6 of the best trainers to rock in and out the gym

Words by Keanu Adorable

Trainers have evolved from just being athletic gear that aims to improve performance in our active life, in fact, there are now an abundance of high-fashion kicks available these days than ever. But running on a shoe made from Italian suede isn’t the most practical choice when you’re trying to burn all your calories off in the gym.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should keep using your beaten up stinky pair of trainers that you’ve been hiding in your cupboard for the past decade. That’s why we here Clothes Make The Man has done the hard work and found 6 of the best trainers that can boost your performances and fitness, and will look great when you decide to rock them out in non-gym settings.

Adidas PureBoost DPR 

Adidas Pureboost DPR Running Shoes

Unlock your running potential in these men’s Pure Boost DPR trainers from Adidas. Equipped with energy-returning Boost tech for swifter, more efficient running, the knit upper contours to your foot, delivering adaptable, breathable comfort with every transition. Featuring a traditional tongue, the DPR has an 8mm heel-to-toe offset that brings you closer to the ground during your run.

Saucony Freedom ISO

Saucony Freedom ISO Trainers

The Saucony Freedom ISO trainers provide protection for long runs, maintain a light and responsive ride at fast paces, while still being a good choice for easy recovery runs. The Freedom ISO’s innovative full Everun midsole and ISO fit upper make this elusive experience possible. This shoe really does it all.

Nikelab Gyakusou Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2

Part of Nike x Undercover’s latest ‘Gyakusou’ collection, these sneakers are made from breathable Flyknit that has a snug, slip-on construction. The Flywire technology provides a flexible yet locked-in fit, while the foam Lunarlon mid-layers offer responsive cushioning and all-day comfort. Sectioned rubber outsoles are pressure-mapped to feet in motion, absorbing impact where you need it most.

APL Prism

Athletic Propulsion Labs’ ‘Prism’ sneakers are designed for maximum flexibility and comfort. Cleverly constructed to hold your foot in a natural position for safe and efficient running, this pair is set on a cushioning Propelium™ sole and has an internal mesh slip for ventilation. The reflective overlays enhance visibility during dusk or dawn jogs.

Reebok Print Smooth

The Print Smooth is the latest model in Reebok’s running stable, featuring a sleek outsole design with a stylish lifestyle-relevant silhouette. Aimed at the everyday runner who wants a versatile shoe with a striking visual aesthetic, these are ideal for light runs and run-led fitness training.

Asics MetaRun

Asics MetaRun Running Sneakers

This pair of trainers were designed for runners looking for high cushioning and stability, packed with new and advanced technology to deliver exactly that. The cushioning comes from the midsole – constructed from ASICS’ FlyteFoam which offers pillow-like cushioning that bounces back to its original shape to retain its plush feel and are 55% lighter than the industry standard.

6 of the Best – Mens Lip Balms

Words by Charlie Britton

Let’s forget the marketing with this one gents. A good lip balm should hydrate, nourish, soften and prevent lips from chapping. Aside from a enjoyable flavour, theres nothing else a lip balm really needs. We are aware that it can be rather confusing at times to know which one to choose, but the good news is here at Clothes Make The Man, we do know which 6 lip balms work wonders when it comes to getting lippy. Put down that old chap stick fellas.

Carmex

When it comes to lip care, Carmex may very well be the ‘king of the castle’ as it strives to produce the best and most effective lip balms on the market. Medicated balm in a tube is the simplest way to describe Carmex, as this fuss-free lip balm does exactly as it says on the tin. Featuring an analgesic ingredient which helps relieve pain, this cocoa butter and beeswax balm will soothe lips and keep them feeling fresh.

Scaramouche + Fandango

The newest product to come out of London based grooming brand Scaramouche + Fandango is an impressive shea butter and honey flavour lip balm. Encased in a masculine monochrome tube, this lip balm features a shea butter, soy bean oil and cocoa butter fill that promises to hydrate, nourish and prevent chapping. It happens to do exactly that and what’s more, it uses a honey flavour rather than the real deal, so it’s suitable for vegans too!

Baxter of California 

If you’re looking for an exciting little lip balm, then the ‘Hydro Salve’ balm from Baxter of California might just be the perfect pick of the bunch. Mojito-flavoured and enriched with vitamins, this perfectly sweet lip balm will leave lips in top condition whilst delivering a subtle and minty tingle. We wouldn’t necessarily say this tastes like a mojito, but the mint and lime combination is a nice touch, if only it was a little stronger!

Jack Black

Next up in out top 6 is this spicy grapefruit and ginger lip balm from Jack Black. Featuring sun protection with an SPF of 25, this lip balm is enriched with antioxidants and skin conditioners to soften and soothe dry and chapped lips. Jack Black offers quite the selection of flavours but the favourite of ours has to be this citrus and ginger flavoured balm as it tastes really great and brings something a little different to the market. The fact that is features an SPF protection is an added bonus, so this a great option if your off on your summer holidays soon.

retaW x Fragment Design

For the style conscious man, we’ve discovered this beautifully designed lip balm by Japanese fragrance brand retaW (water backwards). This collaborative balm with imprint, Fragment Design, aims to keep lips hydrated and fresh with Candelilla wax, rosemary and peppermint oil. Our favourite thing about this lip balm is the design, as it doesn’t look anything like a lip balm and more a work of art, although it tastes and smells great.

Kiehls 

Last up on our list is Kiehls lip balm #1. Mint flavoured, enriched with vitamin A and E, featuring sweet almond oil, aloe vera and lanolin, this balm is a great all rounder you’re certain to find on the high street. You can also choose other flavours such as pear, cranberry and even mango, so theres a flavour for any chapped-lip favour.

6 of the best – Sunglasses Brands You Might Not Know

Words by Charlie Britton

Sunglasses are most definitely a seasonless accessory and here at Clothes Make The Man, we’re certain the warmer weather is a perfect excuse to update your eyewear armoury. From New York designers to Italian craftsmen, we’ve picked out 6 of the best design led, forward thinking sunglasses brands and ranges that should be on your essentials list this summer. Forget the norm and put down those Wayfarers gents, it’s time for an upgrade.

Bape

Otherwise known as ‘A Bathing Ape’, Japanese clothing brand Bape is most often associated with streetwear. As an ever-growing brand, Bape continues to produce iconic garments such as the ‘Shark Hoodie’ and designs such as ‘Bape Camo’ which can be seen in the streetwear scene across the world. Part of the Nowhere Co., Ltd company, Bape has now expanded its range to offer an edgy but contemporary collection of fashionable sunglasses and glasses frames, perfect for the summer season. Chunky silhouettes and round lensed frames make up part of the collection, with interesting textures and design details running throughout. It’s obvious that Bape has been very consistent as their clothing range is definitely reflected through their glasses design. If you fancy picking up a pair that’ll definitely turn heads this summer, you can shop their full range here.

 

Movitra

Created to keep up with your pace and lifestyle, Movitra is an Italian glasses brand that produces some truly unique glasses. Fitted with a 360 movement system, Movitra glasses bend and twist each and every way to help prevent breakages. The design itself is very unique, making use of both contrasting half and half frames and lenses, depending on the style, which brings quite an interesting finish to these glasses. If you’re looking for some shades that wont stand in the shade this summer, you can find Movitra’s engineered eyewear here.

Illesteva

Another Italian made brand that has made our top 6 is Illesteva. This sunglasses brand started in 2010 and aims to design and produce sunglasses using classic shapes and styles with contemporary materials. Made in family-run factories in Italy, these glasses are designed in New York, carry a high standard of excellence and are made with simplicity and practicality in mind. You can shop the Illesteva collections here.

Grey Ant

The brand name is as unique as the product with Grey Ant. A reinvention of the traditional style of glasses, Grey Ant reinterprets the shapes and silhouettes and produces some extremely interesting eyewear pieces for the modern man and woman. Hand made in Italy and Japan and produced in limited quantities, the brand lives up to their unique selling point of ensuring quality and individuality are paramount. You can view the whole range here.

Westward Leaning

Since its launch in 2012, Westward Leaning have grown to become one of the worlds leading independent sunglasses brands. Unisex, mirrored lenses and universally-flattering are the 3 things that best describe this brand as they create and produce some very well designed glasses that we really do love here at Clothes Make The Man.
Often recognised for their reflected lenses, Westward Leaning continues to develop and evolve into a remarkable eyewear brand and we cant wait to see what’s next. Check them out here for some serious sun-worthy sunnies.

Izipizi

The last to triumph in our top 6 is French eyewear brand Izipizi. Challenging the normal high pricing that sunglasses often carry, Izipizi is growing in popularity as they produce interesting, fashionable and good quality glasses at a price point to suit all. What’s more, all glasses from their reading, screen and sunglasses ranges are available to customise in regards to correctional lenses, so no more faffing down the local opticians replacing the stock lenses. Their current SS17 range has a huge variety of styles and shapes to chose from, so if you’re looking for an ‘easy-peasy’ pair of specs or glasses, Izipizi might just be the way to go. You can view the full range here.

izipizi glasses
izipizi glasses

On a final note, one of our editors recently collaborated with Farfetch on SS17 sunglasses piece where 6 bloggers and influencers picked out a pair of essential shades for the season. You can read all about it here.

7 poolside-perfect polos

Sun-drenched days are just around the corner, promise, so in preperation we spoke to Josh Kelsall of Scotts Menswear to give us not 6 but 7, yep one for every day of the week, 0f the best from their polo shirt collections, which are pitched as the perfect summer wear for men, covering the whole spectrum of individual tastes and styles. Here’s seven of the best, as chosen by them;

1. The Classic

Traditional yet sporty from Fred Perry – perfect for those looking to rock a cool and subtle urban attitude.

2. The Lover

Simple and understated from Lacoste– for the smooth charmers who know that true style never shouts.

3. The Posh One

Elegant and 100% British from Hackett – the one to wear if the occasion calls for some home-bred UK chic

4. The Style Guru

Eye-catching and bold from Fila – for those who don’t like to do fashion in half-measures

5. The Chiller

Relaxed and understated from Fred Perry – the perfect look for the calm, calculated shirt-fashionista.

6. The Exclusive

High-quality, classic with a modern twist from Pretty Green – when a statement absolutely, definitely needs to be made.

7. The Flash

Striking and unabashed from Boss Hugo Boss – for those who don’t hide away, but like to take summer by the horns.

6 Of The Best – Striped Pieces

WORDS KEANU ADORABLE 

Stripes are a classic and versatile pattern that can add interest to your whole outfit, and we at Clothes Make The Man want you embrace this look, especially this season. Here are our top 6 pieces that would make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.

 

FOLK Striped Cotton-Jersey Longsleeve T-Shirt

“Stripes are a fail-safe way to introduce pattern into your smart-casual capsule, and this T-shirt from Folk is an effortless choice. Cut from soft cotton-jersey that feels as good as it looks, it’s rendered in versatile charcoal and white for easy pairing with any colour trousers.”

PS BY PAUL SMITH Slim-Fit Striped Cotton T-Shirt

“Unexpected flourishes of colour are a PS by Paul Smith signature. Designed with royal-blue tipping at the collar, this striped T-shirt is made from lightweight cotton and cut comfortably slim.”

ZARA Plain Oxford Shirt

“Zara continues to keep up with the latest trends with this clean, plain Oxford shirt. The sleeve with contrasting stripe is the key point of the design. This can be worn on a casual day/night out, the versatility of this piece means you could rock it with different combos – jeans with trainers or trousers with smart shoes”

NEIL BARRETT Panelled Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt

“With a palette based in brown and tan, Neil Barrett‘s Spring ’17 collection is inspired by the American TV shows the designer watched as a child in the UK. This cotton-blend poplin shirt is designed with stacked panels at the sleeves – a recurring detail that references military uniforms.”

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Striped Shirt

“This multicoloured striped shirt from 3.1 Phillip Lim is one of the most trendiest pieces that you can rock this summer, this shirt features peaked lapels, a front button fastening, a chest pocket and short sleeves that gives that casual but luxurious vibe”

PRADA Stripe-Trimmed Cotton-Poplin Shirt

“Prada’s retro-inspired short-sleeved shirt has been made in Italy from smooth cotton-poplin. It’s tailored in a boxy profile, enhanced by the neat box pleat at the back and side slits, and is trimmed with a contrasting mustard hem.”