Smarts & Suits

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

The Quest for the Perfect Tailored Suit No Longer Needs to Ruin You

Posted on by dansinnott

Suit, Man being measured for a suit, tailoring, tailored suit, tape measure, suits and tuxedo, smart and suits, tie, blazer

Finding the perfect three-piece suit can be a headache for many men. Will you be able to find the right match straight off of a hanger and at an affordable price at any menswear shop? Or will you have to break the bank and pay a (somewhat intimidating) visit to a tailor in order for the suit of your dreams to fit like a glove? And when comes the time to know what fits and what doesn’t, what should you be on the lookout for?

We know finding the perfect timeless suit that’ll last you years is no small feat, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank anymore for a perfectly tailored suit. Simply follow these steps from our expert, who has provided countless gentlemen with that go-to suit for all occasions.

Picking a Tailored Suit Wisely Starts with Good Fit

Every discerning gentleman deserves a suit that fits him well, and rushing to the nearest menswear shop to buy the first suit in sight is clearly not the best course of action here.

A timeless three-piece suit need not follow the latest trends. Minimalism is the key to a classic, timeless suit. A snug fit that embraces and flatters all of your manly shapes is key to looking effortlessly dashing. Since all men are different and so many factors are coming into play here — from height, to chest and torso lengths, to shoulder broadness — going the tailor-made route has clear benefits. “People will notice a man of style and substance with great attention to detail in the perfect suit”, says Anthony Horner, owner of Empire Outlet, a company that provides luxury tailored suits at affordable prices for the modern day gentleman.

The perfect cut will fit every body type. It will elongate the shorter man, fit the tallest amongst us to perfection, slim down and hide any unwanted bulges for the self-conscious. A good tailor will know what is best for you — and if you trust them, the results will surprise you.

Suit, Man being measured for a suit, tailoring, tailored suit, tape measure, suits and tuxedo, smart and suits, tie, blazer

The Colour: A Matter of Choice, but Don’t Get Too Crazy

You may think of black as the go-to colour for your first suit, but it might be too formal or severe to fit any occasion. Instead, colours like navy blue, grey, and beige, as well as light checker patterns or pinstripes, are fantastic options. These timeless options allow a three-piece suit or any tailored suit to fit any occasion. Tweed has always been a material to consider over the years, but has recently seen a further surge in popularity. Today, it’s a modern essential in every gentleman’s wardrobe and a fantastic option to keep in mind.

The lining of your suit and colour of your tie is where you can get a little more creative. Don’t hesitate to use your tie as a fashion statement, which can give your neutral suit a more current or classic twist, depending on the occasion. As far as colours go, you could pick something that matches your eye colour, or even your partner’s outfit colour. Be creative; ties are a cheap way to jazz up an otherwise classic outfit!

Quality Fabric Makes All the Difference

To look dapper and comfortable, seek out a three-piece suit that’s 100% wool — a durable and breathable fabric. Suits made out of a blend of wool and 2%-5% of elastane for added comfort and ease of movement are also a great option. Beware, however, that some luxury fabrics, such as silk, will make the suit a lot more expensive and a lot less durable. Sticking to wool really is your best bet.

A suit made of exceptional fabric quality and craftsmanship will look straight and even when hanging, with perfectly symmetrical legs and sleeves. The seams should all look even and regular, with no bulging or ripples. Always put your suit to the hanging test!

Finding the suit of your dreams is easy if you follow these simple rules, especially as online tailored suit purchasing has come such a long way in latest years. You can now order fabric samples before committing to having the suit of your dreams made. And you may be surprised to know that such a beautiful, timeless, bespoke item doesn’t need to set you back any more than £200 to £300 from the best companies.

Make sure you take care of your perfectly tailored suit! In order for your it to remain beautiful and fresh for years to come, always make sure to hang it on a padded hanger. To keep it clean, treat it like a coat. Have it aired as often as possible, and dry cleaned only as needed.

Why you need a shirt subscription & how to start

Posted on by dansinnott

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You can get subscriptions for just about everything these days. Razors, pet toys, beauty products, wine accessories, bow ties, snacks, and more. So with so many options, why would someone look at Christian Benedict, a men’s shirt subscription service as something they want, or need? Well, the benefits of getting some simple, stylish, fresh clean shirts posted through your door are vast, and hopefully we can convince you to take the plunge into a world that’s more convenient, more reliable, more stylish, and where you’ll have more money in your pocket to spend on other cool stuff.

#1 MEN NEED NEW SHIRTS MORE THAN THEY’D LIKE TO ADMIT

Face it guys, you probably need new shirts more than you think. Whether you wear your shirt on their own, layered with a blazer or sweater, or even as an undershirt — they simply don’t last forever. Your shirts eventually get pit stains, or maybe food on ’em, or in some cases they simply lose their shape over time. And guys simply don’t know how to say goodbye, well that and we’re also a tad lazy, which leads to wearing shirts we shouldn’t any more. By getting a shipment of shirts every 30, 60 or 90 days you eliminate awkward shirt moments forever. Crisp, new shirts will leave you walking out the door with confidence. Confidence breeds success, and face it — the ladies love confident successful men.

So first things first, head over to Christian Benedict.

When you arrive you’ll see a clean cut website that’s easy to use, with prompts to take you through the process of your signing up to your spanking new subscription service. Once you’ve decided how often you’d like to receive a new shirt under the “ ” tab, you’ll then get to pick your first shirt!

There you will find…

Three shirts are available that are 100% cotton; Light Blue Button Cuff Shirt, White Button Cuff Shirt, Pink Button Cuff Shirt. (it’s not too confusing or tricky).

Once you’ve chosen your first one, you don’t have to stick to it for the duration of your subscription! Around two weeks before you’re due another shirt, Christian Benedict will send an e-mail showing you the entire range. Within that e-mail you’ll be able to pick another shirt by clicking on the appropriate image.

Smashing.

#2 A SHIRT THAT FITS RIGHT IS HARD TO FIND CONSISTENTLY

Finding a shirt that fits great is just not easy. For instance, you may find some nice regular fit shirts one month at Topman, or H&M that you think have saved your world. You love them. You wear ’em to work, or out with your girlfriend on a Friday night. One day you start to realize that the sleeves are shorter, it’s a little tighter (and you haven’t even eaten bad this month), and for all intents and purposes it’s a completely different shirt. It is basically an alien shirt. So, here is the beauty of custom fit. At Christian Benedict it’s easy.

In this step of the subscription process, take your measurements and know what you need – it’ll take the hassle out of everything.

Using the drop down menus to enter your measurements is fairly simple – it also acts as a guide to know if you’re along the right lines if it’s your first time measuring. You can change the measurements anytime once your signed in and if you’re not happy, let Christian Benedict know, they want to get this right for you. (There’s a friendly no questions asked returns policy – you can return it for free).

Don’t panic if you do not know your measurements, the size guides will help you achieve that perfect fitting shirt and are really easy to follow to discover your measurements. Discovering your fit is the general size of the shirt and will determine how closely the material hugs your torso.

Christian Benedict generous fit is their ‘Regular’, whilst they call their medium ‘Slim Fit’. ‘Extra Slim’ size is their smallest size.

#3 SIMPLE SHIRTS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

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A simple shirt is easy to dress up or dress down and well worth having in your wardrobe.

After punching in your measurements, you’ll need to hit your details into the system. Your name and surname, whilst providing an email address and a password to set up a profile on the Christian Benedict website. Once you have completed all the stages you will be ready to receive your brand new shirt, there’s no commitment so you can cancel any time and you only pay around the time that you receive each shirt.

The whole process is really simple and visually easy to follow. Put it this way, it saves you having to visit town and get pissed off with all the shoppers walking slowly!

#4 SUBSCRIBING TO FRESH CLEAN SHIRTS IS FULLY FLEXIBLE!

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Your package arrives with speed and is packaged safely and securely, inside includes:

  1. a 100% cotton formal shirt;
  2. a small gift (these change monthly);
  3. an insert detailing our referral program;
  4. an insert and pre-paid address label relating to the returns process;
  5. and a gift box.

Now that we’ve given you a few of the keys as to why Christian Benedict’s shirt subscription service is so great for guys, we’ll give you the most important reasons to become part of the CB Shirt club.

You know what you’re getting, the size is tailored to you (so the fit will be impeccable), you know when you’re getting your shirt, the service is time saving and fully flexible (i.e. can be cancelled whenever) AND you don’t have to leave the house to know that you’re going to look great at every opportunity.

So there you have it. Sure, you can fire up your monthly subscription to artisan cheese if that’s your thing, or relish in opening up a box filled with carefully curated grill tools or something, but what good will those things be when you’re dressed like a slob in your stained, 3-year old shirt?

A shirt subscription from Christian Benedict is not only a nice to have, for most men it should be a necessity.

For more information regarding Christian Benedict please visit here. Or alternatively drop us a comment or a message and we’ll point you in the right direction!

How to Rock a Modern Tie

Posted on by dansinnott

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.

 

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

Posted on by dansinnott

gentlmens-practice-header

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…

gentlemens-practice-ties

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.

gentlemens-practice-watches

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.

gentlemens-practice-pocket-squares

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!

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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.

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…

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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?

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

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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…

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.

 

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.