CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Lighten up – 6 of the best Overshirts

Words by Charlie Britton

The humble Overshirt is an ideal essential piece for this Spring, Summer, Autumn and you get the point. It’s a pretty versatile garment, standing in for your jacket during the warmer months and keeping you cosy as a thicker layering piece during the colder ones. Here at Clothes Make The Man, we’ve listed 6 of the best Overshirts that you can rock right now, so leave your ‘Winter is Coming’ malarkey with your jacket in the wardrobe where it belongs and take note.

 

This Overshirt from ami Paris is a beautiful and light piece that’ll last for years to come. Featuring two flap pockets at the front, this classic cut beige cotton and linen blend Overshirt will brighten up any outfit. Genuine horn buttons complete the piece, giving it a modern but timeless finish, perfect for the Spring and Summer months.

beige overshirt mens

The next piece in our line-up is this Swedish Our Legacy cotton-velvet Overshirt from Mr Porter. A single front pocket gives the Overshirt some nice texture and utility while four pearly white fastening buttons provide a nice contrast to this beautiful navy garment.

cotton velvet navy overshirt

This coach jacket inspired Overshirt from COS is a perfect tonal piece for the current Spring season. Press stud buttons and a pointed collar provide a smart finish, making this piece versatile enough to be worn with a shirt and trousers or over a tee and a pair of your favourite denim.

mens navy overshirt

Levi’s are known for their denim but if you were to think of anything else, it would be their shirts. Although this time it’s not a denim one, this Overshirt or Workshirt is the perfect throw on garment for this Spring Summer season. It’s frost grey colour remains very neutral, allowing you to pair it with both lighter and darker shades, fit for all occasions.


This knitted Overshirt from Oliver Spencer, admittedly advertised and sold as a knitted jacket but far too tempting to resist mentioning, is a great middle of the road alternative to your jacket this spring. Its 100% merino wool build is perfect for warmer weather as it’s breathable, lightweight and very soft, although is certain to retain some heat in the colder months. Sporting a minimal check print, it’s a great garment to lift any outfit.


Last but not least is this 100% cotton military inspired Overshirt from Zara. Featuring two front button fastening pockets and some patchwork detailing on the sleeve, this khaki Overshirt is a great piece to carry you through to Winter at a very affordable price too.

 

So there you have it, our top 6 Overshirts you can buy right now. The very recent Autumn/Winter 2017 press days revealed quite a few Overshirts too from some fantastic menswear brands, so it’s a great investment you can make for your wardrobe that’ll stay on trend for seasons to come.

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Clean as a Whistle – 6 of the Best Body Washes for Men

Words by Charlie Britton

You’re probably curious as to why we’re listing the best body washes for men, but I’ll have you know that we have a perfectly good reason. You’re average Joe shower gel from the local drug store certainly isn’t up to scratch with these body washes, packed full of fantastic ingredients to invigorate, clean and purify you’re skin and set you up for the day ahead, which is exactly what you’re missing out on each morning if you don’t own one of these;

Aesop

The Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser is a mighty botanically enhanced cleanser that gently removes grime, banishes odour and leaves the skin beautifully scented and fresh, perfect for a morning shower. Geranium has a handful of skin and health benefits too, so it’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed.

Scaramouche + Fandango‘s Body Wash is the perfect shower companion, especially being oil, silicone and paraben-free. This Vitamin E and Papaya body wash leaves the skin hydrated and invigorated, whilst removing all the unwanted grime and residue from the skin. Scented with the S+F signature fragrance, there’s not much more you could ask for.

This Molton Brown Bushukan body wash is a refreshing and indulgent bath and shower gel blended with antioxidant-rich Thai Bushukan fruit, a member of the citrus family. This wash also features hints of black pepper and tolu absolute, sure to leave your skin feeling clean and smelling great.

The Kiehls Body Fuel wash is another great body wash in this line up, functioning as both a body wash and shampoo in one. Formulated with caffeine and menthol, this wash is certain to get you going in the morning, with the added bonus of being paraben and sulfate-free.

Surface, a grooming brand designed for city goers, produce a body wash formulated with active ingredients and softening and emollient properties. Refreshing, delicate and antipollution, this is the perfect body wash for those who are always on the move, especially in town.

Last but not least, Cowshed’s Bullocks Bracing Body Wash purifies and tones the skin with petitgrain and grapefruit, combining a masculine and invigorating scent too. Packed with hemp seed oil, this body wash provides nutrients and vitamins for your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and recharged.

So there you have it, our top 6 body wash picks to make your day that little bit better. Here at Clothes Make The Man, we insist on keeping clean and looking sharp, so as long as you trust in our top 6 picks you’ll be halfway there.

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Get the perfect strike this Spring – 6 of the best Bowling Shirts

Words by Keanu Adorable

For some unknown reason the bowling shirt has had a bad rep for a while now. Similar to the Hawaiian shirt, the item has been associated with interesting personalities— from Charlie Sheen’s rude and crude character from Two and a Half Men (who had a whole collection of atrocious tops) to the eccentric crew from The Big Lebowski who are synonymous with short-sleeved embroidered button-ups.

Loose and easy, with a casual spread-collar, the bowling shirt sums up the relaxed, sleazy-chic is making a strong comeback this summer, with the 1950s trend that seems to be everywhere for spring, bowling-style shirts have been hugely popular on the streets of Milan and Paris during the SS17 fashion weeks.

Bowling shirts are typically cut wide and boxy but don’t let that put you off, oversized fits are a solid style move. Lightweight fabrics and a breezy, open cut make the shirt a great choice for hot spring/summer weather, hopefully, which explains the popularity with the fashionistas… and also tourists, two demographic you don’t often associate together. They’re traditionally produced with drab colorways and team embroidery on the chest, but most people seem to be going for nostalgic oriental designs — orchids, tigers, dragons, etc — and many contemporary labels are producing minimal versions too.

The fashionista illuminati has, naturally, splashed out on luxe garms from the likes of Gucci, Prada and Valentino. More accessible labels have hopped on to the trend too, and there’s nothing stopping you diving into your local charity shop/thrift store or eBay if you’re feeling sensible, financially.

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Six of the Most Romantic Hotels for Valentine’s Day

If you’re contemplating a romantic lil Valentine’s Day getaway, why not give the gift of relaxation by whisking your other half away for a romantic retreat? Forget air fares, queues and jet lag, the UK has an abundance of escapes perfect for spoiling your loved one. From London to Edinburgh, we’ve rounded up the top six hotels which offer the perfect couples’ escape.

The Arch London, London
Five-star boutique hotel The Arch London offers impeccable comfort married with unrivalled luxury. Tucked away on a calm residential street in Marylebone, this opulent Georgian hideaway is one of the capital’s best kept secrets and offers the perfect Valentines retreat. The hotel oozes British glamour at its finest, with secluded rooms including the quietly glamorous Martini Library (where guests can order drinks using an in-built button). As dusk draws in, enjoy an aperitif in Le Salon de Champagne before dining under chandeliers in Hunter 486. Redefining romance in the capital, many of the rooms at The Arch London have flat screen TVs built into the walls above the bath.

The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
The stunning interiors and delectable dishes at The Witchery by the Castle combine to create a desirable Scottish Valentine’s escape. The Witchery’s lavishly decorated dining room boasts a baroque setting with original oak-panelled walls and gothic style furniture. After dinner, retreat to one of the nine theatrical suits featuring romantic quirks such as four-poster beds and roll top baths for two.

King Street Townhouse, Manchester
Cosy up in the romantic setting of King Street Townhouse – an impressive Italian renaissance building, located in Manchester city centre. Housing only 40 bedrooms and suites, the hotel offers a stay with optimal service and a personal touch. Enjoy afternoon tea in one of the cosy lounges before heading to the hotel’s south facing terrace which boasts spectacular views of Manchester’s Town Hall.

The Club Hotel & Spa, Jersey
Situated within walking distance from some of the island’s most breathtaking beaches, The Club Hotel & Spa boasts a sought after St Helier location. Enjoy long romantic strolls on the beach before indulging in Michelin-starred dining at Bohemia Restaurant & Bar. The glorious Roof Garden Cocktail Bar is the perfect location to enjoy a pre-dinner drink whilst admiring the ocean views. Why not treat your other half to a couples’ treatment at the luxurious Club Spa before diving into the outdoor heated pool?

Limewood Hotel, Hampshire
Lime Wood hotel, in the heart of the New Forest, is perfect for those seeking a unique romantic getaway. From yoga sessions on the roof, to double-space treatment rooms for couples wishing to unwind and revive together, Lime Wood offers a romance-infused well-being break. Enjoy some down time with your Valentine in the sauna which boasts enchanting forest views.

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa, Sussex
Set within 120 acres of glorious Sussex countryside, Alexander House is a luxury manor house with beautiful vistas, a choice of restaurants, an award-winning Utopia Spa and rooms designed for absolute comfort. It’s not just the hotel’s connections to Percy Shelley – one of the most famous English Romantic poets of our time – that makes Alexander House an exceptional place to spend this Valentine’s. The venue also presents cosy corners where guests can relax with chilled Champagne, a light aperitif or warming digestive, as well as a hot tub in the Zen garden.

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Moisturising against the elements – 6 of the Best Winter Moisturisers for Men

WORDS BY AMANDA LEWIS

Forget your “Winter is Coming” malarkey, Winter is well and truly here and with vengeance. With below zero temperatures the winter weather conditions of wind, rain, freezing conditions coupled with central-heating can wreak havoc on male skin. Prevention is always best than cure so ensure your Winter skin care regime, yes that’s right Winter skin care regime and we aren’t just talking a bit of soap and water here, keeps you looking groomed not grizzly. Clothes Make the Man’s winter moisturiser feature picks the best out there for YOU.

First up we have the all rounder when it comes to Moisturising the All-in-one Face Tracement from Lab Series. Not only does it Moisturise, but soothing, repairs and mattifies, essential is does it all for the lazy man Grooming regime.

A classic in every sense of the word, not just the ever reliable Nivea, but Nivea for Men. This formula especially developed for men, is suitable for use on the face, body and hands, is non-greasy and absorbes really quickly, plus great for even the tightest of budgets.

A bestseller within the market over at John Lewis, more of a Balm than a cream this brilliant Super Moisture Balm from ClarinsMen offers immediate comfort. It has comfortable texture and will not leave your skin feeling oily.

If your starting to feel your age, Kiehl’s Since 1851’s ‘Age Defender’ moisturiser combats natural signs of ageing. Specifically formulated for men’s skin, it’s revitalising treatment gently exfoliates dead skin cells, which allows the formula to effectively penetrate skin’s surface layers and smooth out roughness. Containing a blend of Vitamins, Proteins and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, this daily face cream is designed to firm your complexion and soften fine lines with continued use.

OK, bit of a side ball you weren’t expecting, but nonetheless a cracker, the Hydrator from Scaramouche and Fandango, it does exactly what it says on the tin, well packaging anyway. It contains Chronodyn cell energiser which is is clinically proven to help firm and tone the skin to fight against the signs of fatigue.

The last but by no means least, is another classic and must have from Clinique for Men, this lightweight formula delivers all-day moisture as well as skin strengthening ingredients. It absorbs quickly and can be applied first thing in the morning right the way through to last thing at night.