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7 Leather Shoes That Every Man Must Own

The average guy owns upward of a dozen different types of shoes, but do you have the essentials covered? No matter what type of work you’re in, or what you find yourself doing on a daily basis, having a wide range of different types of shoes to wear will go a long way toward ensuring that you’re dressed properly for any situation that you find yourself in.
Far too many men stock their closet with a half dozen pairs of the same type of shoe, and that’s a serious problem. You need a little diversity in your life! Below you’ll find seven shoes that should be sitting in your closet today. How many of them do you have already?

Dark Brown Oxford

The dark brown oxford is a staple of the office, and one item that every man should have at least one pair of. Not only do they go great with a suit, but they can just as easily dress down as well. When the temperature drops, you can also pick up a dark brown boot version of the oxford, which retains the classic cap-toe look, but gives you added warmth in the winter months.

Slim Black Oxford

The slim black oxford is another staple of the business world, but the great part about either the shoe or boot version of this classic piece of footwear is that you can also use it as a substitute for the patent leather shoes that you traditionally wear with a tuxedo. Not only will they be just as good looking with a tux, but you’ll get more use out of them than just the few times in your life where you need to wear a tuxedo. Just make sure to get them polished regularly.

Casual Work Boot

The casual work boot is an extremely important boot that is often overlooked by guys who are trying to up their style. After all, why would the average office worker need a casual work boot? The easy answer to this is for all the times where you’re going to get a little dirty or you need something that will keep your feet protected in inclement weather. Not only will a good casual work boot look better in those situations, but having a good pair of work boots will help you save your other shoes and boots from unnecessary damage during a rainy day or a weekend of work that necessitates wearing boots.

Chelsea Boot

The Chelsea boot is a great one to wear when the temperature drops, but when you still need something to wear that looks good in the office. These boots are laceless, so they are much better at keeping your feet and ankles warm, and you can find many great looking Chelsea boots that integrate modern soles, so they’re also extremely comfortable as well. Chelsea boots pair well with business casual clothing like jeans and cords.

Chukka’s

The Chukka, or Desert Boot, is a staple of hipster culture across the country, but it also finds its way into the closets of many men because of its classic looks and casual attitude. The latest trend is to get Chukkas in a softer material like suede, but having a leather Chukkas is a far better long-term decision. The leather Chukka is a classic, and one that can stand up to a surprising amount of punishment. You should pair these boots with a nice pair of jeans for a night out on the town.

Dress Boots

Dress boots can mean a lot of different things to a lot of people, but the general idea here is to have something that is very distinctive, but which you only wear for special occasions. In the South, this might be a nice pair of cowboy boots, and in the northern part of the country you might opt for a pair of wingtip boots. The key is to make them distinctive and a truly special part of your wardrobe.

Rugged Work Boot

Unlike the casual boot mentioned above, there are some situations that call for a serious piece of footwear that you can put into almost any situation that you find yourself in. Having a rugged work boot is less about style than it is about keeping yourself safe, but that doesn’t mean that they have to look bad. You can find plenty of work boots that look great, but that fit the rugged boot criteria. What exactly is that criteria you ask? You should be looking for a rugged boot that is waterproof, has a steel toe, and that has safety ratings for electrical shock and other hazards. The reason that we separate casual work boots from ruggedized ones is that the safety additions to many rugged boots give them less freedom of movement than more casual boots, and make them less comfortable. That being said, there are some situations which call for a greater emphasis on safety than on comfort.

Which boots described above are in your closet already? Which do you need to invest in sooner than later? Let us know in the comments.

7 Leather Shoes Every Man Should Own - High Street Gent
7 Leather Shoes Every Man Should Own – High Street Gent
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How to Handle Going Bald

Man going bald in the mirror - image from Idle Man
When you have hair it’s easy to choose a hair style and try different things. What do you do if you’re someone who’s beginning to bald or is bald? First of all, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re going to look bad bald.

That’s the biggest misconception and we’re going to show you how to handle going bald. You’ll enjoy the many options you have that pairs with balding.

Bring Out the Accessories

Going bald boils down to having one less thing to work with in your overall style. You need to find something else to replace what’s missing. Accessories are the easiest and quickest option to make up for a lack of hair.

Glasses – this option can change your style a lot. Even if you don’t need a prescription glass you can use sunglasses and normal glasses just for their looks. It’s easy to get multiple pairs to match your appearance, make you look smart, or sporty glasses.

Hats – another easy option that you can match with many different styles. Pick yourself up a couple different types of hats for different occasions. Just stay away from the fedora, though, please no fedora.

Jewelry – this option isn’t as helpful as the others but does play a helping role. Usually, some light jewelry combined with a hat or glasses. The key is to make it a small additional touch and to not wear a lot of jewelry or something that stands out to much.

Facial Hair

One of the biggest things you can do for the greatest impact to pair with going bald is a beard. A beard will help you look great while going bald.

If you’re unsure what kind of beard will look good on you the best go to is your standard full beard. Give it 2 months of full growth and then trim it with a #3 hair clipper guard will usually give you a nice beard. There are many reasons to be bald with a beard and you must admit the facial hair looks great on other bald men you’ve seen.

Look at the celebrity examples out there. Plenty of examples of men with no hair and facial hair in the celebrity world.

Benefits to Being Bald

Man shaving head going bald in the mirror

Time and Money – Once shaving your head becomes routine you’ll no longer need to see a barber. Think of the amount of time and money you’ll save overall. Comparing the cost to shaving your head compared to trying to regrow hair through products or surgery it starts to not look so bad.

Women Like It – While going bald isn’t the best way to attract females you must admit they do love it. Women like men who are confident and being confident enough to embrace your baldness is attractive.

Masculine – When you’re bald you immediately gain this illusion of dominance. It just comes with the territory and you look more masculine. What guy wouldn’t want to appear even slightly more masculine without putting in much effort?

Before You Go!

I hope this article put a new spin on being bald for you. It’s really nothing to worry about and not something you should try to fight off. If you’ve been dealt the bald card with genetics embrace it.

Let us know what you thought about this article and maybe give some of your own tips for being bald below. Thanks for reading.

Author Bio: Wesley is the owner of iManscape.com. A site for men, beards, and manscaping. To see more from him, like this recent post on beard balm or beard oil, visit his website or like iManscape on Facebook.

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10 Things You Must Do While Visiting Sydney

Whatever your reason might be for visiting this glorious city, and the available time you might have – it’s not enough. As soon as you hit the clubs on your first night, or get a glimpse at their majestic beaches, you’ll instantly want to spend at least one whole lifetime (if not more) in this insane, but versatile place.

The hotspot for thrill-seekers, foodies, culture vultures and laid-back locals, no matter who you are, you’ll fit right in the colourful crowd of Aussies, and you can expect a whole range of activities to spice up your trip. Now buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Climb the Harbour Bridge

Travel to the Sydney harbour bridge, Australia
Sydney harbour bridge, Australia

This one is a no-brainer. This architectural masterpiece is the stamp of the city and an adventure with a gorgeous view, so it’s not only worth the rate, which is $200 plus, but also a bucket-list type of an experience.

Even if you opt for the quickest version named the express climb, you’ll find yourself in awe of the bridge’s raw power as you go deeper into its steel arches. You’ll be able to see the entire Harbour, a huge portion of the city itself, and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Take the plunge

No visit to Sydney can be complete without a dive into the ocean. If you surf, even better, the city offers a whole range of surfing-friendly spots such as in Manly or Bondi, which also leads you to another perfect, unavoidable experience – coastal walks.

Bring your board or just your shades (and a bottle of water, otherwise you’ll go nuts), and test the waters of all the cool beaches from Bondi to Coogee, where you can also find excellent whale-watching viewpoints, or from Spit to Manly, and head to some of the locals’ favourite brunch spots to kick-start your early morning adventures.

Put on your foodie hat

There’s no better way to have an authentic taste of the city than to indulge in its exquisite cuisine. Few places can be on a par with Sydney’s rapidly growing food scene, so fuel your stay with some of their delicious fresh meals, proudly made by the ingenious local chefs.

Della Hyde in one of their most beloved restaurants in Darlinghurst and a perfect start that will give you plenty of energy for your busy itinerary. There’s no point in roaming the city on an empty stomach – it just ruins the whole experience. Have a taste of their steamed dumplings with a tasty dipping sauce, round it off with a delish cocktail and you’re good to go.

Have a drink at the Opera Bar


Whilst you’re at the harbour, you may as well grab a drink at the Opera Bar. Time it right and you’ll watch the sun set behind the Sydney Opera House and grab a prime opportunity for a picture. It’s all open plan and airy, so you can enjoy the sun all year round.

Situated right by the waters edge, Opera Bar is often described as the best beer garden in the world. Be swept away by the panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, CBD and beautiful Harbour. Whether it’s breakfast, a lazy lunch, a pre show dinner date or simply a cocktail; Opera Bar is truly perfect for any occasion.

Kayak

Sydney’s rich bushland, versatile creeks and hidden oases are perfectly accessible if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get those paddles moving. You’re in the city of water sports, for crying out loud, the effort is half the fun!

You can go it alone or join a group, but don’t miss out on the Narrabeen Lagoon, the Lane Cover River or the Royal National Park – they are all beautiful, mysterious and worth the paddle.

Sydney Zoo

No true Australian experience can go without a wildlife encounter! Head out to the Sydney Wildlife Zoo to meet the friendly wallabies, cuddly koalas, wombats and the ferocious saltwater crocodiles. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour and have an up-close greeting with some of the friendliest lizards and mammals you’ve seen.

The keepers can take you through the Kangaroo Walk-About, the Koala Encounter and the Butterfly Tropics, and follow up the visit with enticing stories and facts on the local wildlife.

Royal Botanic Garden

Even if it’s just for the afternoon picnic snack, this incredible work of art is teeming with the friendly locals, and there’s always a spot in the shade for you to rest and absorb the Zen energy of the green surroundings.

You’ll get to see some of the most exotic plant species from Australia and the Pacific region bundled up in the Royal Botanic Garden, and you can join a free guided tour which starts every morning at 10:30 from the heart of the park.

The Blue Mountains


Get your hike on! If you fancy amazing views, and a break from city life, you should definitely hire a car and head 2 hours in-land to meet the mountains and three-sisters.

The Blue Mountains is a rugged region west of Sydney in Australia’s New South Wales. Known for dramatic scenery, it encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages dotted with guesthouses, galleries and gardens. Katoomba, a major town in the area, borders Blue Mountains National Park and its bushwalking trails. Echo Point affords views of the storied Three Sisters sandstone rock formation.
If you’re on a budget, it’s your best mate. It’s definitely underrated and worth the visit. Remember to ask what the blue haze is…not all is what it seems!

Head out to Cockatoo

A well-kept secret of the local Aussies, the Cockatoo Island is more than just a fun destination for a spooky history lesson on the convicts, but also a cherished BBQ spot for a Sunday of relaxing. Beautiful beaches, yet another kayaking chance, tennis courts, and a perfect campsite, the island is chock-full of fun if you plan your stay well.

Bondi to Coogee Walk


Combining beaches, rockpools, parks and spectacular coastal views, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk winds its way along 6 km of picturesque coastal paths at the edge of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Starting by the iconic Bondi Icebergs, just above the Bondi Baths, the walk takes between 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace, offering plenty to see and do along the way.

Make your way up a set of steep stairs near the start of the walk and marvel at Aboriginal rock carvings in Marks Park, one of the walk’s highest points and a prime whale watching spot during the migration season between May and November. Heading towards Tamarama you’ll pass by Mackenzie’s Point Beach, one of the smallest beaches in the State which is only accessible at low tide. The beach is not suitable for swimming, but is a popular surfing spot and a great place to relax by the water.

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Introducing: 17 London

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.
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The Best Damn Guide: Men’s Underwear

High Street Gent's Men's Underwear Guide

It’s a shame we can’t all look like David Gandy, Tom Hardy or Christiano Rolando (unfortunately the list is endless) in our pants. But in reality we can all feel good in the underwear providing we have consideration of fit, material and quality – which are all more important than the brand name on the band.

So ditch your saggy, over-priced Calvin Klein’s (probably bought from TK Maxx) and start thinking about what’s right for you and your chap…

To help you on your way, we reached out to a handful of industry experts to compile these essential rules on style, fabric and maintenance.

How To Pick An Underwear Style

Of all the seminal moments in a man’s life – graduations, weddings, the first curled fist of your child around your little finger – none means more than the first time he chooses his own underwear.

But what worked for prepubescent you isn’t your best choice now. Your body’s changed. Your needs have changed. Somewhere there’s a fit that’s more snug. More supportive. More flattering.

Men’s Briefs: This is the traditional Y front. It’s not for everyone but it offers great support and a neat fit. Particularly good for men with large thighs.

Men's Underwear Guide - Briefs

Men’s Trunks: These are a newer style and offer the simplest silhouette, ideal for wearing under slim-fit trousers. They sit perfectly on the hip, a little lower than other styles, and are short in the leg, cutting across mid-thigh, which make them best for men with slimmer legs.

Take care with ‘hipster’ styles, warn the experts at M&S; they sit low, so work best with tucked in shirts. Or you risk an intimate breeze every time you bend down.

Men's Underwear Guide - Trunks

Men’s Boxer Shorts: Traditional boxer shorts offer maximum coverage, comfort and breathability but can often bunch and ride up so do not work well with slim trousers. Our boxers offer a modern, tailored cut that is much more flattering and works well with slimmer legwear. This new approach means they complement any body shape, being both flattering and extremely comfortable.

Men's Underwear Guide - Boxer Shorts

Men’s Boxer Briefs: These are a hybrid between the traditional boxer short and the trunk – they sit on the waist and are slightly longer in the leg. Universally flattering and versatile, they’re the go-to option for most. Particularly good for those with fuller buttocks.

The Best Damn Guide Men's Underwear

Why Your Underwear Fabric Matters

Three things matter in your most intimate wear: comfort, support and breathability. Pants brands have long defaulted to cotton and jersey, which provide all three. But textile innovation offers the modern man new ways to keep himself cool and dry. These new fabrics are often sustainable, breathable and even heat-sensitive.

Cotton: An old classic. This is a brilliant fibre for underwear. It’s naturally breathable, soft and hypoallergenic.

Jersey: It’s soft and lightweight with a natural stretch, making it the perfect choice for guys on the move. Opt for a stretch style, with higher elastic content for added support if you spend your weekends exercising as opposed to relaxing.

Silk: It’s a classic choice, but silk is quickly disappearing from the underwear market. And for good reason. Although it offers incredible lightness and breathability, it’s a delicate fabric that doesn’t benefit from wash and wear and damages easily.

Mesh: The go-to material for sports-oriented underwear, mesh is light and breathable. Some brands go more specific and use heat-sensitive mesh fabric that helps disperse body heat and leaves your pants feeling cool to the touch – even after a bout of cardio.

The Best Places To Buy Your Underwear…

Men's Underwear - High Street Gent

Online stores like Deadgoodundies.com (DGU) have several advantages for men seeking something new or different. Online retailers offer far more choice in terms of brands, cuts and colours than stores, and you can shop in total privacy (DGU ships completely plain parcels too).

DGU founder Adam Davies says: “We constantly update our stock, every week and sometimes daily in peak season, so there’s always something new to see. But we also stock many classics and repeatable favourites from the best international brands, plus swimwear for men, year round. Men’s underwear has developed enormously in recent years, using yarns like modal or bamboo and creating ergonomic designs that can boost or just cool your boys. The main criteria for anyone shopping for men’s undies are of course comfort and looks, but there are many more considerations before you find the perfect pair – price, shape, fabric, sizing, pouch capacity, waistband depth and brand visibility to name a few. Plus I am always available to answer questions for customers before they buy.”

Real men should look to specialists such as Deadgoodundies.com because they stock more than 20 brands, with more arriving this year, they ship to over 80 countries and stock everything from minimalist thongs via briefs, trunks and boxers to meggings, bodies and loungewear, swimmers, socks, tees and tops. Several of their collections, or the extent of the range DGU sells, are unique in the UK.

For a readers and friends overseas, another great online store, producing wholesome and very comfortable underwear is Tani USA. Tani’s singular mission is to set a new standard in underwear, aiming to create the worlds best and most comfortable undergarments. If you feel compelled to try a new style or need some extra support, we recommend you head over to their website straight away. (Tani Trunks pictured above).

Luxury

Ignore the ads. Fashion brands tend to steer toward cuts and materials which flatter the likes of Justin Bieber, not you.

Athletic

Men's Underwear Guide - Jock Strap

If you’ve ever tried to run in baggy boxers, we sympathise. Athletic underwear comes with special requirements – it has to keep you in place and be breathable enough to cope with sweaty gym sessions. Try a jock-strap or an purpose made athletic pant, it’ll do you a world of good! A good place to visit for jock straps that will be perfect to your sporting needs is Jock Up!

Shop here.

The Other ‘Underwear’ You Need To Know

These days, underwear is about more than just pants. Here’s everything else you should slip between skin and clothes.

Undershirt

Men's Underwear Guide - Undershirt

This isn’t necessary all the time, but an undershirt prevents sweat stains and means your actual shirts need washing less so last longer.

Go for a V-neck – few things kill your look like a crew neck behind an open collar – in breathable cotton. Look for tight fits in light grey – it’s less visible under a white shirt than white. Vests also create visible lines on your shoulders, so stick to tees.

Socks

White socks are streetwear’s current obsession, but if you’re not in a hoodie, stick to classic black or navy. Your socks should be long enough to show no skin when you cross your legs, unless you’re after mankles. In which case, Primark’s invisible socks let you flash yours without stinking out your shoes. Try visiting the London Sock Company for some pretty neat socks.

Shop here.

Lounge Wear

Lounge wear

Instead of running between the shower, the bedroom and darting across the landing with your crown jewels on show for everyone (the postman doesn’t want to see that), consider a dressing gown. Bown of London have a variety of British made, quality and masculine dressing gowns.

Shop here.

 How To Keep Your Underwear Looking Good

You’re not Bridget Jones (you have a bit too much between your legs for that), so you’ve no excuse for grey, saggy pants.

Wash: Obviously never mix whites with greys, off-whites or colours as they will lose their sheen. Temperature is key too – a hotter wash does more damage to the fabric, so stick to 30 degrees and, if possible, use a gentle wash cycle. Silk, because of its delicacy, should always be hand-washed.

Dry: Drying your underwear flat means they keep their shape better. Due to their delicate nature, it’s best to avoid a dryer.

Storage: If you’re keen to go the extra mile you can fold your underwear in tissue paper to preserve the fabric and keep it neat and unwrinkled. Another tip is to store garments with lavender or cedar wood – the scent will deter moths.

So there you have it – we constantly reiterate that your underwear is so important chaps. Get what’s right for your shape AND size. For more ideas on style, cut, fit and support, shop here.

We recently carried out a survey of 100 men to find out which underwear is preferred by us blokes! We found that top spot goes to Boxer-Briefs, closely followed by briefs.

Boxer shorts and Jock straps bought up the rear, if you pardon the pun, offering varied support is clearly our issue!

So there you have it…our ultimate guide to men’s underwear!

highstreetgent.com publish regular men’s underwear articles with tips, tricks and reviews. If you have an underwear brand you would like to feature, or would like to find out more information, please contact dan@highstreetgent.com.

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What do we really want for our Stag Do?

stag party

Your best mate has stopped coming out as much, he’s under the thumb. Then he drops the bombshell that he’s getting married and it blows the whole pack apart, how are you all going to continue?

Ahh well “he’d drifted anyway.” But then, he pulls it back from the gutter and pops you the question…”will you be my best man, mate?”

You’re over-the-fucking-moon. Mainly because it’s your one and only chance to stitch him up royally and get away with it.

So, us men want to have an unforgettable time and send their brother off through the gates of marriage and into a life of monogamy and baby farts, right? Well, yes, but in order to actually organize an unforgettable stag do, you as the best man need to plan every single earth-shaking, knee-trembling moment.

So, let’s get you prepared for the night of the groom’s life.

Men want inebriation

You don’t plan on being sober right? Not a single amazing story in history has ever started with “and then I told him I’ll just have a glass of fresh lemonade”, who even drinks that? No, you need to organize and plan the amount and variety of alcohol involved, as well as the management of barfing and post-barfing damage control.

Start the party off light with beer and cocktails, and when the crowd gets warmed up, you can move onto the heavy artillery. A key tip to remember is keeping the groom only slightly above tipsy at all times, so that he can enjoy the entire party and actually have recollection of it in the morning. You don’t want the groom to fall asleep before midnight and as for the rest, well, they’re free to make their own mistakes.

A location that has it all is Bierkeller. Floor to ceiling beers and ‘bants’.

Men want games

Men's stag Do - Zorbing and playing football

A stag do doesn’t start at night, and certainly doesn’t entail only drinking and ruining a hotel room. No, a real stag do starts in the morning and ends with the following day’s walk of shame. If you want to organize a dynamic and memorable stag do, you want to take the crew for some sports and games in the great outdoors.

Start in the morning with some rugby to get the blood flowing and try not to dislocate anything or break a bone before the party starts in the evening. Move onto more extreme sports, like dirt bike riding and zip lining, and then go to the beach for some jet skiing along the coast.

Then, let the crew go home for an hour to get dressed and ready for the night of their life, and pick them all up in a limo that will take you to the first destination of the night. Start the night off with some poker and whisky and lead it into a private club where you will play drunken darts, listen to loud music and shoot some pool. After that, the party can begin.

Men want women

Hooters girls working in Hooters

What’s a stag do without female entertainment? A little eye candy making you do some “hard” time? There are plenty of female entertainment options available, and while you can go the traditional route and take your party to a strip club (or bring the strip club to you), you might want to do something unique and organize a more personal experience the crew will never forget.

There is a new type of female entertainment around, including gorgeous women and personal waitressing. At Sydney Topless Waitresses, you can hire perfect girls to wait on your boys with their sexy charms and professional skills, making sure that every single guest is taken care of and having the time of his life.

If you’re looking for a city break in this country, head no further than Nottingham. Home to the last UK based Hooters, you can drink copious amounts of lager, eat endless chicken wings, thighs, or ‘breasts.’ Cheeky.

When it comes to it, we are simple enough fellows, we don’t ask for diversity but we do know what we want. Planning an unforgettable stag do doesn’t have to be rocket science, you just have to know the basic formula: drink just enough, play hard, and surround yourself with gorgeous women. Simple.

Do him proud, be the best-man, you can.

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5 Tips for wearing a snapback

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…

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How to Rock a Modern Tie

How to rock a modern tie - High Street Gent

When you’re out on a date or catching the tube for an important business meeting, it’s the little things that matter the most. You never know when the color of your shoes, the dial of your watch, and the knot of your tie may work their magic on someone and make them fall for you. Hence, you must always be particular about the little details on your dress, especially the tie.

Ties, for men, have always been a crowd-puller. Even though a more informal style of dressing has come to replace the formal suits, ties continue to steal the limelight. The contemporary fashion for men has squeezed in space for neckties as well as bowtie, and therefore, you must know how to rock a modern tie!

Length and Width Matter

The length and width of your tie are supposed to vary in accordance with the type of collar of the suit. However, it’s a given that your tie should be no longer than the belt-line until and unless you’re pulling off the whole short-suit thing. You are allowed to let it hang above the navel only then.

As for the width, wide ties went out of fashion half a decade ago. With that, came into fashion ties that are narrow but not super-skinny – about two and a quarter to two and three-quarter inches at its widest point.

Invest in the Knot, But Not So Much

People often mistake bigger for better and end up making their necktie knot look like a giant Dorito. The Half Windsor, the Double Elliot, the Prince Albert, and what not! The list of tie knots is a long and ongoing one. Do yourself a favor and do not consider it!
The one and only knot you must perfect is the four-in-hand knot – neither too big, nor too petite, and not flawlessly triangular. It’s the one knot you can sport at any given occasion with any given suit and collar style. Mark my words; this elegant knot is a life-saver!

Don’t Over Flash Colors and Patterns

Tie colors and patterns that clash with the shirt or suit colors and patterns don’t say good things about you. Whereas those that accent the color and patterns of your shirt and suit can instantly draw attention towards you.
As a rule of thumb, when in doubt consult the solid black, solid blue, ,or solid grey tie in your collection. In a nutshell, solid colored ties are must-haves in your wardrobe.

Accessorize Simply

Common necktie accessories are tie pins, tie chains, and tie clips and bars. Tie clips and bars can sometimes bring out the best in your ties, especially when adorned upon solid colored skinny ties. However, you don’t want to overload your tie with nitty gritty accessories and kill its elegant vibe. Tie pins and tie chains are particularly outdated and must be avoided at all costs.

Let Loose!

Have you noticed how in movies the hero always loosens his tie before a romantic scene? Well, you can look like a hero from a romantic movie all day every day with a slightly loosened, slightly scruffy tie.

Now don’t go overboard and make it appear like you just lost a million dollars in a bet, keep it low-key, subtly loose at the neck, and as natural as possible.

If you manage to pull off the quick and fairly easy tips, you are sure to have a great day and get into at least a couple of interesting conversations that start with, “Hey, man! Cool tie” or “Hey, I love your tie.”

 

How to rock a modern tie - High Street Gent

This article is a guest post by Ricardo Martinez , part of the marketing team at Hextie. Hextie is a fashion forward neck-wear company focused on creating unique and beautiful masterful pieces for men. Whether it’s ties, bow ties or accessories, the uncommon brand will certainly make any dapper gentleman stand out.

 

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Are you up to scratch with the best Gentlemen’s Practice?

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Are you? Are you really?

When it comes to choosing accessories to go with your suit it can be tricky knowing what to pick, if it goes and whether it’s right for the occasion. With Christmas parties and festivities on the horizon, you’re probably going to be dusting off your blazer and wanting to impress. So we ask, what is best practice for men’s accessories?

Remember, accessories are the last thing on, but the first thing noticed. So when deciding on yours, it’s important that you take your time and know what you’re doing.

Most women will tell you that what attracts them to a stylish man lies within the details. Women understand this intimately; just a quick look at the extras they put into an outfit will tell you this. Ranging from make-up (and there are thousands of types each available in thousands of colours) to jewellery, hair accessories and bangles. Fortunately for us chaps, there are far and few between, so there should be no excuses!

Wearing accessories is a sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd and draw positive attention from the people your directing it towards. Apply these rules when wearing a suit and it’s even more evident.

Luckily, we’ve met Gentlemen’s Practice – a place for “Dapper Gents” to go and know that the leg work has been taken out of that search and for affordable prices. It’s a place to go and practice being a Gentlemen without breaking the bank.

Enough chatting, let’s take a look at what accessories every man should own…

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Ties

A tie is the most basic of accessories. You can still spice things up a little depending on how you wear it and what type it is.

Firstly, make sure you choose the correct width. There are three main types:

1) Skinny
2) Slim
3) Standard

The Skinny fit is the trendier option and is suited for slimmer silhouettes and thinner suit lapels. Slim is obvious. And Standard, the ‘Mario’ of the tie world, still looks great without a jacket. The Average option is a more traditional style and has been around the longest. It’s probably what your dad has, no disrespect.

An important factor to consider is to make sure your tie has a dimple. It’s what sets the well-dressed from the stylish. Make sure you fall into the latter group.

Shop GP ties here.

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Watches

Nothing screams amateur like wearing a sports watch with a formal suit. You wouldn’t play William Gallas a striker when picking Arsenal on ‘Pro Evo’ (well if you were one step ahead, you wouldn’t be picking Arsenal in the first place but that’s another matter. Forum time?) It’s out of place and out of position.

That’s exactly the same when wearing your watch. The right one can make your outfit, the wrong one breaks it completely.

A dress watch is an elegant-looking timepiece. They tend to be either mechanical or quartz, very seldom are they digital. Stick with a silver chrome watch as it compliments most suit colours.

Shop GP watches here.

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Pocket Squares

Probably the simplest way of pushing your personal style to the next level, the attention that a simple pocket square gets is exponential.

As stated before, women pay great attention to details and the pocket square is a prime example. There are a variety of ways in which you can make the pocket square into your own. Like the tie, there are an array of colours and styles but even more options of how they can be worn.

A simple place to start is to match the colour of the square to a colour within your tie.

Once that’s sorted, you can start experimenting with patterns and fabrics. From paisley to checked, they add a little character to your suit and help individualise your look. If you find it a little difficult to pick a pattern, simply pick a colour in your suit and use that as a base to compliment the rest of your accessories, but do in subtly.

When all else fails call on the classic white cotton pocket square.

Shop GP pocket squares here.

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Cuff Links

Cuff links are only ever worn with French cuffs (double cuffs). There are many different names for the variety of cuff link styles each claiming to be the correct one. All-in-all they do the same thing. Our advice is to experiment with these little guys. You can really show off your personality. Either match it to similar colours in your suit or watch or just go for a design that sparks interest.

The thing to take away here is to understand that you don’t need to take them too seriously, just have fun with them (unless you’re the former Prime Minister…or dare we say it, Donald Trump!)

Shop GP cuff links here.

Tie Bar

The tie bar can often be associated with the car sales man in ‘The Fast Show’. But I assure you that it’s an accessory that is not only stylish but practical too.

Its main use is to keep your tie held firmly down to your shirt, avoiding an unkempt appearance by a tie that’s waving around like it’s on crack.

The small bling in the metallic bar adds the final finishing touch to your accessorised suit. They come in a variety of shapes, but a limited colour palette of either gold or silver (although we have found some decorated ones in vintage stores.)

Try one with your tie and discover how a simple metal bar raises your look; you’ll be surprised what it does to your whole outfit.

Shop GP tie bars here.

 

Bish, Bash, Bosh

gp-box

So how can Gentlemen’s Practice help?

Not only do Gentlemen’s Practice offer a monthly subscription box but they are also the home of affordable accessories at their online store. It’s a treasure chest of accessories and gentlemen’s treats! But, with their monthly box, they make it easier than you think.

Your dapperness comes straight to you! Easy!

…It can be tricky traipsing around the shops trying to find what you’re looking for…just because you’re too busy to be shopping all the time. So, who better to trust than the dapper gents at Gentlemen’s Practice (GP) to create a top end dapper products on your behalf each month and just send it to you for you to enjoy?

Well that’s what Gentlemen’s Practice are going to do if you sign up to the subscription service. Each month they’ll send you 3-4 dapper items (9 times out of 10 they’ll be a selection of those listed above) for you to add to your wardrobe armoury and for just £18 per month!

gentlemens-practice-box-sets

We were lucky enough to be sent the GP December Box, which featured the likes of what is shown above. The quality, detail and quirky nature of GP make each box feel personal and ridiculously easy to rip the box open and wear there and then.

If you have a dapper gent in your life that has no time on his hands, treat him this Christmas to the subscription box and enjoy his sharpness all year round.

For full stock lists and more information regarding the Gentlemen’s Practice Monthly Box-set, please visit their website here.

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Iconic cycling brand ASSOS gears up for opening of first UK store

assos-of-switzerland

ASSOS of Switzerland, the iconic cycling brand, will open its first international concept store on Regent Street, in the heart of London’s luxury shopping district.

Marking the brand’s 40th anniversary as an industry leader, ASSOS is set take a significant step forward with the opening of its first flagship store outside the company’s Swiss headquarters, giving rise to a new era of specialized customer service for both professionals and cycling enthusiasts.

If you know us, you’ll know we’re sporty guys, we tell you all to often enough how to support your junk in the form of underwear (‘Support During Sport’ article here), but there comes a time in every rider’s life when an appreciation for fine, well-fitting shorts outweighs any concern about their cost. Indeed, a great pair of bib-shorts can transform your time on the bike from tolerating the ride to indulging in another 10km. Sure, a new set of high-priced shorts won’t improve your legs, but if you’re aching in the saddle from a poor set of shorts, it doesn’t matter how good your legs are.

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From launch of the first carbon fibre bike frame and design of world’s first performance Lycra® cycling shorts, to the more recent release of the Urban lifestyle collection, ASSOS has been at the forefront of apparel innovation for four decades. The new high-tech store maintains these design values and will house the full ASSOS apparel collection, helmets, eye-wear and accessories.

The landmark store at St James’ Market, is designed to help cyclists find their perfect kit by providing the opportunity to road-test the performance-led range in store. A uniquely designed elliptical change-room, complete with a sample of every garment in the collection, gives customers the opportunity to trial the range on a Goomah racing bike, in order to determine the all-important fit in the saddle before they leave the store.

ASSOS CEO Phil Duff said: “Wherever you live in the world, cycling is the best way to get from A to B and we firmly believe that performance and style aren’t mutually exclusive. London is the epicenter of fashion and the ever-growing buzz around cycling and we’re thrilled to bring our passion to Regent Street”.

“From professional and avid riders through to the weekend warrior, the ASSOS range is designed to allow cyclists to focus on the ride, whether that be at a competitive level or simply on the daily commute to work”.

He continued: “We are committed to developing the most technically advanced product and through our new retail experience, customers can rest assured they have chosen the perfect fit before they take to the saddle”.

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Designed by Ab Rogers, son of renowned architect Richard Rogers, whose portfolio boasts work with Comme Des Garcons, The TATE, the V&A and Conde Nast, the store opening heralds an exciting era for growth for the brand in an increasingly competitive market which sees more than two million people take to a bike every week across the UK.

Rogers said: “As a cycling enthusiast myself, I’m drawn to the unwavering commitment to performance and the attention to detail ASSOS invest in every garment. I wanted to designed a space that echoed this ethos, but importantly, also offered an innovative retail solution to guarantee customers an unmatched experience both on and off the bike”.

When it comes to performance cycling, whether it’s long rides on Sunday mornings or road racing, and sportives, bib shorts are where it’s at for outright comfort. ASSOS’ range of apparel and accessories provide comfort so you can sit in the saddle for hours at a time.

The eagerly awaited store will open to the general public tomorrow on the Friday 18th November from 09:00, with fitting appointments available daily.

The brand new ASSOS store is located here: