god, wait… They still make cell phone holsters? Don’t men have fashion police too?? Keep fighting the good fight!!
Believe it or not, I saw a holster just this week!
“Still”? As phones become ever-larger, they’re more convenient and comfortable!
Great advice. Thanks.
I love the humor all the while telling it like it is. Great advice. I especially like the “don’t” for the bluetooth. They remind me of the Borg.
Could not agree more with these. Especially number 4. Granted it’s your own personal item, not going to look very professional with a zebra colored case.
Good post, and thank yoy for the comments on my blog too.
Another ‘don’t’ has got to be a funky ring tone. I was in a coffee shop a while ago stood behind a man in a suit and suddenly his phone started ringing away… with the Simpsons “Spider Pig” song. I found it funny but the other people he was with didn’t seem to agree. Guess he forgot to put it on silent.
The phone holster thing depends on the job I think. I admit I did use one (just a little black pouch on my belt, not a showy one or anything) when I worked at an animal shelter, but that was only because my uniform did not have zip pockets and we had to carry our phones for safety reasons.
With any rule, there are always exceptions. I am sure there are a few instances where a holster may be appropriate.
Yes, ‘no holster’ is valid as a fashion statement, but on the job a person needs proper gear not necessarily fashion related. I like the observations in this article showing the phone has a ways to go in its conquest of perfection, lol
Right!
Love your insights. Though I’m a jeans and shirt kind of guy, I like my shirts freshly pressed and lightly starched. But I do find fault with one of your suggestions, namely number 3. Don’t sport bulging pockets? Heck, that’s how I pick up women!!
I too love my jeans.
I couldn’t agree more. Somehow cell phones have gone from a necessary evil to a status symbol. I refuse to wear a cell phone holster. The gunslinger look loses its punch when the side arm is an iPhone.
Could not have said it better.
Hello Jeremy, thank you for liking our blog. The pictures of you are great,
are they professionally done?
Glad you like the photos of me. My wife and I take them. Thanks for the kind words.
she does a great job, one of you two together would be nice!
good common sense-Will
LOL ohhh my – you know this is interesting. We have been stationed overseas for several years and the “Handy” aka Cell Phone just doesn’t seem as predominent here in Germany. At least our little part of Bavaria. But I must absolutely agree that for both men and women – the bling bling and the ring ring of your phone can be amusing as well as a first impression that you can never take away [ not always a good thing ]. I keep mine hidden, I don’t answer it if I am engaged in other situations [ caller ID allows me to call back whoever it was, nothing is THAT important that I drop everything I am doing , and if it is they will call again quickly to alert me to the need – aka my Teen will not stop if its a 911 ] Great tips and thanks for popping by my blog!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hell, I guess I violate #1 I thought it was bling. This needs to broght to men’s attention.
Thankfully, being a woman, I can get by with carrying my cell phone in a little necklace purse when I’m out and about. I made a few of the little pursettes to coordinate with various outfits so I can still have my cell phone handy without it being the center of attention. I don’t know what to suggest for the guys, but you are right, just about everyone does have a phone these days.
Good points!
and don’t live where there’s no signal, ahem. Bluetooth cooks your brains (just thought I’d throw that in). Walking round with one makes it look as tho you’ve been watching too many police procedural/spy progs – real poserdom lies that way. 😉
I agree with every one one of these. 🙂
“Make a few corrections and let them notice YOU overlooking your phone.”
Then again what if your persona requires hiding behind your snazzy phone? 😉 That might be the message, too. (and a valid one at that!)
My husband has a phone holster for when he is on the move – much safer place for the phone that anywhere else when he is on the work site!
Fashion tips for men! Great idea! There’s no point I don’t agree with in this post.
Thanks for coming by my blog 🙂
Agreed on all counts! Please men of the world… listen!
Love your sense of humor. I agree with all your points. Another thing that peeves me is loud conversations. Oh, and using your cell phone when you’re on the toilet in a public restroom is not a cool move, either.
Jeremy, I like what your doing on this site. It made me laugh, as I know people like that. Keep up the good work.
I find these tips quite hilarious! I thought I was the only person in the world that found the things you mentioned irksome. 😆
I agree with this list! Thank you for the like on my blog! If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it!
Thanks for liking my post on Thai street food.
I agree about the cell phone etiquette – I used to be guilty of talking too loudly when I got in an elevator on my way to a meeting!
Jen
Thank you Jeremy for checking out what we do with the developmentally disabled. We are always trying to teach them proper etiquette and manners, some rules that the ‘fully abled’ have sometimes forgotten.
Hi Jeremy, I agree about the bulky pockets, I especially try to carry nothing in my pants pockets, except on the golf course.
Jeremy, you sold me on #1 and #2. I cannot stand it when I see people wearing a bluetooth at all (unless they are working with their hands getting directions on how to fix something), and the belt strap as well.
These are all excellent tips and I’m not even a man. I’m surrounded by rednecks now and I say that with love ;), but not too long ago I was out in the business world and saw all offenses of the above. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit my blog!
In full agreement with your views, Jeremy. There is, however, one item that I do like to keep snugly holstered on my belt – my trusty Leatherman multi-tool. If only I could combine its steadfastly analogue functions with the many electronic and digital functions on my mobile phone into one totally invincible mega-tool! Might have trouble getting it through airport security, though.
I enjoyed reading your article. I agree about using the cellphone as a tool. In practice, I am more into function rather than fashion. Loved the insite into the subject and it does make sense to follow this tips in a professional atmosphere.
so agree with all your suggestions and comments! bravo.
My whole childhood my dad had a man purse. He called it his bag. It embarrassed me like crazy. But I have to admit, it was practical.
lol
I would hate to not be able to carry a purse. For men I suggest very fashionable messenger bag. Only cool. hip, and young can carry it off. LOL
First, thank you for stopping by Keeping Up With Carol! Now, I’m not a guy, but your blog is really good. This post is so true!
Great post Jeremy, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Agreed. Agreed. Agreed. Agreed.
All of these things bug me, but you can relate the first one with females also (they do that quite often as well). good points! 😉
Jeremy, I totally agree and have blogged the same. However I favour the simplified format:
Males
Holster = tosser
Bulky pockets = tosser
Bluetooth headset = tosser
Novelty accessories = tosser
Females
Nail extensions too long to type = bimbo
Novelty cartoon cover = bunny boiler
Crystal phone cover = bimbo
Bluetooth headseat = Wears comfy shoes
Reblogged this on The Three G's.
As a gay man I approve of this blog. 😛
🙂
All agreed, but it’s so much simpler now than when I had my first mobile (as we call them in the UK) in the late 1980s – it was the size of a brick with an aerial!
I DON’T own a cellphone—DON’T want a cellphone–DON’T need a cellphone and I DON’T want someone screaming on one near me–that’s my 4 don’ts!!! LOL
ive solved all cellphone problems in one easy swipe……ive left it in the draw next to my bed and havent turned it on for well over a year…..works perfectly for me……….
Also do not talk on your cellphone when checking out at a store. It is so rude to the person helping you.
Sounds like the world needs a cell phone etiquette manual. Good observation.
The World certainly does. One would think just common courtesy would handle it. 🙂
This is great and you have a good sense of humor. Last Thanksgiving I had a lot of nieces and nephews over, all with iPhones (me too!). I said, “Okay, dinner is served, please bring your phones to the dining room so we can all text each other during dinner. That got a big laugh. Thanks for liking Kelley Hospitality. I’ll be back to your blog soon.
Jeremy, I have to admit that I need a lot of your teaching. Hopefully I share some of your expensive taste. Otherwise, my trousers left pockets carry a wallet with inside my entire administration. It looks like a huge leg tumor. My trousers right pockets carry a very basic cell phone made for the third world market that nobody would dare to take out, so that I need to bend down to answer a call. I guess you inspired me to downgrade the wallet and upgrade the phone, changing some money from one to the other pocket could do the trick.
Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the comment.
LOL i agree with all these points!
This is really good advice regarding the cell phone. I had no idea but all of your points are well worth thinking about. But when you think about it, you are so right! Next time I see someone’s cell phone case I will be checking out their design a little more carefully!
But option one is just so Star Trek.
Great article … so … where should a guy carry his cell phone? My husband carries his in his pocket.
Depending on the itinerary, you can use a bag such as a briefcase, messenger bag or gym bag. You can also use your pants pockets with a thin phone.
So funny and true. I must have my husband read this! I am always teling him to “unload the cargo ship,” which he does – into my purse!
Hi Jeremy, great article. I am in the business world and agree that keeping a lot of items in the pockets is a no no for appearance. I put more weighting on the front pockets but that’s not to say minimalising the rear pockets from bulging out is not important. First appearances can be vitally important.
Thanks for liking ‘Tomato Season’, bro. Your blog is boss.
Hahaha, cell phone holster- people actually still do that? This is definitely good advice!
Believe it or not, I saw the holster in action today.
Love your thoughts on overstuffed pockets! Some men really do look sloppy and poorly proportioned because of all the stuff they carry in their pockets! Ruins a whole look! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Nice! I’ve been saying #1 and #2 for years. Just couldnt explain as well as you did
Being sent to my husband stat!
Hope it helps. Thanks.
I totally agree on all of these. It makes me chuckle when I see people in public with any or all of these things! 🙂
Very perceptive! We should be judged by who we are, not by our cell phones. Thank you for liking my blog.
Haha!! Love your advice!! 🙂
Its a shame that people would not know this common sense stuff!!!
Before I understood fashion principles, I was one of those people.
Even with the bluetooth? I did not consider it being a fashion thing via the blue tooth or the cell phone / fannie pack.
Okay. So I did not have the Bluetooth on my ear all the time, but I did wear the holster.
I admit, I’m guilty of the belt clip for my iPhone…..but where the hell else am I going to put it?! In a pocket, it looks pretty bulky and feels like my pocket is pulled down a foot or so. I don’t wear a jacket often, so the inside pocket idea is moot. I don’t have a case for it, though I should for protection. Yup, I’m clueless. Help?
If possible, I suggest trying to use a bag such as a briefcase, messenger bag or gym bag when appropriate. If no bag, use your pants pocket. It’s better than a holster.
Thanks Jeremy…..I know….but the iPhone 4 is SO bulky in the pockets!
Reblogged this on The Sweet Wife and commented:
I recently read a post on a men’s fashion blog (don’t ask…). I tend to agree with many of the things the author wrote. What are your thoughts on cell phones?
Thanks. We need to get the word out.
1. Don’t walk around with a Bluetooth headpiece on your ear at all times. I come across this all the time, almost every day. It tells the people around you, “hey, I’m too occupied with calls and other stuff to devote my attention to you.” Keep it simple – wear the device when talking on the phone. Take it off when the phone is off.—–>>>>> absolutely agree with this point. i hate it when people attached that bluetooth all the time…
Excellent advice, Jeremy.
In addition to my iPhone, I generally carry only one key (car) and have switched from a bulky rear-pocket wallet to a minimalist front-pocket money clip/wallet. I look forward to a “wallet etiquette” post from you someday.
Thanks Alex. I am actually working on a wallets article. Look for it in the next couple months.
Excellent. Looking forward to it.
New post about wallets: https://avgmansfashion.com/2013/02/06/what-your-wallet-says-about-you/
Thanks for the heads up.
Hmmmm … amusing … I already practice everything you said here. Nice confirmation of my policies
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I agree with the pocket and holster.
The title of this blog is epic. Also, cannot express the intensity of ‘no no’s’ to cell phone holsters enough. NO, no, no. We understand it was the iphone accessory of 1999 but I hope it’s one trend never to return. Such a witty write up! Great!
Oh boy, i feel for you guys! Girls in general glam phones up as much as we want, and people could only say: “oh Such a girl!”; i guess they cant do the same to guys. Haha. You are right with these 4 don’ts!
awesome advise. we need to send 95% of men here to read your thoughts!
In the world of casual dressing that permeates so much of the everyday people – it’s great that someone is giving advice on how to be the best you can be – as well as showing that a guy really can have some class. Love it. Thanks by stopping by my blog so that I could find yours.
I agree with Andra. ^ ^ ^ This was an excellent article. Thank You! 🙂
Thanks.
NP, I hope you have a wonderful Monday!!! 🙂
bluetooth earpiece…we call it a “Borg implant” and make fun of everyone who wears one!
Who knows how many “implants” we will see in the coming years.
I have to have a pink cover lol it’s just me. Thank you for reading x
I agree. The holster was fine back when phones were getting smaller. Now that they are getting bigger again the holster has got to go!
I totally agree. They look like aliens with that thing attached to their heads.
Maybe someday it will even be implanted directly into the ear. Crazy to think about.
In all the comments, there are very few dealing with the “man purse.” I avoided having one for years, thinking they looked silly or “fussy.” Then a friend got one. Then another friend got one. And finally, I did — and I love it. It has a side pocket that easily holds my cell phone; a side pocket for change; a sort of wallet area for money and credit cards and ID. Now I don’t need anything in any pockets — no bulky keys, no clunky change, and so on. Okay — a thin comb in one back pocket. My purse is dark brown leather, not very big, and easy to handle. I really think that if more men tried them, they’d be converted.
I am a big fan of messenger bags and briefcases myself. A bag can provide a solution for the man with weighed down pockets. Thanks for reading.
Good advise, I hate to see the Bluetooth headset in the ears of people. It reminds me of cockroach jewelry.
I see people with Bluetooth headpieces at the gym. It just cracks me up!
I have always envied a man’s pockets specially the inner pocket in a coat. Women don’t have that. Sometimes I don’t feel like carrying a purse and at that moment I am truly envious.
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I enjoy the post. people always display these gadgets for their self importance, stupidity or both. Thanks for your visit.
I enjoy the perspective. 🙂
They call me a Boy Scout for always having be-ready things with me, but nowadays I make it a point not to put anything in my pockets – not just because it looks awful, but because it’s uncomfortable for me. I hold my phone in my hands wherever I go so I can easily use (or play with) it, and only when I’m walking somewhere rather shady or populated will I put it in my pocket.
Thank you for dropping by my blog. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I have read several of your posts and find them wonderful.I am very sorry that it has taken me so long to return your visit. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Real important
Hi,
Phones are really vital and cases like these will definitely help in protecting our favorite asset from any kind of damage.
I liked the post very much as it is very informative.