mens fashion

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

Hawes & Curtis 1

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

Hawes & Curtis 4

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

Hawes & Curtis 2

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…

Hawes & Curtis Shoot 3

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.

 

Gym must haves for Autumn

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

Summer is almost over and our sunny days on the swimming pools or at the beach are numbered. For a lot of people, this means going back to their regular workouts in the gym. And with this comes the age old question, what should we pack in our gym bag? Some people are organized and already know what they need, but the others have a hard time keeping track of what’s necessary and what’s not. That is why we compiled this list of must haves for your gym workouts this fall.

Water Bottle

This is a no-brainer for all gym rats out there, but a lot of people forget to put one in their gym bag. If you are one of the forgetful bunch, then we recommend that you to get one high-quality water bottle you will only use for the gym and always keep in your bag. They don’t wear out easily and don’t require much cleaning.

Gym Clothing

Workout clothes is something every gym lovers should think about. Sweating in the gym is normal and necessary, if you’re not sweating, you are not training hard enough and wearing the right gear.. That’s why you should look for high quality gym clothing like Distinct Clothing offers. Good pair of gym fit t-shirts or tanks and compression shorts are a must this fall.

Jockstraps

Jockstraps are very important if you do a lot of cardio and have a lot of bouncing down there. They will provide a much-needed support and keep your whole “package” in one place. There are a lot of models you can choose from, but essentially, what makes a good jockstrap is a resilient rear strap and a firm waistband. Pick designs that you like at JockUp and you are set to run for as long as you want. Also, wash your jockstrap frequently because they tend to get dirtier and smellier faster than the regular underwear.

Sports Watch

A good sports watch is absolutely necessary for gym workouts that include running or multiple rounds of exercises. We know that you can count in your head how much sets and reps you did on the bench, but if you really want to enhance your performance while doing time sensitive exercises, we strongly recommend that you get one. If you keep track of the time to the millisecond, you can see where your strength dips and improve on that. Some of the best sport watches you can check out here.

Body shapers

One last thing on our list is body shapers. The body shaper is essentially underwear that goes beneath your clothes to make your body figure leaner and add additional support. Some people question the need for body shapers in your workouts, but we think that they have wider use than just giving you a better look. Because of their tight grip they can provide additional support for your back, chest or belly, depending on what model you are wearing. Companies like Leonisa make one of the best body shapers on the market and offer a wide range of models. Pick the one you need and you will not only look better but also have much needed extra support during your intense workouts.

With this, we conclude our list of necessary equipment for your gym workouts. We hope that you found this article useful and that it reminded you of a few things that you would otherwise forget. So, this fall, when the summer is officially over and all of you gym lovers return to your sanctuaries, remember to pack items from this list and enjoy your workouts.

Peter

Gruhme continues to grow

Posted on by dansinnott

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Congratulations to our favourite men’s fragrance brand, Gruhme.

We recently featured Gruhme as an already acknowledged brand for it’s fantastic fragrances, in particular the award winning No.14. It therefore came as no surprise earlier this week when the following announcement landed in our inboxes:

British fragrance house Gruhme continue their success as they launch in luxury retailers Flannels, Cruise Fashion and Van Mildert. Thanks to the latest partnerships, the award winning men’s fragrance is now available in over 50 shops across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We are thrilled to have established a partnership with Gruhme, and are excited to be able to offer the product to our customers, both through our retail stores and online channels.

The partnership comes as part of our expansion into the fragrance category, which is a new venture for the company”, says Flannels Marketing Manager Jenna Triscott.

Head of Sales at Gruhme, Tom Kollen, says he is excited to be working with these well-established retailers which he describes as being the perfect fit for their brand. He also expects other high end retailers to follow suit and take on their products in the near future.

“This is one of the fastest growing markets right now, and there is a tremendous increase in the demand for niche men’s fragrances, especially if they are made in the UK.”

Gruhme, who won Best Men’s Fragrance in the grooming category at the Beauty Shortlist awards earlier this year, was founded in late 2013 and has experienced a steady growth over the last couple of years as well as an ever increasing interest from magazines and bloggers reviewing and praising their products.

Congratulations once again to Gruhme on securing more stockists, we, here at High Street Gent, look forward to seeing you expand.

5 ways to make a great first impression

Posted on by dansinnott

Business Team Partnership Greeting Handshake Concept

We all may think that we’ve nailed first impressions. We’ve sold ourselves in interviews, have been a success at networking events and were legends when we fronted that pitch. But research has found that a first impression is made within the first seven seconds of meeting someone. So have you really made a good first impression? Try doing these things next time you meet someone.

1. Think about your appearance 

You want to make sure that you are portraying the best possible image of yourself. So think beforehand about your outfit from head to toe and prepare yourself well ahead of time. Consider your hair, what you’re wearing and accessories like handbags and necklaces. By looking your best, you will feel your best and more confident, which will leave a better first impression. Fo some inspiration check out our article on ‘how to rock at a job interview.’

2. Body language 

You could say that your body language actually says more about you than anything that comes out of your mouth as it really does speak volumes. When you meet someone, a firm handshake is a must as well as being stood tall and showing authority. To make a lasting impression though, smile and use eye contact. 

3. Start the conversation

By starting the conversation, you appear confident and interested in that person. If you don’t know much about them, simply engage in a bit of small talk to get going, or just ask them how their day has been. This will create ease between the two of you and you can get off on the right foot. Alternatively, do your research beforehand and ask them something about their company.

4. Be on time

Seems like an obvious one, but it’s by far the most important. Nobody appreciates having their time wasted, especially if it’s for no good reason. If you are late, even by just a few minutes, you have made a bad first impression as you’re not showing commitment to them. Allow yourself enough time!

5. Ask questions

In order to make a good first impression that will last, ask the other person questions about themselves. You will seem interested in them and you might find that you have a lot in common. By not asking questions, you can appear self-obsessed or boring.

This article first appeared in the ‘business bytes’ section of thebusinessdesk.com – East Midlands.

Festival Fundamentals

Posted on by Peter Minkoff

czech_summer_festival

Aren’t you getting thrilled about all the upcoming festivals? ‘Cos we are!

Summer alone is probably the most beautiful time of the year; add quality music to that – you’ve got yourself a paradise on earth. Tanned skin, tricky temptations, devilish inhibitions released, beautiful exhaustion, inexplicable excitement, love, good vibes, beats that are taking you higher and all the dancing may be just some of the awesome reasons why you should fall in love with every single moment of your festival time.

Don’t you think festival fashion tips for guys seem comparatively thin on the ground. Then again, do we really care?

Let’s be honest, will there be beers? Yes. Will there be sun? Hopefully. Will there be unforgettable performances you’ll bear witness to and boastingly reference at parties in the future? Most likely. So, why the hell would you care about you’ve got on?

Well you’ll have an amazing time – but, after all, a few things you need to think about prior to dispatching on your summer ride. Don’t get stressed all of a sudden – it’s nothing serious… but it’s definitely helpful! Here’s what we are talking about:

1. Protect your feet!

festival-goers

However cool you might think you look in your trainers, they are not the right footwear for a British festival. Instead, prepare for inclement weather with a pair of waterproof, slip-resistant wellies (remember, kids, mud is a great leveller).

The Independent consulted festival goers of all ages to bring you the best boots for the job – from inexpensive pairs that will keep your feet dry and mud free, to seriously hard-wearing ones that will last for a decade. Take a look here.

2. Wear the right pair of underwear

Drake and Hutch underwear

While to some of you this may be a given, there are others who aren’t really thinking in that direction. Truth is, when you are going to a festival, no matter how stylish and edgy your personal fashion is, you need to be comfortable first and then follow up with some good fashion. Naturally, a huge (and maybe base, even) part of that comfort is the type of underwear you have on. You want something you can move in, something that won’t give you a wedgie (go on, laugh) or feel unnatural on your skin. So the perfect choice is Drake & Hutch underwear. Their fabrics are  made of natural fibers and the cut flattering. Just think about it – you’ll be moving around in that underwear, dancing, walking, sweating (maybe even pee a little when the line to the bathroom is lengthy or the run to the nearest bush too long) – so you want them to be of the right, comfy kind.

…and if we’re being honest, you’re going to be in the same pair for days, aren’t you chaps? Make sure they’re decent ones!

3. Kill ‘em with style

Festivals are all about self-expression, crazy outfits and released inhibitions… and are there better ways to express yourself at occasions like these, but wear things that show your amazing personality? Put on your favourite funky tee and rock that festival fashion better than anyone around. Go for the Dedicated tees or cropped tops, that amazing graphic print or your floral boho and enjoy the ride! It would be wise to pack another shirt you’ll be changing into after you get soaking wet (there’ll be a lot of dancing involved, after all).

Remember however, the nights can get chilly, so it’s always worth chucking your favourite hoodie or sweater jumper in your bag to wrap up when the sun goes down.

4. Put on a pair of weather appropriate shorts

Bowler & Beach Festival

It’s understandable you want to rock your style and show it off at every corner, as you should. But! Be smart enough to go for clothes that are both stylish and functional. Opting for a pair of Bowler & Beach shorts instead of a pair that you would be freezing/sweating in is way smarter and way more practical. Plus, you don’t want people looking at you like you’ve gone crazy for wearing a see-through mini shorts with 60 ºF out!

If Glastonbury this year is anything to go by, it’s going to be wet, it’s going to be muddy, so you want something that will dry quickly, not be too-clingy and always breezey.

5. Bring a raincoat

Festival Goers endure the rain at main stage during T In The Park Festival

It’s true – we often associate raincoats to those huge, shapeless pieces of clothes our mums used to dress us in whenever there was even a hint of rain out. But guess what – turns out mums knew their business after all. Not only that raincoats do actually protect from the (heavy) rains but they’re also making a comeback in the fashion world! They now come in variety of cuts, colours and prints, and are definitely a piece everyone should include in their wardrobe, especially when they are going somewhere for a longer period of time. The best raincoat pieces we’ve spotted lately are on Peter’s of Kensington website, so make sure you do your buying before hitting the road.

Lastly, stay safe, wear sun cream and make some memories.

Have fun, take photos, enjoy your time and make mental images of everything you fail to capture through your lens – you’ll remember it for life!

Feel free to let us know which festivals you’re attending this year and what you will be wearing in the comments section below…

Peter

What to wear to work?

Posted on by dansinnott

It can sometimes be hard to figure out what to wear to certain occasions, especially to work. How nice are you supposed to dress? What shoes should you wear? Does this even match? Your first job, or even a job interview is one of life’s most significant milestones. As a young person, it may seem as though employers are extra weary of how you carry yourself, which is why dressing your best is important to make a good first impression. It can be hard to figure out exactly what to wear, and it can also be something that puts a rather large dent in your wallet. But, thankfully, there are affordable and stylish clothes out there that will help you land and keep your dream job.

First things first. Get a sense of the atmosphere of where your job will be as much as you can. You can look up the company online, or even ask whoever you will be interviewing with what the workplace dress code is. Then, depending on what the dress code is, you can base your outfits off that. But, a rule of thumb is that you would rather be overdressed than be under-dressed, so try and spruce it up a couple notches above the acceptable look.

With the help of T.M. Lewin, take a look at their very clever info-graphic to give you all the tips your need based on your career choice…

TMLewin_whattoweartowork_x2 (1)

Check out T.M. Lewin’s variety of formal shirts, their wide range of patterns, colours and fits will keep you looking smart and sharp!

Let’s keep this brief

Posted on by dansinnott

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All men, regardless of age, occupation or lifestyle, deserve great underwear particularly in the summer months. That is, underwear that both feels and looks better than just “good, I guess.”

That means underwear that 1) fits, 2) doesn’t have holes in it, 3) is less than five years old, and 4) doesn’t induce cringing when your trousers come off.

Beyond being a practical necessity, slipping on a decent pair of underpants in the morning is one of the most important parts of starting a new day. Think of a good, clean, well-fitting, sexy (yes, sexy) pair of underwear as a psychological advantage…especially in summer!

Sure, some guys will argue that the type underwear doesn’t really matter, it does, even more so in summer! Think of your pants gents as a woman would think of her bra. She gets the right style, support and SIZE that’s specific to her. We need to do the same!

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All us chaps do varying jobs, have varying lifestyles and different needs, so on these hot summer days and what could be uncomfortable nights, if you find yourself rearranging yourself, it’s probably because the pants you are wearing aren’t right for you!

So now that we all agree, the challenge is to find you just the right pair. There are a lot of different styles, looks, and degrees of premium-ness — and each has its own place in a man’s wardrobe. Here are some of the best makes and styles available that offer A-grade value without threatening your riches.

Drake & Hutch

Drake and Hutch 4

The Kensington Brief -British label Drake & Hutch believe change is long overdue and have broken away from the traditional closed door retail model by providing “excellence through transparency in production”. A simple idea, from cotton grower to garment maker, every stage of production is advised for each luxury garment created.

Increasingly popular, trunks are the beautiful hybrid of briefs and boxers. The most recognizable trait of trunks is their squareness, which is due to their short legs. They are highly versatile since they hug the body, avoiding the potential bunchiness of boxers. If you usually wear briefs but are interested in trying something different, this is a good option.

If you’re after a classic underwear cut and style, but with a modern design and cracking support. Drake & hutch are for you. There’s absolutely no way you’d fear running around in your underwear on a warm evening at home in these, the understated logo on the waistband adds a touch of class.

EROIX

EROIX-Underneathwear-START-EVERY-DAY-WITH-STYLE-ONRAIL

EROIX: the outstanding things you do, and the objects that serve you exceptionally well. They are the things that add up to make you feel like a hero.

Making EROIX serves a purpose for its family. It’s purpose is to inspire us to learn, create, and share. More specifically, they aim to create your favourite essential garments. To learn and share inspiring ways of life. And to support social and environmental health and healing.

If you’re after support, but don’t like a tight fit, EROIX Underneath Wear are perfect for you. Sporty, with a classic edge, this underwear allows you ‘room to breath’ and come in wholesome stylish colours. The tie up front allows easy access if you’re playing sport in those ’emergency’ situations and hold you in place for the times your package needs the ultimate support.

Generally loose-fitting, boxers provide the least amount of support out of all the styles. That said, since nothing is too “compartmentalized”, air circulates more freely, meaning they are also the most breathable. While traditional boxers tend to be almost baggy, more trendier options lean towards slimmer fits. They also have an open fly for easy access and exit, which is nice.

Undamentals

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Most guys own at least one pair of briefs — they are the standard, go-to style that have been around forever. They cover all the important stuff (your backside and package), but leave the thighs uncovered. The minimal fabric means absolutely no bunching under tighter fitting pants, and total versatility. Briefs also tend to come in three rises: high, medium, and low. For optimum comfort, make sure you match the rise of your chosen underwear with the pants you’re wearing.

Your underwear is Undamentals to your daily life, so why compromise? Let Undamentals
breathe new life into your underwear and keep it fresh forever. Always hassle free and with understated style – try their underwear, love their underwear and trust them to manage your underwear drawer.

Their briefs are impeccable. If, like us, you’re a chap who needs the ultimate support, the Undamentals briefs are perfect for you. Not restricting, have a breathable material that allows you not to feel cramped and ultimately look good – these briefs could be your best mate, in the office, at the gym, when in town. A must try.

Society Socks

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Society socks are the ultimate blend of craftsmanship and style. Turn the traditional understanding of socks inside out and create products that show your individuality. Society Socks support the notion that socks shouldn’t be dull and colourless, but bold and expressive.

Socks are the least donated, but most needed clothing item. Since homeless shelters only accept new socks, it’s much more difficult to donate them compared to other used clothing. Society Socks will help change this.

You can really tell that the company are focused on fantastic quality for fantastic prices! The quality and styles are great.

They look and feel great. You don’t imagine there’s a huge difference when it comes to socks but you really can tell when you’re putting on a decent pair. The quality is instantly apparent compared to the pairs from High Street giants!

Society Socks is all about fostering a community of people that care about each other’s well-being. A gesture as small as donating one pair of socks leads the way to a better society. A pair of socks is a small stepping stone towards greater change. All we need to do is set the gears in motion.

They believe that one of the most effective ways to drive change is through social entrepreneurship. From this, the Society Socks pair for pair model was born. With every pair of socks that is purchased, they will donate a pair to the Covenant House Toronto, an organisation helping the city’s homeless youth. Let’s change the world together. Get your pair of socks now.

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Maintaining & taming your beard!

Posted on by dansinnott

Beard Header

A full and well-groomed beard is a point of pride for a lot of guys. Especially in recent times beards have become quite the fashionable trend among modern men. However, achieving a proper beard is not that simple, and just growing out a beard without much grooming is just going to be you looking like a hobo or something! So there are a few tips and tricks you should know if you want to achieve a proper manly beard without looking scruffy!

Getting started with a beard

Don’t let the itch get you

The first little while of growing out a beard can be the hardest for some, due to the itchiness that comes with the short hard hairs of your stubble. Just hang in there, after a while the itchiness goes away as the hairs become longer and softer.

Be patient

Let your beard grow out a little before you start to trim and shape it. Even if you want to wear your beard short and close to your face, it is recommended that you let your beard grow approximately and inch or an inch and a half before you start shaping it.

Be realistic about your beard

Not everyone can grow out an awesome beard. Unfortunately genetics gives some of us scraggly and patchy beards, instead of the full mountain-man type beard. So be realistic about what you can grow and cannot grow.

Image from the Instagram profile of BraidBarbers

Beard trim from @BraidBarbers on Instagram

Beard trimming

Consider getting a pro to do it

If you are a little unsure of how to exactly trim your beard the best way, consider going to a professional barber that can do it for you. Not only will they be able to give you an awesome trim, but they can probably even give you some tips on how to maintain your specific beard (as everyone has different hair types and facial features).

Have the right tools

If you decide to go the DIY route for maintaining your beard, you need to make sure you have the right tools available. Using a rusty old pair of scissors is not going to do it! Consider getting a decent electronic beard trimmer. A beard trimmer’s clippers will allow you to more accurately trim and shape your beard while also cutting your beard to a specific length. I recommend getting the rechargeable cordless beard trimmers. They might be a little pricier than other options, but in the long run you will be glad you made the investment!

You should also consider getting a good comb to comb your beard with. For your beard a wide-toothed comb is best (as your beard hair can be thick and coarse), while if you have a mustache that you want to keep neat, a fine-toothed comb will be the right option.

Careful when wet

When you trim your beard, be careful to do it when the hair is still wet. Wet hair can look a lot longer than when it is dry. So the best would be to rather trim your hair once dried.

Keep in mind the shape of your face

Your beard and your jaw should work in tandem to achieve a nicely graduated, oval shape. If you have a square or round jaw, you’ll want to grow your beard fuller on the bottom to elongate your face. If you have an oblong or rectangular face, you’ll want more hair on the sides while avoiding more length beneath the chin.

To help maintain a balance between the two sides of your face, you may find it useful to start near the ear on one side and trim down to the chin. Then repeat on the other side.

Keeping your beard clean

Shaving & Grooming from ManlyStuff.ie

Grooming & Shaving from ManlyStuff.ie

Beard hair is hair too, so shampoo and condition!

Just like you would do with regular hair, you should shampoo and condition your beard hair. A mild shampoo is usually easier on your skin. After shampooing, go over to the conditioner to get a softer feel on your beard. Be sure to rinse thoroughly in order to avoid flaking.

Don’t blow dry

Avoid blow drying your beard as the warm air will dry out your skin. Instead you should rather use a dry towel to wipe and dry your beard.

Beard oil

If you really want to get your beard soft and shiny, you should invest in some good beard oil. There are a bunch of different beard oil options out there, and you can even get recipes off the Internet to make your own if you really wanted to. So experiment with some beard oils and see what you like best.

Daily combing ritual

You should comb and brush your beard on a daily basis to untangle hairs and to also train them to grow in a specific direction. This will help you to maintain a specific shape for your beard.

Products

Image from BraidBarders on Instagram

Maintaining & grooming image from @BraidBarbers on Instagram

Below we’ve listed our top 4 men’s grooming & shaving desstinations, take a look:

Wrapping Up

A great beard is a thing of beauty! But it takes commitment and discipline to get a truly great beard that looks good and feels good. I hope the above tips helps you in your quest for your ultimate beard!

This article was provided by manomics.com, a blog specifically catering to mens’ lifestyle topics around grooming, health and fitness.

Brother & Gent: Gentleman’s Attire | Timeless Quality

Posted on by dansinnott

Brother & Gent Sample English Garden Tie

Brother & Gent Sample English Garden Tie

Brother & Gent was brought to life in 2015 by founder Daniel Gardner. His vision was to create a brand that would combine true gentleman’s attire with the many aspects of life that inspire him! Ultimately though, a brand that could always be relied upon for timeless quality menswear, and remembered for the message behind it’s name…

Within each product line, Brother & Gent strive to reflect its passion, inspiration and personality whilst giving the greatest attention to detail.

As well as having the opportunity to put founder Daniel Gardner in the High Street Gent hot seat, we were lucky enough to try one of the fantastic ties from the range that Brother & Gent have to offer. Before we reveal the outcome of the question and answer, we’re going to delve into the Brother & Gent stock list…

Brother & Gent have everything you need as a sartorial gent, the colours are vibrant and bold, the patterns are classy-typical of every English gent, and the accessories perfectly refine any outfit for any occasion.

Below we’ve lined up our top picks from the brand, with some brief tips on what to consider if you’re dressing for three very different occasions.

Office

If you’re after bringing a bit of your personality to your suit and awakening you’re inner style for the office, you need to bear in mind you need to remain professional. Subtle patterns and colour pairing when it comes to accessories will exquisitely finish off your look, whilst showing your personality and keeping it suitable for the workplace. No one wants to scare off their clients with an over jazzy tie!

Above:
Brother & Gent’s stags head woven and printed silk tie with stags head tie pin – £32.00
Brother & Gent’s Dark Red Flower Lapel Pin – £6.00
Brother & Gent Classic Gold Cufflinks – £20.00

Wedding

If you’re off to a summer wedding this year, Brother & Gent have exactly what you require to celebrate the forthcoming nuptials. When it comes to weddings, if you have a nice suit, the accessories can really enhance the look and occasion. For example, one of this seasons trends is ‘colour clash’, the Garden of England tie is bright, bold and sophisticated for a wedding, paired with a bright coloured button lapel and clashing pocket square, all the colours are bursting into action to really make a statement…just be sure you don’t upstage the bride! Take a look around at what’s on social media for examples, there’s plenty of hashtags you can search for ideas.

Above:
Brother & Gent’s Garden of England silk tie – £36.00
Brother & Gent’s Golden flower lapel – £6.00
Brother & Gent’s 5 pack paisley pocket squares –  £22.00

Classy

When it comes to wanting a classy look, we’re firm believers in less is more. Brother & Gent offer a range of accessories that can be added to any shirt and blazer combo to give it that personal tweak. The classy items listed on the website can be added as one-offs or mixed & matched to create a sophisticated look no matter what the occasion is. Against tweed, against dark colours, against light, the versatility in materials in the products at Brother & Gent mean texturised plain items seem more dignified and precise. It’s easy to choose a different material in a block colour if you’re not the patterned type. If you have a block colour suit and shirt, you’re pretty open to accessories, be bold and brave.

Above:
Brother & Gent’s Pale pink flower lapel – £6.00
Brother & Gent’s sunset knitted bow-tie – £22.00
Brother & Gent Polka Dot wool scarf – £50.00
Brother & gent burgundy & cream pocket square – £8.00

Q&A

…with Brother & Gent founder Dan Gardner:

  1. How would you describe Brother & Gent? What is it in a nutshell?
    In a nutshell it is a place where you can rely on timeless, quality menswear, and with each product feel connected through the inspired design and message that Brother & Gent are recognised and respected for. A home-grown and honest brand with values of a true gentleman.
  1. How did Brother & Gent start and why?It started in January 2015. Strangely, I experienced quite a sudden burst of inspiration which triggered a long evening of jotting down ideas in my notepad (whilst grinning like a mad man)! I can’t tell you exactly what had inspired me, but I had recently spent some time in London, and one shop in particular had made an impression. It was called ‘Thomas Farthing’, a shop that took you back to menswear attire from the 1920’s. You could see how the shop owners believed in their brand and really loved what they did. This gave me a boost of confidence and it may have been a combination of that stronger mentality and my desire to create something new, something inspiring, that really lead me to create Brother & Gent! Over the months that followed I made many lists, many plans, and had many ideas to how I could create a menswear brand that was something I believed in and would be truly respected by people today.
  1. What goes into deciding what you stock, to ensure it matches the B&G values?Most of the time I just follow my initial instinct. I know the type of products that I like personally, and I know which products that fit and represent the brands core values, so I’m usually quite confident from the outset on whether I want to have a particular product in the store or not. That being said, I do occasionally introduce the odd product that would not generally be expected – for example, a t-shirt.
  1. Do you have any new products in the pipeline?Indeed I do! I’ve recently finished designing the new patterns for my next collection of ties, scarves, pocket squares and cravats!
  1. What are your personal favourite products B&G stock?TOP 3 favourites right now would have to be the Garden of England tie, the handmade wooden tie bar and the pink & pale blue pin-stripe braces.
  1. Brother & Gent has grown really quickly and successfully with hard work, what would you say is key to making your brand successful when you start out?Don’t copycat other brands. Set your brand realistic goals and have a fairly simple plan for your first year. Stick to it. Believe in yourself and the brand. Most of all though – work hard and don’t stop doing what you love!

Brother & Gent have set their mission to reinstall the true meaning behind a gentleman, and to promote in every way possible the brotherly love that should guide every man’s thinking. Become part of the story today. Be Brother & Gent and set the way forward for all to follow.

#SaveTheGent

SavetheGent

The world is changing dramatically every single year – and not often for the better. The term “gentleman” was once considered as one relating to a man of good manner, high morals standards and a respectful nature to all. What ever happened to that?

Not all, but a high percentage of people today are only interested in money, power, pleasure and ultimately out for their own personal gain… this fact is a very sad one indeed!

At Brother & Gent they feel strongly about two things, 1) the importance of quality menswear and design, and  2) the mission of reinstalling real gentleman into a morally degraded world.

In this modern age it seems that so many men feel no obligation to keep up a high standard of moral conduct, or have any natural affection for others, or to just simply be a good and honest individual. Of course the cycle has to start somewhere, so they ask anyone who support or respect what they represent to set the way forward for all to follow and use #SaveTheGent!

Join the revolution and become a Brother & Gent by following them on social media. Find the links to their accounts here: Twitter//Instagram//Facebook

#SaveTheGent!!

The history of British menswear

Posted on by dansinnott

We’ll often see trends making a reappearance, but are we ever entirely sure where it came from, how far we’ve come and why these changes occur?

T.M.Lewin have been looking at just how far we have come and what styles, cuts and materials the sartorial gent has worn over time. Taking inspiration from a back catalogue of historic pieces, T.M.L drive to deliver the best quality, tailored for any occasion, from weddings to work events. With an unrivalled choice of colours and styles in three different fits, you will see below that there are many factors that influence why things change, but also, when it comes to dressing smart, what us chaps have adopted time and time again.

So here’s to you dapper-chaps, take a look at a 300-year history of British Menswear. (You’ll see that over time, us chaps have become far more daring when it comes to smart wear choices and professionals in adopting styles, with the help of brands such as T.M Lewin…it’s pretty neat!)

TMLewin_fashion_history_x2

Men’s fashion has certainly evolved through the centuries, as any look at men’s historical clothing will show you. While much has always been made of women’s fashions, men’s styles are no less noteworthy. Students of fashion and history can clearly see how a man’s status and class affected his wardrobe.

While looking at men’s historical clothing can be educational, it can also be an intriguing way to view the past. As with all things in fashion, what’s old is often new again. Styles that you thought you’d never see repeated are sometimes resurrected in better…or worse ways!

We’d like to thank T.M.Lewin for the fantastic graphic above, and if you would like to view their ranges of suits and shirts now you know where their inspiration stems from, head over to view all suits on their website.