CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Raising the bar – Ted Baker’s new Cycling range

imageAs you’d know expect from Ted Baker, when you hear they are launching a new Cycling apparel range you know the last thing you’re going to see is tight fitting Lycra clad models and heavy duty functional, sporty attire and sure enough not so much as a Lycra cycling short to be seen, thank Holy God.

Based on classic Ted Baker fundamentals and innovative design details, the brand has, thankfully, swerved clear of performance-enhancing lycra to create Raising the Handlebars: a bespoke collection of stylish cycling gear that refuses to sacrifice appearance over functionality.

imageGeometric prints, bold colours and stitch eyelets put the aesthetic into athletic, whilst the collection’s style is matched by its substance found in reflective collars and cuffs, antibacterial finishes, and robust fabric trims which provide further support / protection where needed.

All this, together with other classic Ted details (such as a velcro tie to hold the trouser leg away from chain) all come together to deliver a decent dose of substantial style to your cycling proficiency.

Working in collaboration with, Cycling aficionados, Wiggle, they have created a range of clothing that will take you straight from bike to office and then onto the bar, taking away the need to change once you have cycled to your destination.

Shirts include a high percentage of Elastane for added stretch and comfort, as well as an anti-bacterial finish to keep odours at bay. Available in long and short sleeves, shirts feature special prints, which have been designed taking inspiration from the mechanics of a bicycle, using cogs and chains links.

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It’s getting HOT in here …..- Smart Weave Shirting Technology essential for this weather

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Tony Blair, will be remembered for many things, OK bad aswell as Good, but we all remember him for the above image, getting a lil hot under the collar. I mean have we ever seen the ever cool Barack Obama, President of the USA, displaying soggy pits, I think not.

On a more relevant and everyday sorta level, some of the many reasons people, in ever increasing numbers, are taking to their bikes and cycling to work include enjoying the outdoors, saving on transportation costs, exercise and not having to deal with the grind of the daily traffic or the joys of public transport. One of the downfalls however, is that the physical exersion of a bike ride can cause you to break a sweat which leads to less than professional appearance.

imageThis Summer we’ve seen temperatures soars, you don’t need the extra hassle of taking a change of clothes to work but with a SmartWeave Shirt, you can now jump off your bike and arrive at your desk feeling fresh and confident without having to change. The 100% cotton premium shirt uses a new, innovative technology that prevents both sweat marks and stains from appearing so that you can feel confident and relaxed all day long. The modern shirts are extremely comfortable and come in a variety of both classic and contemporary designs and fits so they can be worn in the boardroom or with friends and family on the weekend.

imageSo how does it work, shirt makers use cotton as it is the softest and most comfortable fabric to wear. A normal cotton fabric saturates easily and dries slowly, resulting in awkward sweat marks appearing. Experts at SmartWeave were determined to end this problem and after 8 years of research and development ‘SmartWeave’ Technology has been created.

‘SmartWeave’ draws perspiration away from the skin, and via a pre-set route, transports it across the shirt’s inner surface. The moisture is spread very finely over a large surface area, encouraging it to dry quickly, keeping you feeling fresh throughout the day.

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A Suitable dilemma – @TMLewin suiting guide

As I’ve said time and time again I love when an emIl catches my eye and this very one, certainly did the trick. TM Lewin have produced this great guide for buying your first suit, but it’s perfectly suited if you’re in need of  purchasing some new workwear to revitalise that flagging work wardrobe.

The advice offered in this guide is truly valuable as TM Lewin are experts in their field, they opened their first store on London’s Jermyn Street in 1898 and they have been supplying quality business wear – including shirts, suits and accessories – for man and women ever since. The company still employs many of the same traditional manufacturing techniques pioneered by its founder, Thomas Mayes Lewin, and excellent craftsmanship. Anyway enough of me, have a read.

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Flower Power – The men’s Floral trend

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There is a misconception that Flowers are just for the fairer sex, in that, us men should shy away from anything of a floral print nature. Oh contraire by dear masculine friends, as for Summer of this year, all things flowery are everywhere. Our dear clothing retailers from high end designer to high Street wonders are embracing their inner flower power and in all honesty it must be shifting as retailers can’t get the floral trend pieces on the shelves quick enough for us. So as alway we do the hard work so you don’t have to so here are some of the hottest items from this Summer’s brightest trend.

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Long sleeved shirt by Banana Republic

imageMen’s jogging bottoms by Franklin & Marshall

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Floral swim shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren by Harvey Nichols

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Liberty print floral baseball cap by New Era at Selfridges

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Floral tie by Liberty

 

imageFloral patterned socks by Paul Smith at Harrods.com

 

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Floral patterned sweatshirt by Acne

 

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Floral plimsoles by YMC at Steranko.co.uk

 

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Floral print blazer by Gucci by MrPorter.com

imageFloral Rucksack by Bershka

 

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Ditsy floral pattern polo shirt by Native Youth at House of Fraser

 

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Fancy going matchy matchy this Summer then check out this lil floral combo by Farah

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Looking for something a little more exotic ? – the Puma ‘GV Special’ Exotic

imageIn the 70s and 80s, PUMA tennis shoes were exactly what players needed for grand slam level play. They were launched at a time when the Formstripe was still fresh and new, a rising crowd-pleaser on courts around the world. PUMA unleashed a full court fury with its tennis shoes: all white leather, occasional coloured Formstripe, and soles that conformed to the foot once broken in. They were made in Europe, high quality and tough to replicate. And it quickly put PUMA at the top of its game and attracted some of the world’s best players. Among these players was Argentina’s Guillermo Vilas.

imageIn the 1970s, Guillermo Vilas smashed through winning streaks. He quickly secured his ranking as PUMA’s hero with skill, style and charisma. On the court he was a solid left-handed base-liner, dominating any surface and serve sent his way. Off the court he was the ultimate playboy, winning over ladies faster than you can say ‘tennis.’ He wore PUMA trainers during his best years. When paired with that long hair and those tube socks, he became bigger than the game itself and remains a bonafide legend. In 1981, he paired with PUMA to create a shoe that matched his own winning style: The GV Special.

This iconic ‘Archive Tennis’ style part of the ‘A Touch Of Class’ concept to celebrate PUMA’s rich history in the sport, gets an overhaul this AW14 with premium Ostrich leather, putting some fierceness back into the famed tennis sneaker whilst also serving a nod to 80s terrace culture.

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