CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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HEiST 3.0 – REDEFINING MEN’S GROOMING. ONE HAIR DRYER AT A TIME

Mens hairy facts !

  • 25% of men start losing hair by age 21
  • 50% will suffer from dandruff
  • 85% have noticeable hair loss by 50
  • 89% feel negatively towards hair loss

Heist is an independent men’s grooming-tech brand, serving the hair and scalp health needs of men, with style.

Their mission is to combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional design, empowering men to look and feel their best.

Thye offer smart hair tools + fortifying formulations + connected tech.

Heist was created to cater to the unique needs of men in the hair dryer category. Overlooked by legacy brands, traditional dryers were never designed with men in mind.

Men use dryers differently, pointing directly at their scalp with less movement. This results in approximately three times more concentrated heat compared to women’s hair, leading to higher heat exposure, especially with daily use.

With 90% of Heist customers being daily users, we engineered the Heist 3.0 Hair Dryer with men’s needs at the forefront. Heist’s advanced thermal technology provides superior temperature control for optimal heat protection, wrapped in a sleek design men can be proud to own.

Crafted with world-class technology and insights from top barbers, they’ve created the only hair dryer & styling kit for the modern man.

That’s right, lads – no more sharing, shhhhh! Sorry. The Heist 3.0 is a barber-grade, self-styling tool designed to protect and condition your hair. Perfect for daily use whether at the barbershop, at home, at the gym, or on-the-go.

It’s stats include, RAPID DRYING IN UNDER 60″ Turbo airflow at 100,000 RPM:

Dries 5x faster than standard dryers,

A 2-YEAR WARRANTY

DAILY PROTECTION

The H-Protect System- Cruise control for optimised heat settings. Acts as your thermal shield for daily use.

ENHANCES HAIR & SCALP CONDITION

Plasma Coating Technology:

Balances moisture on hair and scalp for a smooth, conditioned finish.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN & PRECISION STYLING

Slimeline Design and Matte Finish:

For greater control when self-styling.

16-Step Rotation of Magnetic Nozzle:

For maneuverability and precision.

ENHANCED SOUND ABSORBTION

Air Sealing System: Sound absorbing material uses 60% natural wool, blocking high frequencies for a low-noise design.

LIGHT WEIGHT & POWER PACKED

Ultra-Small but Powerful Aircraft Motor:

Weighs only 60g, with total weight of 410g for portable power.

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THIS IS HOW YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR KNITWEAR

Knitwear is a styling hard-hitter for any Autumn/ winter wardrobe. Whether it’s warm jumpers, roll necks, chunky knits or knitted accessories, you can rely on any type of men’s knitwear to stay warm in the cooler months. After all, there’s a reason why it’s one of the oldest types of clothing that’s still worn today.

Knitted clothing is made by weaving wool – usually from sheep or goats, depending on the type of fabric – or other materials like cotton, acrylic or polyester together to create fabric that regulates body heat. That’s why knitwear helps to maintain your body temperature when it’s cold, but is also breathable if you wear it in warmer weather.

Although wool is hardwearing, durable and stays looking good for a long time, it needs some special care when it comes to washing and storing it. Because it comes from animals, it can be more susceptible to wardrobe pests like moths. And because it’s woven, it can fall out of shape if it’s not washed and dried properly.

If you’re not sure of how to take care of your knitwear, or you’ve ended up with clothes that are misshapen after just one wash, here’s our advice on how to keep it looking good.

How to care for men's knitwear

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE CARE LABEL

The first thing you want to check is the fabric your knitwear is made from. We’ll go into more detail about how to wash the different types of wool later, but in the meantime it’s best to check what fabric you’re dealing with so that you can care for it appropriately.

As for washing, the care label on men’s knitwear will usually show you the maximum temperature to use and should also mention whether you can tumble dry or iron your knitwear too. Some knitwear might not be suitable for machine washing, tumble drying or dry cleaning. You’ll usually have to wash these by hand, so it’s always better to check before you throw them in the washing machine.

In general, wool blends are more durable and easier to care for than pure wool men’s knitwear, which can make them a better choice if you don’t have the time for something that takes a little more care.

It’s important to remember a few tips that you won’t see on the care label too. Water, bleach and heat can all damage your knitwear, so these are usually best avoided. Although wool doesn’t wrinkle as much as other types of material such as cotton, you might still want to get some creases out. Steaming without direct heat is the best way to do this if the care label specifically says ‘no ironing’.

Moss - navy merino wool mock neck jumper

HOW TO WASH A WOOL JUMPER

Follow the instructions on the care label inside your wool jumper or knitwear item carefully. Those instructions are there for a reason and will help increase the longevity of your knitwear. If it says to wash them by hand or dry clean them, you should avoid using the washing machine. Some wool blends can be washed in a machine but it’s best to do this on a lower temperature.

How you dry and store your knitwear makes a difference too. With delicate men’s knitwear, it’s always best to dry it flat to avoid stretching the fabric and fibres. Lay it on top of a dry towel if you’re worried about your table or worktop getting wet.

Ideally, you want to avoid hanging your knitwear in your wardrobe too as this can mean that it stretches out of shape. Knitwear should be folded carefully and stored in a drawer or on shelves to make sure it stays looking good for as long as possible. You can carefully use a lint remover to get rid of any pilling or bumps on the material. Be careful with loose threads or pulls too; it’s usually best to cut them or pull any loops back through from the inside.

It’s important to only store clean knitwear too (sorry if you like to wear it once and put it back in your wardrobe if it seems clean). Pests like moths are attracted to clothes that have been worn (our body leaves proteins on the fabric) and are left sitting in spaces like the wardrobe as their larvae love to eat natural fibres. No-one wants to pick out their best jumper only to find it’s full of holes. Lavender bags and mothballs in your wardrobe or drawer can help keep these pests away.

Let’s look at some of the most common wools we use in our knits so that you can take care of them properly. When you’re working with wool blends, it’s always best to follow the care instructions of the most delicate yarns in the fabric.

 

Moss - ecru chunky cable knit roll neck jumper

LAMBSWOOL CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Lambswool is super-soft, hypoallergenic and breathable. It’s moisture-wicking and less likely to feel itchy too. You’ll recognise it by how soft it is. It’s used for everything from jumpers, cardigans and roll necks through to hats, gloves and socks.

To keep it soft, it should always be hand-washed. Machine washing can make it feel rough and pill. To hand-wash your lambswool item, you need to soak it in warm water and use a gentle detergent (ideally one that’s been formulated for wool items). Squeeze soap through your knit, being careful not to wring or stretch the item out.

Rinse it carefully and remove any excess water (again being careful not to stretch it) then lay it flat to dry. Once it’s dry, fold and store it flat until you’re ready to wear it again.

 

Moss - chestnut vicuna merino wool roll neck jumper

MERINO WOOL CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Merino wool comes (unsurprisingly) from merino sheep. It’s thinner and softer than regular wool so usually has a better handfeel.

What’s great about merino is that it can often be machine-washed on a cool cycle; avoid using hot water as this can make the fibres in the wool shrink. Use mild detergent and skip the bleach or fabric softener as this can damage the merino wool fibres.

Moss - camel merino zip neck jumper

MEN’S KNITWEAR STYLE IDEAS: HOW TO WEAR IT

Men’s knitwear is easy to style and can be worn just about anywhere. You can layer it, wear it alone, try out contrasting colours or go tonal depending on the look you’re after.

Pairing more casual styles like polo necks and zip jumpers with jeans or worker joggers is great for a laid-back look that’s easy to throw on. Chunkier knits, looser fits, colour blocks and checked patterns will all deliver on comfort, warmth and style for more relaxed plans.

When you need something more formal, a roll neck looks fantastic with a double breasted suit suit like our copper flannel, and is just about as refined as a shirt and tie but a lot comfier. Neutrals always work well together, but sometimes a shot of complementary colour can really liven up a suit, especially if you want to avoid looking overdressed. A mock neck or knitted polo can also work well for those in-between days when you want to look like you made the effort.

The best way to wear knitwear is to make sure that it fits your style as well as the occasion. Your goal is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, and knitwear’s up there as one of the easiest ways to achieve it. Best you take care of it, then.

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Expert reveals how to re-wear your wedding suit

Sustainability, quite rightly, is increasingly a consideration consumer think about before making a purchase. As the UK’s largest clothing retailer, quality and trusted value underpins everything M&S do. They source and make their own clothes with care so they are hand-me-downable and exceptionally long-lasting, as they are too good to waste. Sustainability now runs through all of their strategic priorities to provide the foundation for our plans to reshape M&S for growth that is sustainable in every sense. Their 22/23 Sustainability Report is available to view here

With this in mind, whether you’ve recently gotten married, or your wedding suit has been sat at the back of your wardrobe for a few years now, M&S expert Dan Mittas, Menswear Creative Stylist has advice for how to re-wear your suit from your big day.

Recognising that many men invest in wedding suits that are often worn only once, M&S has shared innovative styling tips and expert advice to ensure these suits can be worn time and again, for various occasions.

“Traditionally, many wedding suits see the light of day only once before being relegated to the back of the closet. I want to provide men with creative ideas on how to re-wear and restyle their suits, making them a versatile addition to their wardrobe,” says Dan.

Expert styling tips from M&S

“Swap out the traditional shirt for smart t-shirt or the ever-popular knitted polo matched back with a pair of clean white trainers to achieve a relaxed, yet polished look,” advises Dan. “This simple change can transform your suit into a stylish outfit suitable for more casual settings.”

M&S revealed that many men are apprehensive about buyingfor formal occasions, such as weddings, as they struggle to find the right balance of formality, with 44% of men worried they’ll under or overdress for a wedding.

“To alleviate the stress of achieving the perfect level of formality for various occasions, consider breaking up your re-worn wedding suit and pairing it with more casual pieces,” suggests Dan. “For example, you can wear the suit jacket with chinos or jeans, or the trousers with a smart-casual shirt or knitwear. This approach helps create a versatile wardrobe that adapts to different dress codes and varying events effortlessly.It keeps the look sharp, but less formal.”

“Pairing your suit with a minimal lace up trainer adds a modern and youthful twist. This combination is perfect for those who want to stay comfortable without compromising on style.”

“To boost your confidence and give your outfit a fresh feel, consider a trip to your hairdresser or barber to make sure youare looking your best before you re-wear your suit,” suggests Dan. “Our research shows that 53% of British men find that a fresh haircut makes them feel the most confident about their overall appearance.”

“And finally – discovering the best colours to pair with your suit is key to keeping your look fresh and stylish. If you arewearing a navy suit cool colours will go best, but if you arewearing a black or grey suit you can add warmer colours to your outfit. Experiment with different shades to see what works best with your suit’s colour and your personal style.”

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STEP INTO LAST BITS OF SUMMER with FALKE & VILEBREQUIN

Surely a pair of the world’s finest socks, teamed with a pair of the world’s finest swim trunks – is all you need to capture those last few rays of Summer 2024?

Dedicated to the refined modern traveller, both FALKE and Vilebrequin are known for creating high-quality, durable pieces that focus on craftsmanship. Throughout the generations, FALKE and Vilebrequin have become a must for holiday makers who want the best.

It’s the first (and possibly the only!) time you’ll catch Vilebrequin’s turtles in legwear. Swimwear’s most recognizable sea creature is coming to an ultra-colorful range of co-branded swim trunks and socks for men, women, and kids for High Summer 2024. Serving style whatever the climate or event, legwear from the collection features everything from a classic Falke kneehigh sock to a sportier sneaker sock model and an uncomplicated calf-length sock. Nonetheless, this new collaboration from Falke and Vilebrequin is not as unlikely as you may think: both are known for creating high-quality, durable pieces that focus on craftsmanship. Over the generations, Falke and Vilebrequin have become a rendez-vous for vacationers who demand the best.

Swimwear’s most recognisable sea creature is coming to an ultra-colorful range of co-branded swim trunks and socks for men, women, and kids for High Summer 2024. Serving style whatever the climate or event, legwear from the collection features everything from a classic FALKE knee-high sock to a sportier sneaker sock model and an uncomplicated calf-length sock. 

“Working with FALKE was a fun and elegant way to stretch Vilebrequin’s summer know-how by taking on a beloved cold-weather icon” says Vilebrequin CEO Roland Herlory. “Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability is perfectly in step with ours.”

“We are delighted to have Vilebrequin as a partner who shares the same values” says Kristina Falke, International PR Director Falke the partnership. “The symbiosis of specialists for summer and winter is the perfect combination for this unique collab.”

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Sims wear – A brand made from all things great about Britain

Sims Wear, not to be mistaken for the video game,  is the British menswear brand delivering elevated wardrobe essentials produced from the best wool and textiles in the British Isles.

Dedicated to quality, and to creating timeless luxury that will stand the test of time, Sims Wear is built on three pillars; the best grade fibre, the best yarn spinner, and the best knitter. The materials used are also a trio of excellence; Supima Cotton, Nomadic Cashmere, and Merino Lambswool create a collection of style and comfort crafted to last. Pieces are made to outlive trends, and everything is done in the UK, from the fibre carding and spinning, through to knitting, weaving, cutting and sewing.

The Sims Wear look is all about simple wardrobe builders, a classically British aesthetic with modern quiet elegance at its heart. Colour, cut and fabrication is key, where Margate Beach meets Marylebone via Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales.

It started with a ‘perfect’ jumper…

Founded by Rory Bennett and Billy Sims-Hilditch, the brand was born with a quest to find the perfect jumper. Billy chose a classic, super-soft navy blue cashmere crew-neck from a premium British retailer. It fit beautifully, felt great on, and went with everything. Sadly after only one year, the jumper had fallen apart at the seams. Having spent considerable amounts of time and money on the purchase, frustrated Billy set about researching what made a good jumper. This was when the Holy Trinity of knitwear, which is now intrinsic to Sims Wear, was identified, the best-in class fibre, yarn spinner and knitter. When these three are in place, something beautiful is created. The ever present chase for lower prices has meant that over the years, brands which were once associated with quality, sadly no longer live up to those standards.

Supply chain visibility is vital, at Sims Wear it is tight and well monitored, personally by the brand founders. In a further move towards sustainability, there is a Repair and Recondition service for knitwear. This means that if any unfortunate accidents befall your jumper, you can send it back to the brand to be repaired. Whether it’s patches on the elbows, or simply a hole which can be darned, most issues if caught early enough can be fixed. In the process, jumpers will also be reconditioned by de-pilling it and washing it, making sure it’s returned in exceptional condition.

Repairs are seen as a badge of honour at Sims Wear, rather than a strike against. Everything is available from www.simswear.com, or from their store at 20 Quebec St, W1H 7RQ.