CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Get that designer stumble look with a foil shaver

With a +24% increase in searches for foil shavers in recent weeks, with over 8,000 people in the UK alone searching for them every week. Whilst there are many on the market to buy (Remington F6 Series Foil Shaver Aqua – a Jacamo best seller), people are also searching for how they can style their beards to curate the perfect well-kept beard without making it look like you’ve made too much effort.

With the rise in popularity of well-groomed, casual beard styles, it’s essential to know how to achieve that perfect look. This year, more men are embracing a balanced approach—combining a relaxed beard style with a sharp, clean shave for a look that’s both effortless and sophisticated. This is why the men’s fashion experts at Jacamo have put together their guide on how to have your best shave yet using the benefits of a foil shaver:

Sarah Beatham, Buyer at N Brown, says “As the fresh faced summer close shave is trending, foil shavers have seen a 24% increase in searches this past month. At JACAMO, we understand the importance of a precise and comfortable grooming experience. The foil shaver, a staple in men’s grooming kits, offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for many. These are our top tips for maximising the effectiveness of your foil shaver:
Advantages of Using a Foil Shaver:
1. Close and Comfortable Shave:
Foil shavers are designed with a thin, perforated foil that covers the cutting blades. This design ensures a close shave while minimizing skin irritation. The foil captures hair and guides it into the blades, making it ideal for men with sensitive skin or those prone to razor burn.
2. Precision and Control:
Foil shavers are excellent for precision shaving. The straight edge of the foil allows for controlled, accurate movements, making it easier to maintain clean lines and edges around the beard, mustache, and sideburns. This precision is particularly beneficial for those who prefer well-defined facial hair styles.
3. Speed and Efficiency:
The oscillating blades of a foil shaver move at high speeds, enabling quick and efficient hair removal. This speed is perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick touch-up before heading out. The consistent cutting action also reduces the need for multiple passes, further saving time and reducing skin irritation.
Tips for Using a Foil Shaver:
1. Pre-Shave Preparation:
To achieve the best results, prepare your skin and facial hair before shaving. Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. This step helps to soften the hair and open up the pores, making it easier for the foil shaver to glide smoothly over your skin.
2. Shave in Short, Straight Strokes:
Foil shavers are designed to work most effectively with short, straight strokes. Avoid circular motions, as these can reduce the shaver’s efficiency. Move the shaver against the direction of hair growth to ensure a closer shave. For areas with dense hair growth, use overlapping strokes to capture all the hairs.
3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning:
Maintaining your foil shaver is crucial for optimal performance. Clean the shaver after each use by removing the foil and gently brushing away any trapped hair. Many foil shavers come with a cleaning station or can be rinsed under water, but always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Regularly replace the foil and blades as recommended to maintain sharpness and efficiency.
4. Use Post-Shave Products:
After shaving, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores and apply a soothing aftershave balm or moisturizer. This step helps to hydrate the skin, reduce any potential irritation, and keep your skin feeling fresh and smooth.
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5 ways to fill your wardrobe sustainably

If you’re taking part in Second Hand September, you might be tempted to a new outfit. With this in mind, academics, Kayleigh Parkes, and Lucinda Holbrook-Hase, have these top tips for shopping sustainably without breaking the bank.

 

1) Invest in high quality, timeless staples

Focus on building a wardrobe with versatile, high-quality basics that can be styled in multiple ways. Even in charity shops and vintage sales, these may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but their durability means you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding constant replacements or ‘fad’ garments. Think classic items like a well-made pair of jeans, a versatile jacket, or a neutral sweater. Before buying, always check for stains, holes and loose stitches.

2) DIY and Upcycle

Learn some basic (or advanced!) fashion skills to breathe new life into old clothes. Upcycling or repurposing garments you already own can create one-of-a-kind pieces that you’ll want to hang on to. Simply DIY projects like dyeing, patchwork or altering clothes can transform something outdated into a fashion statement, all while keeping your budget in check and reducing waste.

 

3) Find new ways to shop

Apps like Vinted and Depop have grown in popularity, especially as the cost of living rose and people moved away from fast fashion. But don’t forget that your local charity shop can also have some hidden gems, without the delivery fee! Vintage clothes events and kilo sales can be cost effective but make sure to check items and their branding, so you know you’re getting a good deal. Or if you fancy something for free, why not organise a clothes swap with friends to refresh your look while decluttering your wardrobe!

4) Discover what you love to wear

With fast fashion and social media, clothing trends can last for months or even just weeks. Shopping to suit your personal tastes rather than a fad immediately prolongs the life of a garment, and you’ll be less likely to get rid of it in the short-term. The better you know your style, the easier it can be to find second hand clothes, especially online.

 

5) Be unique!

Experiment and try new things while second hand shopping. It’s a great way to discover a look that suits you. Try out pieces you would never think of, or even use different sizes, such as turning a large men’s shirt into a dress. Clothes can be an easy and affordable way to express yourself creatively, while learning how to repair, tailor and embellish.

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TRUTH IS, NO ONE CAN DO WHAT I DO.- Priestley’s accessories

Priestleys, nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, was established in 2021 by husband and wife team Karen and James. The back story to the development of their brand, is film plot worthy. The story began with James’s time as a submariner for the Royal Navy Submarine Service. During his long patrols, he would be away for months, leaving behind handwritten letters for each week he was gone. Each note held a clue to the next, accompanied by a small gift or luxury. This heartfelt tradition inspired them to create little luxuries for others, crafting cherished memories that endure.

Their daughters, Eleanor and Evelyn, became the brand’s muses. They inspired them to design with circularity to create timeless, heirloom pieces that could be treasured for a lifetime and beyond, told you it was good !

Inspired by Karen’s passion for handbags and accessories, and her background in Fashion and Textiles, their luxury leather goods are meticulously crafted in their workshop. With a range of signature patterns designed exclusively for the brand, each leather accessory is designed with circular design principles, using traditional artisanal leather techniques. This dedication ensures that every item stands the test of time, embodying the values of impeccable craftsmanship and enduring quality.

Each piece is handcrafted using responsibly sourced leathers from gold and silver-rated tanneries in Europe. They select the finest full-grain leathers, known for their quality, eco-friendly production methods, and exceptional durability. Their commitment to circular design is evident in every one of our handcrafted leather accessories, ensuring longevity, repairability, and uncompromised luxury are seamlessly integrated into our designs. Everything is handmade and can be personalised, making it perfect for gifting. The brand also has also been awarded a full military license from the Ministry of Defence, and currently offers products carrying the ‘Dolphin’ emblem of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.

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No more Mr clean Shaven – Harry’s Beard Care range

Harry’s, as I’m sure you all know, is a leading brand, primarily, known for its shaving prowess , totally disrupting the general shaving market and keeping us looking so fresh and so clean, clean. However, this clean shaven look isn’t to every guy’s preference. So to cater to this demographic, Harry’s has decided to launch a Beard Care range includes two must-haves for every bearded gentleman:

Harry’s Beard Conditioning Spray
This nourishing, leave-in mist is formulated with plant-based oils such as grapeseed, jojoba, and shea, which condition and soften facial hair while caring for the skin underneath. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving beards silky smooth, touchably soft, and manageable. Fruit acids help exfoliate dry or bumpy skin, while the refreshing, subtle scent of citrus and cedar adds the perfect finishing touch.

Harry’s Beard and Face Wash
This dual-action cleanser is designed to cleanse both beard and skin, gently removing dirt and oil while preserving moisture. With White Willow Bark extract, the wash helps exfoliate the skin and keep facial hair soft and healthy. The easy-to-lather formula is non-drying and features a fresh, light fragrance of citrus and cedar.

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A new message from CHROME as they Roll out a NEW MESSENGER COLLECTION

Chrome Industries began in 1995 with the iconic buckled messenger bag and has grown into a heritage brand that lives at the intersection of movement and self-expression. With years of street-tested experience, Chrome Industries has continued to pursue new and versatile ways to carry better. Today, Chrome is a collective of resourceful creators committed to building thoughtfully designed gear for the movers of today and tomorrow.

They offer a 365 TO LIFE guarantee against manufacturing and material defects for items purchased from authorised CHROME resellers. All CHROME bags carry a lifetime guarantee and all CHROME footwear and apparel products carry a one-year guarantee. Please note that our warranty coverage does have some limitations. For details, be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of our warranty policy.

Chrome Industries has combined expert craftsmanship and design to create dependable and understatedly stylish all- season carry. Born of a need for functional gear durable enough to withstand fast paced life in urban environments, Chrome exists to provide a better way to move through the city and beyond, creating progressive, yet performance focused products that push boundaries.

Street tested by professionals for almost 30 years and guaranteed for life, Chrome’s iconic messenger bag the Citizen has been reimagined for the AW24 season, equipped with the same legendary performance alongside upgraded features delivering enhanced levels of comfort, organisation and convenience for life in the city.

Featuring Chrome’s signature seat belt buckle with inbuilt bottle opener, the Citizen has been meticulously engineered in rugged materials built to withstand both the elements and the everyday rigours of urban life. Designed to accommodate laptops of up to 16” in a zippered laptop pocket (15” on 15 litre edition) practical features include a quick release buckle with bottle opener, daisy chain mounting loops for attaching bike lights or carabiners and an EVA foam padded shoulder strap with stabilising strap for comfort. Essentials can be easily stowed in two exterior drop pockets with magnetic flaps, while inside, organisation has been upgraded with an internal water bottle sleeve. A padded shoulder strap ensures a comfy carry all day and can be adapted for left or right use with the addition of a customisable main buckle.

Complementing the Citizen, for AW24 Chrome are excited to debut the Midtown (£130).  A messenger that means business, this hybrid can be worn three ways; crossbody style, tote or as a conventional shoulder bag offering incredible versatility,.  This bag is equipped with internal laptop sleeve (up to 16”) and multiple internal organiser pockets for stowing cargo securely when you are on the move. Externally you’ll find a handy, easy access stash pocket and two water bottle pockets. A tuck away main flap allows the bag to be easily converted into Tote mode, while a larger padded, removable shoulder strap ensures incredible carry comfort even when transporting a full load. Choose from waterproof, recycled Black X finish or the seasonal drops of Sage & Sandstone.