CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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TOPMAN x MASON NEWMAN – ROMANCE AT THE RODEO

Topman, the British menswear brand long celebrated for delivering trend-led, accessible high fashion, is no stranger to creative partnerships. This September, the label steps into bold new territory with an exclusive collaboration alongside Birmingham-born contemporary artist Mason Newman.

Launched recently on Topshop.com, the limited-edition collection, titled Romance at the Rodeo, brings together Newman’s chaotic, culturally charged aesthetic with Topman’s knack for turning subculture into style. Known for his rebellious spirit and recent collaborations with legends like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, Newman injects that same fearless energy into fashion for the very first time.

The capsule features eight standout pieces, cut from elevated jersey fabrications and trims – think heavyweight loopback sweats, textured jerseys, and cropped, boxy silhouettes. Country and cowboy influences weave throughout, with the Romance at the Rodeo tagline stamped across select garments. High-build prints, pigment and foam applications, and embroidered graphics amplify Newman’s artwork, transforming each piece into a wearable canvas that’s both personal and powerful.

For Topman, this collaboration is more than just product – it’s a continuation of its legacy in spotlighting creativity across music, art, and design. By partnering with Newman, the brand underscores its commitment to culture, while offering menswear that doesn’t just follow trends, but shapes them.

Art meets fashion. Streetwear meets rebellion. Romance at the Rodeo is where they collide.

Mason Newman said: “I’m super excited to be releasing a collaboration with Topman. As a fan since I was a kid, I remember saving up to go and buy Topman clothes. It truly is an honour. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve done to bring art and fashion together for all.”

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Barbers Reveal How to Achieve the Perfect Moustache for Movember, and Why You Should Start Now

 

From patchy growth to itchy skin, barbers share the pitfalls of leaving it too late, and the grooming tricks that guarantee a standout ‘tache this November.

Barbers on the Fresha app, the top-rated booking platform for barbers, are urging men across the UK to start preparing now if they want to nail the perfect moustache in time for Movember.

With time rapidly running out until the annual charity movement, barbers warn that leaving it too late can cause problems, from patchy, uneven growth to irritated skin.

One Fresha barber explained:

“Facial hair grows on average about half an inch a month, so if you don’t start now, you’ll struggle to get an even moustache by November. Many men also find the first few weeks the most uncomfortable, it can itch, cause ingrown hairs, and look patchy if you’re not prepared.”

The Problems If You Don’t Prep Now

Patchy Growth – Starting late means less time for hairs to fill in, leaving gaps in your moustache.
Itchy, Irritated Skin – The first growth stage is often the itchiest; without prep, many men give up early.
Ingrown Hairs – Not exfoliating or moisturising beforehand increases the risk of painful bumps.
Style Limitations – Without enough length, your moustache options are limited to basic styles

Barbers’ Top Tips for Movember Prep

Start Growing Early – Give your hair a few extra weeks to come in evenly before November.
Prep the Skin – Exfoliate and moisturise your upper lip to reduce itch and irritation.
Shave Strategically – Keep cheeks and chin tidy so the focus stays on your moustache.
Invest in Tools – A moustache comb and scissors are essential to keep shape.
Choose Your Style in Advance – Whether you want a handlebar or a chevron, decide early so you know what to aim for.

A spokesperson for Fresha, says men who start now won’t just have a better moustache, they’ll enjoy a smoother, more comfortable Movember experience.

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Practicality meets purpose with bags designed for modern life – Gandys Launches the Urban Trek Recycled Modular Bag Collection

Gandys, the brand born from a spirit of adventure and a commitment to doing good, has unveiled its latest innovation – the Urban Trek Recycled Modular Bag Collection. Designed with today’s fast-moving lifestyles in mind, the range is all about adaptability, functionality and sustainability, without compromising on style.

Think backpacks with detachable compartments that cleverly transform front pockets into handy sidekick bags, making the morning commute or a weekend city break that bit more seamless. Or weekend totes with multiway straps, offering endless carrying options depending on where your journey takes you. Each piece is thoughtfully engineered with a multitude of inner pockets, ensuring that everything – from tech to travel essentials – has its place.

True to Gandys’ ethos, the collection is crafted from recycled materials, proving that function and sustainability can go hand in hand. The aesthetic remains fuss-free and contemporary, built for urban explorers who want their accessories to work as hard as they do.

With the Urban Trek Collection, Gandys once again delivers on its promise: products that are versatile, responsible and ready for life’s adventures, big or small.

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MEN’S AUTUMN/WINTER HAIR TRENDS
Autumn is just around the corner, and with that in mind, I’ve rounded up some of the hottest men’s hair trends predicted to dominate the new season – from bold colour choices to must have cuts and styling tips.

 

Bleached Up 

Bleached blonde and platinum hair are taking center stage this autumn/winter. It’s a bold look perfect for men who like to make a statement and want to embody a cool, edgy aesthetic. That said, platinum hair does require maintenance. If you’re going for this hue, be sure to have a solid at home hair care routine to keep the colour looking bright, brass-free, and healthy. I particularly love a platinum tone paired with a short cut for a fresh, modern vibe.
Metallic Pops 

If you’re looking to add a touch of fun and individuality through colour, metallic shades are in this season. Think electric blues and iridescent greens – these hues work beautifully on both blonde and brunette bases. Strategically placed colour blocked panels can really elevate your look, adding a quirky, eye-catching twist to your style.
Disconnected Undercut 

Undercuts are having a major moment this year, and the disconnected undercut is set to be especially popular during the colder months. This style features longer hair on top and much shorter sides and back, with a sharp, distinct contrast between the two lengths. Unlike blended undercuts, this version is all about bold separation. It pairs perfectly with sleek, slicked-back styling for a modern, sophisticated finish.
Longer Length 

Longer styles are all the rage this season, with many men embracing a more indie inspired look. Ask your men’s hairdresser/barber to add layers to give your length more movement and texture. To style, use a texturising spray such as a sea salt spray to add grit and dimension while keeping the look effortlessly cool.
Pompadours and Quiffs

For those who love a sophisticated hair look, pompadours and quiffs aren’t going anywhere. These both provide height and volume and are often paired with sleek styling for a more polished finish. A pompadour can also be paired with a side parting for a further sophisticated finish and added flair. For men with thinning hair this style can also add the illusion of volume. Pomades and waxes are great for both the pompadour and quiff to provide hold and retain shape of both looks.
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28 Clothing – You know that it’s beautiful

When Louis Tomlinson of One Direction fame first stepped into the fashion game, some might have assumed 28 Clothing would lean heavily on the nostalgia of pop stardom. Instead, the brand has quietly but confidently carved out a distinctive space of its own, merging youth culture’s restless energy with an unwavering sense of identity. Now, with the launch of Collection V, 28 Clothing presents a high summer capsule that doubles down on its ethos of versatility, vitality and evolution.

This latest chapter feels like a natural progression. Building on the assured confidence of Collection IV, Collection V unlocks a new language for the brand—one that prioritises adaptability and personal expression above prescriptive design. Garments here aren’t about dictating style rules; they’re about offering tools of self-expression, designed to be reinterpreted by whoever wears them.

Colour plays a starring role. Pastel shades of pink, blue and yellow provide a softer, sun-drenched palette, balanced with bold pops that inject unapologetic optimism into the collection. It’s summer dressing, but elevated: staples made vibrant, youthful, and energised.

The technicality of the collection is equally striking. Reversible outerwear pushes the boundaries of duality, delivering pieces that transform entirely depending on how they’re worn. The new denim programme represents another milestone—calico-toned jeans and jackets that soften the workwear aesthetic without losing its durability. In Tomlinson’s hands, denim feels both timeless and fresh, a summer-ready evolution of a classic.

If 28 Clothing has always stood for fluidity and edge, Collection V proves that this identity can keep expanding without losing its core DNA. It’s a confident, optimistic and intelligent offering from a label that has long since stepped out of the shadow of its famous founder.