mens fashion

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet

Posted on by dansinnott

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet

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

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

All-White Trainers

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet, trainers, running, men's shoes, men's trainers

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

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

Sneaker Boot

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

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

The Running Shoe

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet, trainers, running, men's shoes, men's trainers

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

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

Exotic Leather Sneaker

5 Pairs of Trainers You Need in Your Closet, trainers, running, men's shoes, men's trainers

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

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

Slip-On Trainer

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

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

The Gentleman’s Guide To Wedding Attire

Posted on by dansinnott

The Gentleman's Guide To Wedding Attire, two men wearing suits at a wedding, a man in a blue suit, a man in a grey suit, black tie, 2 men in front a green leaves

When we think about summer weekends, some of us picture the perfect cookout with friends, relaxing on a vacation we’ve needed, or heading out to watch our favourite team at a baseball game.  Others enter the summer season with weekends packed with weddings of friends and family to attend. Between finding the perfect gift, sending the right card, and making sure you have an appropriate date, you can forget the most important detail of attending a wedding: your outfit. From the season and weather, to the location of the venue, there are many factors to take in consideration when planning your wedding guest attire. If you’re attending a wedding this summer, or any season, here are a few tips to get ahead and make sure that you won’t only look great, but also feel great.

Season and Weather

The first place to start when planning out your wedding guest attire is considering what season would best suit your wedding.  Always take into consideration that you want to look sharp, but still be comfortable. In case you’re wondering, you can definitely still be stylish no matter how hot it is outside!  For weddings held within spring and summer, think of wearing fabrics that are lighter and more breathable. Cotton and light wool are just a few of the warm weather comfortable materials for button down shirts! During the warmer seasons, you should think about how your attire will look if you need to take your suit jacket off. Although shorts are typically never an acceptable wedding attire option, consider a nice pair of pants made from chambray, which is an extremely breathable cotton material.

If you’re attending a wedding in the fall or winter, wearing fabrics that are heavier and warmer will help you stay most comfortable. Don’t be afraid to layer your outfit with a wool peacoat or patterned scarf for a winter wedding, or throw a lighter jacket on for a wedding in the fall. You want to make sure you are prepared for the colder weather, but not look like you’re about to hit the mountains on a skiing trip!

Venue

Tying into the factor of weather, think about the venue. It might  be an outdoor wedding on the beach, in the countryside, or maybe the wedding is being held within a church or an old castle. No matter where the wedding is, this is the time to take in consideration comfortability. If the wedding is being held outside, think about lighter colors and a look that is more summertime chic. Khakis or linen pants are perfect for outdoor weddings because they still look professional and appropriate, but aren’t as heavy and warm as a pair of suit pants.

For weddings that are held inside, think about more than just the actual wedding ceremony.  For an outfit that is functional throughout the whole night, whether you’re tearing it up on the dancefloor or mingling with the bridal party, consider a button down shirt that is breathable and a pair of suspenders that will look timeless. If you are planning on dancing the night away, perhaps invest in a pair of pants that are prepared for any movement you might make well dancing.

Requested Attire

Finally and most importantly, let’s consider the theme of the wedding.  This is the most important and crucial detail of wedding attire planning. By looking at the invitation, it should be apparent if the wedding has a more casual or black-tie theme. For weddings that are casual, think about wearing something more simple, like dress pants with a tucked-in button-down. If you’re planning on attending a wedding that is black-tie or black-tie optional, this is the time to break out that perfect fitting suit or tuxedo.

For some guys, this could be your first time on the quest for the perfect tailored suit. There is no need to worry! Visit your local suit or tuxedo rental shop and find the look that is perfect for you. If you’re more cautious when it comes to finding the right tuxedo or suit, don’t stress. The folks at The Black Tux have cracked the secret to the perfectly tailored suit and changed the rental industry forever. Their simple (and easy!)  at-home try-on service allows you to try on the tuxedo or suit rental that fits the theme of the wedding you’re attending. If it does not fit right, simply send back your rental with any adjustments you might need, and they guarantee it will be sent back to you before your event.

When in doubt, use your best judgement. If you’re planning on bringing a date, think about asking them what they want to wear, or suggest coordinating outfits! Keep your accessories simple and make sure that you look the part. A leather banded watch, dress shoes and patterned tie are just a few suggestions to give your look a touch of signature detail. When all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out to the soon-to-be married couple for their suggestions on wedding guest attire.

When you look good, you feel good. Enter this wedding season with the confidence that your outfit can own any occasion you’re attending. Don’t be afraid to try out a look that is new or perhaps a little bolder than you normally would.

The Gentleman's Guide To Wedding Attire, Weddings, Wedding Attire, Men's Wedding wear

Mr Shaw 75 releases retro fuelled range

Posted on by dansinnott

Retro t-shirt in blue and white with 70s feel for menThe new Retro75 collection from Mr Shaw 75 introduces innovation, style and versatility to the streets of the Midlands.

Derbyshire menswear favourite Mr Shaw 75 have added 2 new tees to their locally recognised brand, by dialling back the clock and bringing a retro look bang up-to-speed.

The new range aligns with their current offering that’s interchangeable, from evening wear to slick street style. With a continued focus on local insights to what’s on trend, accessible and always in demand, the 2 new options stand out from the pack.
Retro t-shirt in blue and white with 70s feel for men
These new tees are boldly summed up as Retro75. A little bit of Retro-Future and a whole lot of class. Classic concepts are disrupted with a dash of the colour associated from a decade way back, only demanding a closer look. 

Choose from a blue or white classic fit t-shirt – uniquely branded with a fresh take on the Mr Shaw 75 logo.
Dial back your inner spirit and get retro: here.
Retro t-shirt in blue and white with 70s feel for men

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.

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

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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.

Free the ankle? How to roll your trousers correctly!

Posted on by dansinnott

Whether you want to tailor your trousers into a sharp silhouette or just simply stop them from dragging in the mud, rolling your cuffs is a sure-fire style hack. But with a range of different shapes and cuts to tackle, adding the perfect finishing touch to your trews isn’t always easy. Let us show you how to nail it.

Free The Ankle?

To mankle, or not to mankle? That’s the question that style-conscious gents have been pondering of late. Ever since Thom Browne took to dramatically cropping suit trousers back in the mid to late noughties, the idea of baring a sizeable area of ankle has been front and centre of menswear debates.

The sockless, ankle-baring look is something that’s become increasingly common over recent years; and its popularity tends to soar with the mercury. So, have we peaked on flaunting the flesh? Is it time we took a page from the Victorians’ book and covered our ankles back up?

Either way, when it comes to flashing the ankles PLEASE remember to bear these few points in mind:

  • The Crop
  • The Turn Up
  • The Roll
  • Your shoe choice
  • Your invisible socks

These days, exposing your ankles is far from a fashion faux pas – if anything, current trends dictate it’s quite the opposite. It may not be a look for everyone, but at least now you know how to pull it off correctly.

 

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.

Pull your socks up Britain!

Posted on by dansinnott

A4 images-01

New label Drake & Hutch launches plan to bring clothing manufacturing back to the UK.

We recently featured Drake & Hutch in one of our men’s underwear must-have brands. Know the brand have some exciting news that we, here at High Street Gent, fully support…

Lancashire, 1st September 2016: New label Drake & Hutch have launched a campaign to revive the British textile industry and support jobs in the UK. By designing and manufacturing their new range of colourful socks in England they plan to bring back to life an industry that once thrived in the region they are based.

Founded by former buyer Pete McGuinness from Lancashire. The label creates everyday clothing essentials for women and men, designed in the heart of the countryside.

The companies new line of colourful socks are made in England and there are already plans for a future range of made in Scotland hats, gloves and scarves. All with the aim of supporting the British manufacturing.

Pete explains “I loved working in the clothing industry buying and developing for high-street labels, but I was always disappointed that despite an incredible textile history in the UK, so little clothing was made here.”

In the early 1900s UK textile production was in full swing. At one point an estimated 80% of the worlds cotton had passed through Manchester, known at the time as Cottonopolis. By the 1950s production was in rapid decline. In the 1970s the little manufacturing that was still based in the UK moved off-shore, mainly to China.

Pete goes onto say “Most of our suppliers are small family owned 3rd or 4th generation businesses. We work closely with them using our design capabilities and their expertise to create high quality wardrobe staples that are made to last, providing a little bit of affordable luxury you can enjoy everyday.

“Having regular contact with our suppliers means we know the clothing is being made ethically with fair wages supporting local communities.”

“instead of planning by season and predicting customer needs 12 months in advance like most labels, we listen to our customers and constantly develop the range based on feedback. This keeps it exciting for us as everyday we are looking at ways to evolve while our customers feel more like partners”.

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Drake & Hutch have launched a campaign to support their British made socks via indiegogo.com, an online platform for funding creative projects (click here to view).

The future certainly looks bright for this forward thinking British label. Why not check out the campaign online now and support British manufacturing. As an extra incentive, the first 500 pairs of socks ordered will be delivered in time for Christmas making them the perfect gift!

The right shirt, for the right occasion

Posted on by dansinnott

Hawes & Curtis Shoot 1

The shirt – a simple yet stylish staple item for any man’s wardrobe. But why should you stick to just the usual white formal shirt when you can add texture, dimension and colour in a number of ways with a variety of shirt styles?

If you’re looking for a shirt that has a superb fit, a recognisable finish and the class of the most dapperest gent, Hawes & Curtis is a must see. Hawes & Curtis is famous for its quintessentially British menswear and womenswear ranges. With over 100 years of heritage, Hawes & Curtis has a distinguished British past and a promising international future. The brand has stores in Germany and Dubai and has recently launched a German and Australian website. Thanks to its rapid international expansion and prominent online presence, Hawes & Curtis is an internationally recognised brand attracting customers from around the world.

It’s international success left us no option here at High Street Gent than to jump at the opportunity to feature them when they got in touch. Whilst we say thanks for the sample shirt we were sent (shown above) we’re going to run through a few other shirt options that you MUST consider from Hawes & Curtis and how, when and with what you can wear them.

Although there is a lot to consider when it comes to shirts, it’s not as hard as you think when it comes to choosing the right shirt, for the right occasion. Fresh from Hawes & Curtis we’ve pulled together the most common occasions and types of shirt, to guide you through…

FORMAL SHIRTS

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Let’s start with the preppy shirt icon. The great thing about the formal shirt is that they’re made from a thicker material than your usual shirt – so perfect for the summer season and you can get away with losing the jacket in the office without looking under or half dressed. A simple white formal shirt under a patterned blazer will not cause you any complaints with your boss. However, there are many colourful styles available which can brighten up what could be considered an average outfit.

CURTIS CASUAL

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Check shirts can be pretty versatile, but remember one small factor – the smaller the checks the smarter the shirt will become. So if you want something a little more sartorial choose a gingham or Prince of Wales check. The best jacket styles to wear over a smart checked shirt are either sports jackets or deconstructed jackets with relaxed shoulders teamed with neutral toned trousers and a brown brogue. If you want a more casual look simply wear the shirt with a leather jacket over or a chunky knit cardigan matched with jeans and boots.

FLANNEL/LINEN SHIRTS

Flannel shirts are the best when it comes to keeping warm since they were initially made for farmers and rangers. Their image changed and turned more towards becoming a fashionable shirt in the late 1980s to early 90s with an indie rock band vibe. There are a few ways in which you can wear the flannel shirt: open, over a loose t shirt with slim jeans and trainers for a casual look. Alternatively, button it up under a plain crew neck sweater, chinos and brogues for a smarter look. If a patterned shirt isn’t really something you like to wear then choose a shirt which consists of darker shades, or a more subtle pattern and keep the rest of your outfit fairly minimal.

WEEKEND COLLECTION SHIRTS

Denim shirts have always had a vintage aura about them and a streetwear style. However, you can also work this into a smart daywear look under a blazer if you choose the colours and styles wisely. Granted some offices would still consider the denim shirt a little too casual for work so this is something to consider before stepping out the door. You can create a subtle western vibe with stone washed jeans and a pair of neutral Chelsea or lace up derby boots. The key to teaming denim is to contrast shades e.g. a dark denim shirt with blue jeans or a stone washed denim shirt with dark wash jeans. Just avoid wearing all-denim of the same colour – you don’t want to leave the house looking like Justin Timberlake back in the 00s.

LONG SLEEVED POLO SHIRTS

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The casual side of the shirt spectrum, however a practical option for most occasions. The polo shirt is a great ‘no frills’ shirt offered in a variety of colours and best worn with jeans and rugged boots for a casual look. You can also dress them up for the office with a blazer, which again might not be acceptable for some offices but you can make this look a little smarter by combining a checked shirt under the polo shirt and throwing a blazer over the top for a layered winter style.

THE UNBUTTONING…

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The red and white pinstripe shirt pictured above was sent to us by Hawes & Curtis as a sample. The smart tailoring and quality of the material does not go unnoticed when wearing one of their shirts. The crisp cuffs and collar really give the shirt an executive feel and keep you looking dapper all day. In the office I’ve received many a compliment on the shirt. It’s a fantastic fit.

It’s important to remember that we’re all different shapes and sizes, and whilst a skinny fit shirt may fit me, it may not you. It’s best practice to every now and again pop by your local tailor and get yourself measured professionally. It’s best to know your neck size, chest and waist to put into practice further a field than just shirts. If it fits well, you’ll look well. Visit here for a size guide put together by Hawes & Curtis.

The most common cuts and fits you’ll come across are extra slim, slim, tailored and classic, be sure to familiarise yourself with what works for you.

 

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