Lifestyle

The Men’s Guide to Creating a Perfect Morning Routine

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

Men's guide to creating a perfect morning routine

Whether you’ve been up all night partying, watching the Super Bowl or nurturing your crying child back to sleep, waking up the next morning might be harder than you think. Sometimes getting up takes more than twenty minutes, but the extra time you take doesn’t guarantee you won’t feel sleepy anymore. That’s why you should come up with a proper morning routine – a sequence of things that will make you feel energised and alert, both mentally and physically. If you’re not sure what some of these things might be, here are a couple of suggestions every man should try out.

Drink proper coffee

While certain experts claim you shouldn’t drink coffee immediately after getting out of bed, the truth is that this soothing drink is sometimes the best way to wake up and boost your energy level. Besides improving your focus, a cup of coffee in the morning comes with a number of other benefits, from helping you burn more fat and reducing your stress to protecting you against dangerous health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and depression. That’s why you should definitely think about starting your day with a hot cup of coffee and you’ll notice the amazing benefits in a matter of days!

Apply healthy skincare

 

This isn’t something most men love doing, especially when they’re in their 20s, but taking care of your skin is the only way to make sure it stays fresh, healthy and young in the decades before you. Just because it’s impeccable at the moment doesn’t mean you’re not going to experience certain dermatological problems in the future, and you should do whatever you can to postpone them. And the way to do so is by applying proper skincare products in the morning and staying committed to realising this goal. From different moisturisers to aftershave balms, these are the things you should always keep in your medicine cabinet. Finally, don’t forget to get healthy serum for skin that’s going to make your skin appear significantly younger in a matter of days by feeding it helpful nutrients and hydrating ingredients.

Hit the gym

Now that you’re all full of energy and ready to start your day, what’s better than hitting the gym and working out before going to work? You don’t have to spend hours lifting weights, but a simple 30-minute session is going to be quite enough, especially if you manage to squeeze in three or four of these a week. Staying physically active is the best way to pump blood into your veins and stop being sleepy, so drag your body to the gym and start moving. Alternatively, you can go for a jog or ride a bike for 45 minutes, and you’ll be ready to conquer the world after that!

Listen to music

If you live alone or your family doesn’t mind you listening to loud music in the morning, you should try this idea as well. Play your favorite tunes, turn up the volume and start your day with a dose of positive energy blasting from the speakers. Anything from hard rock and hip-hop to techno and drum ’n’ bass will do the trick and slowly become an irreplaceable part of your morning routine. Music makes you feel better and helps you focus on what’s important in your life, and this is exactly what you need early in the morning.

Wake up on time

Speaking of early in the morning, waking up on time is the essential part of a great day. Managing to do a number of boring chores before having to go to work is essential if you want to feel productive, useful and active – the more you manage to do in the morning, the less you’ll have to deal with afterwards. That’s why getting up at the crack of dawn comes with a number of surprising benefits, giving you enough time for your morning routine and making your day longer, which means you’ll have more time for your family and friends.

Coming up with a perfect morning routine might seem hard at first, but it’s actually easier than you think – just focus on what makes you happy and start doing these things before heading to work, and you’ll be feeling better all day long.

5 Summer Grooming Tips for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

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.

Should You Shave Your Beard for an Interview?

Posted on by dansinnott

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.

A Cut Above: Dress to Impress in Any Interview

Posted on by dansinnott

 

Man in suit, what to wear for a job interview, job interview clothes man, man in navy suit, gentleman in navy suit, going for an interview

The pressure is on. You’ve found your dream job and landed yourself an interview. Your new task? Impress the interviewer and prove you are worthy of the role. Easy? Not so much.

Interviews are intimidating. You’re sat in front of people whose sole purpose is to judge you and your abilities. Unplanned questions, spontaneous testing, unfamiliar faces, indistinguishable rooms — the whole process is unpredictable. Preparation may be the key to excelling in an interview, but with so many uncertainties, it can feel like you’re entering a minefield.

Thankfully, there is one thing you have complete control over: your look. ‘Dress to impress’ or ‘dress for success’ may seem like tired cliches, but like all good cliches, they are grounded in fact.

Dress for success: the facts behind the cliche

First impressions are important. An average interview may last around 30-45 minutes, but your interviewer will have already made their initial judgements about you within the first seven seconds. It may sound unlikely or unfair, but it’s the way the human brain functions. We’re a visual species. Have you ever come across a dark alley and immediately made a detour? Or decided against buying that Gucci watch from a market stall? We all use visual appearance to make snap judgements.

Your interviewer is no different. They will base their first judgements on your immediate appearance. A dirty, ill-fitting suit suggests that you’re lazy and disorganised, whilst a sharp, tailored suit suggests that you’re smart, well put-together, successful — regardless of if this is true or not.

Remember: you only have one chance to make a first impression. The rest of your interview will be an opportunity for an interviewer to test their judgements. It’s far easier to reaffirm positive assumptions than to try and disprove negative ones. Don’t believe it? In a survey by Adecco, they found that 75% of hiring managers identified bad fashion choices as the top mistake made in interviews.

Fake it ‘til you make it: the lab coat effect

Would you feel more comforted by a doctor wearing a lab coat than a hoodie? Or feel more safe with a policeman in full gear instead of jeans and a t-shirt? You’re not alone. Studies conducted in the 20th century found that certain clothes inspire trust and faith in a person’s ability. Clearly, fashion informs our perceptions of intelligence, capability and reliability. But, did you know that your fashion choices can have the same positive effect on you?

A study at Northwestern University found that when people wore a lab coat, they performed better in science tests, and when donning an artist’s smock, became more creative. The conclusion? Our clothes change our perceptions of ourselves. If you dress like a boss, you’ll trick yourself into feeling like a boss. Asserting confidence and assurance is essential in an interview. So, try faking it ‘til you make it!

Interview clothes basics: 6 fail-safe fashion tips

Every interview is different. We no longer live in a time when a black suit is the only appropriate outfit to wear for an interview. Tech companies and start-ups have changed business fashion. So, it’s important to take the time to do the research and find out what the company’s dress code is.

Still, there are a few fail-safe tips that you can apply to any interview. Follow these six steps to give yourself the best chance of nailing your interview and getting your dream job:

 

  • A tailored suit is the only way: A poor-fitting suit is never a good look. If you’re buying your suit from a one-size-fits-all high street shop, chances are it doesn’t fit properly. You don’t have to go to a tailor or spend a fortune; there are cost-effective online tailors to check out. Invest in a suit that really fits and you’ll always look your best.
  • Breathable fabric: No-one blames you for getting flustered in an interview, but no-one wants to see sweat stains. Invest in a good shirt made from a breathable material like wool or cotton to keep those sweat patches at bay.
  • Colour code: Bright, garish colours belong on the beach, not at an interview. Keep it simple with neutral colours: white shirts, tanned shoes, understated trousers and jacket. Remember, you’re the main show, not that statement shirt.
  • Get grooming: No matter how dapper your suit or how polished your shoes, dirty nails and scruffy facial hair will leave a bad taste in the interviewers mouth. Before an interview, go for a haircut at a trusted barber, clean shave or tidy up your facial hair, cut and buffer your nails. It’s the small things that count.
  • Make it your own: Accessorise your outfits. You need to stand out from the crowd in an interview. Simple accessorising is the easiest way to do this. A smart tie, customised cufflinks or a leather watch will add a unique flourish to your look.

Stay calm and collected. Follow these steps and remember the rule: ‘dress for success’.

Anthony Horner is the director of Empire Outlet: a luxury menswear company that provides high-quality suits and accessories for affordable prices that will not break the bank. Empire Outlet operates online and serves customers around the world.

How much will your lads’ holiday cost?

Posted on by dansinnott

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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.

Sustainable Underwear, Tops and Socks for the Adventurous Man

Posted on by dansinnott

Sustainable Underwear, Tops and Socks for the Adventurous Man

Bluebuck is a bold new brand of sustainable men’s underwear, tops and socks. Made from premium organic cotton, each product is robust yet refined, just like its wearer.

Founded by Pierre David, a Frenchman living and working in London, the label combines the best of French style, British cool and a global sense of adventure. Bluebuck’s mission is to craft superior ecofriendly collections with a rugged, masculine sensibility.

Bluebuck, who?

BLUE speaks of the sky, the sea and the natural world as well as being a colour closely connected to purity, while the image of the antlered BUCK is one of raw masculinity. Bluebuck is a brand for the man who combines the rugged and the natural; who has a keen sense of environmental responsibility aligned with a strong sense of self.

Eco-friendly underwear with a lower carbon footprint

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 44

A Bluebuck man takes climate change seriously. He believes he can take action to minimize his impact on the planet. Bluebuck believe this too. So at every step of design and manufacturing process they ask themselves: ‘How can we minimize our
carbon footprint?’ Bluebuck is committed to producing a truly green product.

Clean renewable energy

Bluebuck pride themselves in selecting factories that use clean energy. By harnessing wind, sun and hydro-power, Bluebuck create products with minimum impact on the environment. In fact, 75% of the electricity used in their Austrain factory and 50% in their Portuguese factory come from renewable energy sources.

To add to the mix, they are also proud that 100% of the electricity used in their London office comes from renewable sources, supplied by Ecotricity.

Made in Europe

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 33

Unlike many brands that are ‘Made in Europe’, which usually simply refers to where the product is assembled, all components are produced in Europe. The fabric is knitted, then cut and assembled in Portugal using organic cotton sourced from Turkey. Even the finer details are produced in Europe: waistbands are made in Austria and the labels are created in Italy.

Once assembled, all products are moved by road, which produces around 75% less CO2 than fuel-guzzling planes.

Last longer. Waste less.

Bluebuck organic mens underwear 26

By design Bluebuck products are made to last longer, meaning less waste. They are extremely hard-wearing, durable and reliable.

Bluebuck select the very best materials available in order to ensure quality and durability. Fabrics longevity is also woven into the very design of Bluebuck products. Don’t subscribe to collections that fall in and out of fashion over the seasons. Bluebuck design all pour products in classic styles that remain stylish and timeless

The Nautical range of briefs and trunks is available in navy, white, pink, grey or ice blue with contrasting stripes. With 95% super soft organic cotton and 5% elastane, they’re kind to the skin and flexible enough to take on the most challenging of outdoor activities.

Like the Bluebuck? Shop here.

5 Bonding Activities for Men apart from Drinking

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

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.

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet

Posted on by dansinnott

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet

Trainers have vastly outpaced their original function, no pun intended. These days, the trainer has become an essential staple in any man’s wardrobe and has become the default casual footwear for men. From the continued loosening of the noose that is corporate dress standards to the expanding presence of fitness in our culture, the athletic sneaker is more popular than ever.

For this reason, any discerning gentleman will definitely feel that they need more than one pair of sneakers in their closet. After all, compared to traditional hard-sole footwear, the comfort and versatility of sneakers can hardly be beat as long as the situation allows for it. Feeling a bit clueless? No need to worry, check out our list of the five essential types of sneakers to own!

All-White Trainers

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The all-white sneaker is an absolute must. This classic representation of the sneaker is versatile, and if you have a truly high-end pair of all-white sneakers, you can even wear these with a suit (caveat: only if doing so is appropriate given the occasion!). The all-white sneaker isn’t just a fashion statement, but it’s a sensible one that can save you money, as you can pair these shoes with just about any outfit: dark jeans to light chinos –– even shorts.

The only downside with the all-white sneaker is the maintenance that it takes to keep them in mint condition. If you decide to add these to your wardrobe, it is encouraged that you also purchase a shoe cleaning kit. They’re not meant to last forever, but you can keep a pair of all white sneakers going for a number of years as long as you are for them properly.

Sneaker Boot

As paradoxical as it might sound, the beauty of sneaker technology isn’t relegated purely to sneakers themselves. In fact, one of the most valuable aspects of sneakers is how their arch-friendly soles and polyester top layers have been applied to other styles of shoes.

The sneaker boot is a great example of this. The hybrid sneaker boot takes the comfort and functionality of a sneaker and applies it to something infinitely more fashionable. High top design has always been a very desirable aspect in the more esoteric of fashion circles, and the sneaker boot takes the utilitarian aspect of sneakers to a whole new level of fashion. Any sneaker boot is sure to complete any smart casual ensemble.

The Running Shoe

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Whether you’re the type of guy who gets up and goes for a jog every morning before work, or you prefer to hit the gym after you clock out, a pair of quality, dependable running shoes is mandatory. The running shoe (or the “tennis shoe”) is a versatile pair of shoes that can not only serve you during your workouts, but when you’re helping a friend move a couch, taking a weekend trip to the hardware store, or doing yard work.

But real importance of running shoes is not necessarily what they do for you, but the break they give your other sneakers; you shouldn’t try to wear your go-to white sneakers to the gym, nor should you throw on sneaker boots to clean out the gutters. Your running shoes are the shoes that do the dirty work, so your other sneakers don’t have to.

Exotic Leather Sneaker

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Who says that sneakers have to only be casual? A pair of leather sneakers crafted from exotic animal skins can become the focal point of your outfit. These sneakers are ideal for a classy night out or a high profile event where traditional black or brown leather footwear just won’t cut it, stylistically speaking. In fact, several of these shoes are created to be specific for the occasion, from shoes that wouldn’t be out of place at a work event to shoes that you could wear out to any casual event.

This type of shoe combines the luxury of classical footwear with the comfort and functionality of modern footwear. These sneakers can address any man’s search to declare very bold and assertive aesthetics while retaining the reliability of the classic sneaker.

Slip-On Trainer

Anyone who’s ever stood in line at airport security knows the importance of a pair of slip-on shoes. No one wants to be that guy holding everyone up because he’s unlacing a pair of boots. Sometimes you really do just need a pair of shoes that have no laces whatsoever and can be slipped in and out of with ease. Such shoes are absolutely vital for travel, but also function well as a pair of house shoes as well as an easy alternative for any casual occasion.

In recent years, the slip-on sneaker has been more associated with skater culture, thanks to the advent of Vans skateboarding shoes, but make no mistake: these are must-have shoes for any guy, regardless of whether or not you skate. Once you discover the ease that they offer, you’ll try to wear them everywhere!

The Top Reasons a Vauxhall Grandland X should be your next car

Posted on by dansinnott

Vauxhall Grandland X, 4x4, SUV, Car in field, Car in front of Logs, New car

We recently had the privilege of working with Vauxhall when they sent us their brand new SUV and Life HaX tool, to put them through their paces in the modern world. Whilst the SUV may not spring to mind as a must have car in your twenties or thirties – we may have the answers that will change your mind.

The Grandland X

A crossover of ultimate proportion, the Grandland X is Vauxhall’s latest SUV model. Crossover by name, crossover by nature…for someone in his twenties, this car has all the sass that I’m looking for with city living, but could easily ‘cross-over’ into delivering something quite grand in the country.

The Grandland X represents the balance between the functional and emotional benefits of owning a car; it’s both a highly spec’d SUV, ideal for all kinds of family needs, as well an attractive and boldly styled car, adding a sense of ‘grandness’ to the driver’s lifestyle.

Vauxhall see the Grandland X as a car that reflects their adventurous personality – it’s primarily a lifestyle choice, though it has clear functional advantages. Yes, it’s a practical family car for your growing brood, but it’s also quite the toy for any singleton.

The Life HaX tool

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Whether you’re a single tech lover or a family man who needs something to help you focus with a car full of kids, the Life HaX tool marks the launch of the Grandland X, the new SUV that was designed with modern parents in mind and has seen Vauxhall Motors look into the ever-changing role of parents to understand what life hacks can help make their lives easier.

The resulting hand-held Life HaX tool helps multi-tasking parents so they can concentrate on enjoying adventures with their family;

  • Lego un-picker – to stop you breaking your fingernails trying to unpick your children’s Lego
  • Wide-angle lens attachment – for those all-important Instagram snaps
  • Macro lens attachment – for awesome close-up photography
  • Power bank – for when your phone runs out of battery on the move
  • iPhone pin – for removing the SIM from your phone
  • Torch – for when you can’t see under the sofa or the back of the boot to find your children’s lost toys
  • Stylus – to give that extra precision when drawing on your tablet
  • Knot un-picker – for when the kids get in a tangle
  • Screwdriver – because traditional household jobs haven’t gone away

With so many tools, ideally you need a bag to carry the Life HaX in. However, if you’re the head honcho of your brood, I imagine you’d have rucksacks or bags to be able to throw the tool in.

It’s greatest bonus for me was the phone charger!

The Reasons you should consider the GrandLand X and Life Hax Tool

A stylish steer

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The Grandland X looks as good as it feels to drive – it’s very easy admire its elegant lines, two-tone roof and big alloys. It’s a stand out vehicle when competing for attention in a multi-story car park.

You’ll notice that the new SUV for Vauxhall has taken a slightly different approach to the recognizable style of the brand, something I think brings it into the current era and boasts hope for the years to come.

Unbeatable tech

Boasting an on-board touchscreen, which in the 8-inch configuration tested (there’s also a 7in version) has crisp graphics and is both simple and responsive to operate.

As you’d expect these days it’s all fully connected, whether it’s via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, a simple USB lead or WiFi. The latter forms part of Vauxhall’s OnStar service, a call centre staffed by advisors who can book hotels or parking spaces for you before sending details to the satnav. Equally as useful, it will alert the emergency services if the car’s airbags are deployed.

A comfortable and spacious ride

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The Grandland X is certainly roomy enough to be taken seriously, as well as taller than the two-tone floating roofline might suggest. Its boot capacity is matches its competitors if not easily beats the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar challengers. What’s more, the space itself is easy to use thanks to a square shape, flat loading lip and a dual-height boot floor on all but the base model. The rear seats can be folded flat too, albeit only in a 60:40 split rather than the 40:20:40 of some rivals.

If you’ve got a big family, it may not be possible to transport everyone in one vehicle unless you drive an SUV. If there’s a darn sight more of you than some families, you need to get from point A to point B at the same time and all you own is a small vehicle, you’re going to have to make multiple trips or take multiple vehicles. One trip in a big SUV, and you’ve saved fuel, taken up less space in traffic and in the car park, and made maximum use of your resources.

The Grandland X has 1,652 litres of boot space, so you can fit all those bulky items safely away, without compromising the seating area.

Unstoppable safety features

Now, whether you’re a family man or one of life’s Casanova’s something you can agree on is road safety. From the first day of the seven-day trial we had with the Grandland X, we noticed it’s unrivaled amount of safety features. Vauxhall have emphasised the attention to safety that’s built into the new Grandland X. Driver Drowsiness Alert has been added to an already impressive array of safety features including collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.

The dashboard includes a speed restriction notification system, and easy to use control panel near the gear stick for quick access – the number of alerts really enhance the comfort of driving.

Not forgetting the adaptable Life HaX tool, which also plays a big part in controlling the vehicle and making the driver’s life easier.

The Grandland X has an excellent diesel to mileage ration! More cruising for your money!

Back in the old days (five or more years ago), many SUVs were inefficient diesel hogs. But now, there are most SUVs that are rated to achieve over 30 miles per gallon on the highway, still retaining the capacity and benefits of an SUV.

We worked out that the Grandland X 1.6-litre diesel is the best performer, which promises 70.6mpg in manual guise and 65.7mpg with an automatic gearbox.

That figure drops a bit if you pick the 2.0-litre version – that car is auto only and weighs in with a still reasonable 57.6mpg.

Road tax for 12 months is a very reasonable £140.00.

Your dog will love the Grandland X!

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This one is true — dogs do love SUVs. Ask any dog, and they’ll tell you. In fact, a few manufacturers have even put out dog-friendly editions of their SUVS, strictly to appeal to dogs (and dog owners). Ultimately, using a few accessories, like a pet barrier or pet carriers, you can turn your SUV’s cargo bay into a safe haven for your dogs during travel. It’s not safe to allow your dogs to roam freely through the cabin of your car — they may interfere with your operation of the vehicle, or worse, become dangerous projectiles in the event of a collision.

The stats

RRP: From £21,595

Dimensions: 4,477 mm L x 1,811 mm W x 1,630 mm H

Fuel economy: 51-71 mpg combined (44-60 city, 58-81 highway)

Towing capacity: 1,100 to 2,000 kg

Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder, 1.6 L 4-cylinder diesel, 2.0 L 4-cylinder diesel.

View the Vauxhall Grandland X and Life HaX tool, by hovering over the links.

Must Have Men’s Yoga Clothes Made Easy

Posted on by dansinnott

MUST HAVE MEN'S YOGA CLOTHES MADE EASY, Men’s Yoga, Yog clothes, Shorts, Stretch, Eco Friendly, Yoga for men

Men who are shifting to yoga from their regular fitness routines tend to think that their baggy sweats will work just as well in their yoga workouts. While this may hold true in some cases, they are typically not suitable for yoga because the material is either not stretchable or breathable enough.

When it comes to men’s yoga clothing, two things should be kept in mind: they should be able to absorb sweat (to prevent sweat from dripping onto the mat) and they should allow enough room for movement to let you do a wide variety of yoga poses.

While you might see a lot of men sporting shorts in yoga class, there is a reason for yoga pants. In yoga, whether it’s hot or not, pants work to absorb the sweat, so when you get into an arm balance, you can hold it for longer without the sweat on your knees or legs causing your arms to slide off of them. And besides absorbing your perspiration, they also keep you covered when you are in the most vulnerable positions.

Yoga pants are meant to be comfortable, efficient at absorbing sweat, lightweight, and functional. This means the fabrics used need to provide stretch, while the design must permit you to get in and out of the poses with ease—to the point where you don’t even realize you have them on.

Surely, people have different tastes and needs when it comes to yoga. Some want a pair that can go from class to a cafe. Others would like the pant to absorb sweat like no other.

What you wear is important!

You can choose to wear shorts, pants, or cropped pants for bottoms, depending on your preference, or the type of yogic practice you will be doing. Those doing Bikram or Hot yoga may want to go for shorts to allow heat to escape the body faster, since you will be doing breathing exercises and asanas in a heated room. Typically though, men wear long or cropped pants for doing yoga. Cropped hemp pants tend to have wide-legged seams, which is not that recommended for beginners, especially if they decide to do faster paced styles of yoga.

If you decide to wear shorts to your yoga sessions, do everyone a favour and choose a pair that is sweat absorbent AND fits just right. You wouldn’t want to have any incidents of “indecent exposure” while you’re bending over and doing all types of lower body stretches. Pants can be made of any of the following materials: cotton, a combination of cotton and lycra, hemp, and other organic materials. Organic yoga clothing has gotten quite a following because one mantra of the yoga tradition is respect for all forms of life, and it helps capture that feeling of being close to nature.

Here are two of our top pics from leading eco-friendly activewear brand OHMME.

Yoga Bottoms

MUST HAVE MEN'S YOGA CLOTHES MADE EASY, Men’s Yoga, Yog clothes, Shorts, Stretch, Eco Friendly, Yoga for men

The DHARMA-GRAPHITE PANTS have no restrictions, improved grip, perfectly fitted, no sweat patches.

Like the classic Dharma, these pants are designed for comfort in your yoga practice. Our yoga pants for men do not bunch up and give you excellent support. Whether rolled up at a 3/4 length for a tighter feel or rolled down to contain your body heat during practice. Giving you grip during balances and twists, these pants offer you excellent mobility thanks to the sturdy stretchy material, strong seams, and the reinforced gusset panel around the crotch.

This strong polyester jersey is resistant, elastic, and feels great to the touch. And because of the fabric’s low level of absorption, sweat simply evaporates. Fast drying and wrinkle resistant, this sweat wicking garment will keep its shape. Its fast-drying properties allow these pants to evaporate sweat quickly and are really easy to care for. Looking for something full-length and lightweight but with even more space to move? These guys are your match!

Yoga Shorts

MUST HAVE MEN'S YOGA CLOTHES MADE EASY, Men’s Yoga, Yog clothes, Shorts, Stretch, Eco Friendly, Yoga for men

2-DOGS LINEN SUPPORT SHORTS are stretchy and silky, lined with a soft compression layer for total freedom of motion.

With an integrated and snug underlayer, the 2-Dogs Yoga Shorts for men provides complete flexibility. The material is stretchy and the cut is fitted with an extra panel from the crotch all the way down the inside of the leg, removing the strain from the seams and keeping your shorts in place for maximum body mobility. Keeping you comfortable and covered in all your poses and movements.

Their tight but stretchy fit allows for excellent blood flow.

2-Dogs are made for all body shapes and types of workout allowing you to focus on your practice and forget about what you are wearing.

Primarily designed for demanding hot yoga classes and animal flow practice, the 2-Dogs Yoga Shorts are made from a resistant, silk-like polyester jersey with a soft touch and durable elasticity. With sweat-wicking, fast-drying, and wrinkle-resistant properties these shorts are perfect for your active life.

Yoga Tops

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Basically, men can choose to wear either a t-shirt or a sleeveless top (sando or singlet) when practising yoga. Going topless, though allowed by some instructors and studios, is not really that advisable because it increases the possibility of soaking your mat in sweat. Different materials are used for making men’s yoga clothing tops, although cotton is still the most popular choice because of its sweat absorbing capacity and its light weight.

OHMME is an eco-friendly men’s activewear brand. The clothes have been made in the eco-friendliest way, and designed for movement. They feature all the sweat-wicking features required of men’s active wear by using GREEN DEFENCE in place of heavy metals, which can be toxic both to the environment and to the wearers skin.