CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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6 of the best: World Cup Edition – Retro kits from the past

WORDS BY KEANU ADORABLE

Right now the World Cup fever has gripped the nation as England have reached the semi-final stage since that tearful night in Turin during Italia 1990. Today, the new England heroes are trying to emulate the heroes of 1966 and bring the World Cup home, and they have been donning the classic white home kit and red away kit in Russia. But today, we’re looking back to the past, and there have been so many great World Cup jerseys in the tournament’s 88-year history. And we here at CMTM we chose some of the most stunning kits, for each taking into consideration its originality, beauty and representation of a country’s culture and football tradition.

PERU 1970

1970 has been Peru’s best performance at the World Cup so far. In that year’s competition, the Peruvian side reached the quarterfinals. You can see this World Cup jersey has a very clean design, with a twist. Peru’s kit is striking in that it is one of the few World Cup jerseys ever to have used a diagonal stripe across the chest.

ARGENTINA 1986

Need a more emblematic and iconic kit than this one? Diego Armando Maradona won the 1986 World Cup in this stunning jersey. It was the away kit that Maradona wore when he scored two of his most famous goals against England: one dribbling past the entire defence and goalkeeper, the other scored with the hand, the notorious “mano de Dios” (“hand of God”). However, it is the home kit that he wore in the final.

ITALY 1982

Marco Tardelli and THAT celebration. Not only is it one of the most iconic Italian football images of all time, it’s one adored by fans of the beautiful game the world over. So it’s little wonder, therefore, that the 1982 Italy World Cup-winning jersey is recognised as one of football’s most iconic tops.

WEST GERMANY 1990

Adidas reimagined the 2018 World Cup kits for Germany which is reminiscent of 1990’s designs, though their success did not live up to expectations in Russia, it is impossible not to feature Germany’s 1990 uniform Geometrical patterns in black, red and yellow contrasted beautifully with the white in the background. An absolute 90s classic!

FRANCE 1998

France won the 1998 World Cup wearing this amazing uniform. In this jersey, Zinedine Zidane lead “Les Bleus” to their one and only World Cup title so far. It has a V-neck, predominantly blue background, and red and white stripes that beautifully evoke the French flag. In the jersey, you can also see the lingering 90s designs giving way to the new millennium fashion standards.

Brazil 1970

Brazil’s squad, loaded with the finesse and explosive firepower of Pele, Gerson, Rivelino and Jairzinho, was one of the finest ever assembled. Its stylish, flamboyant play style was as if choreographed by Cirque du Soleil. This was the first World Cup to be broadcast in colour, lending the television footage an evocative quality which captured the warmth of Brazil’s classic golden shirts in all of their finery.

England 1966

It’s only appropriate to close this list with what is, without a doubt, the most iconic kit of all time (not biased, promise). The red England Away kit from 1966 remain veritable grails for British football fans and sports memorabilia collectors around the world.

For one, England won the World Cup on home soil in 1966 and that victory stands as the country’s last silverware in international or European competition. That alone should be enough to elevate the kit worn to grail status. But it’s the simplicity of the kit, a plain red cotton shirt with the England crest on the chest and white numbers on the back, that makes it stand out.

p.s – IT’S COMING HOME

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6 Of The Best – Sunglasses for the Summer Season

WORDS BY KEANU ADORABLE

The bipolar weather in the UK has been in full force these past few weeks, but the sun has now decided to take front stage and summer is truly upon us – better late than never – so we here at Clothes Make The Man did the honour again chosen our favourite picks for the 6 Of The Best (insert limk) – Sunglasses for the Summer season.

Ace & Tate – Patti Titanium

The Dutch brand has been one of our favourites for the past few years, and they continue to show why they are with these Patti Titanium sunglasses. These frames have the old school-inspired small oval frames, like those once worn and adored by both discrete types and iconic popstars of the 90s.

Kirk Originals – York 

Each pair of Kirk Originals’ Made in England sunglasses, takes a minimum of 72 hours to
make, complete and polish to exact standards that the brand uses. The unisex cult sunglasses brand launched its ‘Made in England’ collection back in November 2017. And our favourite pick is these York sunglasses which take inspiration from men’s sunglasses of the 1950’s. The D-shape lenses, with a rounded edge, are encased in a handmade frame with a subtle dip in the brow that adds a pleasing definition.

LGR – Addis

These pair of Addis sunglasses effortlessly capture the timeless elegance of the Italian gentleman. Meticulously handmade in Italy with mineral glass lenses, they feature an acetate D-frame with a metal bridge and nose pads; a perfect example of our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable design.

Moncler – Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Moncler builds its sporty outdoor kit to withstand tough climates and plenty of wear, so it makes sense that the label creates everyday sunglasses with the same idea in mind. This pair has substantial acetate frames with rounded temple tips so they feel secure when you wear them on a lovely summer day.

Another piece that we adore are these classic pilot shape frames from Oliver People’s. These frames are detailed with refined elements emphasizing a contrast of materials. The streamlined metal frame includes a sophisticated single top bridge with inlaid leather and lightweight acetate temples.

Weekday – Explore Rounded Sunglasses

Explore Rounded Sunglasses are a pair of subtle round glasses in thin metallic frames. They have a matte finish and black tinted lenses that are perfect to finish any summer outfit you have.

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Essential summer pieces – 6 of the best Havana shirts

WORDS BY KEANU ADORABLE

The island sibling of the Oxford, the Havana shirt – or Cuban shirt whichever you want to call it – is a classic old-school wardrobe staple – and it’s made a major comeback in recent seasons. With a number of brands reinterpreting the classic Guayabera, a style of shirt popularised by the late Fidel Castro and worn throughout South and Central America.

The piece is known by it’s defined by a pointed, two-tiered collar, which usually comes short-sleeved. And for this upcoming spring/summer season, we have picked 6 pieces that we believe you should add to your wardrobe, ranging from high street to high-end.

 

Marks & Spencer – Limited Edition Palm Print Chambray Shirt

 

Jigsaw – Capri Collar Dot Short Sleeve Shirt

Saturdays NYC – Canty Solid Shirt

Universal Works – Cuban Shirt In Indigo Pinpoint Denim

YMC – Malick Shirt

Maison Margiela – Cotton Guayabera Shirt

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Sweat it out with style – 6 of the best gym bags for men

WORDS BY KEANU ADORABLE

 

It’s already April and we’re ever nearing the summer holidays. Whilst some might have slacked off on the new year’s gym resolution as per tradition – we hope that you haven’t – there are many of us that have been powering on with our routines whenever we have enough time at the gym. We here at CMTM put importance on having the proper gear for any activity. We all need to carry our gear and other items on a daily basis, so we have listed out our favourite bags that can be used in the gym as well as in your daily routine.

Herschel – Sutton Holdall

Barbour – Banchory Nylon Holdall

Ted Baker – Rodrik Holdall

The North Face – Base Camp Duffel

Rains – Zipped Up Holdall

A.P.C. – Liam Duffle Bag

 

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6 of the best – knitwear pieces to keep you looking cosy and stylish this winter

Words by Keanu Adorable

We’re right in the middle of the winter season, and it hasn’t been forgiving. Keeping warm is our priority but this doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our style (you don’t really need to put on that sweater you got from aunt Julie during Christmas). But no worries, we have sorted you out in the knitwear department, ranging from high street to high end, it’s time you invest properly in some quality knitwear pieces for, what look so like, the long harsh winter months.

KNITWEAR PIECE 1: JIGSAW – Mock Neck Cocoon Jumper

Made from a chunky lambswool blend in a mouliné slate blue, this jumper by Jigsaw features that statement mock neck. Further styling details include raglan sleeves and deep ribbed cuffs and hem, giving you maximum comfort and coverage – perfect knitwear piece for those cold mornings/evenings.

KNITWEAR PIECE 2: FOLK- Wool Blended Sweater

This Folk sweater is knitted from a soft wool-blend in warm shades and is an exclusive at Mr. Porter. The crew neck is lightly padded to provide extra warmth where you need it most, which is often if you’re in the northern hemisphere these upcoming months.

KNITWEAR PIECE 3: KENT AND CURWEN – Vintage Cable Knit Sweater

With the feel of a favourite vintage piece, this textured knit by our emerging favourite brand Kent And Curwen has been carefully stonewashed and finished with deliberate aged and used detailing. You can pair this piece with a tonal peg leg trouser for a strong winter look for casual or smart wear.

KNITWEAR PIECE 4: COS – Cable-Knit Jumper

This jumper from COS is made from a chunky, heavyweight cotton blend with a mix of half-cardigan and wide cable stitches for detail. A relaxed fit, that is completed with a rounded neck and ribbed edges. A perfect piece for your winter wardrobe.

KNITWEAR PIECE 5: CRAIG GREEN – Cutout Merino Wool-Blend Bouclé Sweater

Awar winning designer Craig Green’s fisherman-inspired sweater is rib-knitted from merino wool-blend in a bouclé effect that’s both soft and substantial – perfect for this season. It has an embroidered cutout on the back, underneath the label’s signature tassel detail. Try teaming this piece with chinos and sneakers for a laid-back and casual fit.

KNITWEAR PIECE 6: OLIVER SPENCER – Talbot Roll Neck Beech Grey

Made from 100% extra fine merino wool, the Talbot Roll Neck is a perfect winter layer. It can be worn over a t-shirt for a more casual look on warmer days or alone under a short jacket for a smarter look. It also features slightly longer sleeve allowing your thumb through the subtle hole in the cuff to keep your hands extra warm.