CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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150 years in the making – Grenson’s new luggage collection

Better known as one of the best British, heritage Footwear brands, Grenson have been producing quality shoes in the U.K. since 1866. So after over 150 years they’ve decided to expand their produce range, no not in footwear but luxury, aspirational and yet surprisingly affordable luggage. So for the first time ever Grenson are launching their first bags collection, featuring classic bag styles from the past, all made in specially commissioned British Millerain durable waxed cotton twill canvas.

The bags include a 1960’s flight bag, inspired by the classic airline branded flight bags from the jet era, reminiscent of the PanAm classic, a Holdall is inspired by the classic branded sports bag of the 1970s but given a modern overhaul inside to carry and protect our everyday tech accessories. , two sizes of backpack which take inspiration from the “The Pattern 42 Bergen Rucksack” which was commissioned in June of 1940, for the British Commandos, this multi pocket style rucksack has proved to be a timeless classic. Then we have another second world war reference in two sizes of Messenger bag which draws on a bag that gained popularity during WWII when troops would use them to carry their personal belongings, leaving hands free for weapons or tools and finally a simple Tote which was popularized in the 1940s after the release of L.L Bean’s Boat Bag. During the 1960s tote bags then went from being simply functional to stylish fashion accessories. The main canvas material for all of the bags was created to unique Grenson specifications by the famous weatherproofing textiles manufacturer, British Millerain.

Grenson’s New Bag Collection

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Let Paul be your new Best Friend – Vagabond’s ethical new Trainer

Swedish Footwear brand Vagabond are proudly presenting their latest, and some would say greatest, innovation in stylish shoes. Paul, yeah I’m not quite sure why, is made entirely in a recyclable cherry wood Ligneah material where all components are from vegetable origin. The men’s shoe is part of Vagabond’s Atelier: a forum for innovation and creation, where the company dares itself in the aim of more sustainable production.

Not only for Vagabond, but the wider shoe industry producing non-animal options is an important step towards less strain on the eco-system. However, they aren’t just stopping there. Technical innovation and the development of materials that are not only non-animal, but also more environmentally friendly, are now made available for shoes. In the manufacturing process, thin sheets of wood are attached to a cotton base, using a technique where resistance and durability is assured. To make the wood material soft and “leather-like”, the surface is then micro laser etched.

Marie Nilsson Peterzén, co- founder and creative director at Vagabond Shoemakers, had this to say on the worthy project. “This project is a follow up on the successful launch of the rst Atelier project with the non-animal collec- tion. We see each season as a challenge and opportunity and are always inspired by sustainability work. It is also where we can work with product development outside the company’s general collections”.

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Men’s Holiday Shop – Whistles Men

Words by Charlie Britton

With the Summer holidays swiftly approaching, the temptation to update your warm weather wardrobe becomes increasingly difficult to resist. Quite rightly, there’s no reason as to why you shouldn’t treat yourself and thankfully, Whistles has got you covered.

Whitles holiday edit

Simples tees, everyday sweats and timeless sunnies make for the perfect summer wardrobe in the latest holiday edit from Whistles Mens. Collaborations with both Boardies and Dock and Bay have revealed exciting pieces including Whistles very first menswear swim collection, featuring a stunning and contemporary design from artist Rory McCartney, and two exclusive colourways from towel experts, Dock and Bay.

Whistles x Boardies

Designed in collaboration with the Boardies team, the bold collection features three great designs; the Rory McCartney green ‘Palm Dot’ print, a bold and contrasting three colour striped print and a simple but stylish blue block print pair featuring a special Boardies feature where the pattern only appears when wet. The collaboration is refreshingly stylish, providing a trendy and smart alternative to the awfully overdone ibiza themed short. The ‘Palm Dot’ print can also be found on a relaxed everyday tee and short sleeved shirt, with other clean essential tops to chose from.

Whistles x boardies swim shorts for men

Whistles x Dock and Bay

Something not seen all too often, Whistles has collaborated with towel brand and experts Dock and Bay to produce two very appealing quick drying towels, perfect for the Summer season. Two bold colourways, one being blue and the other green, provide excellent microfibre technology, with the best bit being sand won’t stick to them at the beach!!!

Whistles x Dock and Bay towels

New to Whistles Men

Aside from the exciting collaborations Whistles has in store for the holiday season, they have also introduced two fantastic brands to their collection. Good News is a British contemporary footwear brand recently founded here in London. Ethical production, fair trade sourcing and great design are the three key elements to this exciting new brand, as they aim to make a positive change in the fashion industry, engaging with their audience and community to raise awareness on important issues. Whistles have also introduced skincare brand, Filmore, bringing Scottish crafted natural grooming products and nordic-inspired minimal design together to create a simple but effective skincare range.

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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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Bags of interest – Bennett Winch

Bennett Winch was foundered in 2014 by Robin Bennett and Robin Winch, with a philosophy of producing timeless accessory pieces that have a relaxed elegance and put emphasis on a refined aesthetic, considered design and hard-wearing construction. Committed to these core principles, Bennett Winch produce bags with a classic, understated exterior while building in unique functionality inspired by the many and varied demands of modern life. Each item is created by hand exclusively in England from a selection of fine materials including 24oz bonded waterproof canvas, full grain veg-tanned leather and solid brass finishing. These components are put into the hands of skilled craftspeople who employ traditional techniques to carefully create every piece.

Created with travel in mind, the Weekender is Bennett Winch’s signature bag. Ideal for a long weekend away, it can just as easily accommodate the essentials for an entire week’s travel, with a thoughtfully-conceived interior comprising a series of functional pockets and compartments. A padded laptop sleeve ensures your computer is carried securely, while two separate waterproof compartments provide ample room for shoes, gym gear or anything else that needs keeping separate from your belongings. Classic yet modern, the Weekender combines a refined aesthetic with the utmost functionality.