Basic Hygiene and Grooming for Social Presentation 101

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

Your linebacker attitude seems to match your build.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

Your linebacker attitude seems to match your build.

That’s hilarious! I’m probably much thinner than you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

That is very interesting. Empathy and tact seem to only be necessary when critiquing a specific demographic on this board. Empathy and tact are not required when critiquing other groups (eg. the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags, southerners, midwesterners, etc). No one is above critique, and no one here gets a pass. If you’re parading around in public wearing wrinkled clothes, have foul body odor, only shower once or twice a week, haven’t established a skin care routine, have discolored teeth, etc, you are being criticized in this thread.

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

I see nothing cruel, tactless, or I empathetic about the original post. If some of the comments offend you, it’s because they apply to you. Take the negative feedback and use it to improve, like you do in the workplace.

So you did or didn't "press" them? A steamer is not an iron. And if you used either on poly fabrics (the sort you'd find if you and your attitude went slumming for "every price point" articles of clothing), you 100% did damage the fabric. You may not have worn the piece enough to notice, and you probably don't know what to look for, but...

Yeah, there's really no point in trying to educate someone like you. You won't take your own advice and use the feedback to improve, you'll just come back with some ridiculous (and inarguably racist) nonsense rant about how you feel superior to others because your clothes aren't wrinkled.

You're ugly. You have an ugly spirit, and no amount of fancy dress is enough to hide that. Imagine if you cared this much about literally anything that actually mattered to the world... but you don't. You post screeds about this, with the sole purpose being "judge others from a place of smug self-righteousness". You may not see the cruelty, and/or the lack of tact and empathy, but they're there, loud and clear. Just like your foul attitude.

Hideous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

Your linebacker attitude seems to match your build.

That’s hilarious! I’m probably much thinner than you.

Okay broadback. Go be hungry about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“ the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags”

😩

Right? Saying the quiet part LOUD in that post. Racist betch...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

That is very interesting. Empathy and tact seem to only be necessary when critiquing a specific demographic on this board. Empathy and tact are not required when critiquing other groups (eg. the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags, southerners, midwesterners, etc). No one is above critique, and no one here gets a pass. If you’re parading around in public wearing wrinkled clothes, have foul body odor, only shower once or twice a week, haven’t established a skin care routine, have discolored teeth, etc, you are being criticized in this thread.

Oh noes! The canty anon on the mommy board might be criticizing strangers! Goodness gracious! Whatever shall we doooooo?!!

Nobody cares, hunty. You're ugly, your "advice" on fashion is ignorant and badly outdated, and nobody happy or sane has the time to devote to the level of ranting you're doing here. Only the mentally weak spend this much time criticizing the appearance of randoms they'll never know or even meet.

Get a hobby, maybe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

That is very interesting. Empathy and tact seem to only be necessary when critiquing a specific demographic on this board. Empathy and tact are not required when critiquing other groups (eg. the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags, southerners, midwesterners, etc). No one is above critique, and no one here gets a pass. If you’re parading around in public wearing wrinkled clothes, have foul body odor, only shower once or twice a week, haven’t established a skin care routine, have discolored teeth, etc, you are being criticized in this thread.

Oh noes! The canty anon on the mommy board might be criticizing strangers! Goodness gracious! Whatever shall we doooooo?!!

Nobody cares, hunty. You're ugly, your "advice" on fashion is ignorant and badly outdated, and nobody happy or sane has the time to devote to the level of ranting you're doing here. Only the mentally weak spend this much time criticizing the appearance of randoms they'll never know or even meet.

Get a hobby, maybe?

I have several hobbies. One of them is maintaining my good looks. Another is maintaining my slim figure. A third is going back and forth with randoms like yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

Your linebacker attitude seems to match your build.

That’s hilarious! I’m probably much thinner than you.

Okay broadback. Go be hungry about it.

Love you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“ the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags”

😩

Right? Saying the quiet part LOUD in that post. Racist betch...

She’s loud. And wrong.

(And broad-backed.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

That is very interesting. Empathy and tact seem to only be necessary when critiquing a specific demographic on this board. Empathy and tact are not required when critiquing other groups (eg. the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags, southerners, midwesterners, etc). No one is above critique, and no one here gets a pass. If you’re parading around in public wearing wrinkled clothes, have foul body odor, only shower once or twice a week, haven’t established a skin care routine, have discolored teeth, etc, you are being criticized in this thread.

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

I see nothing cruel, tactless, or I empathetic about the original post. If some of the comments offend you, it’s because they apply to you. Take the negative feedback and use it to improve, like you do in the workplace.

So you did or didn't "press" them? A steamer is not an iron. And if you used either on poly fabrics (the sort you'd find if you and your attitude went slumming for "every price point" articles of clothing), you 100% did damage the fabric. You may not have worn the piece enough to notice, and you probably don't know what to look for, but...

Yeah, there's really no point in trying to educate someone like you. You won't take your own advice and use the feedback to improve, you'll just come back with some ridiculous (and inarguably racist) nonsense rant about how you feel superior to others because your clothes aren't wrinkled.

You're ugly. You have an ugly spirit, and no amount of fancy dress is enough to hide that. Imagine if you cared this much about literally anything that actually mattered to the world... but you don't. You post screeds about this, with the sole purpose being "judge others from a place of smug self-righteousness". You may not see the cruelty, and/or the lack of tact and empathy, but they're there, loud and clear. Just like your foul attitude.

Hideous.

THANK YOU!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. Shower daily if not twice a day if you work out. Instead of dictating how often people should shower, just say that people should shower before interacting with others. Some people shower less if they are just home alone and I see no problem with that. People should be clean when they leave the house.
2. Post shower moisturizing: Moisturize your whole body; even better if you can supplement with body oil. Focus on your neck and feet as they are often neglected! Look, I am really big on moisturizing because I'm prone to dry skin and especially this time of year I'm religious about it. But this is none of your business. If you are noticing dry skin on someone's neck, you are standing too close to them. Back up and stop being so nosy.
3. Dental Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day! Pro Tip: use a waterpick! If your teeth are discolored, teeth whitening definitely helps freshen up your smile. Flossing once a day is fine. Waterpicks can be helpful but do what works for you. But OP if you don't like discolored teeth, keep it to yourself. First of all, most people don't know what the natural color of teeth is anymore because whitening is so common -- a lot of people's normal teeth will read as "discolored" because we are conditioned by Hollywood super white veneers to think off-white looks "dirty." Teeth whitening is not a hygiene issue. It's an aesthetic preference. None of your business.
4. Trim stray hairs. Have neat and clean eyebrows, no stray hairs peeking from under your nose! This is also largely an aesthetic preference. Older people in particular often have more hair in the noses and ears. Judging them for that is a poor reflection on you. This can be a preference you have for romantic partners but just expecting all people you interact with to really be getting in there with the trimmers is too much. Some people will have stray hairs, bushy eyebrows, etc. Deal with it.
5. Skin care. Invest in quality skincare so your skin is clear and healthy with no obvious blemishes. This is mostly just classist. "Invest in quality skincare"? Honestly, **** off. I used to have bad acne and it was a hormonal issue and there was nothing I could do. I now have perfect skin AND can afford to spend extra money on stuff to make my skin look really nice but I NEVER judge people with bad skin. No one wants to have bad skin and often people have no control over it. It took me years to address my acne. I had good hygiene the whole time. I'm sorry you don't how it looks, I don't like your attitude. So I guess we're even.
6. Hair. Stay current on your haircuts! You don't need to have a lavish hairdo but keep hair neat and styled so it looks presentable and not like you just got out of bed. This is another style choice. If someone's hair is clean, it's none of your business how it is styled. You can argue that women with long hair need to trim it or keep it contained so it doesn't get in people's food -- that' a hygiene issue. But otherwise, not your business. Don't like someone's messy bun? Tough. Maybe she thinks your perfectly coifed bob is too severe and high maintenance. It's a style disagreement, not hygiene.
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well! Clean clothes, yes. "Pressed" -- only if they need it. A lot of people wear clothes that don't. Athleisure is so common now. If I saw someone in a wrinkled outfit at a more formal event, I would assume they were having a hard time. But it's not a hygiene issue. Cut people some slack. You sound like you would freak out if somone showed up in khakis without a firm crease down the front. Unclench.
8. Nails. Nothing is worse than gross nails! Keep them trimmed and short. Either wear no polish or keep current with your manicures so there is no chipping. Again, half of this is hygiene (short and clean nails) and half is not -- stop staring at people nail polish so close that you can see chips or whatever. Some people care about that and some don't You need to just let this go.

The title of this thread is Basic Hygiene and Grooming.

I think OP's standards are too high for "basic grooming." Like clean teeth and address breath issues -- yes. Whitening teeth? Eh, I think it looks better but I don't consider someone "ungroomed" if they don't whiten their teeth. I also think OP sounds uptight about some of this stuff. Like the way she describes her standards for hair make it sound like she expects people hair to be neat as a pin. But a messy bun is actually pretty on trend these days. So is a kind of wavy bedhead look. I see people who are well groomed with these hairstyles all the time -- it's clearly how they want their hair to look.

Demanding people "press" their clothes in 2025 makes you sound insane. Same with the phrase "invest in quality skincare." I actually love "investing" in skin care but that should not be a basic grooming standard. Basic grooming standards mean your face is clean with maybe minimal makeup (if female) and any major issues (dryness, blemishes) addressed if not resolved. I don't think basic grooming requires someone to be investing in a detailed skincare regimen.

OP sounds super controlling. There are standards you have for yourself, standards you have for a significant other or child, standards you have for friends, and then there's what you can expect just random people you encounter each day to do. The standards for the last group are much lower but OP doesn't seem to get this. You cannot control people that much. You are not going to get "trimmed and plucked eyebrows" to become a universal grooming standard. You just aren't. Let it go.

I agree with OP that clothes should be ironed. I rarely wear athleisure, but when I do, it’s ironed. I don’t understand the obsession with wearing wrinkled clothes.

Is this sarcasm? Please say it is.

No, it’s not sarcasm. I don’t wear wrinkled clothing, not even when working from home. Ironing one’s clothes is not difficult to do.

I work from home too, and am wearing the same nightgown I've been wearing since last Thursday. I don't own an iron. Ironing your clothes is difficult to do if you can't afford an iron and don't have flat surfaces to iron on, and have never learned to iron.

Ironing clothes is not rocket science. Clothes are ironed on an ironing board; that is the flat surface. You can buy a full size ironing board or a tabletop ironing board which is perfect for a dorm or small apartment.

Here is a video that shows how to iron a dress shirt. Practice makes perfect. 🤩


https://youtu.be/z91MtZpcsKY?si=QqkjJzSluq6ognhr

Agree. I am teaching my daughters how to iron (I only have daughters; if I had sons, I would teach them too, and my husband does know how to iron too) even though we do not iron toooooo often. But I was surprised and annoyed when I went to Target recently and could not find any spray starch anywhere. I love the fresh smell of spray starch and it makes ironing so much easier. When I asked an associate, they found one (one!) random can for me. It was some unrecognizable brand I had never heard of. I was like, "This must say something about the decline of ironing these days."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was at a gathering the other day where I was surprised to encounter people who appear to have rolled out of bed and left their house. It made me think about the very basics of hygiene and grooming necessary to be socially presentable as it appears its something people still struggle with.

1. Shower daily if not twice a day if you work out.
2. Post shower moisturizing: Moisturize your whole body; even better if you can supplement with body oil. Focus on your neck and feet as they are often neglected!
3. Dental Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day! Pro Tip: use a waterpick! If your teeth are discolored, teeth whitening definitely helps freshen up your smile.
4. Trim stray hairs. Have neat and clean eyebrows, no stray hairs peeking from under your nose!
5. Skin care. Invest in quality skincare so your skin is clear and healthy with no obvious blemishes.
6. Hair. Stay current on your haircuts! You don't need to have a lavish hairdo but keep hair neat and styled so it looks presentable and not like you just got out of bed.
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!
8. Nails. Nothing is worse than gross nails! Keep them trimmed and short. Either wear no polish or keep current with your manicures so there is no chipping.

Anything else I am missing?

Yes. The fact that you shouldn't focus on how moisturized or not others necks may be.

I wonder if the OP is from India? I am a teacher and we have a lot of Indian-American students, and it seems to be a thing to oil their hair and have very oil-covered hair. Maybe this is related? I do realize that different cultures have different “standards.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

That is very interesting. Empathy and tact seem to only be necessary when critiquing a specific demographic on this board. Empathy and tact are not required when critiquing other groups (eg. the ghetto demographic that buys Coach Factory Outlet handbags, southerners, midwesterners, etc). No one is above critique, and no one here gets a pass. If you’re parading around in public wearing wrinkled clothes, have foul body odor, only shower once or twice a week, haven’t established a skin care routine, have discolored teeth, etc, you are being criticized in this thread.

Oh noes! The canty anon on the mommy board might be criticizing strangers! Goodness gracious! Whatever shall we doooooo?!!

Nobody cares, hunty. You're ugly, your "advice" on fashion is ignorant and badly outdated, and nobody happy or sane has the time to devote to the level of ranting you're doing here. Only the mentally weak spend this much time criticizing the appearance of randoms they'll never know or even meet.

Get a hobby, maybe?

I have several hobbies. One of them is maintaining my good looks. Another is maintaining my slim figure. A third is going back and forth with randoms like yourself.

All dressed up with nowhere to go, eh? Tracks completely.

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7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well!

You seem to be missing a great many things, like "empathy" and "tact" and the ability to mind your own business, but there is one aspect of your lack to which I'm particularly qualified to speak.

Most modern consumer textiles do NOT get "pressed". I'll spare you the lengthy lecture on how people's aversion to ironing ruined texiles and the planet near-simultaneously. To sum up: the vast majority of your clothing is made from chemically-treated, highly processed fibers, and/or plastics and plastic blends. This was designed to eliminate the need for ironing (and lower expense). So unless you're wearing costly outfits, your day-to-day attire shouldn't require an iron, and may in fact be harmed by the use of one. If you have the money to buy those sorts of clothes for everyday wear, you probably have someone else taking care of their maintenance (which will be considerable; that's the whole reason we started this little game).

You're also going to have to learn some leniency when it comes to the "that fit you well" bit. Again, unless you have a bespoke wardrobe or a personal tailor, or know how to fit and sew, your off-rack clothing will probably fit you "well enough". Culturally, we seem to have decided that's alright. Most people don't have the first clue about what their clothes are made of, let alone how they're cut or finished. The idea of fast fashion and a lack of sewing skills basically ruined clothing decades ago, and it's getting worse, not better. If you notice it, you're the exception (or you work in the industry).

As for the nonsense mentioned about modern fabrics not needing to be ironed, I disagree. I have purchased clothing items at every price point. Nothing in my wardrobe has ever been damaged by the iron. Not 1 item in 35+ years. Delicate fabrics are steamed instead of ironed. And virtually all of my professional clothing gets tailored. I have broad shoulders and a small bust, so structured tops need to be altered to fit my body perfectly. Alterations and tailoring should not be cost prohibitive to all of the high net worth executives that seem to post on this board.

Your linebacker attitude seems to match your build.

That’s hilarious! I’m probably much thinner than you.

So a pee-wee linebacker?

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Anonymous wrote:1. Shower daily if not twice a day if you work out. Instead of dictating how often people should shower, just say that people should shower before interacting with others. Some people shower less if they are just home alone and I see no problem with that. People should be clean when they leave the house.
2. Post shower moisturizing: Moisturize your whole body; even better if you can supplement with body oil. Focus on your neck and feet as they are often neglected! Look, I am really big on moisturizing because I'm prone to dry skin and especially this time of year I'm religious about it. But this is none of your business. If you are noticing dry skin on someone's neck, you are standing too close to them. Back up and stop being so nosy.
3. Dental Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day! Pro Tip: use a waterpick! If your teeth are discolored, teeth whitening definitely helps freshen up your smile. Flossing once a day is fine. Waterpicks can be helpful but do what works for you. But OP if you don't like discolored teeth, keep it to yourself. First of all, most people don't know what the natural color of teeth is anymore because whitening is so common -- a lot of people's normal teeth will read as "discolored" because we are conditioned by Hollywood super white veneers to think off-white looks "dirty." Teeth whitening is not a hygiene issue. It's an aesthetic preference. None of your business.
4. Trim stray hairs. Have neat and clean eyebrows, no stray hairs peeking from under your nose! This is also largely an aesthetic preference. Older people in particular often have more hair in the noses and ears. Judging them for that is a poor reflection on you. This can be a preference you have for romantic partners but just expecting all people you interact with to really be getting in there with the trimmers is too much. Some people will have stray hairs, bushy eyebrows, etc. Deal with it.
5. Skin care. Invest in quality skincare so your skin is clear and healthy with no obvious blemishes. This is mostly just classist. "Invest in quality skincare"? Honestly, **** off. I used to have bad acne and it was a hormonal issue and there was nothing I could do. I now have perfect skin AND can afford to spend extra money on stuff to make my skin look really nice but I NEVER judge people with bad skin. No one wants to have bad skin and often people have no control over it. It took me years to address my acne. I had good hygiene the whole time. I'm sorry you don't how it looks, I don't like your attitude. So I guess we're even.
6. Hair. Stay current on your haircuts! You don't need to have a lavish hairdo but keep hair neat and styled so it looks presentable and not like you just got out of bed. This is another style choice. If someone's hair is clean, it's none of your business how it is styled. You can argue that women with long hair need to trim it or keep it contained so it doesn't get in people's food -- that' a hygiene issue. But otherwise, not your business. Don't like someone's messy bun? Tough. Maybe she thinks your perfectly coifed bob is too severe and high maintenance. It's a style disagreement, not hygiene.
7. Clean clothing. Wear clean and pressed clothing that fit you well! Clean clothes, yes. "Pressed" -- only if they need it. A lot of people wear clothes that don't. Athleisure is so common now. If I saw someone in a wrinkled outfit at a more formal event, I would assume they were having a hard time. But it's not a hygiene issue. Cut people some slack. You sound like you would freak out if somone showed up in khakis without a firm crease down the front. Unclench.
8. Nails. Nothing is worse than gross nails! Keep them trimmed and short. Either wear no polish or keep current with your manicures so there is no chipping. Again, half of this is hygiene (short and clean nails) and half is not -- stop staring at people nail polish so close that you can see chips or whatever. Some people care about that and some don't You need to just let this go.

The title of this thread is Basic Hygiene and Grooming.

I think OP's standards are too high for "basic grooming." Like clean teeth and address breath issues -- yes. Whitening teeth? Eh, I think it looks better but I don't consider someone "ungroomed" if they don't whiten their teeth. I also think OP sounds uptight about some of this stuff. Like the way she describes her standards for hair make it sound like she expects people hair to be neat as a pin. But a messy bun is actually pretty on trend these days. So is a kind of wavy bedhead look. I see people who are well groomed with these hairstyles all the time -- it's clearly how they want their hair to look.

Demanding people "press" their clothes in 2025 makes you sound insane. Same with the phrase "invest in quality skincare." I actually love "investing" in skin care but that should not be a basic grooming standard. Basic grooming standards mean your face is clean with maybe minimal makeup (if female) and any major issues (dryness, blemishes) addressed if not resolved. I don't think basic grooming requires someone to be investing in a detailed skincare regimen.

OP sounds super controlling. There are standards you have for yourself, standards you have for a significant other or child, standards you have for friends, and then there's what you can expect just random people you encounter each day to do. The standards for the last group are much lower but OP doesn't seem to get this. You cannot control people that much. You are not going to get "trimmed and plucked eyebrows" to become a universal grooming standard. You just aren't. Let it go.

I agree with OP that clothes should be ironed. I rarely wear athleisure, but when I do, it’s ironed. I don’t understand the obsession with wearing wrinkled clothes.

Is this sarcasm? Please say it is.

No, it’s not sarcasm. I don’t wear wrinkled clothing, not even when working from home. Ironing one’s clothes is not difficult to do.

I work from home too, and am wearing the same nightgown I've been wearing since last Thursday. I don't own an iron. Ironing your clothes is difficult to do if you can't afford an iron and don't have flat surfaces to iron on, and have never learned to iron.

Ironing clothes is not rocket science. Clothes are ironed on an ironing board; that is the flat surface. You can buy a full size ironing board or a tabletop ironing board which is perfect for a dorm or small apartment.

Here is a video that shows how to iron a dress shirt. Practice makes perfect. 🤩


https://youtu.be/z91MtZpcsKY?si=QqkjJzSluq6ognhr

Agree. I am teaching my daughters how to iron (I only have daughters; if I had sons, I would teach them too, and my husband does know how to iron too) even though we do not iron toooooo often. But I was surprised and annoyed when I went to Target recently and could not find any spray starch anywhere. I love the fresh smell of spray starch and it makes ironing so much easier. When I asked an associate, they found one (one!) random can for me. It was some unrecognizable brand I had never heard of. I was like, "This must say something about the decline of ironing these days."

So you did indeed find your precious spray starch at Target?