Mens Fashion

Slip Inside A Pair Of BOX Briefs

Posted on by dansinnott

Man in white briefs, man in underwear, underwear, briefs, man in white pants, hot guy in pants

We know that wearing briefs keeps everything tucked away and gives full support, unlike a pair of boxers which make you feel a little freer. That’s why at BOX they stock a simple yet supportive style of briefs, fit for everyman’s wardrobe.

Briefs are an underwear classic, they’re high up the leg with a classic look that epitomize underwear, they’re best used when wearing slightly tighter fitting clothing and help to keep everything in place and secure. A standard go-to style for underwear, they cover your entire backside and package, leaving your upper thighs and leg exposed, making them comfortable with almost anything.  Whether its for everyday dressing or physical activities such as sports, briefs help to keep everything in check, whilst still remaining comfortable.

BOX briefs follow the same formula. Created using the softest Cotton and combined with a elasticated waist, branded with the distinctive BOX logo, these sleek, supportive and frankly quite sexy briefs belong in your wardrobe. Experience comfort and style, moulded into the perfect brief with BOX Briefs, available in both white and black for simple yet effective style.

Anybody can be a BOX boy and with the varied sizes ranging from Small to X-Large there’s something for every package. So why not slip yourself into a pair, feel comfortable and send them a selfie of you in your BOX!

BOX are a hot topic many celebs as we speak!

Top Tips To Look After Your BOX Briefs:

When Washing, use a cool wash to ensure the material does not shrink and the material stays soft and comfortable.

Stop the wear and tear of your briefs by turning them inside out when washing and drying. This reduces pilling which contributes to dulling of the fabric and when drying, stops the sun zapping colour right out of the material.

Washing too often can cause wear and tear, and do not mix colours with whites. This will help to keep the full colour in the material.

Take a look at some of the BOX boys showing off their briefs below.

Man in white briefs, man in underwear, underwear, briefs, man in white pants, hot guy in pants

Man in white briefs, man in underwear, underwear, briefs, man in white pants, hot guy in pants

Man in white briefs, man in underwear, underwear, briefs, man in white pants, hot guy in pants

Man in white briefs, man in underwear, underwear, briefs, man in white pants, hot guy in pants

As always, you can find more about BOX briefs by visiting their website, and view and purchase more underwear collections on the product pages. For more sexy images and stories from BOX and the boys, you can read more of of blogs and check out more of the boys here.

Introducing: 17 London

Posted on by dansinnott

17 London Header

17 London is a brand new streetwear brand based in the UK. Its style draws on influences from both the past and present as well as social media culture.

The brand provides high quality garments at accessible prices to young millenials, allowing wearers to express themselves while wearing the brand.

Established by a creative collective, 17 London will be collaborating with up and coming, as well as established artists and designers to create exciting injection ranges to compliment its current range of dark monochromatic and graphic t-shirts, tracksuits and caps.

The attention to detail and quality put into each garment mean 17 London will suit any wardrobe for easy wearing with no boundaries.

The brand is available online and is launching in a number of high street retailers in the coming months. Already worn by some of the UK’s leading musicians as well as sports stars from the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal FC, 17 London aims to leave a major imprint on the streetwear market and fashion industry as a whole, this year and beyond.

17 London is available now from 17london.co.uk and is coming soon to a number of high street retailers.

Already gaining notability across social media and in some social circles, we tip the brand to be a hit in the last  half of 2017.

Pre-launch, take an exclusive look at their range below.

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

17 London 6

17 London 7

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

High Street Gent - 17 London Pre-launch Clothing Showcase

Keep up to date with the brand via 17 London.

5 Tips for wearing a snapback

Posted on by dansinnott

Man at a festival wearing sunglasses and a snapback with blue sky and music

The snapback has been round since the 1950s, but in the hip hop boom of the 1990s, they became known as an urban piece of street wear. A snapback can be worn in several styles – either with the brim upward, down or backwards.

Now an important thing to note about snapbacks, is that you run the risk of being a ‘poser’, so confidence is key when wearing one. When combined with this, the style really begins to take shape. A snapback can be combined with a simple t-shirt and jacket combo, and in this look just feels like the right way to wear it (especially with shades in the summer).

Of course, a snapback can almost be ‘accented’ – if you want people’s attention to be drawn towards it. You can choose to wear one with a vest and shorts, if you want a bold, yet simple look.

Below, we take a look at 5 tips for wearing a snapback with brand new head wear company Leodis Headwear. Leodis Headwear hope they have you sorted for ideas on how to add more to your look. A hat is something that can make an already great outfit, stand out more. So check out their tips and stock, try some on, and see how you can reinvent your look.

Top Tips

Two black snapback caps for men on a black background

1. Know How Snapbacks Are Sized

Snapbacks are typically classified as “one size fits all” or “one size fits most” because they have the adjustable band on the back. This is universal for men and women. The band, however, only allows for about 1.5 inches of adjustability. One-size-fits-all caps typically fit heads between 22 and 23.5 inches in circumference. This range includes fitted hat sizes of 7 to 7.5. Those who wear size medium hats should find that a snapback fits fine. If small hats tend to be loose or large hats tend to be tight, then a snapback might prove to be ill fitting. Shoppers should also pay attention to the snapback’s shaping. Some are fitted while others are boxy.

2. Choose a Snapback Style

Choosing a snapback style relies solely on the wearer’s individual taste. There are several styles out there, from casual and classic to hip-hop or sporty snapbacks. There is no wrong way or right way to wear a snapback as long as it reflects the wearer’s personality. The style is determined largely by the hat’s colour and embellishments. Hats with sports emblems and slogans are plentiful, but brand logos are the most popular choice.

How to Wear Different Snapback Styles

Some snapbacks lend themselves to certain styles. For example, a grey snapback with a Chicago Bulls logo is perfect for achieving a sporty style, while a pink camo snapback makes for a great female urban look. How the hat is placed on the head and how the hair is worn also play a part in achieving a certain style.

How a user decides to wear a snapback is entirely up to him or her. There are no rules, only changing trends. Snapbacks are constructed very similarly, so it is possible to achieve a different look with the same hat by wearing it a certain way.

Two men's caps on a table

3. Colour Coordinate

A snapback is an extension of an outfit, so it should color coordinate. Snapbacks come in so many colours that it is not difficult to find a hat in a spot-on matching hue. The snapback does not need to be an exact match, though. A snapback can serve as a bright pop of colour against neutral clothing. If the snapback has a sporty look with bright team colours, then it should go along with an equally sporty outfit. If a snapback is made from glossy vinyl fabric, it should go with a trendy urban outfit.

4. Properly Adjust and Position the Snapback

A snapback always looks good front-facing and placed squarely on the head. This is the classic way to wear the hat. Pull the brim upward on the head for a casual, friendly look. Pull the brim downward over the forehead for an off-putting vibe. Some people choose to wear the hat sideways or backwards, with the brim either tilted up or down, depending on their preference.

5. Play with Different Hairstyles

One of the best hairstyles to wear with a snapback is no hair at all. A bald or closely shaven head makes a great fit for the snapback style, but any hairstyle works. Snapbacks go perfectly with short hair. If hair is longer, wearers generally try to keep the hair from puffing outward from the sides of the hat, so tucking excess hair behind
the ears eliminates that problem.

Shop Leodis Headwear here…

About Leodis Headwear

Two black snapback caps for men on a black background

The birth of the brand Leodis Headwear was born out of a desire to have something a little bit different. The fundamental goal is to create original designs that break the mould when it comes to all things headwear. Their love of hats is what inspired the inception and you can be certain that every inch of care and creativity is used in every single design.

Designs

Both of the first two designs, as well as the brand name come out of immense pride of the
city in which it was founded…Leeds. The name actually dates back as early as Anglo-Saxon
times and was the original name for the city of Leeds. The owl is a bit of an emblem of Leeds so combining the two just happened naturally as part of the design process.

Next steps

Late 2016 was spent getting everything in place…making sure the website was up and
running and getting the first range together. This coming year will be focused on expanding the range of hats that Leodis offer, working with stockists to get products out in the retail space and maybe even looking at a kids range. There has been some really good feedback so far and the hats have turned out even better than had been anticipated. In addition, there are ongoing discussions with gamers, sports teams and others about how we can collaborate in a way that compliments how we wish to grow the brand, and help them achieve their own aims.

The chaps have been very kind and are giving you a discount code ‘GENT15’ so you can get a 15% discount.

Shop Leodis Headwear  here…

The best damn guide: t-shirts

Posted on by dansinnott

tshirt-guide-web-header

Is there anything more versatile than a T-shirt?

Jeans, maybe. But, like shopping for denim, finding a tee that fits just so is a task nothing short of Herculean. Faced with rails, shelves and product pages heaving with a mind-bending array of fits, fabrics and finishes, it’s alarming how fast something that should be straightforward turns into a full-blown identity crisis. After all, one man’s perfect T-shirt is another man’s practically unwearable.

Well we think we may have found the answer! The chaps at MrShaw75 have just made life easier for you gents!

Look through any man’s wardrobe. No matter his style or size, all men have one thing in common. They all wear T-shirts. But is a T-shirt really just a T-shirt? Not every plain, white tee is exactly the same, and while seemingly every brand offers one, how do you really know which to buy? It’s easy to choose the perfect T-shirt, once you know the basics of this basic.

Not only are we fans of MrShaw75 because there are local lads (it just makes us a little biased) they have a cracking range of tees, suitable for any occasion, and made to perfection.

“But, how do I know what’s right for me” we hear you holla…well alongside MrShaw75, we’ve compiled some fail-safe tips for finding your glove fit – from the length that keeps your midriff under wraps to the colours that complement the rest of your rotation.

(Crew) Neck It

classis-crew-t-shirt

Obviously there’s more to T-shirts than the classic crew neck. But we’d wager that nine times out of ten a time-honoured crew neck trumps the neck-elongating, cleavage-baring weirdness of a V-neck. Unless of course your name’s Danny and you split your time between supersets, spray tans and taking excessively hash-tagged selfies. In which case, we’re sorry, but you’re too far gone.

A well-fitting crew neck frames most necks, chests and sets of shoulders far better than a V-, scoop or boat neck; there are, of course, exceptions to every rule but that is most definitely the rule.

A Fighting Fit

green-colour-tshirt

Born as an undershirt with the sole purpose of soaking up sweat, the T-shirt has come a long way from its humble origins. The way it should ideally fit, though, remains much the same.

The fit of a T-shirt is really important when picking the perfect one. And trust us, fits vary. Currently an over-sized block is on-trend for the season but ultimately I would choose something you are comfortable in. A T-shirt that sits nicely against your torso is a staple for your wardrobe.

So what exactly does “sits nicely” look like?

In theory, a T-shirt should highlight the part(s) of your upper body you’re happy with, without drawing attention to the part(s) that are still very much a work in progress. Which means:

  • Your tee should strike a balance between fitted and skin-tight; err too baggy and you’re doing yourself no favours-slash-maybe wearing a nightgown? Steer too tight, though, and you’re – depending on your build – either a) a dead ringer for someone who’s just walked off a porn set, or b) The Simpsons’ Comic Book Guy. Not ideal. There’s no hard and fast rule apart from that the perfect-fitting tee sits as close to your body as possible without stretching.
  • The length of your tee shouldn’t sit any higher than the top of your hips, nor finish below them; this will ensure you can raise your hand without turning your tee into a crop top.
  • Sleeves (whether rolled or regular) should hit around the halfway point on your upper arm, neither billowing nor bracing. Unless you’ve got exceptionally long arms, in which case you can get away with sleeves that fall about an inch further.
  • Shoulder seams (i.e. the point where the sleeves of your tee meet its body) should ideally align with the point where the curve of your shoulder ends.

Material Concerns

White t-shirt in wrapper - MrShaw1975

Now you know how the ideal tee fits, it’s worth talking the stuff it should be made of too:
In the search for the perfect T-shirt, the first point of consideration should be the fabric, as this is fundamentally the building blocks of the garment.

Poly-cotton or fully synthetic materials work well to wick away moisture and retain their shape, thus earning their place in your workout wardrobe, but 100 per cent cotton tees invariably look and feel better for anything that’s not exercise.

Men go wrong, mistaking a tee’s thickness for its quality. The opposite is, in fact, true, with the highest quality cottons – mercerised, combed, ring-spun, pima, supima and Egyptian, for example – being lighter, thinner, durable and more lustrous.

While it’s true that you’ll want a certain degree of thickness to wear your tee as easily with tailoring as a pair of jeans (lighter, sheerer styles serve you best at the beach rather than the bar), too-thick tees often don’t drape as well as their welterweight brothers.

In summary, swerve synthetics in favour of superior quality cottons, making sure your tee’s fabric is light enough to sit well and feel comfortable, without coming up Ricky Martin levels of sheer.

Colour

Three men in white, green and black t-shirts for highstreetgent

Key to upholding your T-shirt’s status as the workhorse of your wardrobe is buying one in the right colour. And by ‘right’, we mean versatile, enabling you to wear your tee with as much as your wardrobe as possible.

White

White is iconic. Worn by the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando – the men who first gave the tee the unfussy appeal it retains today – the white T-shirt works with all skin tones and sits well against pretty much every other colour you’ll want to wear it with.

Grey

Grey, especially grey marl, comes a close second, gelling well with most other hues and capable of bridging the smart-casual gap.

It’s not, however, one for the prolifically sweaty, as its colour draws a lot of attention to moisture stains. You’ve been warned.

Black

Not, for most, as versatile as white or grey, a classic black tee still deserves a slot in your rotation – whether for finely tuning your rock-infused ensembles or giving things a slight Beatnik bent. Also a staple for head-to-toe monochrome getups.

Colour

Finally, bring some colour to the table without sacrificing styling potential. Particularly good for teaming with tailoring or an all-blue tonal approach to your off-duty wear.

Everything else is fair game for experimentation, but know that bright yellow and lilac probably won’t cut it as the cornerstone of your wardrobe. That said, if you’re going to dip your toe in the technicolour, a tee is a much more sensible access path than a pair of trousers or a suit.

Prints

c-stand_tee

So we’ve already told you that MrShaw75 is a local brand and if you head over to their website, you’ll see that their entire range is influenced by the city in which they work and play: Derby. With this in mind, the prints on the tees can be explained below.

We spoke to Director and designer Karl Shaw, and he told us: “The clothing brand has evolved from a philosophy. I describe it as Influence and Pride; Influence others, and Pride in what you do. Heritage and respect are important factors too. Old fashioned values in a modern, diverse world, hence the name ‘Mr Shaw’ rather than just ’Shaw’ – a kind of gentlemanly touch.”

“The ’S’ Icon has been carefully considered, and is a combination of Form and Function.
The form is obviously from the ’Shaw’ name but the design has more meaning and depth than just a memorable shape.

“It is designed to appeal to all ages, so youth, middle and old age are represented by the 3 lines that form the letter shape.”

One of our favourite tee’s is the Derby County FC Retro tee (sorry, not sorry if you’re a Notts Forest fan reading this). The cleverly designed images reference retro DCFC Legends, the stadium C-Stand, The BBG and The Pride.

So I guess, all we’re saying is, when it comes to prints on your tee, make it personal, be proud and show what you believe in. It’s far more hard hitting!

Final Word

Has this guide tied up all your tee-related concerns? Or is there still ground to be covered? This brand is top dog, when it comes to what you’re looking for tees. What’s even better is, Mr Shaw75 currently have 40% off selected lines until the end of January 2017 – if that’s not worth checking out, we don’t know what is!

Shop MrShaw75 here.

Do’s and don’ts of office Christmas Party Outfits for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

Dos and don’ts of office Christmas party outfits for men

The Christmas party season is well and truly under way, however if you’re yet to attend your office party then be sure to follow this list of dos and don’ts so you aren’t left making fashion mistakes you’ll be regretting all the way into 2017.

DON’T forget the weather

As cold as it gets during the day, evenings tend to get even colder so be sure to layer up. The perfect way to go about it is with a smart coat which you can remove once inside and throw back on when it’s time to leave and brave the wintery chill.

DO find out the dress code

Make sure you’re aware of what the actual dress code is. In most cases it’ll be smart-casual but you’re better off playing it safe and finding out – the last thing you want is to turn up in jeans to a smart do. Ask around and get an idea of what others are wearing or what people wore last year, this should give you a better idea of what look to go for.

DON’T wear your work suit

This is one of the main things to avoid – whatever you do don’t wear one of the suits you regularly wear to work. You’ll only look like you haven’t made any effort and it probably won’t make the best way of ending the year. If you’re out of ideas for clothes try switching up your work trousers for jeans to at least add a bit personality to your look.

DO try velvettailors

You might not have considered velvet but it’s certainly a material which can work very well when used in moderation and it’s texture has a festive feel to it. Throw on a velvet blazer in black or burgundy to create a sharp look (as long as it fits well) that will have you standing out amongst the Christmas party crowd.

DON’T opt for novelty items

Office parties tend to involve smart casual looks so steer clear of overtly Christmas themed clothing. While Santa hats and light up sweaters are great fun during the festive period, they’re sure to look out of place at the Christmas party. If you’re really wanting to add some festive cheer to your look then opt for something which isn’t as prominent such as Christmas socks.

DO make sure your clothes are well fitted

The type of clothing you wear is one thing, however there aren’t many items of clothing which will still look good if they aren’t well fitted. You’ll need everything from your shirt, to your blazer, to your jeans to sit just right if you want to look your very best.

This article was originally written by thebusinessdek and can be seen also here.

 

 

Autumn Look Book 2016

Posted on by dansinnott

Autumn is quite possibly one of our favourite months for style. You’re not limited when it comes to layers, you can go colour crazy, because lets face it, outside is the same. So, although the weather may not know what it’s doing, we can when it comes to dressing appropriately this season.

Here are our top looks for various occasions this Autumn/Winter at highstreetgent.com.

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autumn-look-book

autumn-look-book-2

If you’d like to know where any of the above items are from, head over to our Twitter / Facebook / Instagram pages to find out more. Or, simply drop us an email: dan@highstreetgent.com.

Underwear: Support During Sport

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

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.

Top Tips for choosing the right watch

Posted on by dansinnott

minster-1949-header

Maybe you’re starting a new career and you want to look professional and confident – a well-dressed man.

Maybe you’re going on a first date and you want to make a good impression.

Whatever your current situation is, it’s always in your best interest to dress for success.

There’s no denying that the first impression others form about you is largely influenced by your clothes and your accessories. And one of the few men’s fashion accessories that allows you to express your personality is the wrist watch.

The watch you wear does more than just tell time. It also tells people a little about you.

You don’t want your wrist watch to be distracting. You simply want to look nice and make a good first impression. That’s all.

Here are some of our top tips to help you choose the right watch:

Choose a reputable brand

You don’t want to wear a cheap generic watch. You should stick to dress watches from reliable brands like Minster 1949 (we’re going to introduce you to them a bit further down…it’s an introduction you’ll enjoy.)

The likelihood of you having to replace your watch frequently if it’s cheaper is high, however, splash out a little, treat yourself or ask for a cracking watch as a gift and you’ll go the distance.

Choose a conservative dress watch design

Generally speaking, you want to avoid flashy watches.

Professional offices (and job interviews) are usually no “bling” zones. You don’t want your watch to take the focus off of you and your credentials.

A casual watch or sport watch — that would be perfectly appropriate for a night on the town — may not be your best choice for work in a professional setting or a job interview.

For example, if you’re wearing your best conservative suit, then you’ll want to wear a conservative dress watch to match.

Choose a watch with a reasonably sized casing

For a conservative yet classy men’s watches, you’ll want one that is 37 to 42 millimeters in diameter and approximately less than 15 millimeters thick.

(Luckily, you will find basic watch case measurements with all watches.)

You also want a watch that easily fits under the cuff of a long sleeved dress shirt.

Colour co-ordinate your watch with your clothing and accessories

If your watch has a brown strap, then you should wear a brown belt and brown shoes.

A black strap or silver bracelet style watch band would go best with a black belt and black shoes.

If your watch has gold tones, then you’ll want gold tones in your belt buckle.

If you’re wearing a blue suit, you may even want to try a watch with a blue background on the dial.

A 57 millimeter case and 25 millimeter thick watch case would be totally inappropriate unless you’re interviewing for a DJ position at a night club.

Don’t overwhelm people with an overly expensive watch

…I think that speaks for itself.

Consider if you’re going on a first date – how do you want to come across, the flash git who’s going to splash his cash, or the reserved gent with an understated confidence and pride? Your choice fellas, we don’t judge here.

With a big flashy watch you may also risk baiting yourself out for the easiest of muggings!

minster-handmaking

The Minster Watch brand has been producing hand made British timepieces since 1949. Reborn with modern materials and manufacturing techniques, vintage inspired styling and a thoroughly British heritage, the Minster 1949 range defines the new face of British made watches for the modern era.

Assembled in workshops in Halifax, UK, Minster 1949 marks the rebirth of watch manufacture in Yorkshire. Truly British made for the modern British market.

To highlight the commitment to quality and understated excellence in manufacture and design, all Minster 1949 watches are assembled with their custom designed movement holder. Instead of the normal plastic movement holder which secures most quartz movements in the rear of the case; they have designed and manufactured a stainless steel movement holder, engraved and jewelled with the Minster 1949 shield, to add hidden kudos to the product. The assemblers signature is also added to the inside of the case, a hallmark of the pride in their brand.

The five families of watches are named after and inspired by English country estates which fell into disuse during the 1940’s and 1950’s, which is reflected in the design language of the line, unashamedly vintage and authentic.

All Minster 1949 watches are presented in a uniquely designed wooden box, have a standard 3 year guarantee, a brand booklet, warranty and authenticity card.

Minster 1949’s family of watches are inspired by British Country Estates which fell into disuse in the 1940’s and 1950’s and are unashamedly British..

  1. The Burlingham, Minster Reissued
  2. The Bradnor, Minster Redefined
  3. The Crofton, Minster Restated
  4. The Fryston, Minster Realigned
  5. The Boyland, Minster Retold

BURLINGHAM

 

The Burlingham, Minster Reissued. To celebrate the re-launch of Minster 1949 and the emergence of a new generation of British watch manufacture, we have remade one of our iconic 1950’s styles as The Burlingham, Minster Reissued. The case is unique as a copy of the original Minster watch using solid casting for the bars and lugs instead of the normal spring bar construction. A pull trough NATO style leather strap completes the vintage feel of this very individual watch. Understated and iconic. The Burlingham represents everything we want to embody in our British watch collection; inspired in the past, translated for the present, desired for the future.

CROFTON

The Crofton, Minster Redefined. A dress watch redefined for the modern British market. Manufactured in Halifax, worn with pride. The Crofton boasts executions in vintage leather and steel bracelets, mineral glass and the iconic Minster 1949 red cabochon crown; our signature to denote a genuine Minster 1949 product.

BOYLAND

 

The Boyland, Minster Restated. A vintage product in the finest Minster 1949 tradition. The Boyland features mineral glass, super-luminous markers, a truly iconic dial and the Minster 1949 signature over-sized crown. Slightly smaller than our other styles, Boyland harks back to the design language of the 1930’s with red and black numerals on the dial and applied details. Simply, vintage styled with the confidence and sophistication embodying the Minster 1949 ethos.

BRADNOR

The Bradnor, Minster Realigned. Minster 1949 take on a classic pilot’s watch. Over-sized cases in several plating executions combine with contrasting dials featuring applied details. Bradnor is bold and confident featuring our over-sized signature Minster 1949 crown and riveted strap to create a modern realignment of the pilot watch. A modern and authentic take on the 1930’s pilot watch.

FRYSTON

The Fryston. Minster Retold. Minster’s take on retelling the Spitfire story. Over-sized 47mm case, with functional rotating inner chapter ring, vintage strap and functional screws holding in the bezel. The Fryston captures the spirit, rugged functionality and style associated with the 1940’s when Minster was born. Its a story teller on your wrist and a true statement of individuality and pride. Minster 1949 is proud to celebrate the heritage and sacrifice embodied in the spirit of the spitfire by donating £10 for every Fryston sold to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Minster 1949 is a true British brand. The branding and ranges they create are something to gasp at. We were lucky enough to see a few of their watches up-close-and-personal, and believe us, they’re special.

We’ve received many compliments about our wrist attire, and this is thanks to each handmade piece, crafted so beautifully.

If you fancy a further browse of the Minster Watch Group ranges, please check out their stock-list.

 

What does your shirt say about you?

Posted on by dansinnott

The shirt is a key part of any man’s inventory. You probably own at least two (one smart, one casual) and wear them on both a formal and casual basis. Whether heading down the pub in a casual check or an Oxford blue shirt under your blazer for work, this piece of clothing will always be a fail-safe staple. But what does this vital piece of your wardrobe say about you?

Alongside Tophat London, we’re going to take a look at what your shirt says about you and give you a few pointers as to whether your wearing your shirt in the right situation, and what your shirt could say about it. It’s something we should all think about!

You wouldn’t rock up to a corporate job interview in your Hawaiian holiday shirt would you? NO!

Here goes, here’s a generalisation of the basic shirt types, and what your choice could say about you…

tophat-bag

The Casual Shirt

Perfect for throwing on over a t-shirt at the weekend or worn with jeans on a country walk, the casual check (sometimes known as the Lumberjack shirt) says someone who enjoys adding a bit of colour without going over the top. He wants to look good without too much hassle and wants to come across as laid back and friendly. Since the check shirt is so versatile, it allows him to show off his creativity effortlessly. Teamed with vintage wash or black jeans, a pair of plimsolls under a lightweight jacket or over a t-shirt with winter boots and regular fit blue jeans, he has made the check shirt an essential part of his wardrobe.

The Oxford Shirt

An everyday smart casual classic worn by a man who likes to look good effortlessly. Usually worn with chinos and loafers or a tie and blazer, the Oxford shirt can never be classified as scruffy. It’s dare we say it ‘refined’ – which pretty much sums up the person wearing it. The style may be formal but the choice of a thicker fabric, softer collar and less fitted style give the Oxford shirt a more relaxed feel. Even so, when worn with rolled-up sleeves and untucked, he cuts a fine figure in an Oxford shirt.

The Formal Shirt

Elegant and sharp, the formal shirt has been adopted by those who want to look professional whatever the occasion. A classic white formal shirt is a blank canvas to many a work wardrobe. Whether teamed with a tie and cufflinks or worn under a suit, he takes pride in his appearance and wants to be ready for the boardroom. The wearer could either work in an industry that requires formality or simply enjoys the art of dressing smart. And with a choice of many collars and cuffs (see the anatomy of a shirt) and ways to wear the formal shirt who can blame him?

The Button-Down Collar Shirt

Initially introduced by polo players in the late 19th century to keep the collars out of their face during competition, the button-down collar shirt is a mix between sporty and formal. It’s a less dressy shirt collar and is usually worn with a blazer or sports jacket. Whether worn out on the town with black jeans and a black bomber jacket or under a crew neck jumper, the button-down collar indicates someone who likes to look smart but not too formal.

The Short Sleeve Shirt

Short sleeve shirts may have had a bad rap in the past but now they back as an essential staple in every man’s wardrobe. They can look impeccably smart when teamed with dark denim or more casual thrown over a plain t-shirt. You may not even know that someone is wearing a short sleeve shirt if it’s teamed with a blazer. The short sleeve shirt wearer is not afraid to try new things and he’s pragmatic in his approach to style, mixing up his smart and casual wardrobe when the temperature rises.

What does your white shirt suggest?

So we’ve discussed the pinnacle styles, but what does colour say? As we’re working alongside tophatlondon.com and they have some cracking white shirts, with immaculate detailing, we thought we’d consider what  a white shirt may say about you…

For the most part, dressing appropriately is not encouraged, but compulsory. Wearing the appropriate clothes means wearing the right shirt colour, too. And by putting on the right style and shade you’re showing not only your respect for the occasion but also your mood and feelings, as well. So, accepting this to be true, what effect will a white shirt have on the mind of the wearer and the people around them?

White, just like black, is not a colour in the technical sense but rather a neutral medium. Much like the forces of good and evil, white and its natural opponent, black, have been at odds since the dawn of fashion history. While for most guys their first dress shirt is white, black currently enjoys a greater popularity according to survey results (chalk it up to the pessimistic ethos of our time, perhaps).

But, as most of us know, white is traditionally worn by good men as a badge of virtue and innocence. So, wearing one during that first meet-the-parents moment would be a good idea and surely create a wholesome impressions from your future in-laws. No matter how wicked you feel/are deep down, wearing a white dress shirt will definitely exude an aura of goodness in you.

White is one of the few colours that can be worn at any occasion, as long as you maintain its brightness and whiteness at a consistent level since this shade also shows everything in terms of stain, spots and dirt, so it’s quite difficult to wear without developing a sense of paranoia about dirty hands and dripping sandwiches. Yet, if you can keep yourself clean, white is the perfect colour for any man shooting for spotless look.

So if you’re looking for a stunning shirt that you can style in several occasions, you definitely need to pop along over to Tophat London. Take a look at their ranges of shirts here. We guarantee you’ll be buttoned up, ship shape and sharp in no time.

Remember: Think about your shirt and why your wearing it, is it right for the occasion?

Why are we the most stylist in world?

Posted on by dansinnott

Well Dressed Man putting his wrist watch

Quietly and without fuss, British men have become the most stylish in the world.

From our unrivalled tailoring heritage to our intuitive ability to draw on eclectic styles from elsewhere, to the fact that London is now the hub of the global menswear industry, men in Britain have never looked better.

So allow us to do a most un-British thing for a moment and blow our own trumpet, with these 8 style rules we can learn from, well, ourselves…

Less is more: A simple one this, but an important one. Look at any stylish man and you’ll notice that his outfit is actually very simple – he’s just made it look more impressive by focusing on cut, fabric and detail. Though this is a universal style truth, it’s particularly prevalent among the British. Bill Nighy, for instance, only wears navy and believes tailoring should be just that, tailored – what’s more, he wears the same pair of black rectangular Cutler & Gross spectacles every day, meaning that he permanently looks unfailingly elegant, smart and like someone you’d really quite like to be.

Tailored Items: Suits come naturally to us Brits – but that doesn’t mean we should wear them all the time. The key to keeping any outfit sharp is to ensure that no matter how soft and slouchy everything else is, at least one item in your look should be properly tailored. From a great pair of perfectly fitted trousers, to a jacket cut to suit your shape to an immaculate overcoat. One beautifully made item will mask a multitude of sins.

Mix & match: We’ve always been an eccentric bunch, us Brits. Just look at the young design talent coming up through the British fashion industry (think Craig Green, Bobby Abley and JW Anderson) and you’ll see that our creativity is unparalleled. When it comes to your own wardrobe, don’t be afraid to play with colour and pattern – a burgundy polka dot T-shirt teamed with a soft double-breasted chino suit, a popped lapel and a midnight blue silk scarf, for instance.

Stand out: Look at the streets of Milan, Paris or New York and you’ll notice that the overriding style rule is to dress like everyone else, only better. In the UK, we do things a little differently. Walk around London and you’ll notice men vying to out do each other in increasingly flamboyant ways. It’s like the eminently stylish Londoner Oscar Wilde once said “be yourself, everyone else is taken.”

…but not too much: That said, you don’t want to look clownish (frightfully un-British). If you’re going for a shirt in a floral pattern opt for something in the vein of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (see Harry here) as opposed to Charlie Sheen. Colours are, of course, great, but go for muted complimentary shades rather than clashing primaries – you’ll still look unique, just not like a crazy person.

Be Inspired: Few other countries can claim to be as wonderfully diverse as the United Kingdom, and the influence that this has had on our national style cannot be underestimated. From style at street level to the clothes produced by our greatest designers, an enormous breadth of cultural inspiration is palpable in everything we do. British designer Oliver Spencer, for instance, is seasonally inspired by the many cultures seen in and around London’s Portobello Market, where he once had a stall.

This article was based on an original piece by Esquire.