CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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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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Check your Bad Self ! – Checkerboard Trend Watch

WORDS BY ISAAC PERRY

Fashion trends come around in swings and roundabouts. A trend in that we have picked up on recently is the monochrome checkerboard look, with the classic vans silhouette being the most recognisable of all in this style.

oversized checkerboard crew neck by Ami Alexandre Mattiussi

The look can be taken as far as you want; dependent upon how adventurous you’re feeling, the more outrageous the more of the pattern, with some choosing one key piece and others a full outfit. Smart or casual this pattern adds something to every look.

Mid-Length Checkerboard Swim Shorts by AMIRI

One of vans most distinguishable shoes is the checkerboard, in all the different silhouettes. Versatile to say the least, this pattern can be worn with a mixture of styles including; smart, street and casual.

Styling this item you may think how?

Checkerboard socks by Diesel

This look can be a statement piece within an outfit; so pairing the garment with another vibrant pattern isn’t going to work to well.

Pairing a t-shirt or shirt and a pair of light denim isn’t too far off perfection if you ask us.

How daring do you want to be? Let us know at clothes make the man, if you want to be checked out…

 Checkerboard Flannel Shirt by Barbour

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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.

 

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🎁12 Posts of Christmas, Post 12 – Outfit Ideas For The Upcoming Festivities

Words by Isaac Perry & Keanu Adorable

With all the festivities ahead, there’s no excuse not to have outfits for each occasion. Even though the weather has been really rough lately, (there’s snow though, that’s good right?!) you don’t have to just pick the thickest pieces of clothing from your wardrobe and put them all on without thought. Let us help you with some outfit ideas you can rock around the Christmas tree (or not).

Christmas Eve/Day

Topman Oversized Checkered Flannel

Flannel shirts are the perfect garment for a smart casual look, with them being incredibly comfortable yet looking the part and with this one only being £10, what are you waiting for?

Levi’s 511 Slim-Fit Tapered Jeans

A black pair of jeans is such a classic look which can be dressed up or not, we all know the quality that Levi’s is known for and these jeans definitely do not fall short.

Grenson Declan Chelsea Boots

The Declan boot is a perfect fit with our other picks, Grenson showcases some of the finest handmade boots in England, so don’t miss out on these beauties and all their other amazing selections.

Threadbare Fairisle Turtle Neck Christmas Jumper

 

For Christmas Eve we feel a smart casual look is perfect for whether you want to go out or stay in and enjoy a nice meal with your family, however, a Christmas jumper is a must have at this time of the year, with the largest option being found on ASOS. Who says Christmas jumpers have to be cringy?

Boxing Day

Zimmerli Silk Piped Pyjama Set

We’re an advocate of being cosy and staying in during Boxing Day, away from the masses of people trying to fight each other unnecessarily for items they could probably buy cheaper at any other point time of the year. This silk pyjama by Zimmerli is the perfect outfit to just relax, listen to some music and drink a hot beverage

New Years Eve

O’Keeffe Felix Suede Wingtip Brogues 

New years eve is a time of celebration, so if you want to look the part the classic brogue silhouette is the way to go, however, O’Keeffe offers colour variants rarely seen, with this product being a prime example, spice it up a little bit.

Jigsaw Italian Wool Cotton Single Pleated Trousers

A simple but quality pair of trousers is essential for every man’s wardrobe, with some of our favourites being from Jigsaw, these trousers are made from a cotton wool blend, with a relaxed silhouette, perfect for a smart evening.

Noose and Monkey Floral Shirt

A plain white shirt with a little something to set you apart from the crowd. Noose and Monkey offers a selection of shirts, which would all suit this outfit perfectly so why not go and take your pick.

Reiss Gable Wool-Blend Overcoat

The weather may not be beautiful but this piece is, and with the chilly winds and snow coming around you won’t be able to leave your house without a coat this Christmas, with the gable wool blend coat offering warmth along with a pinch style and class, something which Reiss continuously showcase.

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Getting Warm for Winter – 6 Of The Best Winter Coats for Men

Words by Keanu Adorable

Autumn is here and the weather is going to get brutal once again, and what would a new season be without having new favourites to add to our winter wardrobe? So as the sun is hiding away for the upcoming months, we need to cover up for the cold season – and your cover-up is the first thing everyone sees on you – and it needs to help you look stylish and cosy. We are spoiled with choices with winter coats, so to make things easier, we’ve chosen 6 of the best outerwear for men, from high-street and designer options.

ZARA Checked Chester Coat

This checkered coat by Zara has a classic silhouette which includes classic pointed lapels, button-up fastening, side flap pockets, back vent and lined interior with pocket. You can wear it with formal and casual attires throughout the winter months.

WEEKDAY Tristan Checked Coat

Swedish brand WEEKDAY has a fantastic piece form their latest collection, again with the checked pattern it also has a classic style enhanced by the checked print and a soft wool blend with a long -thread finish. It has a high stand collar with big lapels, big buttons and two big flap pockets, it looks absolutely cosy and warm! perfect to keep you comfortable during the winter season.

NEXT Signature Car Coat

All you sophisticated dads out there, this is a good pick for you. This car coat style is made from quality British fabric. Finished with a cotton chambray lining, don’t be surprised if you get stopped and get compliments by your coworkers or other dads in the school gate.

REISS Voisset Cashmere-Blend Overcoat

Add a touch of warmth and luxury to your autumn winter outerwear options with Reiss’ cashmere blend Voisset coat. Featuring two spacious front pockets and a wide pointed lapel collar in a long length, this classic coat has been given a modern update with its slightly oversized silhouette. Layer over a cosy knitwear piece for added comfort to complete the seasonal look.

WHISTLES Deconstructed Overcoat

Relaxed in fit and contemporary in design, this smart but slouchy coat by Whistles is a versatile design made to meet the modern man’s everyday needs. Wear over a suit to give your commute dress code an edge or wear with jeans and knitwear on weekends away or days off in the city.

OLIVER SPENCER Beaumont Coat Baker Charcoal

A classic piece of outerwear for this the season, the Beaumont Coat by Oliver Spencer is a smart choice for the winter months. Cut from a variation of the Prince of Wales check, in a 100% wool, its super soft construction and fine details mean it’s a coat for all occasions. Featuring an elegant 5 button fastening, the coat is finished with thoughtful details throughout, including buttoned cuffs, a chest welt pocket and two outer slant pockets perfect for keeping your hands warm during any cold snaps.

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