Research suggests that 70% of the male population will lose their hair as they get older, with half set to experience this by the age of 50.
While hair loss is a natural part of the ageing process, there are many ways that men can reduce losing their hair overtime and retain their self-confidence. What’s more, many of these methods don’t involve taking any medications or undergoing invasive – and often expensive – hair transplants.
Dr Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at men’s health platform Manual shares some key advice on how to limit hair loss in men using the natural methods outlined below:
Eat a balanced diet
Healthy hair starts with a healthy diet. When it comes to preventing hair loss with your diet, make sure you’re consuming foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals. These include:
Foods rich in iron, including green leafy vegetables, eggs, beans, and grains
High-protein foods, including lean meats and seafood
Food rich in omega-3 acids, such as fish, flax seeds and walnuts
In addition, it is especially recommended that you stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain healthy hair.
Regularly wash your hair with mild shampoo
Regularly washing your hair with shampoos that are free from sulphates, parabens and mineral oils will prevent hair loss. By washing your hair with mild shampoos, you are keeping the scalp clean and lowering the risk of infections that may result in hair breakage or loss.
Avoid hot showers
While there is no medical evidence that hot showers contribute to hair loss, it is still important to be cautious. This is because taking a really hot shower may have the power to strip the scalp of the essential oils that help to protect it. This can cause dryness, inflammation and could also result in the thinning of your hair.
Refrain from brushing wet hair
Your hair is in its weakest state when wet, so it’s best to avoid brushing wet hair if you are aiming to reduce hair loss. There is also a danger of brushing your hair too frequently, as doing this could increase the chances of your hair becoming injured, encouraging further loss.
Exercise regularly
Exercising, especially on a frequent basis, will improve blood flow to the scalp area and this could help prevent forms of hair loss. In addition, exercise will reduce your stress levels, something to keep in mind due to the direct correlation between hair loss and stress.
Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
As tobacco can potentially damage your hair follicles, ditching the cigarettes will help to reduce your hair loss. Cutting down on alcohol consumption will also do favours for your hair. Despite the fact that there’s no proven link between alcohol use and hair loss, heavy drinking can in fact lead to nutritional deficiencies or hormonal issues, which in turn can thin out your remaining locks.
Change how you style your hair
Hairstyles such as ponytails and braids tend to pull hair or tug hair follicles, which could eventually lead to baldness. As well as this, regularly using tools such as blow dryers and straighteners can cause thermal damage to your hair. Down the line, this will lead to breakage and result in hair loss. With this in mind, it may be time to think about healthier and less damaging ways to style your hair if you prefer a longer style.
Credits | Tips from manual.co and Image from beauti.tips
In case you didn’t know them, STRYKK is a London based non-alcoholic spirits brand featuring an impressive range of the highest quality alternative alcohol options.
NOT G*N, NOT VANILLA V*DKA, NOT V*DKA & NOT R*M
100% natural with no sugar, no fat and no artificial flavours. Distilled and bottled in the UK
STRYKK is delighted to announce the brand has been named as one of this year’s corporate partners for the Movember campaign. In amongst household names such as Pringles, Gilette, L’Oreal Men Expert, KP Nuts and Mr. Porter, the STRYKK team is excited to help raise money for this charity dedicated to increasing awareness of men’s health, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and male suicide. STRYKK believe in the benefit of real, honest discussion, and the importance of sharing experiences and never feeling alone, which is why this Movember they are inviting all of us to STRYKK up a conversation and raise a glass to helping men live healthier, happier, and chattier lives.
To help raise money for this amazing charity, STRYKK will be running a competition offering a selection of Man-Dates as prizes. The STRYKK Man-Dates aim to bring men (and women) together to celebrate their relationships over a cocktail and have real, honest conversations. The raffle shall run from the 1st – 30th of November, and entries will be £5 each. There are a number of exciting prizes to be won, such as meals for two at M Restaurants and Tonkotsu, male-grooming treatments from the Treatwell group and much more.
The team are also very pleased to announce a ‘money can’t buy’ grand prize of a trip for two to Ibiza. The ultimate prize consists of two nights at Pikes Ibiza including flights, food and drinks, alongside a once in a lifetime experience including a gong bath with Cosmic Kim, sunset drinks at Hostel La Torre, and a poolside concierge session with Guy Williams and Phat Phil Cooper.
How can I help?
By donating (100% of your donation goes to Movember)
STRYKK ingredients are sourced from all over the world by their expert flavor house team in conjunction with top bar tenders, to ensure only those of the highest quality make the cut. These ingredients then go through a rigorous process mirroring that of traditional alcohol, involving maceration with water and alcohol for up to 4 weeks. STRYKK then use a modernised production process of steam distillation in stainless steel stills, followed by blending & filtration to create the perfect non-alcoholic spirit.
About Movember
The leading charity changing the face of men’s health. Movember know what works for men, and what doesn’t. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
In their own words: “HOOHAA allows customers to gain access into a new and undiscovered world of niche and luxury fragrances in the comfort of their own home! “.
How it works
You can choose from one of three edits known as Easy Does It, Buckle Up or Take Me To Mars, new fragrances are introduced each month to HOOHAA. Once signed up with your selected edit you pay a monthly subscription fee of £14.95 per month and will receive a new 10ml unisex fragrance at your door each month.
All edits have been carefully curated by the HOOHAA team taking out the time and effort for you to search for something unique, you get to try the best niche fragrances around! You can change your subscription edit as preferences develop and evolve over time.
You also have the option to buy full sized fragrances of the featured brands from the website www.hoohaa.co.uk.
We tried the ‘Chronotope SPITE EDT’
According to HOOHAA, it is a selection for the truly adventurous and advanced fragrance fans.
There is nothing harder than trying to describe a fragrance with words. Let’s start by saying that we loved it.
Firstly, what we really liked was that it has a presence but is not overwhelming, it really stands out (in a nice way).
Secondly, we really liked the way the notes of violet and rose with the leather and sandalwood have been added together. Those combinations make it really special.
Finally, the ‘cherry on the cake’ is the sugar notes that (personally) made me love it.
You now have to try for yourself 😉
And Christmas being just around the corner…
… that makes it the perfect gift!
HOOHAA are also offering gift cards, these come in three month £39, six month £75 and twelve month £139 options.
It takes place every year and this is a must go event!
Recreating the glamour of motor racing as it used to be, the Motor Circuit comes alive for the Revival, both on and off the historic track. The only historic race meeting to be staged entirely in period dress, the Revival sees a return to the halcyon days of Goodwood as the spiritual home of British motor racing.
Dress code
Although not compulsory, the vast majority of Revival visitors dress in period style with many going to great lengths to achieve that authentic look. The resulting step-back-in-time spectacle plays a key role in making the Revival such a unique event.
While you’re not required to dress up (unless you qualify for central Paddock access, in which case a jacket and tie is necessary for gentlemen, and a dress or suit for the ladies), you’ll feel much more involved if you do. And whether you go for the slick urban look, gentrified country style or chocs-away military aesthetic, it’s not difficult or costly to dress appropriately.
It almost feels like you are on a Hollywood set!
It’s a celebration of bygone days, vintage fashion and wheel-to-wheel racing around this classic circuit, which remains unchanged since its heyday.
While there is standing space all around the track, racing fans will prefer a Grandstand pass for covered and raised viewing of all the action on track.
Roy Salvadori – British Driver
“Give me Goodwood on a summer’s day, and you can forget the rest fo the world”
Opening Times
The action on the circuit commences at 0845hrs on each day of the event. Gates open at 0730hrs, which provides a great opportunity to look around the paddocks before the action begins.
allPaws by Green People is the UK’s first certified organic range of pet grooming products
Let’s talk about pets for a change.
Crafted with care for those that are dog-tired of exposing their pets to synthetic ingredients, allPaws is the NEW organic, cruelty-free pet grooming range from Green People.
Offering fur-freshening grooming products that transform mucky pups into pristine pooches, the products in the allPaws pet care range are made with gently cleansing, pH-balanced natural actives that are sustainably sourced and suitable for all dog and cat breeds.
The pet-approved products are also certified organic and vegan-friendly, making it easy for pet owners to provide creature companions with a planet and pet-friendly bath time routine that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
A natural way to provide faithful hounds and long- haired cats with a plant-based pet spa treatment, Green People’s allPaws pet care range is launching with a duo of naturally cleansing pet washes.
Designed for pups that love nothing more than getting back to nature by playing in muddy puddles, the shampoos come in a choice of scented or scent-free formulas and cost £14.00 for a 200ml tube that’s made with eco-friendly sugar cane plastic.
The two shampoos:
Cleansing Shampoo – Wild Mint
This organic dog shampoo freshens musty mongrel smells with a soothing blend of Mint and Eucalyptus bath bubbles which leave fur soft and fragrant without irritating delicate skin. Suitable for all breeds and pups aged 12 weeks or older.
What we liked: the eco-friendly packaging, the silk texture and the very light scent (just enough but not too much!).
Sensitive Shampoo
This unscented shampoo is designed for dogs with extra sensitive skin and does not contain any fragrance. Suitable for all breeds, this gentle formula is the perfect choice for a puppy’s first bath.
Much like Green People’s skin care range for humans, the pet grooming products are both SLS- free and highly concentrated with animal-safe plant actives, meaning a little goes a long way.
Explore our range of premium beauty brands & skincare products for men. They include moisturisers, eye creams, face gels, face cleaners, face oils, peel-off masks, mousse soaps to name a few.
LAVI DAVI Gummies by by FUNDERM
Need a skin Game changer? Try LAVI DAVI Gummies for beautiful and vital skin. FUNDERM products contain an exclusive & innovative active complex made from Prebiotics & Probiotics combined with top active ingredients. Shop at www.funderm.com
HOMME Skincare by ATOMY
Global skincare brand Atomy unveils their ‘Homme’ Range, a 3-step skincare for men, that acts as an introduction for skincare novices, or skincare favourites for grooming aficionados. This collection has been created to provide a luxe skincare routine that delivers results. The line-up includes a toner, essence, and lotion, that combines science and nature with revitalising herbs, five types of hyaluronic acid and Aqua GG (Glycerine Glucoside) which helps to combine collagen and elastin for anti-ageing effects. Visit www.atomy.co.uk
Calming Pad and Cream by COSRX
Discover COSRX One Step Green Hero Calming Pad, a gentle toner pads soaked in plant-driven green-rx complex essence that bring relief to sensitive skin. The COSRX Centella Blemish Cream helps improving the appearance of acne and blemishes and relieves stressed skin. Available at Beauty Bay and FeelUnique for just £7.00.
New Skincare Range for Men by Monat
Essential Face Wash – An invigorating and luxurious facial gel wash crafted to deeply cleanse, refresh, and energise the skin. Without stripping the skin’s natural oils, this non-drying formula revitalises the complexion and helps illuminate the appearance of dull and fatigued skin. This vital first step will leave skin looking healthy and more radiant. Essential Face Scrub – A creamy micro-exfoliating scrub, containing biodegradable and eco-friendly ingredients, smooths the skin and reveals a more radiant looking complexion. Getting rid of unwanted dead skin cells, this gentle exfoliant preps hair for a cleaner and smoother shave. Essential Face Moisturiser – A lightweight, non-greasy emollient moisturiser that provides long-lasting hydration and helps protect against environmental aggressors. This quick-absorbing formula tightens whilst promoting smoother, softer skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and energised. Shop at www.mymonat.com
Couturiers Hand Cream by Seams
SEAMS is non-greasy and absorbs instantly to help mend, moisturise and soften very dry rough skin and condition nails, fast. With 9 natural ingredients including a Biomimetic Lipid Complex to help lock in moisture so that hands will feel soft, supple and smooth. Visit www.seamsbeauty.co.uk
Oat & Argan Moisturising Cream by Scrivner
SKIN PROTECT uses a unique combination of Oat Kernel and Argan Kernel organic oils, beta glucan rich colloidal oatmeal, anti-oxidant betulinic acid from white birch bark and Vitamin E for ultimate skin protection. £27 RRP. Visit www.janecrivner.com
Lavander Foaming Bath by L’OCCITANE
This rich foaming bath, with its captivating lavender scent, lets your mind escape to Provence as you breathe in its fragrance and enjoy a soothing moment of relaxation. It leaves skin feeling supple and fragranced with the delicate scent of lavender. Only a small amount of product is needed to create a bath full of bubbles and to sweep away the cares of the day. £26 RRP. Visit www.loccitane.com
Refillable shaving gels and oils by King of Shaves
Better for the planet, better for your pocket – it’s time to refill not landfill. Available at launch retailer Waitrose The 250ml refillable sensitive shave gel is £5.99, 200ml refill pouch is £3.99 The refillable advanced shave oil is £5.99, 25ml refill is £3.99
Cade Purifying Charcoal Mask by L’Occitane Homme
A purifying and soothing mask in response to specific needs of men’s skin. Enriched with Charcoal powder, Shea Butter and Cade wood essential oil, this face mask is ideal for combination and oily skins. It helps to purify and soothe the skin, absorbs excess sebum and reduces shine. Skin is left perfectly cleansed and feeling soothe and comfortable. Use twice weekly. £15 RRP. Shop at www.loccitane.com
Prebiotics & Probiotics by FUNDERM
FUNDERM products contain an exclusive & innovative active complex made from Prebiotics & Probiotics which target problematic and pimple-prone skin. Priced from £27 – £38 RRP. Shop at www.funderm.com
Microdermabrasion by BaeVac
Cult Instagram brand, Silky Bae, have revealed that their iconic BaeVac has become so popular with consumers seeking a professional level microdermabrasion at home, that soaring sales have meant that they now sell 1 unit every 90 seconds. £39,99 RRP. Shop at www.silkybae.com
AC Collection by COSRX for sensitive skins
No1 seller on Amazon in the ‘Beauty & Personal Care’ category / 5-Star Rated Online / Vegan, cruelty-free, travel friendly and ingredient-focused / Teen Vogue award-winning Read more
Mint & Rosemary Hand Sanitiser by A.S APOTHECARY
The Isle of Harris Distillery, or the Social Distillery as it is often referred to, has provided high-strength alcohol from the spirit-making process to a number of local businesses to act as a key ingredient in the production of hand sanitiser. Those benefitting from the donation of the raw spirit for this vital product include Amanda Saurin of A.S. Apothecary, who lives in the village of Northton in South Harris and Essence of Harris in Tarbert. £5.25 RRP. Shop at www.asapoth.com
Cocunut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask by Green People
A pore-purifying detox mask to mattify and balance combination or oily skin. 87% certified organic ingredients. Ingredients: Activated Charcoal (absorbs pollutants and reduces the appearance of pores), Alpine Willow (balances oil production, refining skin texture), Bentonite Clay (works in synergy with Charcoal to draw dirt and toxins away from the skin) & Oat Lipid* (rich in ceramides to support the structure of mature skin and slow skin ageing). £21 RRP. Shop at www.greenpeople.co.uk
The “Ferrari of tweezers” by Rubis
Esteemed makeup artist Bobbi Brown claims Rubis are “the Ferrari of tweezers”. The range from Rubis includes Classic Slant, Pointer, Magnifying Tweezers (pictured above) so there is something for both professionals and individuals to keep your brows in perfect shape. Available from both Cultbeauty.co.uk and Lookfantastic.co.uk from £19.50.
Milk & Peel Balm by Erborian
A daily cleansing and exfoliating oil-in-balm, for flawless-looking skin in just one step. Formulated with Sesame milk, known to visibly smooth skin’s surface texture, as well as exfoliating enzymes, MILK & PEEL BALM gently removes dead cells and cleanses the skin every day. Made with over 40% botanical oils, this balm transforms into oil and melts on the skin, giving a feeling of comfort. £26 RRP (75ml). Shop at www.erborian.com
Moisturizing balm by Lumin
Developed with Korean innovation and technology, Lumin’s goal is to get more men using skincare by making it easy, affordable and effortless. They believe taking care of your skin should be a habit for all, regardless of gender, and aim to make it as second-nature as brushing your teeth. With just 6 core products, Lumin was formulated to specifically target men’s skin concerns, and it works. 89% of guys felt 24-hour hydration after applying their moisturiser, and 82% saw fewer fine lines in 28 days. Moisturising Balm @ $29 RRP – Shop at www. luminskin.com
Caviar Lime Hydra Eye Treatment Cream by Too Cool For School
This naturally powerful hypoallergenic eye treatment for dryness, wrinkles and puffy eyes contains 65% caviar lime extracts. The moisture of the Caviar Lime, combined with 6 kinds of hyaluronic acid works hard to diminish crows’ feet and smile lines, by increasing moisture and elasticity levels in this delicate area, for even the most sensitive skin. £24.99 RRP. Shop at www.boots.com
Active Face Cleanse Gel & Active Face Hydrating Gel by Organic Apoteke
Active Face Cleanse Gel | Wash away your imperfections… Let out your inner glow… A purifying cleanser that detoxifies, stimulates healing, refines pores, and prevents blemishes. £35,95 RRP. Shop here. Active Face Hydrating Gel | Detoxifying & Oxygenating. Clear complexion, Radiant skin… This multi-action moisture gel evens complexion, heals and protects, rebalances skin, stops spots. £35,95 RRP. Shop here. The actives in those products create a youthful blush by stimulating microcirculation. Shop the full range at www.organicapoteke.com
The Smart Facial Cleansing Massager LUNA Mini 3 by Foreo
FOREO’s newest model includes upgraded technology such as the ‘Find my LUNA’ feature on the app, and the never-been-seen-before ‘glow boost’ – a 30 second glow boost feature rejuvenating skin immediately. The device also carries all of the trusted hallmarks of the LUNA range including a smart Swedish design, 650 uses in a single charge, high grade hygienic silicone body and customised power levels. £139 RRP. Shop at www.selfridges.com
Face cleaners by NAKIN
Nakin Natural Anti-Ageing Advanced Cleansing Milk. Formulated with an advanced active blend of oils, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate and seaweed extract, it helps to even skin tone and assist cell renewal. £15 RRP. Shop at www.nakinskincare.com. Nakin Natural Anti-Ageing Purifying Face Toner. Facial toners are like a deep clean for your skin. They help to clear pores deep down, as well as condition skin with active toning, astringent and tightening ingredients. There’s no better way to freshen skin. £15 RRP. Shop at www.nakinskincare.com. Read StylePilot’s review here.
Face Oil by DAYTOX
DAYTOX Natural Day and Night Facial Oil is a light, dry oil that easily absorbs into the skin. Containing vitamins E and C to help fortify and strengthens the skins natural barrier, and Almond oil, a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents the effect of stress and harmful ultraviolet radiation rays to the skin. £24 RRP. Shop at www.ocado.com
Peel-Off Mask by Daytox
Active charcoal peel off mask provides an intensive deep cleanse, absorbs excess sebum and combats the formation of blackheads. The result is a more revitalised radiant and refined complexion. Free of parabens, silicones, artificial colours and allergen free perfume oils. Certified vegan and cruelty free. £20 RRP. Shop at www.waitrose.com
Egg Mousse Soap by TooCool for School
This creamy, meringue-like cleanser combines milk proteins, amino acids, and egg extracts to thoroughly cleanse the skin in a perfectly harmonious trio. Tiny particles are able to go deep into the skin, not only to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, but also to nourish for long-lasting smooth and hydration effect. Egg white extract purifies, tightens, and brightens while egg yolk extract moisturizes. Your skin is left thoroughly clean, hydrated, and glowing but NEVER feeling tight or stripped. What is it formulated WITHOUT Paraben, Sulfate, Mineral Oil. £18.50 RRP. Shop at www.boots.com
Gym Bag Heroes Gift Set by Green People
Post-gym grooming essentials for men in a canvas wash bag. This pack contains: Green People For Men – No. 6 Detox Shower Gel (150ml), Green People For Men – No. 8 Thyme & Prebiotics Deodorant (75ml) and Green People For Men – No. 10 Itch Away Shampoo (150ml). £39,95 RRP. Shop at www.greenpeople.co.uk
Luxurious Soap by Urban Apothecary London
Majestic and rich. Oudh is one of the most highly valued ingredients of the perfumer’s palette. This rare and resinous wood from a tropical tree is loved for its smoky and aromatic woody character. In this oriental composition, the unique scent of oudh is freshened with geranium’s rosy tones and deepened with smooth notes of amber, vetiver, patchouli and praline. This luxury soap has been formulated with an extra-gentle vegetable base and is enriched with softening shea butter. Use with warm water to create a luxurious lather before washing off to leave skin beautifully cleansed. Avoid contact with eyes. If product gets into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of warm water. For external use only. £12 RRP. Shop at www.urbanapothecarylondon.com
Irresistible Almond Collection by L’Occitane
A gift of pure indulgence, this collection contains all your Almond must-haves: 250ml Almond Shower Oil | 100ml Almond Body Balm | 50g Almond Delicious Soap | 30ml Almond Delicious Hands. RRP of £49. Buy online, or in shops, from L’Occitane.
Shirting is one of the easiest areas to refresh in our style arsenal, but with such a vast array of designs to choose from, where do you begin? Our easy to follow guide will help you sort your Oxfords from your Marcellas, and have you looking crisp and polished whatever the occasion.
A backbone to both formal and casual looks,
the white shirt remains a timeless menswear classic. With formal white shirts
(defined by a stiff collar and long sleeves, sometimes with double cuffs),
gents with a stockier or larger frame should opt for the classic fit, which
offers a little more room. For slimmer gentlemen, opting for a closer slim cut
can bring a more modern feel to the look. Lightweight casual white shirts are a
great option for summer, and a loose-fitting linen or cotton style will be
cooling whilst lending an artistic touch to your outfit.
Where to wear it: To work with your weekday tailoring, formal events and off-duty
occasions layered beneath knitwear
Style tip: For a casual summer take, try a loose-fitting linen shirt with a pair of pastel chinos and loafers. Finish by nonchalantly rolling up your sleeves.
A menswear staple, every man will have one
or two of these in his wardrobe. A casual style, the Oxford shirt is identified
by its Oxford cloth, usually made of cotton or linen and woven with a fine
basket-weave. Some Oxfords have a chest patch pocket, others are pocket-free
and can either be plain or printed. Collars are often of the button-down
variety. A casual classic, Oxford shirts are lightweight and ideal for layering
with knitwear, or wearing solo in accordance with the season.
Style Tip:
The Oxford shirt is a great all-rounder and can easily be smarted up with
tailoring, or worn casually with denim. During colder spells, pair with a tweed
blazer, swapping for a navy cotton jacket when the weather warms. On down days,
simply team with a pair of indigo jeans and pop-colour diving loafers
Where to wear it: During casual weekends paired with chinos or denim, or smart- casual occasions with tailored trousers and a blazer.
Menswear is largely dominated by solid
tones, so a printed shirt can add a welcome dash of pattern to your aesthetic.
Whether you opt for an artful micro-print style, a traditional check or stripe
or a bold floral print, a printed shirt will bring a fresh dimension to plain
wardrobe staples. If a more subtle approach is your aim, a geometric
micro-print shirt is a great way to introduce pattern in a quieter fashion,
while the check shirt remains an essential ingredient in today’s menswear
offering. For the more daring gent, an abstract or bloom motif is will lend a
summery edge to any casual look.
Where to wear it: To offices with a creative outlook, after-hours drinks, weekend
gatherings.
Style tip: It’s best to avoid pattern overkill. If you’ve opted for a printed shirt, pair it with solid-tone separates for a more considered approach. A micro floral-print shirt will look great layered with a slim-fitting navy blazer and dark-hued denim.
Previously seen as a relic of our
grandfather’s closet, short-sleeve shirts are back in a big way. Cotton or linen,
plain or printed, the style is the perfect for the warmer months, making them a
holiday wardrobe essential. Hawaiian shirts have shaken off their Magnum P.I.
and tasteless tourist associations, and have become a bona fide summer style
necessity, with high-end and high-street designers creating luxe, contemporary versions.
Short-sleeve shirts have equal styling merit with shorts and sandals as they do
with tailored trousers and chinos.
Where to wear it: Holidays in warmer climes, sultry days in the city, barbeques and
summer outdoor jaunts
Style tip: Avoid dressing up a short-sleeve shirt too much, and leave it out of formal office ensembles. It definitely still works best in casual situations. Invest in a dark-hued Hawaiian shirt for your next jet-set break to warmer climes and team it with a pair of light grey linen shorts, leather sandals and your favourite retro-inspired sunnies for a nonchalant holiday look.
The dinner shirt or dress shirt is a style
we see less and less of these days with the relaxation of dress codes and the
waning of black-tie events. Traditionally worn with a dinner suit, the style is
identified by a pleated, plain or textured pique ‘bib’ front (known as a
Marcella shirt) and double cuffs and is fastened with either enamelled metal
dressed studs, or buttons. This style of shirt can have a wing collar or a classic
spread collar. Traditional dinner shirts are cut in a classic fit, but
contemporary slim fits are a considered choice, particularly if you’ve opted
for a close-fitting jacket.
Where to wear it: Formal black tie functions
Style tip: Don’t feel obliged to opt for the more ubiquitous wing collar when choosing a dinner shirt. A classic spread collar offers a neater look as it folds over the neckband of your bowtie and keeps it in place. This is particularly useful if you don’t know how to tie your own bowtie and wish to conceal the clip and adjuster.
A
blazer is a key component of the modern man’s style offering. It smartens up
casual looks with a tailored edge, yet exudes a more relaxed impression than a
suit. It will pair equally well with a denim and tee combination, or a crisp
shirt and tailored trousers.
Some
believe the garment’s name is derived from the navy uniforms made for the crew
of the HMS Blazer in 1837, others claim it was due to the ‘emblazoned’ family
and school crests that were applied to 19th century blazers. Whatever
the origins of its name, its adoption into mainstream menswear stemmed from the
necessity of a casual style of jacket to thrown on at more laid-back occasions.
Here, we take a look at the crucial styles and factors to consider when investing in this wardrobe all-rounder.
The Cotton Blazer
A cotton blazer is suitable for dressing up a fine-gauge knit during transitional months, or pairing with crisp shirting and crew-neck tees during warmer weather. A navy two-button style is a wardrobe failsafe you can rely on time and again; the shade is timeless and will complement both micro-print patterns and solid colours layered beneath.
Where to wear it: To the office with your formal shirting and silk accessories, at the weekend with a crew-neck tee or merino knit. You can’t go wrong at most smart-casual occasions with a navy blazer.
The Wool Blazer
Given that the British climate is generally of a cooler persuasion, a wool blazer is an indispensable style suitable for wear throughout most of the year. A quality virgin wool or mohair blazer in a neutral shade will prove its worth and versatility each season, and retains warmth while remaining breathable.
Where to wear it: Wear it in the week dressed up with a striped silk tie and a crisp poplin-cotton shirt, or try it with an Oxford shirt and lean indigo denim for weekend drinks. Finish the look with leather derby shoes for the office, or penny loafers at the weekend.
The Linen Blazer
Linen tailoring
has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent seasons, and its suitability for
warmer climes makes it ideal for maintaining a polished appearance in summery
conditions. The fabric is renowned for its cooling, lightweight qualities due
to the breathability of natural linen fibres.
Where to wear it: Holidays to tropical climates or warm Mediterranean city breaks. Linen is also acceptable city wear in summer for those who want to beat the heat while remaining smart. Try it with a minimalist white polo tee abroad, or chinos and an open-collar shirt in town.
The Tweed Blazer
Heritage
fabrics have been big news in menswear design for successive seasons, with
designers and brands reinterpreting this traditional British fabric in a modern
context with slimmer, more contemporary cuts. The dense weave of tweed cloth
means it retains warmth exceptionally well, explaining why it was used in the
past exclusively for outdoor sports. This makes it the perfect way to combat
the cold and damp British winters.
Where to wear it: Traditionally confined to the country, tweed has now made its way into the urban closet. Sunday lunch, weekend drinks, or strolls in the rural wilds are all acceptable occasions to don a tweed number. Wear it with sturdy boots in the country or polished leather brogues in town.
The Double-Breasted Blazer
The
double breasted blazer is rather like sartorial marmite – you either love it or
hate it. There’s certainly been a concerted effort to reinterpret this style
for modern tastes, and retailers from high-street to high-end are full of them.
Appearing a touch more formal than the single breasted, the overlapped,
double-button front creates a structured silhouette that broadens the
shoulders, offering a more masculine shape. It’s ideally suited to gents with
taller, more slender frames – avoid it if you’re shorter and stockier as it
broadens the chest and will make you appear squatter.
Where to wear it: In the city for work or play – it can transition nicely from the boardroom to after-hours dinner, and will make a sharp impression on a date. Try it with a lightweight cashmere roll-neck and printed silk pocket square for an elegant retro-inspired look.
Finding
the right fit for a blazer can be a bit of minefield, but following our simple
guide below will hopefully find you one that fits like a glove.
Sleeve Length
The
ideal sleeve length should finish just on your wrist bone and show about 2cm of
your shirt cuff. It shouldn’t be approaching your knuckles, nor should it be so
short that it shows your entire shirt cuff.
Blazer Length
The
hem of the blazer should finish at your knuckles. It shouldn’t extend beyond
this and shouldn’t finish above the wrist (unless specifically a cropped
blazer).
The Front Fastening
When
fastened, the jacket should sit comfortably showing the loose outline of your
waist. The material should not be ruching or pulling (too small), not should
there be so much excess fabric that your body shape is lost (too large).
Whether you’re wearing a two-button or three-button blazer, always leave the last button unfastened.
The Shoulders
The shoulder seam of the blazer should sit naturally on the end of your shoulder. If it’s too small, the jacket will pinch and ruche around the shoulders, too large and the seam will be drooping over the edge of your shoulder.
ESSENTIAL HINTS & TIPS
Buying your blazer
Avoid
synthetic fibres – they don’t breathe like natural cloths and ultimately won’t
last as long
Don’t
buy into trends if they don’t suit you. You may be reading about the virtues of
the double-breasted blazer everywhere, but if you have a shorter, stockier
frame, it’s only going to make the situation worse
Wear
what you’re comfortable with – everyone has their own taste in apparel, and
rules are there to be broken, so if you feel like wearing a tweed jacket to the
office, go for it, but keep the rest of your ensemble smart and city-appropriate
Don’t
just buy the first thing you see – do you research into brands to find the
perfect fit. Many brands have a signature cut which will suit certain
individuals, and once you’ve found yours, you can return to the brands each
season knowing what to expect
How to Care for your blazer
Give
your blazers a rest – don’t wear the same blazer day after day. Instead, invest
in several and rotate them. Hang your blazer up after a day’s wear and let it air
before putting it back in your wardrobe
Get
rid of those flimsy wire hangers you have left over from your last dry-cleaning
trip and invest in some broad-shouldered wood hangers for your blazers. These
will help maintain the shape of your blazer
Don’t
dry clean too often. The dry cleaning process uses chemicals which gradually break
down material fibres with each treatment. We recommend dry cleaning no more
than twice a year for each garment to prolong its lifespan.
This summer, FILA has created a fresh, vibrant summer collection to help you find your freedom. Vibrant yellows, pinks and greens sit alongside FILA staples with classic track tops in the iconic FILA red, white and blue.
The SS21 campaign represents all aspects of the 110-year-old Italian brand using ambassadors to represent each element. Stepping out to the streets of East London, we see how you can find your freedom in FILA SS21 collection.
Splitting the brand into four key categories, activewear, streetwear, fashion, and heritage FILA has appointed ambassadors to represent each aspect of the brand.
