Tom Schirmacher

I’m pretty sure there’s more to life than being really, really ridiculously good-looking... This quote from the movie Zoolander, starring Ben Stiller, describes the handsome yet sometimes intimidating persona of the metrosexual man. Metrosexuality is the choice to spend time and money buying and using high-fashion goods.

What makes the metrosexual man? It takes more than a straight guy in clean clothes. For starters, it is his highlights, well-moussed hair, and body chiseled out of marble. This guy works out, not at the gym, but at the fitness club. He can also be very picky and pays attention to the smallest of details.

For example, Thomas Bottom, a third year Computer Science major and borderline metrosexual uses nothing but his moisturizer du jour and the best creams. “I buy a specific non-comedogenic moisturizer...and I wouldn’t use anything else unless it was recommended by someone who matched my dressing style or taste,” he explained. “I would just assume only they would know about that kind of thing.”

Similarly, Josh Zagaczkowski, a second year Marketing and Public Relations major and self-described “metro” cares very much about the condition of his nails. “There is such a negative stigma on long nails and no one wants to shake your hand if you have nasty nails all over the place” he reasoned.

Although this issue has only recently been tackled by the media, there are already two distinct subsets within this sect of man-pretty.

Which Type Are You?

Members of the first subclass are referred to as a girl’s best friend. Also known as Type I, they are the sensitive metrosexuals and are most likely to compliment your mom on her dining set. Usually extremely outgoing, they are often observed to start conversations with anyone they make eye contact with. Some remark, “It’s almost like an obligation.” Another common trait is charisma, which leads many to following careers in Human Resources or Communications.

However, a Type I’s single most defining trait is his effeminate nature, which often causes others to ponder the metrosexual’s sexual preference. This is because metrosexuals often give the impression of being “too clean-cut” and “too sensitive” or “too empathic” which is the complete opposite of the stereotypical “manly-man.” This is often the case, especially at RIT, where some guys give no attention to their personal appearance by wearing the same clothes every day and growing a scruffy neck-beard.

“This actually happened to me. I liked a guy in high school who was actually very metro. I wasn’t sure if he was straight or not. [It] turned out he was straight,” commented Kailyn Brand, a second year Biotechnology major.

In stark contrast to the first subclass, Type II metrosexuals possess an unyielding, incorrigible, macho attitude. The term guido, which previously only applied to Italian-Americans with loud personalities living in the Northeast cities, is often associated with this group.

At present, guido describes almost any guy from the Popped-Collar Movement. These metrosexuals have many common attributes with Type I metrosexuals such as extroversion, charisma, and maybe even likeability. They are, however, very self-involved.

The main difference between the two types is why they are so conscious of their appearance. Type Is tend to dress nicely and give the impression of being more approachable, while Type IIs tend to dress nicely for the attention they receive from those around them, especially the women.

Pretty Boys at RIT

“The way I dress is how I act. A loose sweater means I’m loose and easygoing,” Zajaczkowski remarked on his chosen lifestyle. He mentioned, “Layers and form-fitting shirts” were two aspects he looked for in clothes.

Jonathan Halloran, a third year Biochemistry major and another self-described metrosexual, said, “I dress the way I do, not necessarily because the clothes are comfortable, but because I’m most comfortable in them.” His style seemed to have an impact on his personality. “I met a lot of people I otherwise wouldn’t have met [since I started dressing metrosexually]. I used to be a lot shyer than I am now,” Halloran remarked.

Even the smallest detail matters. “There’s a pinstripe effect,” Zajaczkowski explained while talking about deliberately hanging his keychain tassel down his leg. In this respect, it takes a lot of subtle planning to pull off metrosexuality.

Some believe that metrosexuality defines who they are. It is a constant state of being, whether they are out with friends or at home. “I think [metrosexuality is] more of a lifestyle,” Halloran commented. However, for some metrosexuals, it is only a social behavior to dress up when they go out or meet new people. “Metrosexuality isn’t a lifestyle; it’s a...social thing,” said Zajaczkowski.

When asked about her opinion on metrosexual men, Nadiah Ghazalli, a fourth year Biotechnology major, said, “I like guys who take the time to look nice, but not guys who take the time to look pretty, but I definitely prefer guys who look nice and presentable rather than guys who don’t take the time to dress up at all.”

However, Monique Harris, a second year Biotechnology major, said, “I think that if the right guy can pull it off, then it’s totally acceptable.” The manner in which a guy uses his ability to look good must balanced with the situation, or he might come off as ridiculous.

Said Natalie McHugh, a second year Visual Media major, “A guy who actually spends time with a comb and gel, I don’t get that...For me, personally, my parents would be, like, ‘What the hell?’ if I brought one home.”

Thanks to the guys at Glover’s Barbershop, 672 South Ave, Rochester, NY.