CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Like clockwork, the coffee chains and supermarkets have rolled out their autumn-and-Christmas greatest hits—pumpkin spice lattes, gingerbread everything, and the internet’s latest darling, the Dubai Chocolate dessert. Yes, they’re delicious, yes, they’re Instagrammable—but nutritionists warn these seasonal temptations may deliver more than just a sugar rush.

Sports Nutritionist Brenda Madole of MyOrThrive explains: “Limited-edition flavours are a festive highlight, but many of these products pack the same calories as a full meal—without the nutrition.”

Let’s break it down:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte (grande, whole milk, whipped cream): 390 calories, 50g sugar.
• Dubai Chocolate dessert: 650 calories per slice, 40g fat.
• Christmas specials (gingerbread lattes, festive hot chocolates, mince pie doughnuts): often 400–700 calories each.

That’s basically a roast dinner in liquid (or dessert) form.

But it’s not just about the numbers on the side of the cup. The hidden side-effects of festive indulgence can be less merry:

• Heartburn & reflux – thanks to cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and cream.
• Gas & bloating – pumpkin purée, tahini and rich creams ferment away in your gut.
• Energy crashes – sugar spikes followed by a slump that hits harder than Boxing Day blues.

Madole warns: “A gingerbread latte every morning or multiple slices of Dubai Chocolate at a party can leave you sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable.”

So what’s a flavour-loving, festive soul to do? MyOrThrive’s advice is refreshingly realistic:

• Downsize the festive drink.
• Split desserts or save half for later.
• Pair your treats with protein to steady energy levels.
• Keep them as a weekly treat, not a daily ritual.

Because let’s face it—December without a gingerbread latte is just bleak. The trick is enjoying the season’s delights without feeling like you need a nap (or an antacid) afterwards.

As we know Jackets are an essential part of our wardrobes. From a laidback leather jacket to a timeless trench, a great coat or jacket is often the key to elevating your everyday look. But how many jackets do you need to build the perfect capsule collection?

To find out, M&S surveyed 2,000 British men to reveal their habits when it comes to jackets, uncovering confidence boosters, trending favourites, must have qualities and more.

The survey revealed that the majority of men (59%) have between one and three jackets on rotation, highlighting a commitment to a streamlined collection.

Interestingly, younger generations are more likely to have alarger outerwear wardrobe. 46% of 18-24-year-olds and 43% of 25-34-year-olds have between four and six jackets on rotation.

“You don’t need a wardrobe full of jackets. Instead, invest in afew key pieces. Look for versatile outerwear which you’ll be able to wear throughout the year. A quality transitional jacket can usually be worn in both spring and autumn. You’ll also want to think about layering. A great hack to get more mileage out of your lightweight jackets is to wear a quilted gilet as a mid-layer in colder weather. Finally, consider technology when choosing coats and jackets. Look out for water-repellent Stormwear or warm-yet-lightweight Air Yarn.”– says Mitch Hughes, (above) director of menswear at M&S.

When it comes to style, British men are keeping it classic. The most popular jacket aesthetic was ‘classic and timeless’, favoured by 32% of men. This was followed by ‘sporty and athleisure’ (12%). These priorities emphasise a desire to invest in good quality clothes that will never go out of styleand last a long time.

Younger generations favoured ‘oversized’ styles the most – no surprise given social media’s influence on fashion. In fact, searches for ‘baggy outfit ideas’ on Pinterest have increased by 204% over the last year.

“Having versatility in your wardrobe is important. While timeless jackets are great go-tos, tapping into new trends allows you to express your creativity and evolve your look over time. I love to see new iterations of classic styles. For example, a Harrington jacket in buttery suede, rather than the usual durable cotton or canvas.”– adds Mitch.

Being Fashion conscious is a brilliant way to express your personality. As part of the survey, M&S wanted to investigate what style of jacket makes men feel the most confident. Interestingly, leather was the most popular choice amongst Brits (14%), closely followed by blazers (12%), demonstrating a divide between those who prefer more casual and more tailored aesthetics.

Among younger men, jackets play a key role in self-expression. A striking 42% of those aged 18–24 say wearing a jacket helps them to ‘finish their outfit’.

“In early 2025, we saw the field or barn jacket gain cult status. I love this boxy, durable shape and while I don’t see this casual style disappearing as we move into autumn/winter, this season I predict the bomber jacket will spike in demand. Because of its slouchy, cropped shape, this type of jacket is usually considered casual. But, for a more elevated look that oozes masculine confidence, try a suede or faux-suede bomber.”– explains Mitch.

Jackets and coats tend to be investment purchases so it’s important to look after them properly. Follow these tips to ensure your outerwear stands the test of time.

• Be careful not to over-wash outerwear as this can degrade the material. Coats and jackets do not need washing as frequently as base layers.

• Always consult the garment care label for advice on washing and drying. For example, dry cleaning is often recommended for wool coats.

• Hang your jackets on a wooden hanger to maintain shoulder structure.

• When storing coats and jackets, avoid overcrowding your wardrobe to prevent wrinkles.

• For long-term storage, vacuum storage bags arerecommended as they protect against dust and moisture. They also help reduce the amount of space they take up too.

• To deter moths, natural repellents like lavender work well. Keeping your wardrobe and clothes clean will also help prevent moths as they’re attracted to dirt and food particles.

The jacket calendar

British weather is famously unpredictable. However, M&S have gone to the trouble of analysed UK climate averages over a 30-year period to help you understand exactly what each season demands in terms of outerwear performance. What should we be looking for when buying a jacket ready for the season ahead?

Explore the entire M&S men’s jackets collection.

When you’ve been crafting world-class performance wear for over six decades, evolution is less about reinvention and more about refinement. Henri Lloyd’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, launching 11th September, strikes precisely that balance — pushing forward with innovation and sustainability, while never losing sight of the brand’s maritime roots.

Under the creative genius of Kestin Hare, the collection is a masterclass in modern nautical design. Technical fabrics meet contemporary silhouettes, producing outerwear and versatile layers that perform on deck yet transition seamlessly to life ashore. Iconic jackets have been reengineered with state-of-the-art functionality, while new designs set fresh benchmarks in comfort and protection.

But this isn’t just about performance. Sustainability remains central to Henri Lloyd’s vision, with fabric innovations and production choices underscoring a commitment to the future as much as the present.

“This season is about clarity of purpose,” Hare explains. “We’re doubling down on what makes Henri Lloyd unique — engineering apparel for people who move fluidly between environments, always with intent and integrity.”

In short, AW25 reaffirms Henri Lloyd’s position at the helm of premium nautical performance wear: technically uncompromising, elegantly executed, and unashamedly rooted in its sailing heritage.

Every so often, a brand comes along that quietly rewrites the rules of what we expect from our everyday footwear. Enter HEYDUDE, the fast-growing shoe sensation that has finally set foot in the UK after winning over audiences across the pond. And while it may now be a U.S.-driven powerhouse, the brand’s story began in Italy – a detail that instantly explains the sleek yet laid-back design DNA woven into every pair.

For those unfamiliar, HEYDUDE has built its reputation on a simple but game-changing idea: shoes that are so lightweight and comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing them, without ever having to compromise on style. This philosophy has helped carve out a cult following, with fans swearing by the brand’s effortless versatility – shoes that feel at home whether you’re running errands, heading to the office, or out for a casual evening.

At the centre of the collection are the brand’s modern icons: Wally and Wendy. Instantly recognisable, these silhouettes have become the cornerstones of the HEYDUDE offering, blending featherweight construction with removable foam insoles for custom comfort. Add in a flexible outsole and a rotation of fresh colourways and fabrics, and you’ve got shoes that fit seamlessly into the rhythm of daily life.

But HEYDUDE isn’t stopping at its classics. The UK launch sees the introduction of an expanded lineup, from sneakers to mules to boots – each one designed with the same emphasis on wearability and modern ease. This evolution ensures there’s a HEYDUDE for every occasion and every style, positioning the brand not just as a footwear label, but as a lifestyle essential.

So, as HEYDUDE plants its flag firmly on British soil, one thing is clear: this is more than just another shoe brand. It’s proof that comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive – and that sometimes, the shoes you reach for every day can also be the ones that turn heads.

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.”