CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

In a world awash with fast fashion and fleeting trends, there’s something quietly reassuring about a brand that focuses not just on how things look, but how they work. Enter Bellroy—an Australian-born accessories brand that’s made it its mission to refine the objects we carry every day. From impossibly slim wallets to elegantly understated tech cases, Bellroy strikes a rare balance between functional design, sustainable materials, and the kind of thoughtful craftsmanship that elevates the daily ritual of reaching for your wallet, keys, or phone. This isn’t just about carrying less—it’s about carrying smarter.

In today’s post, we take a closer look at what makes Bellroy more than just another lifestyle brand, and why their gear might just deserve a permanent spot in your pocket—or your conscience.

As a brand they understand how truly essential, the wallet, is as an accessory everyman can’t live without and our relationship with it is. Bellroy exists to ‘slim your wallet’ working with an international network of creatives, they aspire to produce elegant products made from the three main types of leather – Naked, Dressed and All-Weather. Constantly looking for new ways to condense our everyday items, Bellroy have developed a plethora of different styles, to fit the life of every man. To help guide men to the suitable choice, the collection is divided into three product categories – Everyday, Travel and Elements.

Travel – Product made for the stylish man on the move – Passport Sleeves, Travel Wallets which come with handy compartments for your passport, house key, sim card, cards and a mini pen for immigration forms.

Elements – This collection is suited for the Active outdoors type, consisting of four styles including a new phone case, all the styles are made with all-weather leather and water-resistant zips. Designed to keep out all the elements, rain, snow, sand and grit. Saving guys from the fanny pack or zip-lock bag.

Everyday – For the day to day, these are full grained vegetable tanned wallets, ranging from card sleeves, coin pockets to wallets that can hold upto 12+ cards.

Each one well researched, considered, and tested to provide the best solutions for different lifestyles. The result is a collection that covers the needs of many searching for ‘better ways to carry’ and looking good whilst doing it.

The new Carry Out is the latest releas, an addition to their Everyday Range, the Carry Out can zip up your life into a single wallet, fitting almost all global currencies and passports and of course most types of smartphones.

Ideal for those who want to carry a lot, then a little, there’s a removable, slim wallet inside when you want to head out with only the essentials on board. Other features include organized access and storage for cards, a SIM/Pin pocket, a designated pocket for coins, and a slot for a pen.

When it comes to men’s grooming, few things have the power to elevate your look like a good hair wax. Whether you’re aiming for that effortlessly messy texture, a polished side part, or something gravity-defying and bold, the right wax can make all the difference. But with shelves full of products promising everything from “matte perfection” to “all-day hold,” how do you actually choose?

Fear not—Clothes Make the Man has done the heavy lifting. We’ve sifted through the shelves, read the reviews, and tested the top contenders to bring you six of the best hair waxes available right now in the UK. From budget-friendly high-street heroes to salon-approved staples, there’s something here for every hair type, style, and budget.

Let’s break it down—product by product—so your grooming game is as sharp as your wardrobe.

1. Fudge Urban Matte Wax

Finish: Matte | Hold: Medium–strong

A cult classic praised in Mankind’s top‑8 list (“Fudge Matte Hed”) , this wax delivers flexible control and natural texture without shine. Ideal for messy, tousled styles or slicked‑back looks. Very budget‑friendly

2. L’Oréal Men Expert Slick Wax Pomade 75 ml

Finish: Mild glossy | Hold: Medium

This Amazon seller fave offers creamy ease of application and soft grooming. Mentioned by British GQ among clay‑alternative products . Great for everyday clean styles, with easy re‑working.

3. TIGI Bed Head Stick Wax

Finish: Natural glossy | Hold: Medium

Recently highlighted by FashionBeans as “best for everyday use.” Heat‑resistant, stays put without crunch—perfect for neat, polished looks that still feel natural. Also excels as a touch‑up wax stick.

4. VO5 Styling Wax 75 ml

Finish: Gloss | Hold: Strong

Combines gel’s slick texture with wax’s malleability. Ideal for slicked‑back, polished styles that still need a firm hold. Highly rated and wallet‑friendly.

5. Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Spiking Wax

Finish: Matte | Hold: Strong

For seriously stubborn or gravity‑defying looks. Perfect for spikes, faux‑hawks, or any style that demands extreme stay‑power. A UK favourite under £6.

6. Slick Gorilla Cream Styler

• Finish & Hold: Matte finish with extra-strong hold—ideal for defined styles that stay put.

• Why it stands out: Designed for heavy-duty yet natural styles, it thickens and textures hair without greasiness

Each wax here nails its niche—so your choice should hinge on the look, hold, and ease-of-use you’re after. Pick one, master your technique, and let your hair become part of your personal style statement.

Let me know if you want a tailored pick based on your hair type or if you’d like styling tips!

Experimental, Alpha chic, alluringly retro and individualistic are some of the words that have been used to describe menswear this season. What’s most fascinating is that style has not been restricted to those perfectly toned and tanned bodies and the picturesque beaches and parks. Style and comfort in menswear make their presence felt in the boardrooms as well. We do understand that it’s rather tricky to look cool and smart in these scorching months, hopefully, when heat and sweat become your perennial companions and the commute becomes even more of a trail. But a button down here, a turn up there and you’re all set to send the temperatures in the boardroom soaring. Follow these simple guidelines and be at your stylish best at work this summer without breaking into a sweat or the bank.
Fabrics
When you don’t want to invest an exorbitant amount of time or money on your office wear for summer, the rule of thumb is to invest in some quality fabrics. Getting the right fabric for your shirts and trousers is essential for looking stylish. Style is synonymous with comfort. To look sharp, businesslike and yet feel relaxed and comfortable, is a magic, crafted and spun through fabrics. The go-to summer fabrics would be cotton and linen. Classic cut customised shirts and trousers in cottons and linens never go out of style. Take care to choose finer threads, looser weaves and porous material to ensure breathability, lightness and maximum comfort.
The Colour Parade
Let your summer wardrobe be a curtain-raiser to the upcoming summer months. Don’t be scared of colour, flaunt colours that distinguish you from the crowd. Move beyond the browns and navys in suits and think baby blues and more berry tones, we’re not talking Cam from Modern Families here, just subtle changes. In linen, cotton or chambray these suits guarantee you a second look. Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren are really embracing berry tones as the colour to watch out for in men’s style this season. This rich and vibrant colour will not just perk up your summer business wardrobe but also make its presence felt in the spring and winter months. Paired with blacks, greys, beiges or blues, a berry colour shirt.
While the new colours are totally on trend, always resort back to your used-and-loved shirts and suits in khakis, light greys, beige and daring whites to feel comfortable and look stylish at your work-place, you can never go wrong in these. However, do remember that if you want to be that most noticed and uber-cool alpha male at the workplace, you got to play with colours. Think of experimenting with pastel tones. Pick shirts that uniquely punch in some summer colours and team them with darker tones until you feel more confident.
Add a Casual Vibe to Your Wardrobe
While I’m all for professional and business like attire in corporate wear, I do believe that the sweltering summer months call for some concessions and exceptions. Opt for an extra button open on your shirt to give that relaxed feel. Know that the era of the impossibly stiff suits and excessive buttoning up is totally passé, it’s not a period drama ! Casual chic is the new office wear code for the practical, style conscious alpha male.
Do spare a thought to the modest chinos and tailored-shorts (think loose-fit, grown up skater shorts, from Hugo Boss to Gap) Linen shirts tucked into smart chinos with loafers or brogues is captures the right balance of cool and comfortable. If you’re contemplating loafers would be appropriate or not, take our word for it- this summer penny loafers definitely are. Another trend in menswear that is rapidly bringing casual back in the corporate warrobe are rolled-up trousers ,showing just a BIT of mankle, easy does it.
The good news is that none of these require you to really burn a hole in your pockets. Most of them have made a pretty smooth transition from last season and are here to stay. The cool and chic look in business wear this summer is achievable and accessible. Tweaking your wardrobe essentials and digging a little deeper will help you in getting this right.

Rules Not to be Broken
While the stalwarts of the fashion world are encouraging men to experiment and break some boardroom rules, when it comes to power dressing, there are some rules that a man should never break.
• Always make sure that you smell good. Being appropriately deodorized at all times is absolutely must.
• Shoes maketh a man is not just a saying. Wearing sharp, well-made and comfortable shoes can ooze confidence.
• Keep the bedroom hair for just that-the bedroom. Short cropped hair, smartly cut and combed is what we are vouching for this summer.
• Last season we saw the resurrection of the beard. But now it is quite literally done to death. Gentlemen skip the beard this season and opt for a clean shaven look.

Final Business Talk
Sunscreen and sunglasses are not just for the fairer sex. Apply sunscreen lavishly on all exposed areas and let your skin feel and look good. Don’t be shy to flaunt a hat if you are going to be walking to work. The evergreen flat cap remains, but the style gurus are recommending the bucket hat, think Reni of the Stone Roses.
Finally make your own style this season. Flirt with clothes and be the sartorial powerhouse that never fails to impress. Look cool this hot season. Be suave, be relaxed, be yourself because nothing quite spells business and style better than being comfortable in your own skin

In the summer months particularly,more and more couples are opting for a smart-casual dress code. Google searches for ‘casual wedding’increased by 40% over the last quarter – a trend whichhas been replicated every summer for the past fiveyears1. But how casual is too casual? M&S Menswear Director, Mitch Hughes shares tips for balancing comfort and polish to nail this famously perplexing dress code.

Think about the venue

Start by considering the venue the couple have chosen.While a polo shirt might be acceptable for a laid-backbeach wedding, this may not be appropriate for a religious venue. Always research the venue – they often feature images and photos on their website which could help you narrow down your choice of attire. It’s also important to consider the weather, as Mitch explains:

“At an outside ceremony or reception, you can be baking in the sunshine. So, it’s important to choosenatural, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk blends.”

Linen is your best friend

A linen suit is always a classy alternative to a traditional suit or tuxedo. The fabric is much more breathable, and it offers a more casual vibe. But there are some things to consider:

“Concerns about creases often put people off wearing linen. However, I tend to think if you leave the house mostly wrinkle-free, any creases you acquire during the day are completely acceptable – it’s part of linen’s beauty. Linen suits are also incredibly versatile. While a linen suit looks great with a shirt, a simple white T-shirtcan bring a level of sophistication to your look without being overly formal.”

Experiment with colours and patterns

A more casual dress code can allow you to be more experimental with colours and patterns:

“If you are attending a wedding with a relaxed theme or dress code, this can be an opportunity to be playful with your attire. Beige, tan, or even a slate grey are less traditional colours that work well. A pastel tone like soft green, blue or coral is also worth considering if you want to stand out.”

Dare to jean

Whether jeans are wedding-appropriate is an incrediblyhotly debated topic. Mitch believes it can be possible to make denim work, if the dress code allows:

“Unless the couple have expressed otherwise, a pair of smart, dark coloured jeans can fit the bill for a ‘casual’ dress code. Pair them with a white, tailored shirt and stylish blazer to give off an effortless but put-together look. If you’re not sure jeans are appropriate, a light chino is an easy-going alternative.”

Don’t neglect accessories

Accessories have the power to bring an outfit together and elevate your look and sunglasses are, of course, a summer wedding staple:

“Sunglasses instantly make you look – and feel – cool.Inject some fun into your outfit with a pair of coloured frames or lenses. You could even match them withother accessories such as a pocket square, belt or tie to being a sense of cohesion to your ensemble.”

Complete the look with the right shoes

Whether or not you’re a dancer, most weddings involve being on your feet for long periods of time so if the dress code allows for a smart pair of trainers, go for it.Equally, if you’re not ready to ditch your formal shoes, loafers are a more comfortable twist on the classic dress shoe, as Mitch explains:

“A white trainer may seem a strange choice for a wedding but paired with chinos or even a linen suit can work well and look suitably elevated. Play around with your trouser silhouette. Try a wider leg suit trouser thatsits stylishly over your trainers. If trainers feel toocasual, you may find a pair of classic loafers in suede of leather look more natural with a more casual suit.”

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

A Slim Profile with Serious Substance: Bellroy’s Take on Everyday Essentials

Don’t let your hair let you down – 6 of the best Hair Waxes

Be safe out there – sunscreen special by Amanda Lewis

Update your Summer Business Wardrobe

Summer loving: How to dress for a casual summer wedding

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