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Underwear: Support During Sport

You can have a body of Idris Elba and a charm of Orlando Bloom, but you’ll never get anywhere showing up sloppy at the gym. Even more so, it’s not about the appearance, only – you need to be comfy under all the layers of your activewear in order to feel good while working out. Any man can tell you: if your underwear isn’t comfortable, you aren’t comfortable! Underwear that rides up, forms awkward bumps or leaves you hanging down there is a big no-no! Agreed?  Yes.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best athletic gym wear choices and underwear on shelves, so you can get a head start on feeling amazing during your gym sessions and looking your best, afterwards.

Breathable fabrics

No matter how chic your activewear is looking, unless it’s made of breathable fabrics, like cotton or technologically advanced blends, forget it. Not only will you be sweating heavily, but you’ll be running the risk of spreading an odor most of the gym members will probably want to puke from.

If you’re led by the idea of extra pounds shed by sweating in all the horrible synthetics, please stop now. Apart from the aforementioned stink, your sweating results will only be temporary and can be dangerous. Choose breathable fabrics that feel good on your skin. So, friend – say goodbye to tighty-whities and embrace streamlined UFM Underwear boxer-briefs that offer support, comfort and enough elasticity suited to men who lead active lives.

We’ve had the privilege to test run the adjustable crotch pouch range, which has proved to be an amazing pair of pants. The drawstring around the seam of your crotch can be tightened to lift your member (no matter what size you are) so there’s no chaffing during the sweatiness of a workout.

Awesome support

You know it, we know it – unless your package is fully supported, not only will you be dangling around playing bat game, but you’ll be so uncomfortable (and limited in doing most exercises) that you’ll want to scream!

These days, men are blessed to have a variety of brands to browse through until they find their perfect pair, but until you do, let us educate you on something – praxis has shown that briefs in mostly cotton with a blend of just enough polyester and Lycra to wick like a synthetic boxer-brief are the perfect options for all the boys who don’t want to skip their gym day. If you are a runner, we suggest going for a polyester-and-elastane blend that packs everything up just right. Make sure your choice is moisture-wicking, stink-resistant shorts with a barely-there feel and awesome support. Rumor has it Ryder Wear – workout apparel is killing it in this area.

Fitted gear

While baggy clothes may visually hide a few extra pounds you are working on shedding, they’re doing you no good when it comes to working out. Quite the opposite, actually – they impede movement, leading to unsexy mishaps should they become stuck in a machine or trip you. To avoid such misery, select workout apparel that follows the lines of your body without being skin-tight; skin-tight is never sexy at the gym unless you’ve got the body of Adonis. Compressed leggings are a fine option as they’ll be comfy enough to let you move around but will still follow the line of the leg suitably. Choose the material that won’t leave you sweating or stinky and go for colors that inspire your determination to get a leaner physique.

Jock Up For #Jocktober

We’re all fans of a good jockstrap, aren’t we? So, finding a good pair has always been like a quest for every gym bloke! When we heard that Avaj is taking  £10 off of all of their jockstrap for #Jocktober, it’s was something that caught our eyes right away!

Avaj is a brand represented by Joe Goddard, a british retailer from Leeds.  They offer a range of men’s underwear, sleepwear, grooming and skincare products. All of their products are made of high quality materials and are 100% British made which is always a big plus for keeping it authentic.

The look and fit of the their jockstrap is really amazing, with much attention paid to cut and details. Their jockstrap snugs are boy parts without many restrictions, and the material blend of cotton and elastine is just what’s required for a perfectly formed package. Our favorite part of their jocks strap is an extra feature for enhancing the pouch which will rock the manliness through your pants like a pro!

The overall word on Avaj jockstrap is that these bulge makers are something every bloke should own in their underwear collection.They come in 5 colours – Jet Black, Snow White, Potent Purple, Blue Sapphire, Spirit Turquoise and we were psyched to hear that even more options are to come. Our man package has fallen in love with them and we hope your’s will, too!

Don’t forget to share your jockstrap inspo’s through #Jocktober over your social medias!

We always bang on about how you should treat your chap and balls, the way our lass’ treat their boobs. Look after your manhood and it will be good to you! 

We’ve covered a lot of underwear brands and all for different occasions. Take a look at some of our other articles here: Men’s Underwear.

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How to get on your bike and where to begin with cycling

You can’t have missed the bike revival that has taken place over recent months. With massive numbers of people cycling during lockdown for their daily exercise, followed by people rejecting tubes and busses in favour of a bike when commuting to work.

I believe the numbers of cyclists can only increase further as the government is investing heavily in cycling infrastructure, as well as other incentives to encourage people to get back in the saddle, get fitter and avoid public transport. 

So, here’s my guide to starting out if you’re considering taking up cycling to work or for fun, post Coronovirus:

GET YOUR BIKE RIGHT

If you are buying a new bike, first consider the kind of riding you want to do and the typical route. If it’s hilly – make sure you get a bike with enough gears to handle it, if you’re commuting then 3-6 gears should be enough to get you up and down most town and city hills. If you are looking to road or mountain bike you will want to consider more than 10 gears to manage the rougher terrain. 

Next, consider the weight of the bike. Modern road bikes are all designed to be very light so even the heaviest will do you well – but aim to go as light as possible. For commuter bikes, the weight can be an issue. The heavier Dutch-style bikes often look very beautiful but are hard work if you’re peddling uphill, lifting it up canal path stairs or storing it in your flat. So, factor in the weight of the bike if you have a lot of hills to conquer or you need to store it inside. 

If you already have an old bike, dust it off, check the brakes and the gears are working properly and enjoy it. Getting on the bike is the only way to know what kind of cycling you enjoy. 

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

The first thing I’m asked when I mention that I’ve cycled around London for 15 years is; “aren’t you scared of the traffic?” I’m not. But that’s because I always pick my route carefully – even now.  

The route is crucial to an enjoyable journey. The main highways and roads might be the most direct path but they will not be the most pleasant. Always take the backstreets; they are quieter, safer and much more interesting as you get to discover parts of your town/city you would never have seen before. 

Fortunately, picking your route has never been easier. There are lots of cycle routes now across the country and they are definitely worth taking advantage of. Most city and the country routes are in cycle maps that are easy to follow. For your local paths have a look on your council’s website – most of the maps are available there. 

Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to cycle, take the slightly longer, quieter route, get yourself lost and, most importantly of all, enjoy it. 

LOOK AFTER YOUR BACK

Get the bag off your back and onto the bike! Not only does it take the strain off your spine, it also reduces back sweat – something a backpack seems to create in very un-natural quantities. The solution is a pannier rack. They attach over the back wheel of your bike and you can attach pannier bags and baskets on them to carry whatever you need. As the rack is on the back of your bike, not the front, and is low on the bike, it doesn’t affect your steering or stability, so it will help you feel more secure on your bike. 

Hill & Ellis has a range of stylish bike bags that all attach securely to your pannier bike rack. They are also designed to look smart so are the perfect accessory for the work commute. 

JOIN A GROUP

If you still want a bit more Dutch courage (so to speak) before cycling on your own, then you need your own personal peloton (cycling group). Cycling is really friendly, with lots of groups keen to help other cyclists get started with advice, buddies and supported rides. There are groups all over the country, so you’ll definitely find one in your local area. 

The Breeze network offers women’s only rides and commuting training rides to help build confidence for cycling to work, they will even arrange a group to cycle with you to your office for the first couple of rides.

British Cycling also has beginners guide on their website for the A-Z of what you need to know before taking to the saddle.

But most of all don’t rush. Enjoy it. Life from the saddle will always make you smile. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Ellis is founder of Hill & Ellis, which produces a range of high quality, stylish cycle bags. Each bag, designed in the UK, is created to transition perfectly from home to bike to boardroom to bar. They are functional, fashionable and hard wearing.  There’s plenty of space inside for a laptop and other essentials, and each bag comes with patented pannier clips that fit almost any bike, allowing you to clip the bag on and off quickly and easily. 

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The COVID-19 Crisis Survey for Men Reveals 100% of Those Interviewed Are Now Experiencing Mental Health Problems
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The COVID-19 Crisis Survey for Men Reveals 100% Are Experiencing Mental Health Problems

A survey into how men’s mental health has been affected by the pandemic reveals that an overwhelming 100% of all men interviewed felt that their mental health had been affected. All of those who took part reported problems including feelings of depression, anger, anxiety, lack of appetite, sleeping problems and lack of sexual interest over the last few months.

The Covid-19 Crisis Survey for Men went onto reveal that over half of all men who took part (60%), have not made time to socialise with their family and friends and this has had a detrimental effect on their mental health. The research also showed that:

  • 85% of men felt that their children had been affected by the pandemic
  • 65% are concerned about their family’s financial future
  • Only 10% felt that their partner hadn’t been affected by the crisis
  • 60% felt that they had made some positive changes since COVID-19

Psychotherapist Noel McDermott explains that “from boyhood men are told to be brave and ambitious, as they grow older, they strive to become good fathers, partners and providers. Throughout the pandemic, the traditional role of man has changed and with this has come new pressures. For many men their whole lives have been turned upside down, the vast haven’t been able to go to work, the gym, play sport with a team or to the pub with pals. Men in general have fewer social and emotional support systems and the places where men used to go and talk about their problems are closed and they’ve found themselves in new, unfamiliar circumstances. For those that are fathers, they have been at home all day with more exposure to the household demands and domestic responsibilities balancing both work and family. This has created even more demands and pressures”.

What Men Fear Most

The biggest fear for many men is that they will not be able to return to full economic productivity and earning capacity and this is still a large part of men’s identity and role in our culture. Men who act as the primary breadwinners in their household feel the financial burden and responsibility within their relationship. For those that are now returning to work, many are reporting anxiety with the loss of family time and others are feeling the pressure to make up for lost earnings and secure an economic future. Numerous studies show men feel financial stresses both as a status issue and as a provider, this can lead to relationship difficulties, drinking and substance misuse and mental health issues. These concerns increase significantly during times of economic downturn and this can be seen during the lifting of lockdown.

Warning signs of mental health problems in men

Stress is a big factor in health and mental health for both men and women and these times of transition are very stressful. Typically, we see men express stress in a number of ways:

  • Sexual performance issues and loss of libido
  • Emotional dysregulation (irritability and anger)
  • Sleep issues, appetite issues
  • Withdrawal and bottling things up
  • Increased drinking
  • Mood shifts and mood swings

Self-help for Men: Stress Management Techniques

As these are stress responses the single biggest thing men can do to help themselves is learn better stress management techniques which are:

Spot it, know your signs that you are experiencing problems and have your ‘fire escape’ plan in place to ensure you manage better such as increased self-care, asking for help from others, getting professional help, talking to your GP.

Ensure general wellbeing hygiene practice to increase resilience: exercise, sleep well, good food, talk to friends and family about your worries, hydrate well, get outside regularly, ensure you do fun things!
Discuss your worries and ask for support, ensure you normalise your experiences of stress and understand everyone is feeling this and it’s not a sign of failure to be feeling overwhelmed.

Signs that there may be need of professional help are if there are problems in functioning that are persistent over a two-week period. Periodic anxiety or depression lasting a short period of time is to be expected and will generally shift of their own accord if your general mental hygiene/lifestyle is resilient. If it continues for days and weeks, then there is likely to be a problem needing proper diagnosis and treatment and asking your GP for advice is a good idea.

Noel McDermott is a Psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience in health, social care, and education. He is the founder and CEO of three organisations, Psychotherapy and Consultancy Ltd, Sober Help Ltd and Mental Health Works Ltd. Noel’s company offer at-home mental health care and will source, identify and co-ordinate personalised care teams for the individual.

They have recently launched a range of online therapy resources in order to help clients access help without leaving home.

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Are your gym clothes too big or too small?

Almost Half Of British Gym Goers Wear Clothes Either Too Big Or Too Small For Them!

A new study has found that as many as 47% of Britons who go to the gym at least once a month are wearing clothes the wrong size for them, with slightly more wearing clothes that are too big for flexibility and movement. Those wearing smaller sizes admitted that they’d gained weight or purchased the wrong size clothing, whilst others bought smaller as motivation to get into shape.

Britons prefer athleisure wear to purpose-built gym gear, but it seems that almost half are choosing to wear the wrong size, whether they consider it to be practical, gained weight and haven’t bought the next size up or are doing so for motivation.

The team behind www.MoneySavingHeroes.co.uk conducted the research as part of an ongoing study into Britons’ fitness goals. 2,438 respondents aged 18 and over, all of whom stated that they have a gym membership and attend at least once a month, were quizzed about their gym usage and expenditure.

Whilst purpose-built gym clothing is popular with one in five British gym-goers (19%), 74% prefer to wear athleisure. Asked why this was a popular choice, Britons felt the ‘selection to choose from was higher’ (41%) and that they like ‘being able to wear it inside and outside the gym’ (33%).

Interestingly, 47% admitted that they weren’t wearing the correct size clothing to the gym, with 53% of those wearing clothing that was too large and 47% wearing clothing that was too small.

Asked why they were wearing clothing that was the wrong size, the top reasons for wearing larger clothing were found to be:

  1. For flexibility and movement – 34%
  2. To hide my body shape/size – 30%
  3. To appear smaller – 18%

Likewise, the top reasons for wearing clothing that was too small were found to be:

  1. I gained weight and didn’t want to buy bigger clothes – 31%
  2. The sizing was incorrect but I didn’t return them – 26%
  3. I bought smaller to incentivise me to lose weight and train harder – 12%

George Charles, spokesperson for www.MoneySavingHeroes.co.uk  commented:

“Gym gear can often be an expensive business, but it’s always good to remain practical over stylish when it comes to exercise. If your clothing doesn’t fit you could run the risk of hurting yourself or even embarrassing yourself. You don’t have to spend a lot to have quality gym wear; supermarkets and budget brands do some really fantastic gym wear. Although if you do have the budget, there are some really great fitness and athleisure wear brands available. Feel free to shop around, try before you buy and see what discounts are available – it’s better than revealing more than you’d like to in the gym.”

Hit up some of our other articles on sportswear, sports underwear and feel better equipped at the gym, here.

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Choosing the right jockstrap for your shape and size.

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Jockstraps are very critical protective under garments in contact sports. This is especially with male athletes who participate in very vigorous sporting activities like skating, basketball, football or rugby. Such sporting conditions may be a risk to your penis and testicles. Therefore, the jockstraps can provide additional support to these sensitive parts of your genitals. This is even better because with the recent advancements in technology, the experts have worked towards inventing the cupped jockstraps that offer even safer protection of your groin.

All in all, it can be such an uphill task to decide which jockstrap is best suited for you. This is because there is a whole diverse variety to pick from. That being the case, this article will be aimed at helping you to select the best jockstrap for you. This will be in consideration of how much protection you need, your age, as well as the body mass.

For this article, myself and two pals were sent a variety of jocks from AVA-J. We convened afterwards to feedback and build this guide to finding the perfect jock for you.

Easy steps that could help you choose the right Jockstrap

Besides providing protection from injuries, jockstraps should be comfortable and easy to wear for a long periods of time. There are many different occasions when you can wear jockstraps other than during sports. This includes your normal days to the office, to the gym or during the romantic evening dinner.

  1. Go to a physical shop

Jockstraps majorly come pre-fitted in most sporting garments. This means that if you go to the mall to buy your jockstrap, head to the athletics section. A physical store has more advantage when choosing a garment because;

  • You will be able to evaluate the size and fabric of your jockstrap physically. The fact that this garment is meant to cradle up your groin, ensuring that the garment you choose is well fitting and comfortable are a major key.
  • When you choose a physical store you will be able to ask questions from the attendants more about the jockstrap you want to purchase. This will ensure that you get the best garment as you leave the mall.

However, there are a few people who feel embarrassed to buy undergarments in a store. This is why the online selling platforms were designed in the first place.

  1. Find a wide variety Online

I must agree that online shopping has and never will be easy. This is because for you to lay your hands on the exact garment you need can be quite hectic. You have to be specific about your measurements. Otherwise, you will get an oversize or undersize garment. All in all, with online shopping, there is a very wide variety of jockstraps to choose from despite your desires. There will always be something for you at the click of your computer. We have to say, Ava-J is a particular favourite of ours. Check them out here.

  1. Material selection

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Jockstraps are like underwear and for you to be comfortable in this kind of fashion for either sports or even for your daily outfit, you must be keen about the material you select. Cotton or a blend of cotton is known to be the most appropriate material for such garments.

All in all, there are better ones like the rayon or spandex that keep your skin dry by wicking off any moisture on your body to the outer layer of the jockstrap. More to that, they are well ventilated making it convenient to participate in high-energy activities with ease.

Initially, the jockstraps were made from perforated steel which although offered protection, were ultimately uncomfortable. With technological advancements, lightweight cups have been invented. They are made from plastic but fitted with steel shields. They feature tough polymers of the carbon fibre. These materials are great because they act as shock absorbers.

  1. Look for fashionable Jockstraps

A little blend of fashion combined with that comfortable any day-jockstrap is every man’s dream. To find a fashionable yet the right type of jockstrap is always hard. However, you can always look a little harder. There is always something good for you. Just tap into it! Some of the considerations when selecting the right jockstrap may include;

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  • Colour blend. Unlike the sporty Jockstraps, the fashionable ones come in a wide variety of colours. The default colours are usually solid, black or white. A little colour blend is always fun and worth trying. Do not shy away from experimenting here and there. You might actually get surprised how good you may look in those rainbow colours. Take a look here.
  • The diversity that comes with everyone’s taste is actually the whole beauty of it. You may be intrigued by the boxer shorts-esque designs but your friend may like it the scanty-thong briefs way. Its upon you to choose the design that pleases you. 
  • The Pouch type. From the outward appearance, the pouch of the jockstraps may look obvious and identical. Be keen, this is not always the case in all jockstraps. Each design of the pouch aims at fulfilling certain needs. It may be the users comfort or even the presentation of the whole package. The few that may be available in the market are; original, contour or the snug.You can get uplift briefs or jocks from AVA-J, here.
  1. Know your size.

Normally, the size range listed on the jockstrap will majorly concentrate on the waistband size. When it comes to the cap it may be listed separately on the whole packaging bag. All in all, the concern is the same when looking for the best-fitting jockstrap. The cap should be big enough to accommodate your genitals comfortably and cover them completely.

On the other hand, the straps fitted on the legs should be tight to ensure that the jockstrap does not twist and rotate around your waistline. This will always make sure that the garment is always centrally placed to offer comfort and ideal groin security.

  • Small sizes range from 20 to 26 in (50.8 and 66 cm).
  • Medium sizes range from 26 to 32 in (66 and 81.3 cm).
  • Large sizes range from 32 to 38 in (81.3 and 96.5 cm).
  • XL sizes range from 38 to 44 in (96.5 and 111.8 cm).
  • The cups generally come in different sizes depending with age.

In conclusion, I hope that this guideline will helpful when considering whether to purchase jockstrap. Be sure to make a good choice with all factors in consideration. You don’t want to tamper with the functioning of your manhood. What are you waiting for?

Let’s go out and get you a classy but well-designed jockstrap and cup for your sporting activities and casual wear.

Shop AVA-J here.

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5 Summer Grooming Tips for Men

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Fellas, are you looking for some summer grooming advice? You’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing a few tips on how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long, with Maximum Style.

Proper skin care is not just for the ladies. It’s an important self-care habit that everyone should adopt—no matter your gender. Of course, caring for your skin should be practiced year-round, but a few steps and products should change with the seasons…summer included. As you enjoy the season of outdoor BBQs and beach days, there are a few necessary adjustments you should make as it relates to caring for your body’s largest organ. From Broad Spectrum sunscreen to lightweight moisturizers, we’re sharing the ultimate summer skin care guide for men, ahead!

TIP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Keeping the skin clean is a no-brainer year-round, but especially during the hot summer months when dirt and sweat build-up can dull the look of our complexion. By cleansing your skin twice per day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser, you can help remove unwanted oils, dirt, debris, and impurities that can accumulate throughout the day on the surface of skin, giving way to a cleaner, brighter-looking complexion.

If you plan on shaving, cleansing your face beforehand is an absolute must. Reach for an exfoliating cleanser that can help whisk away dead skin cells from skin’s surface and prep the skin for a smooth shave. For optimal results, use daily as a cleanser or three times per week as a mask.

Use a clean and sharp razor too. This is key to avoiding cuts, nicks and ripping out hairs. A stainless-steel razor will be cooling against your chin and cheek whilst it warm. We’d go for the kind of razor that imitates this, view here.

TIP #2: DON’T SHAVE DRY

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Need to clean up that 5 o’clock shadow? To avoid irritation and any potential nicks, be sure to lather up your scruff with a shaving gel, foam, or cream. These products provide a slick layer of protection and can help provide a smoother, closer shave. Try Uppercut Deluxe Shave Cream, which offers an easy glide when shaving. Plus, it contains cooling menthol and coconut oil to aid in blemish free control for a fresh finish! All you should do is apply the cream to clean, wet skin. Be sure to rinse your blade after each pass.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

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After cleansing, exfoliating and/or shaving, it’s important to hydrate your skin. Since shaving can sometimes lead to skin irritation—especially on sensitive skin—we recommend reaching for a moisturizer that considers any post-shaving sensitivity, alcohol-free balm can help hydrate and soothe freshly-shaven skin to provide additional comfort.

If you’re not shaving and prefer a lightweight hydrator and a product that resembles miracle grow,   try Tommy Riots’ Beard Moisturiser. This moisture-enhancing gel formula enriched with Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without weighing it down, the ultimate benefit for parched summer skin. Feel free to use this gel as you would your regular moisturizer, or as an extra layer of hydration before finishing off with a cream or lotion.

TIP #4: PROTECT AGAINST UV RAYS

During the summer months when we’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to keep sunscreen on hand at all times. Start your day by applying a facial sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine and as directed before heading out the door. SPF and provides the skin with a layer of defence from harmful UV rays. To use, apply to face and neck fifteen minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least once every two hours, every forty minutes if swimming or sweating, or immediately after towelling off.

TIP #5: STRONG HOLD HAIR POMADE TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT

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A good hair care routine is one that’s simple and effective. Arming yourself with the right tools and information about the chemistry of hair is the best first step. No matter what hair type and texture you have, you’ll be able to perform your routine quickly and have great-looking hair.

Summers are a time when your hair tends to grow much faster than usual. This works in your favour and all you need to ensure is that you prevent breakage. Make sure you wash your hair regularly and condition it well. This will keep it in good shape. Choose a product, like Mason’s Pomade, which keeps the moisture locked in, allows your hair to breath, but also lets it move freely whilst securing style. It’ll work whether you’re in town, in the pool or at the beach.

The same applies to your beard and moustache; keep facial hair trimmed or sport a clean-shaven look this summer. Don’t over-shave though! Your skin will be putting up with a lot when temperatures soar and you don’t want to damage it further by shaving every day. Stick to shaving twice a week and trimming when need be.

LASTLY, NOTHING BEATS A SHOWER.

When it comes to dealing with body odour! If you happen to perspire a lot, a daily shower is a must. You might need to shower more than once a day if you perform vigorous exercise. Showering right after your workout will help wash away sweat and prevent your skin from breaking out.

You don’t have to scrub your whole body every time you take a shower; just wash your chest, armpits, genitals, and feet thoroughly as these areas produce more sweat and are responsible for body odour.

Remember to choose mild soaps and cleansers; you don’t need to be harsh on your skin to get rid of the dirt.

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Should You Shave Your Beard for an Interview?

Should You Shave Your Beard for an Interview, smartly dressed man with beard reading a newspaper, bearded man, bearded in in sunglasses, man reading the newspaper, beards for business

This is a tricky one.

On the one hand, you love your beard.

Then on the other, you probably could really do with that new job.

So the question is…

Do you take the hit on your man pride by shaving off your beard, effectively playing it safe – or do you go all guns all out – bearded, confident and dressed on point?

Ultimately, we think there are three major factors at play that you have to think about:

i) What does your interviewer think of your beard (and beards in general)?

Beards have become far more socially acceptable in recent times, that’s a given since the recent beard booms and what seems to be the undying trend.

Unfortunately, there is still a slight, albeit unfair stigma still attached to them. The typical one of course being – that a guy who sports a beard is lazy, unprofessional given that he can’t even be

bothered to shave. Harsh and largely untrue given that a good beard takes a lot more upkeep than just shaving every few days.

Of course, you won’t really know if your interviewer likes beards or not, but if you happen to know who you are going to be interviewed by, this could give you a little heads up.

It might be worth hopping on to your laptop or smartphone and do some classic ‘social media stalking’, checking out LinkedIn, Facebook – you know the drill and try and figure out if he is sporting one. If he is, it’s a good sign, he’s on your side. No beard? It could go either way.

The less risky route of course is to go shaven, if this is something that concerns you we will explain a little later why you should probably reach for the razor.

ii) Does it fit in with the ‘business culture’?

In some industries facial hair is just far more widely accepted.

Finance and law, it is almost an unspoken rule that wearing facial fur is pretty much forbidden. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule but you best bet that those guys who sport their beards in such industries are incredibly well-kempt (again, this is something we will get into a little later).

Then there are industries that pretty much require shaven faces for health and safety reasons due to large industrial machinery or where they are a little frowned upon such as in food preparation areas (where they require you to wear beard nets and trust us on this – it just ain’t a good look).

Then there are much more beard friendly industries such as gaming design and development, photography and so on. We tend to find that with most creative jobs, they almost go hand in hand.

Ultimately, what we are trying to do is to encourage you to get your research on. Head to LinkedIn and check out the company you are applying to and other competing companies, and ask yourself does it look like many of their employees are bearded?

If so, take it is a thumbs up.

If not – it’s probably something you ought to think about.

iii) What do you think of your beard?

Of course, we know you love your beard.

What we really mean here, is do you think ultimately your beard will be working against you or not?

Whether it ‘actually’ does or not in reality, what you don’t want to happen is your subconscious screwing up your interview because you are stressing that the beard is not working in your favour.

If you are cool with it and don’t think there are any issues to be had, then that’s awesome. Keep that glorious man mane of yours!

However, if you think there potentially ‘might be’ an issue whether in fact there is or isn’t,, it could end up negatively impacting on your interview performance. In which case, we recommend you play it safe and get it shaved off. At least that way, your focus is 100% on the interview on hand.

That said, if that is the case though, we would raise the following question to ask yourself:

Can you go without your beard for the sake of your job?

I’m afraid, only you can decide that one.

iv) If you’re keeping the beard for the interview

First off, that’s awesome! We know it takes a bit of guts and we tip our hats off to you for that.

Now if you do decide to keep your beard and go ahead with the interview, you need it looking its best.

Even if your interviewer likes beards and is a beard friendly job – you still can’t turn up with it being scraggly with stray hairs sticking out all over the place. Tidy it up, apply some good beard goodies and have it looking its absolute best.

Here’s a quick step by step breakdown to have your beard looking awesome:

  1. Comb out your beard.

It’s a given, but the quickest way of dealing with tricky beard knots and generally making your beard looking neater and fuller is using a proper beard comb to help bring some order and get it all into place.

  1. Splash on some beard oil or a beard balm.

Make use of a high quality beard oil by thoroughly massaging it into your beard and skin to help moisturise and conditioning as well as to give you a great smelling odor. If you are still struggling with flyaway beard hairs, reach out for a styling balm that will help to give you some hold and control over your beard.

  1. Brush the beard and shape it up.

The final touch is just to help distribute the oils that you have applied and then helped to get your man scruff in order.

If your beard is looking particularly out of place we recommend heading to your local (and trusted) beard barber, they will help shape it up – take care of any neckbeard for you and ultimately give you a style that suits both your beard and your face. All you have to do now, is carry out the few steps we’ve just mentioned.

Like we say, it’s your call.

Play it safe and get a shave or stick it to the man and face that interview with a great luscious face forest.

Either way let us know how you got on.

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How much will your lads’ holiday cost?

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Knowing how much spending money to take on a lads’ holiday is always tough. You don’t want to take too much, but you definitely don’t want to be out of pocket when your mates are all having a good time. So, how can you work out how much spending money you should be taking on 2018’s top lads’ holiday destinations?

Taking into account food, drink and travel, QUIZMAN — leading retailer of quality men’s t-shirts — has worked out an average spending money total for how much you should have in your wallet for each lads’ holiday destination.

Ibiza

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Average daily cost: £361
Hotel per person, per night: £279
Food for a day: £51
Bottled water: £9.74
Taxi from airport to Ibiza Town: £13-£15
Taxi from airport to San Antonio: £23-£27.50
Beer: £2.20-£3.50
Currency: Euro

Ibiza has been Europe’s party capital for years — and it’s still going strong. Pretty much everywhere you stay on the Balearic Island of Ibiza, you get a 24-hour party scene, incredible weather, excellent pool parties, world-renowned DJs, heaps of hilarious daytime activities, party boat cruises, and more. The clubs here are visited by people from across the world and you have a great mix of bar vibes — from sports and Irish bars, to rock/indie and chilled pool bars. Head to the San Antonio area for the best nightlife. But bear in mind, drinks and entry fees in certain bars and many clubs get extremely expensive in Ibiza.

Krakow

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Average daily cost: £54
Hotel per person, per night: £41
Food for a day: £6.50
Bottled water: £0.65
Taxi from airport to city centre: £18
Beer: £1.40-£2.40
Currency: Polish zloty

The second-largest city in Poland is now a firm favourite for stag dos and lads’ holidays. If you’re after a long weekend of bars, beers and chilled times; this city is ideal. Made up of 18 districts, your best bet is booking accommodation near public transport to save on taxi fares or bang in the centre to be near the best nightlife spots. Krakow is full of cool basement bars with great atmospheres. You’ll find hundreds of bars and clubs stretching out from the city centre, while the best clubs lie on Szewska and Florianska high streets.

Amsterdam

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Average daily cost: £111
Hotel per person, per night: £65
Food for a day: £27
Bottled water: £4
Taxi from airport to city centre: £35-£45
Beer: £3.30-£4.40
Currency: Euro

Although it’s the most expensive holiday destination on our list, Amsterdam is well worth a visit. Ideal for an easy time away, the capital of the Netherlands has a world-renowned reputation for partying and is packed with clubs that attract the best DJs on the planet. During the day, you can make the most of this incredible location by taking a boat cruise along a canal, booking a group bike ride along the winding streets or going on a brewery experience.

Tenerife

tenerife boat party

Average daily cost: £91
Hotel per person, per night: £37
Food for a day: £27
Taxi from northern airport to south resorts: £53
Taxi from southern airport to south resorts: £13.50
Beer: £0.88-£2.65
Currency: Euro

Tenerife is a seasoned pro when it comes to offering a fun and chilled holiday. The biggest of the Canary Islands and found off the coast of Africa, you have an incredible beach and nightlife scene on your doorstep. After a day round the pool or doing water sports in the sea, you’ll want to see what Playa da las Americas has to offer if you’re into bars and DJ music — this is also where the brother of football hero, Gary Lineker, has his sports bar. Clubs here last until the early hours of the morning and we recommend flying into Tenerife Sur airport in the south, if you can, for a shorter transfer.

Split

Average daily cost: £81
Hotel per person, per night: £54
Food for a day: £17
Bottled water: £0.62
Taxi from airport to city centre: £32.50
Beer: £1.70-£2.40
Currency: Croatian kuna

Croatia is a titan on the lads’ holiday stage right now and one of your best options in this east-Europe country is Split. With beaches soaked in sun, a laid-back vibe and heaps of water activities to get involved with — like jet-skiing and boat parties — Split is a top choice if you’re looking to relax, enjoy the weather and have a laugh with your mates. At night, Split comes alive with chilled terrace bars, lively entertainment and booming clubs open until the early hours.

Cancun

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Average daily cost: £80
Hotel per person, per night: £66
Food for a day: £5.30
Bottled water: £0.70
Taxi from airport to city centre: £27-£35
Beer: £1-£1.90
Currency: Mexican peso

A party-goers paradise, Cancun is one of those destinations you can have a different holiday experience every time you visit. From Vegas-like pool parties and party cruises to nearby islands, to some of the best clubbing experiences in the world and great places for local food; Cancun is a must-do at least once in your life. Although the clubs here can have expensive entry fees, some of these are world-class and the entertainment is out of this world.

Best lads’ holiday prices

Looking at the average daily cost per person of a mid-range style holiday, Krakow beats Amsterdam hands down as a city break scene, with its cheap accommodation and cheap beer prices. As expected, Ibiza appears to be your most expensive location, partly due to its popularity, while opposing beach destination, Tenerife, offered lower hotel, food and beer prices. Although, Cancun has a slightly higher average daily cost, the average prices of its food and drink per person work out far cheaper than competing beach getaway destination, Split. However, once you factor in flights, you may see the holiday cost start evening out.

Prices are per person for a mid-range holiday. These figures were taken from Price of Travel and Budget Your Trip, correct as of July 2017.

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5 Bonding Activities for Men apart from Drinking

bonding activities

I don’t think it’s necessary to stress how important bonding is in life – making any relationship stronger is a very positive thing. And just like girls need their time out to gossip, go shopping or share their sex life with their girlfriends, men have to do the same, but in a slightly different way. Theirs will not involve any gossiping or shopping, but it can include so many great activities. So, if you have no idea what to do next with your guy crew, or you just want to organize something in your company where all the men will bond and have fun, take a look at five of the best activities for this:

Watch a sports game

Men in general love sports. Yes, it can happen that we don’t all love the same sport, but we don’t have any problem watching a match of the sport that we don’t follow. Even though it will involve a couple of drinks here and there, watching a sports game is a great experience where alcohol doesn’t play the biggest part. Hanging out together, watching and commenting on the game while actually talking in between the breaks is a great bonding activity. Depending on the result, it might also involve some table hitting, screaming and being barbaric – but that is the whole point of this great bonding activity. If you have the chance, you should definitely buy tickets and actually go see a sports game live.

Play a video game

Boys will be boys, they say. And there’s probably no truer saying, as men will always love video games, just like boys. This is also one in the limited range of activities that men can do with young sons or cousins – everyone will have fun. That’s why this is a great activity that you can do with your friends or colleagues. It doesn’t really matter what game you’re playing, as long as you have a competitive spirit and you’re playing against each other, it’s going to be interesting. On the other hand, you can always choose a game that will require teamwork and thus build your relationship as all of you try to come out victorious.

Go for teambuilding activities

Teambuilding activities have gained so much popularity in recent years, especially those interesting ones such as room escape, where you have to solve a mystery using teamwork. That is what makes the whole activity teambuilding, as you definitely have to be a part of the team. Another great option are corporate game events that are extremely interesting, and also involve a lot of teamwork. If you’re up for something that doesn’t require any physical activity, this one’s definitely for you, and you can find more about it here. However, if you’re up for something more active, you always try paintball, as it’s probably one of the most popular teambuilding activities at the moment.

Go fishing

Yes, it might sound dull, but fishing is more than meets the eye. You have to deal with a lot of things such as boats, pay attention to the weather, know everything about the equipment, bait and everything else. However, if you’re into this, and you go with your friend or friends, you can figure everything out by yourselves. This is an excellent activity if you haven’t seen your friend in a long time – chatting in a serene environment while taking a break from work obligations at the same time sounds like an excellent idea.

Go bike riding or on an exploration trip

Lastly, you can always take your bike with you and head to the countryside. Not only will you be doing something active that’s also healthy and has many other benefits, but it’s a great bonding activity as well. Also, you can discover so many hidden corners of your town or village, and that’s always an amazing experience. If you’re bolder, though, you can go on an exploration trip such as rafting or diving. Both of them are very sporty activities, so it’s guaranteed that everyone will love them.

There is a plethora of options to choose from, but believe us when we say that, apart from drinking, these are the best ones. And it doesn’t matter which one you choose, you’ll have so much fun and you’ll awaken that competitive and teambuilding spirit that you might not have known you needed that much.

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Looking fresh this summer 2018

The men’s style world is, thankfully, a tad less fickle than the merry-go-round realm of women’s fashion. The concept of “trends” doesn’t really resonate with most men, which is why we tend to buy items less often. That being said, for this summer there are subtle tweaks the style-literate fellow-about-town can make, should he want to add a dash of modernity alongside the standard pieces of his wardrobe, and dare I say it…compete with the fashion forward females of Derby.

Whilst the task of heading into town at the weekend may seem daunting, intu Derby makes it that little bit simpler. All the top brands are under one roof, as well as parking, restaurants and the flicks (so you can treat your girlfriend after a strenuous day of shopping for her!)

Now I love an exceptionally cut navy-blue suit as much as the next man, but it pays to update your baseline style formula, and branch out a little and it always pays to know what you’re buying from the high street is cost-worthy, and can withstand 2018.

Here are our top headline trends that you should consider this season, all bought from the fantastic intu Derby:

The Eighties (once again acceptable)

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From bright colours, clashing patterns to boxy suit jackets and light wash jeans with frayed hems (or gulp! Even a crease ironed in). Take your favourite elements of the Eighties trend and blend them with your existing wardrobe to create a look that feels fresh.

Footlocker in intu Derby has some of the most wearable 80’s inspired items, ready to don at any upcoming festival or holiday. Pair it with a pair of Nike trainers and a short sleeve denim shirt, you’ll be rest to bust some shapes from Ibiza to Creamfields.

Find these shorts at Footlocker for £39.99 at intu Derby here.

After the 90s comes the 00s

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There’s early signs of baggy cargo trousers, matching double denim, long belts that grazed the thigh and sweater-vests…expect this trend to only get bigger as the season progresses. If you’re not as brave as us on the whole Britney and Justin Timberlake double denim approach, we headed to All Saints to grab a classic cut shirt to layer up this summer. The beauty of this shirt, is that if you’re into the details, it has an alternative 3/4 length sleeve.

Layers are key, so it’s easy to start with a white t-shirt under everything (and maybe double layered tees!)

Find All Saints shirt for £69.99 at intu Derby here.

Pink and pastels aren’t going anywhere

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“Millennial pink”, that warm, blush rose colour you can’t help avoiding on your guys right now, is set to grow up next season – and is expanding into other hues. When we popped into Infinities, the set up had us blushing, at all the options to keep us on trend!

For those loungey and more casual days, grab an Adidas sweater jumper for 329.99, and stretchy jeans and head to the corner shop…

Find Infinities very impressive range of affordable athleisure at intu Derby here.

Two pocket realness

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Safari jackets, field jackets and Seventies-style military shirts are back. The key detail? Double breast pockets on items with a slouchier shape, to keep things feeling modern.

New Look Men in the upper mall at intu Derby has this trend on point. We couldn’t resist the double-breasted denim jacket for £29.99, with double press-stud fastening to keep us on trend through until winter 2018.

We paired it with some black chino shorts, pink striped tee, and wicker shoes for something more smasual.

Find New Look at intu Derby here.

Floral Shirts

Floral printed shirts are not a novelty, in fact if you wear them with the right thing and at the the right time, they will set you apart from the rest of the guys. However, don’t get these confused with a Hawaiian shirt, which utilise larger summery graphics which are repeated, and don’t usually use small graphics. There’s plenty of variations in the shirt patterns that you can go for, so it’s worth having a good look around to find one you really like the look of.

There’s a couple of different ways to style the floral printed shirt. What you wear with it will determine how good the shirt looks, and whether you stand out for the right or wrong reasons, but always wear one with confidence!

Wicker Shoes

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Looking to separate yourself from the crowd, or like your shoes to have a bit of character? Latticework-inspired motifs can breathe life into even the most tired of slip-on silhouettes.

While the skater-style slip-on trainer is trending for summer 2018 (particularly minimal leather versions), a woven upper lends more of an eye-catching, dynamic finish to your footwear.

Some might argue that designs in tan and brown run the risk of looking a little like a naff wicker basket, but we say it’s a risk worth taking. The right woven style, whether in the form of a loafer , will lend your summertime tailoring looks a classic sixties feel – think Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley and available from New Look Men at intu Derby for a very reasonable £7.99.

Complete your look

This season, feeling good stems from looking good. Treat your skin after a shower with Kiehls Facial Fuel. This vitamin enriched, energising, non-oily moisturiser wakens and uplifts dull fatigued skin.

For a scent that holds, the L’Occitane eau de toilette will absorb perfectly into your clothes, not damaging them, and keeps you fresh all evening.

Click & Collect

Whether searching for a fabulous shirt or a gift for that special someone, find it online at intu.co.uk. Browse from the comfort of your own home and pick up your order in centre free of charge – simply amend the delivery address at the checkout to intu Derby.

Located in the heart of Derby with great transport links, finding intu Derby is easy. Come by car and you’ll have no trouble parking with parking for 3,600 cars as well as disabled and family spaces available. If you’re coming by bus, the bus station is adjacent to the centre. By train, the nearest station is Derby and from here it’s a leisurely 10 minute walk to the centre.