CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Always bet on Black and Red to Win – The Blacksmith by Red Wing

Screen Shot 2014-08-28 at 07.52.28Red Wing are in a very fortunate position, they are one of those few companies that are sort after by the style savvy male consumer and equally are respected by the workmen who use them day in and day out as part of their workwear uniform. One great style of boot in this brand repertoire that is considered a true classic is the Blacksmith. It can truly be considered the classic American work shoe. In the early 1900s, when Red Wing Shoe Company first began to service rural America, this style of shoe became vastly popular across the country. Versatile and reliable, it was used in farm fields and blacksmith workshops during the day before being cleaned and shined up for a night out on the town. It was the all-purpose shoe for many years in many industries. In conjunction with the Blacksmith, Red Wing presents the video ‘Marching to a Different Drum’(see below). The video details the craftsmanship of Red Wing Shoe Company employees and the pride with which these boots are built. ‘Marching to a Different Drum’ follows the installation of a new wooden tanning drum at the company’s S.B. Foot leather tanning facility( I promise, It’s more interesting then it sounds). Tanning drums are huge round containers used to tan leather via chemical reactions that involve soaking leather hides in various tanning solutions within a slowly rotating drum. The tanning process takes several hours, or even days, inside a drum that weighs up to six tons without the hides. Dedicated to crafting only the finest leather, Red Wing Shoe Company uses drums made from African yellow teak wood that has been cut and then submerged in water for two years to achieve the correct density.“All good things are being made in wooden drums,” says Andy Rhein, Master Tanner. “Leather, beer, wine, whiskey. We are really trying to make leather the way it used to be made two hundred years ago.” Why use wooden drums? Rhein answers that by saying, “A wooden drum is able to retain the heat (of the tanning process) and it’s all-natural. (The resulting leather) makes good shoes…consistent shoes. Every pair is as consistent as a pair (made yesterday), last week or fifty years ago.”

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This ain’t no cover version – Tudor’s Heritage Black Bay “Black”

imageTudor Watches, a stable mate company of Rolex, left the UK market, for a twelve year hiatus, but thank goodness they’re back. The brainchild of renowned watchmaker, Hans Wilsdorf. He first founded, Rolex,  then TUDOR, often referred to as the little sibling of Rolex. It blending the same unparalleled quality and dependability of a Rolex, with less of the “gulp, I’m too frightened to check my bank balance after buying” price point.

The Black Black Bay is the brand’s biggest release yet and a new version of the brand’s iconic Divers’ watch first introduced in 2012. Not to be mistaken for a re-edition, the new style utilises the aesthetic codes that contributed to the renown of the original submariner model of 1954, injected with modern touches to update its iconic status.

It features multiple references to the brand’s heritage combined with contemporary design elements – vividly embodying Tudor’s renewal process. Whilst the piece features the iconic red triangle of the unidirectional bezel used in the original model, the new style comes on either a brushed steel bracelet with clasp, leather or fabric straps. If in fact Mr Bond was looking for an alternative to his Seamaster he could do an awful lot worse than this lovely creation.

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Wardrobe Essentials – The Denim Shirt

Every well dressed man should have certain cornerstone, foundation items or pieces in his wardrobe at his stylish disposal, A black single breasted suit, a pair of white sneakers, a cashmere sweater. With today’s post we look at one of these aforementioned foundation pieces and give you three options, one will fit any budget you are catering for. So to kick things off we are looking at one of the most versatile items of clothing for a dapper contemporary male, the Denim Shirt.  No longer restricted to after office hours and so casual you ran the risk of being refused enter to certain salubrious nightclubs. Now regarded by many as THE essential wardrobe work horse, the versatile nature of denim fabric has gained it a new revived reputation as the ultimate wardrobe staple.

Easily dressed up or down, denim in its main forms are your foolproof, all year round investment. From smart classic Chambray shirts and office appropriate denim blue tonal weave suits, to the new heavier weight denim shirt – also available in black, equally versatile and sharp.

A heavier denim shirt makes for the perfect transitional piece. And it’s ideal layering material as autumn approaches. Wear it unbuttoned with a crisp white t-shirt underneath and a pair of classic Camel Chinos to complete the look. Then as soon as the weather takes a turn, just add a chunky knit on top.

Layer this iconic blue hue by adding a fine knit cardigan to your look, over a shirt or under a smary casual jacket. Or choose a classic denim-blue crew neck to compliment jeans or casual trousers.

Denim has a formal side too. The double weave evokes a uniquely denim feel, looks great every time you wear it and is almost as durable as that favourite pair of jeans you’re saving for the weekend.

BUDGET NOT AN ISSUE

imagePolo Ralph Lauren

WATCHING THE PENNIES

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Lee

 

WHAT A BARGAIN

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Gap

 

 

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Stylish, Durable and Lasts a Lifetime – The Trakke Luggage Collection

imageThe appreciation and love of craftsmanship is something definitely on the rise, people of good taste are sick of the throw away, disposable, fast fashion society we saw the rise of at the begining of the 21st Century.

A brand that is embracing this rising school of thought is Trakke, a premium luggage brand, where all of the bags are handmade in the UK using either waxed cotton or Harris Tweed fabrics to create stunning, hardwearing luggage for travelling and commuting. These bags improve with age and wear and are built to last a lifetime.

British manufacturing is at the forefront of the design process for Trakke Founder Alec Farmer. He choses high quality, long-lasting materials from British sources and is committed to functionality and design excellence. Alec designs and makes each original prototype himself and is very much involved in the day-to-day production of the entire range. Founder, Alec Farmer, explains “When we started Trakke, we realised that if we want manufacturing to come back to Britain, we had to lead by example. We have to show the world what “Handmade in Britain” really means. That’s why we use as many British materials as possible, and build the best bags we know how.”

All of the collection is made to order so each bag is hand crafted especially for the buyer. There are three messenger bag styles and three backpacks to chose from and you can pick the fabric and colour to suit your style. You can even monogram the bag which would make a great gift for someone or, forget that, a personalised treat for yourself, go on you deserve it.

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HARE Today Hare Tomorrow – Fair, Flexible & Fearlessly

When it comes to grooming, many of us are increasingly seeking something smarter than your typical cut and blow-dry. We want a modern experience — one that’s transparent, personalised, and kind to the planet. Enter HARE, the Oxfordshire-based salon brand redefining what it means to get your hair done, with unisex spaces that blend top-tier styling, sustainable thinking, and good old-fashioned fairness.

Gone are the days of overpriced packages or cookie-cutter services. HARE has introduced a truly refreshing model in the grooming world: flexible, fair pricing. Want just a fade and go? No problem. Fancy a full wash and blow-dry? That’s on offer too. Every visit is bespoke to your needs and budget — a pay-as-you-please approach that’s as liberating as it is logical.

This is walk-in hairdressing and barbering, but not as you know it. Think expert fades, fringe touch-ups, beard trims and classic cuts — all under one roof, without the unnecessary extras (unless you want them, of course).

The HARE experience goes beyond the chair. Their very own unisex hair and skincare range is crafted right here in the UK, and it ticks all the right boxes: vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, water-based, and genuinely great to use. Clean formulas meet clean ethics, making HARE one of the few salons that actually practices what it preaches when it comes to eco-conscious grooming.

Take for example the Salted Hare Salt Spray, a beachy-texture-enhancer made with real sea salt for that laid-back, tousled look. Perfect for guys or girls looking to add volume and wave, it’s simple, effective, and free from nasties. A few spritzes post-shower, air-dry or blow-dry, and you’re good to go.

Founded in 2013 by brothers James and George Talbot, HARE has always championed something bigger than good hair. From day one, it’s been about creating inclusive, casual spaces where everyone — regardless of style, gender, or budget — feels genuinely welcome. It’s a place where the vibe is friendly, the service is personal, and the costs are transparent. No hidden fees. No unnecessary fluff.

And in a world increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint, HARE’s partnership with the Green Salon Collective is one of its most standout moves. Together, they recycle hair waste for surprisingly useful things — like mopping up oil spills or enriching compost. Yes, even your trim could be helping to clean up.

HARE salons offer the same chilled, values-led experience. Each space is unisex, unpretentious and effortlessly cool — a far cry from sterile chains or chaotic barber shops. Pop in for a quick tidy-up or a full refresh, and walk out looking (and feeling) like the best version of yourself.

At Clothes Make The Man, we’re always on the lookout for brands doing things differently — and HAREis a shining example of how modern grooming should be. With fair pricing, flexible service, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, they’re not just cutting hair — they’re cutting through the noise.

So, if you’re looking for a trim that won’t cost the Earth (literally and figuratively), do yourself a favour and pay HARE a visit. Your hair, your wallet, and the planet will thank you.