Image: Dr Martens

Anyone who’s ever donned a pair of Dr. Martenswill know that they can take a few wears to break in. From TikTok to mumsnet, everyone has weighed in on the best ways to do so. But there’s no need to stock up on sanitary pads or make room in the freezer for your new shoes.

Experts from the brand itself have tried and tested all the weird and wonderful suggestions to create a definitive list of Boot Doctor-certified tips. If you’re lucky enough to have received a new pair of winter boots this season, you might want to read on.

1. Double up on socks

The thicker the better. Whilst you’re breaking in your new shoes or boots, you may find that the leather is tough to begin with. They will soften with wear, but this takes time and you’ll want to protect your feet during the process.

Dr. Martens have developed their own Double Docs Socks designed to give extra protection for when you take your first stomps – preventing rubbing in key friction points, like the heel, ankle and arch. No plasters needed here!

Image: Dr Martens

2. Don’t take them on any long walks just yet

Whilst it may be tempting to show off your new boots straight away, it’s not advised to wear them on long outings for the first wear.

Some brave souls jump straight into their new DM’s and don’t unlace until the new leather is moulded to their feet. But that’s not recommended for everyone. Ease yourself in by wearing them around the house at first, then for short periods outside to gradually break in the leather.

3. Keep your boots filled

When you’re not wearing your Docs, you can keep working on stretching out the uppers by filling them with something in place of your feet. Whilst TikTokkers have used lots of wild objects to fill their shoes, best recommended is a can or some newspaper. Try it overnight for best results.

4. Leather needs some love

Give your feet a rest by massaging your footwear with your hands. It might sound silly, but leather softens as a result of heat and friction – so giving your boots a quick rub can actually make a big difference.

The best way to soften hard leather is by conditioning it, so DM’s have even created a specially formulated wonder balsam that can come in handy when you’re looking to tame a new pair – formulated to nourish, condition and soften Dr. Martens leathers.

Image: Dr Martens

5. Heel grips work wonders

The top of the heel is often the spot that gives people the most trouble. So, Dr. Martens easy-to-insert heel pads tackle the issue head-on – giving the back of your feet a bit of breathing room while the rest of the boot softens up

Whether you’re jetting off for some winter skiing in the Alps, heading to the canary islands for winter sunshine or staying at home, your skin needs SPF. Don’t forget to apply every day for younger, healthier looking skin.

Why should you apply sunscreen to your face everyday? 

• To protect your skin against UV Rays. Sunscreen blocks these rays, greatly reducing the likelihood of sunburn. 

• To lower your chance of skin cancer. By applying sunscreen daily, you reduce your risk of skin cancers by half.

• To slow down ageing. Sun damage from UV rays causes photoaging of the skin which causes your skin to ‘age’. 

• To maintain an even skin tone. SPF helps to protect against discolouration and dark spots from sun damage.

What sunscreen should you be using?

Natura Sport – also demonstrating progressive application this acts as an insect repellent as well as SPF. Prevents free radical damage to the skin and packs a punch of hydration. Perfect for warmer climates. 

Terra Sport – with this you get equal UVA/UVB protection making it ideal for outdoor activities in busy cities. Protecting against oxidative stress caused from smog and pollution. Perfect for winter trips and city life.

If you are like our family we spend more time searching on Netflix than actually watching. Finding the perfect movie for a night in with friends or family can be a real headache. As you know, Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services around, and they make it convenient to watch different genres of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. But did you know there are secret Netflix codes that help unlock even more content? With over 36,000 films and episodes it is clear that all of these couldn’t be highlighted on your Netflix screen.

Just head to the ‘secret menu’ on Netflix. This collection of content offers more than what is normally found on the home page and through searching. To explore these collections – ordering off the secret menu, all you need to do is fire up your web browser, type in “netflix.com/browse/genre/” and begin scrolling through all the hidden gems that await you. This secret menu can be used by both new viewers and seasoned veterans to discover content that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Alternatively, just type the code into the search box on your TV or streaming device.

These codes let you filter through an expansive library so you can find something to watch quickly and easily. Discover what kind of content is hidden behind these special codes to help you maximize your Netflix experience. Here are some of the codes:

• 90 Minute Movies – 81466194
• Family Movie Night – 2013975
• Pop Culture Icons – 81278963
• Nostalgic ’90s – 2691941
• Spy Action & Adventure – 10702
• Romantic Comedies – 5475
• British TV Shows – 52117
• Musicals – 13335
• Romantic Comedies – 5475
• Cult Horror Movies – 10944
• Tearjerkers – 6384
• Independent Dramas – 384
• Action Comedies – 43040

There is so much to choose from and when stressed out over what to watch on Netflix don’t worry – we have the perfect solution.

Introducing ‘Stressflix’, the genre picker – pick one of five emotions and let it do the work for you. It could be your go-to source for a stress-free movie night every time.

Use the Stress Flix Dice by Thumbs Up!, The ingenious gadget takes the pressure off so you can enjoy an evening of stress-free streaming. This innovative product has six different sides for you to choose from, each with its own genre that showcase a range of movies, shows, and documentaries. So take a chance and let the dice land wherever it falls – it’s time to relax and let the Stress Flix Dice pick the genre for you. If all else fails take out your anger on the Stress Flix, which can be crushed and squeezed until you calm your streaming woes.

Working with makers, mills and factories right here in the UK, HebTroCo is a brand inspired by the hardy Yorkshire environment and an unfaltering respect of the great outdoors. The influence of the local dales and moorlands, where the brand is based, creates a collection of stylish utility and workwear pieces for those who live, or aspire to live, a lifestyle in touch with the natural world. Everything is designed in-house, is exclusive to HebTroCo and is made using only the best and most sustainable natural fabrics, including wool from nearby farms. In addition to the highest quality fabrication and eco production methods, at the heart of the brand is a unique personality and sense of humour, helping to build a large and growing community of customers around the UK.  

HebTroCo is based in Hebden Bridge, an area once at the centre of the textile industry and somewhere that used to produce over 20,000 pairs of trousers a week (a million a year), leading to the nickname ‘Trouser Town’. It was this fact, coupled with a desire to support small British manufacturers, that inspired the founders, Brant Richards and Ed Oxley, to create the brand. Brant was the editor of men’s magazines; a cycling magazine and a lifestyle title, before going on to work in bicycle design and brand development. Ed had mostly worked in the outdoor industry running a mountain bike skills and guiding business. He also worked as massage therapist for ten years, all jobs that had a common thread of making people happy. Both had a passion for Yorkshire and for its natural beauty, which is now something intrinsic to the brand they created. HebTroCo was born via a crowdfunding website at the end of January 2016, with the aim to sell an initial batch of 176 pairs of trousers. The batch sold out in five hours, so the pair quit their jobs, and committed to HebTroCo full time, creating a hugely successful business with an army of loyal customers and employees.

Whilst the collections are non-seasonal they include items for warm and cold weather, and are always created with Yorkshire in mind, requiring durability and functionality. The result is a workwear wardrobe of stylish classics, designed for city dwellers and those in more rural areas. There are pieces that can be worn in the office, and pieces that will help you get to the top of a mountain – some of them even tick both boxes. Everything is carefully tested, perfected and guaranteed for life for manufacturing defects. If at any point something does happen, then the guarantee offers a repair or replace service.

The collection includes denim, knitwear, hoodies, sweatshirts, shirts, jackets, body warmers, trousers, outerwear, footwear and accessories. There is a range of four heavyweight ‘Big Jumpers’ available in navy, burnt orange, salt & pepper and red, each made from 100% British wool sourced from seven farms in Yorkshire. For lovers of tradition there’s a lighter Guernsey style fisherman jumper in navy or willow green, spun near Bradford using wool from two breeds of sheep in the Yorkshire Dales. A cardigan in 100% superfine lambswool comes in porcupine brown and Derby grey, and has been knitted in Aberdeenshire. Denim is a huge part of the business, it’s all produced at a high quality and is very popular with the HebTroCo customer. The range is made with selvedge denim from the Candiani Mill near Milan, one of the world’s most sustainable denim mills. There are jeans in black and indigo, available in various fits (but never too skinny! Phew) and two jackets in double black and indigo. The jackets and a selection of the jeans are in GOTS approved 100% organic (BCI) cotton, created using a micro-plastics free dye process, solar power and water recycling. For outerwear, the hardiest piece in the collection is a waterproof utility coat, based on an SAS zip-up smock jacket pattern, the outer shell is 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled polyester. Its numerous pockets and practicalities means it serves well on the hill and for tactical trips to the pub in all conditions. Warmer weather pieces include 100% cotton hoodies and zip up hoodies which are made in Manchester. There are two body warmers made with fabric from the Olmetex Mill in Italy and padded with British HD wool; a natural, high performing active insulation that doesn’t rely on plastics and manmade fibres. For summer months, and for layering up, there are t-shirts in yellow, botanical green, grey, black and white. A forest green overshirt is made with luxuriously soft and hard wearing corduroy from the best German mill – the same piece also comes in light sand moleskin. The socks are produced using Scottish Merino wool or cotton, and are all made in Scotland, whilst a range of workwear boots are constructed using processes that go back to the 19th century. One of the biggest selling products has been the woollen tweed blanket cape which can either be used as a blanket, throw or worn poncho style over the head and shoulders.

Other eco initiatives include all items being shipped to the Post Office for delivery by electric cargo bike. HebTroCo also donates to Curlew Action; a charity set up to prevent the extinction of curlews, an endangered bird that inhabits the moors around Yorkshire. As Hebden Bridge is prone to flooding, the founders also decided to support a local Natural Flood Management Charity called Slow The Flow.

Harnessing the power of personality and humour (HebTroCo has it in bucketloads) is the brand web and social media content, including the Don’t Be A Dick tagline. An element of this sees the founders acting out some of the most obnoxious messages trolls have kindly shared with them over their social channels. This unique sense of self-deprecation and fun is a big part of the success of the brand, the engaging content is something its followers react to in a big way.

Over the past few weeks, designers have been revealing their latest collections during men’s fashion week for AW23. In both Milan and Paris we have seen a glimpse into the upcoming fashion trends this autumn and winter. From cosy cashmere knits to oversized jackets and tailoring, there is something for every fashionable man this winter. Milan has hosted luxury fashion names such as Armani, Gucci and Prada, while Paris featured Dior, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent. Fashion experts from T.M. Lewin have observed the standout styles from Milan and Paris’ men’s fashion week (FW) to give you an idea of what to wear during the colder seasons. 

Coats and jackets 

Following its popularity last season, the shearling jacket is still worth the investment, as this warm and stylish piece continues to trickle into 2023 fashion. Emporio Armani(pictured)  showed a sweeping shearling-lined coat inspired by aviators of the 1930s in their Milan show earlier this month. In keeping with this theme, they also showcased looks featuring bomber jackets, helmets and goggles. Prada had similar ideas as they presented an oversized parka-bomber jacket and duffle coat in their latest collection. 

In Paris, however, there was a noticeable theme of plush coats and jackets. Givenchy, Loewe and Bode presented daring plush teddy bear fabrics for their outerwear looks.

Ultimately, these collections tell us one thing: We should expect to see voluminous and hooded plush jackets in camel or purple as a staple statement piece in upcoming AW wardrobes. 

Suits 

Dark grey was the preferred suit colour as Prada(pictured) opened their show with 11 suits in luxurious charcoal shades. In a slightly less conventional approach, Emporio Armani showcased a full charcoal wool jumpsuit paired with a matching coat.  

For the more adventurous dresser, inspiration can be taken from Paris men’s FW to help you stay warm and stand out in the sea of grey. Designer Hed Mayner presented oversized checked pieces with structured shoulders, while Rei Kawakubo sent his models down the runway in monochrome, grey and bright pink tailoring.  

Layering 

As demonstrated at Paris men’s FW, layering pieces are a must-have for all trans-seasonal wardrobes. Models from Paul Smith (pictured), Kolor and Namesake were dressed in three or more layers, with some outfits showcasing a daring clash of muted and vibrant patterns.

Oversized fit 

Oversized, relaxed-looking garments were a popular feature at Milan’s FW, with Gucci presenting oversized pastel tailoring, whilst Prada(pictured) gave us an oversized parka-bomber jacket with orange lining.  

According to an analysis of Google trends data, there was a 215% increase in searches in the UK for ‘oversized men’s’ pieces over the past five years, with a peak in December last year. Oversized pieces are becoming increasingly popular for men who wish to dress with a more relaxed look and feel, and this is expected to carry on into this year’s AW season. Rather than seeking out oversized pieces, why not buy ones you love a few sizes larger than your regular size? This will give you the oversized effect with far more choices in terms of colour, fabric and style. Opting for oversized outerwear also lends itself to the layering trend mentioned above, allowing for multiple garments to be comfortably worn underneath. 

Cashmere 

The luxurious wool made multiple appearances at Milan men’s FW, notably in the Fendi (pictured) show that focused on cosy and reversible cashmere pieces. At the same time, Emporio Armani presented cashmere tracksuits and bomber jackets in greige. Cashmere is renowned for its luxuriously soft, scratch-free texture and heat-retaining capabilities and for being lightweight, comfortable, and impeccably stylish. In these colder seasons, a cashmere jumper is the perfect layering piece for every man’s winter wardrobe.  

To round off his list of AW23-inspired trends from men’s fashion week, here is what an expert from T.M. Lewin had to say on the importance of finding comfortably stylish pieces that will keep you warm this winter: 

“It is clear that multi-hued layers and oversized pieces will be a trend to look out for this autumn and winter season. Whether you wish to stay timeless with greys and neutral colours or be more daring with checks and pinks, you can do so with style, warmth and versatility.”