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You only get one chance at a first impression, in fact, according to research you only have a tenth of a second. Well for some, this tenth of a second could be the difference between a new job or a life of poverty - that's where Sharp Dressed Man comes in.
The non-profit organization was founded in Baltimore in 2011, as a partnership between the Baltimore Fashion Alliance and the Living Classrooms Foundation, by Christopher Schafer and his son Seth. The goal of the group is to support men re-entering the workforce from prison or rehab. Schafer is a custom tailor in downtown Baltimore, who designs suits with a starting price tag of $3,000. The idea for 'Sharp Dressed Man' came to Schafer when he was looking for a way to dispose of his high-end suits his clients were no longer in need of. During the week he collects donations from clients and locals and then on Wednesday's men can come in for a free suit fitting, haircut, and hot meal before their job interviews.
As someone who battled with addiction himself, he knows the importance of receiving a second chance to make a new impression. "I really think that the biggest thing, though, is a guy who gets treated with respect. And some of these guys have not been. They have not treated themselves with respect, nor have been treated with respect," he told PBS.
Over the years Sharp Dressed Man has established connections with dozens of job agencies, instituted a referral process, and is now looking to expand. Unfortunately, in 2016, their building caught on fire. The company has managed to stay in business thanks to donations, however, they soon hope to receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm in order to carry on helping others in need and positively changing lives.
Scroll down below to see some of these Sharp Dressed Man before and after photos!
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Christina Sersif 7 years ago
One of the supervisors at my job has neck tats and sleeves. He dresses sharp everyday and is so professional. Definitely don't judge by tattoos!
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Aisha La Gatta Pelirroja 7 years ago
I mean...I don't know...I love that Stormtrooper shirt and I want one for myself. But I also have to admit, that this suit makes him realy classy.
Heather Boardman 5 years ago
Looks more dignified. Stay away from the previous style which should only be worn by 18 year olds
Flowergirl Power 7 years ago
He is standing taller in the suit. People don't realise how important dressing well is good for the ego, how you carry yourself and how you feel about yourself etc.
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Mika N 7 years ago
The after outfit seems to still suit his personality well, more than some other afters in the list.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
This is a guy who already knows how to dress himself. He just needs to kick it up a notch for the interview.
Nancy Jeckells 7 years ago
I think this man looks smart in both outfits, and he has a lovely smile, which creates such a good impression!
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Jerrilyn Ward 7 years ago
Love his smile. I dislike the collar on the white shirt and the jacket it too big on top. The tailor didn't do such a good job on him.
Basil 7 years ago
He's a good looking guy but that suit fits poorly and is not the most stylish. Why do they have to do that to the big guy? :/
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Jerrilyn Ward 7 years ago
Oh, come on. I know he knows how to put his sweater on better than that. Looks snappy in the "after" picture and it seems to change his whole demeanor. I'm a sucker for a man in a suit!
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Danielle 7 years ago
Coco, you realize that these changes are only being made to help these gentlemen get back into the workforce, and that THEY WANT THIS. No one has forced anyone here to participate in this against their will, these men are looking for help and guidance in getting jobs.
Load More Replies... Joanne Kostka 7 years ago
If the dude is looking for a job, he can't go to an interview as pictured in the first photo.
scrappyrat 7 years ago
Depends on the job. A lot of offices are pretty casual. If he's someone who works in design, game programming, etc. the left would be appropriate.
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Signe Manat Hansen 7 years ago
Just look at the way he carries himself in the second photo. Positively glowing!
Rhon 7 years ago
Photo1 working on the docks or in a warehouse. Photo2 working in a corporate office
Tambot 7 years ago
I think photo 1 graphic designer or artist, photo 2, definitely corporate
Load More Replies... Heather Boardman 5 years ago
Makes him look regal the first style is that he is a slob and that he does not care what he looks like
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Rich Auntie Skeleton 7 years ago
Maybe he's gained some confidence and is standing straighter.
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Jan Brieger-Scranton 7 years ago
left 'construction worker' right ' the guy who owns the construction company'
Heather Boardman 5 years ago
So much better in a suit. The other outfit should be worn when carrying out DIY or gardening
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Flowergirl Power 7 years ago
Looks a bit lighter in the suit. Man did you loose some weight :-)
scrappyrat 7 years ago
I prefer the first. He looks more personable, smart, like someone who has a cool perspective to share. And I love the beard! I'm not even into facial hair but the color pattern is great.
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April DyAnne 7 years ago
He needs a more taylored suit and something much more edgy to match his tattoos.
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
The jacket is too big and he needed a more retro suit, like a 40s or 50s style, they have sharper more tailored lines. This just looks ill fitted and not put together very well (I'm blaming the stylist!).
tarebear 7 years ago
Are you crazy there is nothing sexier than a man with like full sleeves wearing a rolled up to the elbow white button up dress shirt!!
Robert Cavicchi 7 years ago
A neck tattoo says it all. That is all you see. R
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Rick Gonyo 7 years ago
Why? He must like them and they are a part of who he is..
Load More Replies... Heather Boardman 5 years ago
Would cross the street if he was walking towards me in the first photo
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Signe Manat Hansen 7 years ago
No, he doesn't. He does need to trim it, though.
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Nicole Rosandich 7 years ago
I can see that he is already on the right foot with a great attitude.
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Daria B 7 years ago
The pose and expression is so same it's impressive. It feels like those dress up games.
Rex Carpenter 7 years ago
Very nice. One of the few pictures in this series in which the jacket seems to be a good fit.
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Roxannie Parker 7 years ago
I wonder if the photographer had him grab his suit, if so, he shouldn't of, makes him seem unsure of himself, but he sure looks good
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Gabriela Manolache 7 years ago
Why are there predominantly black men? Like... really. Also, clothing doesn’t change any f***ing thing. Except for the way you might feel wearing it. Other than that , if someone’s a d******d, they would just be a well dressed d******d
Basil 7 years ago
The way you might feel wearing something can have a profound effect on your behavior. We wear professional clothes to help us act professionally, sexy clothes to make us feel sexy, special clothing like a wedding dress or tuxedo to make a special occasions feel more special. You literally answered your own stupid question- we change our behavior based on our clothing because it changes the way we feel about ourselves, and that change how we act in certain situations. Also, if you want to know why this is predominantly black men educate yourself on the issues in the United States with our inherently racist criminal justice system. Overall this comment makes you sound very ignorant.
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Richard Warriner 7 years ago
Who's the tailor for this guy, Mr. Humphreys from Are You Being Served? "Don't worry about the sleeves, sir. They'll ride up with wear"
E Y 7 years ago
SDM is not a bespoke tailoring organization. It provides these men with an outfit, that would cost hundreds of dollars, for free. They are encouraged to go to a local tailor if something like the sleeves or pants are too long/ short.
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Mama Panda 7 years ago
Can someone explain the tie dangling around his neck on the left photo? With a T-shirt?
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Valentina Vitale 5 years ago
The suit ages him - outdated - needs more modern edgy look - very handsome nice smile
Roxannie Parker 7 years ago
this is a bad side by side, but made him look like he lost a lot of weight
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Heather Boardman 5 years ago
Ditch the track suit! A suit looks nice but even if he tried a little better leisure ware he would look better
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Kenneth Stykket 7 years ago
First photo he looks like he's about to kick some a*s, second photo looking like he's won the damn lottery! I wish he was my dad.
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Rich Auntie Skeleton 7 years ago
This guy is ready and willing and eager! He'll work his butt off when you hire him!
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Roxy Hebb 7 years ago
Yes. I tend to like beards, but this one looks very sloppy.
Load More Replies... Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Neck beards are a no-no. They look like the guy is overcompensating because he can't grow good facial hair. If you're going to wear a beard, it has to be immaculate. Trim and tidy every day.
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Victor Vakaras 7 years ago
"ehh It's nearing the end of the day - just give this guy an over-sized, wrinkled jacket."
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Aunt Messy 7 years ago
He looks like a deer in the headlights without his glasses. This is the standard face for those of us who are nearsighted.
scrappyrat 7 years ago
I *way* prefer the first. He looks so uncomfortable and out of place in the second. Like he's hiding something or in a disguise. He's nice looking in the first.
Zenozenobee 7 years ago
Smiling is not an obligation ;) , there is a lot of reasons for someone not to smile. Bad day, depression, autism, just getting dump, disconfort about the experience....Smile shouldn't be something you need to fake, it shouldn't be an effort. There's a poem I learned at school, name "a Smile" by Raoul Follereau. It end that way "And if, however, you meet someone who does not know how to smile, Be generous give him yours, No one needs a smile as much as one who can not give it to others." Stop asking people to smile, if someone doesn't smile to you, smile to him/her ;)
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Little letitia 7 years ago
Beanie massively ruins the second photo. ...unless he has an interview at a beanie shop I suppose.
Nugget Lol 7 years ago
I don't like the pink with ink black. Smooth out the colors, maybe dark gray and peach or navy and coral
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Panda Panda 7 years ago
Maybe he doesn't have a great smile and that bothers him.....
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scrappyrat 7 years ago
Both look fabulous on him, but I really prefer the first. Very well groomed in both. I wonder if he gets manicures. Great looking guy in general, but not just because he's physically attractive. It's his style, too. Uh-oh. I think I'm developing a crush. :)
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Lyndsae Raleigh 7 years ago
And, and I told Don too, because they've moved my desk four times already this year, and I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels, and they were married...
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What do you think ?
Jenny Lorenz 5 years ago
I don't think they were having interviews. It was just to see the differences clothing has on an appearance.
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Mama Panda 7 years ago
I wish they had tailored the suits to each man. So many of them are too big in the shoulders and too long in the sleeves. For the most part tho', they look awesome!
LemonyLickit 5 years ago
Agreed! Some still look sloppy in their ill fitted, un-ironed suits. They do, however, look like they give great hugs. <3
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irenetheavocado 7 years ago
What this organisation does is very noble but I just wish they didn't have to change their appearance for a job interview.
Layla Brown 7 years ago
It's not about changing their appearance, it's about looking presentable. They look exactly the same, just more presentable for a job interview. Everyone does it, are you telling me you do not dress up and try and look your best during an interview? Are you changing your appearance or making yourself presentable? There is really no issue here, don't create one, this is such a great thing.
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stellermatt 7 years ago
amazing what a suit can do. always makes you feel smarter. I think if I wore a suit all day for work, the 'thrill' of wearing one would soon fade...
Kahna Wanna 7 years ago
What a Beautiful way to give back humanity. I hope to see you in the future when you expand your program across the country. This is too good to stay local!
Jenny Lorenz 5 years ago
I don't think they were having interviews. It was just to see the differences clothing has on an appearance.
Load More Replies... Mama Panda 7 years ago
I wish they had tailored the suits to each man. So many of them are too big in the shoulders and too long in the sleeves. For the most part tho', they look awesome!
LemonyLickit 5 years ago
Agreed! Some still look sloppy in their ill fitted, un-ironed suits. They do, however, look like they give great hugs. <3
Load More Replies... irenetheavocado 7 years ago
What this organisation does is very noble but I just wish they didn't have to change their appearance for a job interview.
Layla Brown 7 years ago
It's not about changing their appearance, it's about looking presentable. They look exactly the same, just more presentable for a job interview. Everyone does it, are you telling me you do not dress up and try and look your best during an interview? Are you changing your appearance or making yourself presentable? There is really no issue here, don't create one, this is such a great thing.
Load More Replies... stellermatt 7 years ago
amazing what a suit can do. always makes you feel smarter. I think if I wore a suit all day for work, the 'thrill' of wearing one would soon fade...
Kahna Wanna 7 years ago
What a Beautiful way to give back humanity. I hope to see you in the future when you expand your program across the country. This is too good to stay local!
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