CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

New research1 from American Express reveals that one quarter (26%) of UK adults have purchased a product or service to help them get a better night’s sleep, with £1.3 billion being spent by Brits on helping them sleep more soundly in the past year.

With two in five Brits saying they get six hours of sleep or less a night on average (39%), UK adults are increasingly looking for help to get that all important night’s rest. Adults up and down the country are becoming more aware of the benefits of a good night’s sleep, with 67% of Brits rating sleep as ‘very important’ for their overall health and wellbeing, more than eating healthily (55%), having a healthy work-life balance (54%), and getting regular exercise (47%) on their list of priorities.

Of the quarter of Brits who have ever purchased a product or service to help them get a good night’s sleep, just over half (53%) of this group have purchased this since the start of 2021.

The research revealed that buying a new mattress is where Brits have spent the most of their money in a single purchase when trying to improve sleep, with nearly one in four (23%) stating that a new mattress helped them to get the best night’s sleep of all sleeping products they have tried. The most popular items purchased to help get a good night’s sleep in the past year were herbal remedies, followed by noise cancelling items (e.g. ear plugs) and new bedding.

Popular items purchased to help get a good night’s sleep in the past year:

1 – Herbal remedies

2 – Noise cancelling items (e.g. ear plugs)

3 – New bedding

4 – Items to cover eyes (e.g. eye mask)

5 – Aromatherapy

6 – Wearables (e.g. Apple Watch, Fitbit)

7 – New mattress

8 – Light blocking items (e.g. curtains)

Nearly one in four of those who have used these products or services stated that they had more energy in the day, and that it improved their mental wellbeing (both 24%).

But why are Brits finding it hard to drift off? Research revealed that the biggest barrier to getting a good night’s sleep is worrying about work, with one in five stating this is the greatest issue (20%). Other barriers revolve around health issues (17%), thinking about the next day (15%), and the environment they are trying to sleep in being counterproductive (13%).

Dr Katharina Lederle, Sleep Scientist and Therapist, said: “We have woken up to the benefits of sleep – for our physical health, our performance, and, perhaps most importantly, how we interact with others around us. Having slept well puts a smile on our face and makes us feel good within ourselves. Naturally, we will invest in products and services that give us more of that.

“Because different factors can trigger sleep problems, the solutions will vary between people. Physical pain or discomfort while lying in bed might be easily solved with a new mattress, yet stress and worrying are also common sleep stealers, and with herbal remedies claiming to provide some relief it makes sense that this is the most sought-after product group.”

Based on the research, American Express and Dr Katharina Lederle provide the following top tips for getting a good night’s sleep:

1 Ensure your bedroom is a calming environment – remove clutter and stick to neutral colours in your bedroom to ensure it is a relaxing environment.

2 Try a sleep or meditation app – listening to calming music, or investing in a sleep or meditation app before bed is a great way to calm your mind from thoughts and worries of the day. (You may want to make use of the meditation app during the day too!)

3 Join an exercise or calming yoga class, or go out for a walk – not only are these a great way to get your body moving and tire you out ready for sleep, classes such as yoga are a great way to focus and clear a busy mind.

4 Invest in a good mattress – research revealed that purchasing a good mattress was most beneficial in helping Brits get a good night’s sleep. When purchasing a mattress or mattress topper, remember to put your spend on a cashback or rewards Card so you can earn something back on your spending.

With the winter months upon us, it can often be difficult to leave the house and brave the cold to head to the gym – not to mention, a membership can sometimes feel like a big commitment. However, there’s still opportunity to work out from the comfort of your own home.

Fitness experts at Breaking Muscle have highlighted five of the best exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home, with a step-by-step guide of how to complete them. 

Air squat 

A highly effective beginner exercise is air squats, targeting your thighs, hamstrings, quadriceps, and also your glutes. 

Position your feet so that they are slightly wider than the width of your shoulders, and then drop into a squat position with your thighs parallel to the floor. Keep your hands near your chest while you maintain a vertical stance around your upper body, and then return to the starting position.  

Jump squat 

Jump squats are particularly excellent for developing your strength, while simultaneously targeting the glutes, quads, hips, and hamstrings. 

For this exercise, you’ll need to position your feet so that they are slightly wider than shoulder width and squat down partially with your thighs above a parallel level. Drop your hands down to your side, then bring your arms up near chest height while you quickly stand and jump into the air. Land softly in a squat position and transition to the next rep. 

Squat hold 

While the squat hold can be quite a challenge, it will develop both lower body strength and core control, as well as improving your balance. 

Start by bringing your hands to chest-height and lower your body into a deep squat position. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground, but try to aim for a deeper position if possible. Push your feet into the floor and engage your glutes and core to remain stationary. Ensure that your torso is upright and don’t lean forward as you hold the stance for 20 seconds. The burning sensation throughout your body means that you’re doing it correctly! 

Push-up 

While push-ups will target your chest, arms, and shoulders, they’re also useful for protecting your lower back and shoulders from injuries and improving flexibility. 

Wall push-ups are a great exercise for beginners – you’ll need to position yourself around an arm’s length away from a wall with your feet matching the width of your hips. Your palms need to be placed on the wall at the height and width of your shoulders – and make sure to have your fingers pointed upwards. The next step is to bend your elbows slowly and lean yourself towards the wall up until your nose nearly touches it – but it’s essential that your back remains straight while your elbows are bent at around 45 degrees. 

If you’re up for taking it to the next level, you can try floor push-ups: to perform these, you must get on the floor and support your body on your toes and hands while your hands are set slightly outside shoulder-width. As you maintain a straight line from your neck to your ankles, bend your elbows to lower your whole body and press to full lockout. If you experience shoulder strain, opt for aiming your elbows towards your feet instead of your shoulders. Start with 10 reps, and lower the amount for each set all the way down to one rep. 

Bird dog hold 

Bird dog holds will strengthen your back muscles and can relieve lower back pain. Plus, they target both upper and lower body by boosting your core and your glutes. 

To start with, position yourself into all floors on the ground, placing your knees below your hips and positioning your hands below your shoulders. As you engage your core and keep your back straight, lift your left arm and stop when it is in front of you at the same level as your shoulders, and push your right leg out until it is completely straight. Hold for a minimum of five seconds before swapping to your right arm and your left leg. If you struggle to lift both of your leg and arm at the same time, you can always select the easier option by lifting only one of them at once. 

Your workout checklist 

Start with push-ups and begin with 10 reps. Lower the number of reps to eventually reach one rep upon completion, making it 10 sets overall.  

Bird dog holds are the next exercise to tick off in your routine, and you should aim for three sets of 8 – 12 reps. 

Next, start the lower body exercises with air squats, performing three sets of 12-15 reps. For optimal results, avoid a rest before your next exercise. 

After air squats, move on to hold squats. Attempt three sets of 12-15 reps, with each rep lasting 20 seconds. Regular exercisers should complete two consecutive sets before resting, but if you’re more advanced, try to complete three sets before taking a rest. 

Finish off your workout with jump squats. Try to complete three sets of 10-15 reps – but if you can handle it, attempt a fourth set. 

A spokesperson from Breaking Muscle has commented: “It’s a common misconception that the gym is the only way to complete a successful workout and reach your fitness goals. Our workout suggestions reveal that it is in fact possible to target multiple areas in your body with a workout that you can simply do at home. It’s much more flexible for those who find a membership too much of a commitment, as well as those who struggle to find the time in their day to make a trip to the gym. Movement is extremely important for not just our physical health, but our mental health too – so we encourage everyone to implement exercise into their everyday routine, especially now with the opportunity to do it from home.” 

As we step into a new season, it can be difficult to know what to wear. However, always one step ahead of the game, James Pryer (above), menswear expert and Head Buyer at BoohooMAN , has revealed the must-follow menswear trends for winter 2022.  

 Analysing the biggest menswear trends from AW22 Fashion Weeks, James and the buying team used their insider knowledge and Google Search data to reveal which staple items are starting to surge right now, as the cold weather starts to set in.  

From Top Gun-esque aviator jackets to cool Y2K cargo pants, here are the nine biggest trends expected to be everywhere in the coming months.  

 Shearling jackets

As the weather gets colder, you’ll no doubt be on the hunt for a new coat, and shearling reigns supreme this season. Google Trends data shows an incredible 614% rise in searches in the last 12 months, with the term ‘mens shearling coat’ currently soaring. Earlier this year, Top Gun also brought shearling collard flight jackets back to our screens, suggesting fans have been taking note of the style.  

A shearling jacket is a timeless addition to your wardrobe, so it’s no surprise to see them on the rise this year. Not only do they keep you warm, but they are also extremely versatile. Layer over a hoodie for a casual look, or team with a chunky knit or roll-neck jumper for a smarter look. 

Not only that, but our experts predict faux fur trims will also make an appearance, as they stormed the AW22 catwalk. Expect to see men embrace this revamped 90’s look in the coming months.

 Leather Look

Leather and leather-look PU are key fabrics for the season, with AW22 fashion week designers giving the traditional leather jacket a whole new look.  

The catwalk was flooded with ‘Matrix style’ longline leather and PU coats, teamed with leather and PU trousers, as the co-ord trend takes a gothic turn this winter. 

Black is a key colour here, and you can expect to see a lot of it this winter, as the “Gothcore” trend will be one to watch. From sportswear to tailoring, dark colours were prevalent at the AW22 Fashion shows, with designers showcasing dark and dramatic looks. Perfect for giving mens going-out looks a fresh approach. 

Puffer Jackets  

For those looking to heat up their athleisure look, puffer jackets are another winter wardrobe staple set to soar this winter.  

In the last 90 days there has been a 147% increase in global Google searches for the term ‘mens puffer jacket’ with the cool, versatile coat proving to be a must-have item. 

This year, why not make a statement by adding a splash of colour to your puffer? Red is set to be a key colour for winter menswear, sure to set you apart from the crowd.  However, if you’re not really feeling the heavy-duty look, these jackets don’t always have to be bulky. Lightweight puffer jackets look great when layered with hoodies, sweats, and scarves, and are easy to pack if you’re on the move.  

Cargo pants  

Cargo pants will be another key staple for winter 2022, as the Y2K trend continues to grow. In the last 12 months, searches for ‘mens cargos’ have increased by 81% and are currently rising. 

Team this skatewear influenced style with a long-sleeved top underneath an oversized graphic tee for an easy everyday look. Get fully into 90’s grunge mood in a black distressed and ripped detail hoodie with an oversized graphic detail black tee over. 

Dressing gown coats

Dressing gowns are being given a whole new lease of life – and it’s totally okay to wear them outside the house.  

Expect to see cosy belted coats with shawl lapels made from soft fabrics storming the streets in the coming months, as data shows people are very interested in this comfortable trend, with the search term ‘men’s dressing gown coat’ rising by an average of 251% in September. 

This practical trend comes in perfect timing to help keep you cosy and combat the increase in the cost of living this winter. An oversized winter coat always looks on-point when layered over cosy loungewear. Try teaming this style with a fleece or borg jacket and finish with essential winter warmers, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. 

Cord trousers 

If you’re looking for an alternative to jeans, corduroy trousers are expected to be huge over the next few months. Searches for ‘men’s cords’ are significantly increasing (92%) suggesting this is another key trend to watch. 

A great option for autumn, these are a practical alternative to chinos as they offer warmth, whilst still ensuring you look smart yet stylish. Team them with sneakers for an on-trend look, or leather boots, mules, clogs, or loafers for a more formal occasion.  

Balaclavas  

The balaclava is another trend that emerged from the AW22 catwalks, and as we edge into winter, experts at BoohooMAN expect this accessory to be huge.  

If you’re wondering how to style a balaclava, pair with other winter pieces such as puffer jackets, tracksuits, and scar see ves to complete the look or layer over a baseball cap, which is the key to nailing laid- back street style.  

Oversized jeans  

If you’re still trying to squeeze into your Noughties drainpipes, you can breathe out, as it’s time to embrace the baggy jean trend. Justin Bieber was one of the most iconic faces to bring skater style into the spotlight, taking a liking to the ‘baggier the better’ approach.  

In the last 12 months, searches for the term “baggy jeans for men” have seen an increase of 190%,whilst the term ‘oversized jeans men’ is surging right now, too.  

If you’re keen to try out the skater look, take influence from Bieber and co. with oversized hoodies, sweaters, and tees, not to mention a fresh pair of sneakers.  

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to start planning the perfect costume for the occasion. Fashion expert Maria Loizou from Karen Millen predicts this year’s hottest pop-culture themed Halloween costumes inspired by the most memorable moments from 2022 so far.  

Costumes for men 

Maverick from Top Gun 

Tom Cruise’s Maverick is one of the most popular men’s Halloween costumes we can expect to see this Halloween. This year’s box office hit Top Gun: Maverick reignited interest in the classic 80s film, sparking 12,000 average monthly searches for ‘Top Gun costume’ worldwide. Fake moustaches, bomber jackets and aviator glasses make the ideal, minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise. 

Eddie Munson from Stranger Things 

Stranger Things has taken 2022 by storm, so we can anticipate many costumes inspired by the residents of the town Hawkins this year and more specifically, new fan-favourite Eddie Munson. Series four introduced us to the Metallica-playing, Dungeons and Dragons-obsessed Eddie, leader of the Hellfire Club. Eddie’s grunge look can easily be replicated with a Hellfire Club shirt, ripped black jeans and a denim vest. Currently, the term ‘Hellfire Club shirt’ receives 41,000 average monthly searches across the globe. 

House of the Dragon 

Arguably one of the biggest and most-anticipated shows of the year, House of the Dragon will likely be among the most popular Halloween looks this year. Dressed in a long black robe, white-blonde wig and equipped with a plastic sword, we are sure to see many Daemon Targaryen lookalikes this Halloween season. 

Costumes for women 

Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family 

With the autumn release of Netflix’s new show Wednesday, we can anticipate many costumes replicating the Halloween icon Wednesday Addams, especially as the phrase ‘Wednesday Addams costume’ receives an average of 58,000 monthly Google searches worldwide. Recreate this look by pairing a printed black dress with a white pointed collar, with Wednesday’s signature braids.  

Wanda Maximoff from Wandavision 

Marvel’s Wanda Maximoff, otherwise known as Scarlet Witch, is another one of this year’s most sought-after costumes, with the phrase ‘Scarlet Witch costume’ receiving 50,000 monthly Google searches worldwide. All you need is a red cape and dress, along with a signature Scarlet Witch headpiece. Incorporating a red leather top, corset or catsuit can really help in emulating the Wanda Maximoff look.  

Costumes for couples 

Elvis and Priscilla 

Elvis and Priscilla Presley will undoubtedly be one of the most popular couples costumes this Halloween. Austin Butler perfectly portrayed the King of Rock in Baz Luhrmann’s recent Elvis biopic, so much so that searches for ‘Elvis costume’ have increased 335% worldwide over the last 12 months. Replicate Priscilla’s iconic look with a 60s-inspired mini dress and bouffant hair, and style a leather jumpsuit and gelled back hair for the signature Elvis image.  

Barbie and Ken 

As a result of those pictures of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film, combined with the recent ‘Barbiecore’ trend, we can expect to see many couples dressed as the iconic plastic duo this Halloween. Whether it is matching neon rollerblading outfits or hot pink cowboy costumes, searches for ‘Barbie Halloween costumes’ reach an average of 15,000 each month worldwide. 

Danny and Sandy 

We can also expect to see couple’s costumes from Grease this Halloween. Danny and Sandy from the popular 70s musical have always been a classic go-to couples Halloween costumes and this year will be no exception, especially to honour the late Olivia Newton-John. Black leather leggings or trousers, red heels and matching red lipstick complete this look for Sandy, with Danny needing only a leather jacket and slicked back hair, with an optional D.I.Y Rydell cardigan. 

Building on their recent footwear and apparel collection, that celebrates the original trilogy, with a focus on Star Wars: A New Hope. The collection featured five unique character-driven capsules that highlight character art of Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, the X-wing/R2-D2, and the stormtroopers. This time the action sports brand DC Shoes is once again collaborating with Lucasfilm on a new snowboarding collection inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy, think if you were Holidaying on Hoth. The collection features two distinct capsules, with one celebrating the iconic character, Boba Fett while the other finds inspiration from the dark side, in the Sith.

The Boba Fett capsule features a custom camo print and branding details inspired by his Mandalorianarmor. The camo stands out on some of DC’s outerwear staples. From the jackets and pants to the mittens and hoodaclava, the Boba Fett capsule even includes DC’s top-of-the-line Phase Boot. But the real standout of the collection is the Boba Fett snowboard. With vintage artwork of the notorious bounty hunter on the topdeck, this is a collector’s dream come true.

The Dark Side capsule features a custom galaxy print where you can see some of the Imperial Army’s most recognizable ships when you look closely among the stars. Aurebesh script and the iconic yellow Star Wars logos add the extra authenticity, but the fans are sure to be most excited about the lining print that features a vintage collage of the most iconic villains from the Star Wars galaxy, including Darth Vader himself. This print is also found on the topdeck of the Dark Side snowboard.

This is a great collection sure to make a statement on the slopes, channel the force within you and make some powder fly on the piste!