FIGHT FASHION BASHING. GOOD CLOTHING IS PART OF AN ASPIRATIONAL ATTITUDE THAT CAN MAKE LIFE RICHER AND MORE ENJOYABLE.

Nothing exposes the general slovenliness of American men like traveling abroad. Treading through Tokyo, one sees legions of salarymen decked out in proper suits, as well as side streets teeming with stylish hipsters. Italians have long lived by the credo of bella figura, which pervades all aspects of life and is just one reason the country is such a beautiful place to visit. And the influence of Savile Row on the generally polished English is as strong as it was during the 19th century.

In contrast, one can easily spot Americans in any airport or tourist trap. Just look for the walking piles of laundry: lumpy khakis, rumpled sport coats and oversize sweatshirts.

The underlying reason for the disparity? Cultural perspective. While many societies embrace personal style as a means to enrich people's lives, American men tend to view it as trivial or effete. And the fashion industry does little to challenge that opinion. Dressing stylishly is not Sudoku, despite the apparent complexities of Karl Lagerfeld's getups. It's more like appreciating fine wine: It can be somewhat intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, a whole world of pleasure opens up -- a world previous generations of men navigated with aplomb. Style is an integral part of living well, a worthwhile luxury on a par with French cooking, fine furnishings, convertibles and beautiful women. Of course, some guys don't care for any of those things, either. But that's their loss.

Stately fashion like this is an anomaly stateside. Europeans use the "critical V," where the suit, shirt, tie and pocket square intersect, to build looks. Many Americans don't even know it exists.