&SONS x Cotton Lives On | Giving Cotton a Second Life

British menswear brand &SONS has teamed up with the Cotton Lives On recycling programme to launch a consumer-facing campaign that puts sustainability, craftsmanship, and community front and centre.

For one month only, &SONS customers are invited to donate unwanted cotton garments—of any brand, as long as they’re at least 85% cotton—to the Cotton Lives On initiative. In return, shoppers will receive 20% off their next &SONS purchase at the brand’s London and Cheltenham stores.

It’s a simple, circular idea: give your old clothes a new purpose, and keep them out of landfill.

“&SONS believes in clothing which is made with care and built to last. This project with Cotton Lives On is a celebration of circular fashion, community, and the stories our clothes carry,”— Kelly James, Head of Operations, &SONS

Launched in 2022 by Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated, the Cotton Lives On programme has already made a tangible impact. To date, it’s collected around 8,000kg of cotton in the UK and created over 100 roll mats—each made from the equivalent of 45 T-shirts—for people at risk of homelessness.

“We’re so pleased to welcome &SONS to the Cotton Lives On recycling programme,” said Andrea Samber, Director of Brand Partnerships for Cotton Incorporated. “&SONS has built a community of conscious consumers who value well-made, quality clothes, and we want to help them continue to do the right thing and avoid useful cotton entering landfill.”

The roll mats are distributed to those moving into hostels or new homes, offering comfort and dignity alongside the practical support of a sustainable product.

&SONS joins a growing list of thoughtful UK brands already supporting the initiative, including Margaret Howell, ME+EM, PAIGE, Charles Tyrwhitt, Hush, Whistles, Hobbs, Phase Eight, L’Estrange, Anthropologie, Bianca Saunders, and The White Company.

At its core, Cotton Lives On is about reducing waste, closing the loop, and showing that even something as simple as an old T-shirt can make a world of difference.

And for &SONS, it’s another chapter in a brand story built around longevity, respect for craftsmanship, and doing things the right way:

“It’s not about where something is made—it’s about how, and who made it. From recycled swimwear to handmade leather goods, every &SONS piece starts with the same principle: make it well, make it last, and make it with care.

To learn more about the Cotton Lives On programme, visit cottonliveson.org.

The secret of Eternal youth – The importance of Moisturising

Good day guys, start of another week,  we all need a little help at the start of the week and as the days are getting shorter and the weather is definitely taken a more seasonal turn. I thought we would take a look at the importance of moisturising. Listen I’m not going to even bother giving air time to the maxim of “Real men don’t moisturise”, do you want to look old ????

Now, I have to admit I’m one of the worse culprits when it comes to not looking after my skin and I know I should and I know I have to. So after doing so well with covering the best of the sun creams on the market I decided to turn to that ever wise person responsible for keeping me on the straight and narrow. Mrs Mc, so I’ll leave you in her most able hands.

Right Men it’s officially Autumn, clocks are turning back and Winter wont be long so to avoid red noses and flaky chaffed skin its worth spending a few seconds a day slapping on a moisturiser.

Climate changes affect your skin differently in winter than summer. Just think; your skin is probably going from cold and damp commutes into centrally heated offices, blustery walks in the park into country pubs with roaring fires…Anyway your skin could do with a barrier to protect it from the various elements thrown at it.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Product and Treatment Development at Elemis, informed us of the importance of moisturising at this time of year;

“Winter brings with it harsh weather, shorter days, less sunshine, a dramatic change in diet from seasonal salads and fruits to soups and warmer food, which all has a direct impact on the skin. 

 The skin responds in a different way for each individual, some skins become oily others, very dehydrated and others very sensitive. 

A winter skin needs;

1. protection

2. nourishment and extra nutrients

3. nurturing

Add in elements such as shaving everyday which can lead to very sensitive skin. Shaving removes up to 7 layers of skin, using a product that is highly detergent and has a high percentage of alcohol can lead to high sensitivity, dehydration and result in a red, flaky skin. This is accelerated by the lack of a daily skincare regime or simply using a daily moisturiser. Introducing a targeted treatment moisturiser such as S.O.S. Survival Cream in the winter months can help reduce these problems. This skin treatment cream is the optimum solution for sensitivity, irritation, dryness and blemishes. The powerful formula of marine extracts, Lavender and Myrrh instantly soothes problem areas and leaves the skin perfectly hydrated and comfortable.”

So as usual, Clothes Make The Man have done the hard work for you …and this is our round up of the best.

Dry, sensitive or damaged skin

NIVEA FOR MEN – SENSITIVE MOSITUISER

Designed for men with sensitive/irritated skin the formula is gentle, fragrance and alcohol free and contains camomile and Vitamin E to intensively moisturise and sooth sensitive skin.

 

No7 Men Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Night Moisturiser

This product is probably best reserved for those who are exposing their skin to the elements or are suffering from very dry skin. It’s a rich cream, applied daily am that will take a minute to be absorbed. It has an SPF of 15 and feels soothing. It’s hypo- allergenic for when skin is irritated, for best results Boots recommend applying the ‘protect and perfect’ serum first.

 

Harry’s Men’s Face Lotion Spf15

Harry’s Face Lotion is a non-greasy, lightweight formula that hydrates skin with shea butter, refreshes with lively mint, and features SPF 15 to protect from UVA/UVB rays. YES so should be wearing a moisturiser with a Sun protection Factor (SPF) evening the Winter guys !

 

 

ELEMIS Men Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

Specially formulated for men, this clinically proven anti-ageing moisturiser harnesses the power of the sea to help hydrate, firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, the award-winning formula helps improve the appearance of skin suppleness and elasticity for smoother-looking skin.

 

Normal to dry skin

L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser

With hydra protect complex, this has a non greasy/sticky formula for those of you with normal to dry/sensitive skins. This is designed for men’s skin to fight the signs of fatigue. Discover Hydra Energetic daily moisturiser designed for tired looking skin. Great for winter out doors and commuting as it helps skin combat against the cold, wind and pollution and soothes razor burn. A good all rounder and reasonably priced 

 

LIZ EARLE FOR MEN
AFTER-SHAVING MOISTURISER

This is a great all round moisturiser that doubles as an aftershave soother. Leaving skin smooth and soft, it has a light and non-greasy formula. Lots of lovely natural ingredients include Borage to calm and moisturise, Vitamin E to protect. It smells lovely. You use sparingly on face and neck.

 

This does what it says on the tin, it hydrates, repairs and protects. This is a fast absorbing cream that’s light, non greasy and has a neutral smell. Dermatologist developed face lotion formulated with glycerin and urea. Lightweight formula helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.

 

AVEDA – BOTANICAL KINETICS – HYDRATING LOTION

This lovely, light hydrating lotion absorbs in seconds, smells fresh and leaves skin looking healthy and moisturised without shine. A bit pricier but full of lovely, natural ingredients and environmentally AVEDA are the first beauty company to produce their products using 100% wind power…

 

Fashion Eyewear – Making sure your eyes never looked so good, with a Touch of Visionary Thinking

In a world where everything from dinner to dry cleaning can arrive at your door in hours, it seems only right that your glasses should too. Enter Fashion Eyewear, the UK’s leading online designer eyewear retailer, which has just launched its game-changing ‘Faster Service’ — a same-day prescription delivery service for Londoners and next-day delivery for most of the UK. Yes, you read that right: prescription glasses, designed, glazed, and delivered in less time than it takes most opticians to process an order.

It’s a service made for the modern world — for busy professionals racing between meetings, students who’ve left their specs behind on the first day back, and parents juggling everything life throws at them. Whether it’s a last-minute prescription update or an unexpected wardrobe emergency (we’ve all been there), Fashion Eyewear’s new service promises to bring both vision and style straight to your door.

Behind the scenes, the magic happens thanks to Fashion Eyewear’s in-house labs and expert opticians — a setup that allows the brand to produce prescription lenses within hours, rather than days. Most high-street chains still take a week or more to deliver glasses, but this optician-led business has rewritten the playbook entirely.

The benefits are clear (pun intended):

•Same-day delivery for London customers on most single-vision prescriptions

•Next-day delivery for 70% of UK customers

•A huge range of designer frames from the biggest names in fashion

•In-house lens production ensuring precision, speed, and great value

•Qualified opticians overseeing every step of the process

But this isn’t just about convenience. It’s also a story about confidence — and vision in every sense of the word.

Founder Tej Johal knows all too well what it feels like to be stuck with glasses that don’t feel you. Growing up wearing NHS frames, he remembers the frustration of limited choices and uninspired designs. When he finally upgraded, he still felt uncomfortable in them — a reminder that glasses aren’t just medical devices, they’re a part of your identity.

That experience inspired him to create Fashion Eyewear: a place where people could find frames that fit their face and their personality. Today, the brand stands as proof that luxury eyewear doesn’t need to come with a luxury wait time.

So, whether you’re heading into a big meeting, boarding a last-minute flight, or simply tired of squinting at your screen — Fashion Eyewear is ensuring you never have to choose between seeing clearly and living stylishly.

Because when vision meets innovation, the future really does look sharper.

A Batch you want to be part of – Batch LDN

Batch LDN exists to take the stress out of dressing well.. Raising the standard of fashion by creating standout, handmade pieces that work for every man’s wardrobe and your wallet. They call it style curated with intention.

Launched in 2022 by friends Julian Osborne and Sam Matanle, Batch LDN has grown from a self-funded start-up into one of the UK’s most dynamic menswear labels. With a flagship store in Covent Garden, a loyal community of clients, and a roster of celebrity fans including Steven Bartlett, Simon Pegg, Ashley Walters, Ant & Dec, Romesh Ranganathan and Leo Woodall, the brand continues to redefine what smart-casual looks like for a new generation.

For Autumn Winter 2025, Batch LDN presents Batch 08 – a collection designed for versatility, confidence, and everyday wear. This season spotlights two new suit colours and the revival of a hugely popular shade from Batch 04. It also marks the debut of the AW25 waxed overcoat. Shaped by direct client feedback, Batch 08is proof that listening remains central to the brand’s philosophy.

For the first time, Batch LDN introduces its take on the classic black suit. Sleek, versatile, and endlessly wearable, it’s a wardrobe cornerstone reimagined through the brand’s modern lens.

Back by popular demand, the burgundy brushed cotton suit makes its highly anticipated comeback. A jewel-toned statement piece, it strikes the perfect balance between ambition and elegance – a bold winter essential.

The most luxurious fabric in Batch LDN’s offering to date, herringbone wool, arrives this season in a muted grey-green tone. Inspired by nature and tranquillity, it delivers understated sophistication with a fresh perspective.

Completing the collection, Batch LDN debuts the AW25 waxed overcoat – a functional yet refined outerwear piece designed for real life. In true Batch spirit, it’s joined by a playful addition: a matching dog jacket for man’s best friend (available in Navy Waxed, Beige Waxed, Brown Herringbone and Navy Herringbone).

Where to travel this Halloween Half Term

Now that we are finally heading towards autumn, it’s time for fashion lovers to look at their swimwear collection and their fashion wardrobe and get ready for a refresh. But there’s an even more pressing need right now. Namely, getting away for a little bit too in the October half term for that small extra dose of sunshine.

Showing off new swimwear deserves a new destination to make the most of it, so the big question should be, where to go on holiday in October half term? Well, there are a few great choices to make the most of the sun and the sea. Let’s start with the closest destinations to the UK, as many of you won’t want to travel far in the short time you have.

The Greek Islands would be our first recommendations. Not only are they the warmest spots in Europe in October half term, but they are pretty affordable, and if you have little ones, they tend to be safe and geared toward holidays for everyone. They have some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in Europe, and we recommend it as a place to show off your new fashion swimwear, get a great tan and relax for a week.

Next on our list would be Cyprus. While this is also a Greek island or at least half is, it is a little different than the others. It is very Southerly and much closer to Asia than the other Greek islands, making it warmer and drier than most other destinations. Another great thing is that the island is split between Greece and Turkey, so if you prefer the type of food you enjoy or the drinks, or you speak a little of one of these languages, you might fit right into one of the two spots all on the same island. Wherever you choose to go on the island, know that its coasts are vast and the chance to sunbathe and enjoy the water is always a big plus of this island.


Ifyou want to go somewhere a little bit out of the ordinary, a holiday destination growing in popularity is the Adriatic coast. Some of the former Yugoslav states like Croatia, Montenegro and Albania are still places many holidaymakers are sceptical about, but they really shouldn’t be. Slovenia, for example, shares a border will Italy and is a stone toss away from Venice. While many don’t image the Balkan nation as a holiday destination, its tiny coastline is excellent for those wanting to take a car into Trieste, the nearest Italian city, or go on a day trip to Venice. And then there is Croatia and the city of Dubrovnik. A place brought back into popularity recently for being recommended on many hidden gem travels lists and for even being the filming location for Game of Thrones. This spot is superb for getting the sun and for swimming in some of the most crystal-clear waters in Europe without any of the choppiness of the Mediterranean, thanks to it being among a cluster of islands that shield it from the higher tides. The only thing to note here is that the beaches are a little rockier, but you want to know where to go in October half term, and you like the idea of a boat trip out into deeper waters for a snorkelling trip perhaps, then making Dubrovnik your destination.

And finally, here is our more divisive recommendation. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. If you have the time to travel further, or you reside in the Western Hemisphere, this is a great destination. It’s superb for three reasons. One, it is consistently hot all year round. Two, it has some of the best beaches with almost no choppy seas thanks to it being inside a protective bay. And three, it’s in the Southern hemisphere, so it means that it’s warmer in the winter than the spring, making it the perfect autumn or winter retreat. If you are asking the question, where is hot in October half term, then here’s your answer. This is the ultimate destination for swimwear fashion lovers too. The beaches are chock full of people showing off the best fashion from Italy, Paris, Miami, New York and London. It’s known for its beach culture, and if you want a tan, some sun and a few cocktails, this is the absolute best destination