CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
/

The most in-demand football (soccer) jerseys across the world

With the football season well and truly underway, football shirts are no longer just worn by those who loyally follow their football teams, but have infiltrated fashion and culture, with influencers and artists wearing European football shirts and gym wear frequently, with Drake and Migos being among many that are seen regularly in Premier League shirts. Recently searches for AS Roma’s shirt skyrocketed after it was worn by Kim Kardashian. Menswear brand boohooMAN have analysed demand and popularity by gathering online search volumes for football clothing related terms in the last 12 months for the top 50 most social media followed clubs across the globe.

 

1) Real Madrid – 416,835 global searches

It should come as no surprise that the 14 time Champions League winners come as first on the list with an average monthly search of 416,835 in the last 12 months across the globe. Famed for their all white kits, it’s a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Despite leaving the club in 2018, browsers are still searching for ‘Real Madrid Ronaldo’ shirts more than any other player, not only is he one of the greatest footballers of all time, but he is also a fashion icon and no doubt his 10 year stint at Real Madrid has contributed to the popularity of the famous shirt. 

 

2) Manchester United – 390,985 global searches

 

In second place on the list is Manchester United, commonly known as the Red Devils. During the 2000s, their shirts were produced by Nike, but since 2014, Adidas has taken over the manufacturing of their iconic jersey. Not only are browsers interested in current or upcoming shirts, but Manchester United enthusiasts are also interested in vintage shirts, browsers are searching for the 1990 and 1999 version of jerseys as the most popular terms. 

3) Liverpool – 365,325 global searches

 

In third place is another English club, Liverpool, who have the third most in-demand football shirts in the world. A competitor of the Manchester United shirt, it’s interesting that both rank highly on the list. This can be explained by the fact that shoppers are also searching for vintage or retro Liverpool jerseys. Both shirts have a powerful history which stems from the iconic past and present players who have worn the shirt, resulting in a feeling of nostalgia contributing to it as a popular fashion choice. 

 

4) Arsenal – 358,590 global searches

 

It should come as no surprise that Arsenal’s ranks fourth on this list globally, but rank as the most popular in just the United Kingdom. Throughout social media, Arsenal’s yearly kit releases are praised within football fashion circles, the iconic red shirt with white sleeves combination is lauded for its feeling of north London, the roots of the club’s history. Arsenal’s players have a long held tradition of wearing long sleeved shirts, and all the players in the team wearing the same sleeve length, making it unique in the world of football which has brought it from a mainstay of London fashion, to a global fashion statement. 

 

5)Paris Saint-Germain – 296,520 global searches

 

It wouldn’t be a fashion list without a team from the fashion capital of the world, Paris Saint-Germain ranked fifth on this list. It is the only shirt on this list which is manufactured by the Jordan brand. Paris Saint-Germain’s jersey popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, this can be explained by the star personnel which wear the shirt, the influence of Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé all of who are amongst the most known footballers in the world promoting the Paris Saint-Germain jersey. The study found that browsers are directly searching for Paris Saint-Germain shirts with those names on the back with Messi being the most popular in the team with an average global monthly search of 6,950. 

 

6) Barcelona – 290,296 global searches

 

Barcelona ranks sixth on this list, the blue and red stripe jersey is a popular choice amongst football jersey enthusiasts. The shirt transcends beyond European popularity with Drake often pictured in the Barcelona jersey and posting it on his Instagram. Past star footballers have also popularized the shirt, with 8,170 average monthly browsers across the globe searching for ‘Barcelona Messi’ shirts.

 

7) Manchester City F.C – 245,530 global searches

 

Manchester city F.C rank seventh on this list, four places behind their local rivals Manchester United. This can be contributed to by the fact that they have star players who wear the shirt and play for the club, such as Jack Grealish who also has a contract as a Gucci ambassador. They have an average monthly search of 245,430 for their jerseys. 

8) Chelsea – 193,810 global searches

 

Placing eighth on the list is Chelsea, the only other London club to place in the top ten. The club has an average monthly search volume of 193,810 in the last 12 months. The club has popular support across the globe and the blue shirt is famous with ‘retro shirts’ also being searched by fans of the shirt. 

 

9) Ajax – 117,039 global searches

 

Ajax, the Amsterdam based team is the perfect example of how football jerseys have transitioned into fashion, it’s ranking on this list is due to the 2021/22 Away edition which was inspired by Bob Marley, as the jerseys incorporated the colours of green, yellow and red for the Adidas stripes on the black shirt, with three little birds imprinted on the back. This instantly made it popular across the globe with football shirt enthusiasts looking to purchase the item, we can see this as a large number of browsers are searching for terms like ‘Ajax Bob Marley shirt’ or ‘Bob Marley Ajax kit.’ 

10)  Juventus – 91,663 global searches

 

Ranking tenth and the only Italian team to feature on the list is Juventus. The biggest Italian clubs’ shirts are traditionally striped, and Juventus are no exception with their classic black and white stripes throughout the years. They have an average monthly search of 91,663 in the last 12 months. Italian fashion is famous and it’s only fitting that this translates into the football world. 

 

A spokesman from boohooMAN has commented on the findings “Football is the biggest sport in the world and it’s understandable that football fans would fill their wardrobes with merchandise from their favourite team. The findings show that not only are shirts now worn by the star players and fans of the sport, but have transcended beyond sport into fashion, the clearest example would be Ajax’s 2021/22 Away kit, better known as the ‘Bob Marley shirt’. Despite not being directly linked to the sport, many fashion influencers are often spotted wearing football shirts as more of a fashion statement, including the most famous influencer, Kim Kardashian who wore an AS Roma jersey earlier this year.”

Club

Global

UK

Rank Global

Rank UK

Real Madrid

416,835.80

56,811.70

1

7

Manchester United

390,985.80

125,788.30

2

3

Liverpool

365,325.00

143,515.80

3

2

Arsenal

358,590.00

146,105.00

4

1

Paris St Germain

296,520.80

67,195.80

5

5

Barcelona

290,296.70

41,942.50

6

9

Manchester City

245,430.80

67,330.80

7

4

Chelsea

193,810.00

59,131.70

8

6

Ajax

117,039.20

24,112.50

9

13

Juventus

91,663.30

15,227.50

10

18
/

The Importance of Properly Caring for Your Fashion Glasses

Accessorising your outfit is not a novel practice. When you think of wearing accessories with your outfit, you are probably thinking of earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Have you ever considered glasses to be a fashion statement, too? It’s easy to find and order glasses online. In this article, we will explore fashion glasses and how to care for them.

Eyeglasses Care

Eyeglasses have always had the purpose of helping those with vision problems to see. However, glasses can be worn with clear lenses. It’s worth trying wearing glasses regardless of your eyesight as a fashion statement. There are key differences between prescription glasses and fashion glasses. Prescription glasses are worn out of necessity, but fashion glasses can be worn to accessorize your wardrobe.

Good first impression

Believe it or not, your eyes matter when it comes to making a good first impression. Since eye contact plays a critical role in non-verbal communication, you want to meet people with confidence when you walk into a room. Glasses can help emphasize your eyes and face. Choosing the right fashion glasses can also draw attention to your outfit and send a different vibe.

Non-prescription glasses have fashion and function

Besides just adding to your outfit, fashion glasses are functional. Consider blue light glasses for working on the computer, playing video games, or watching tv. These eyeglasses can be prescribed by an eye doctor, but they are also available without a prescription. Blue light glasses protect your eyes from blue light and will help you have less eye strain and headaches with screen time.

Wearing glasses can highlight your best features

To pull off stylish glasses, you should choose frames that fit your face. Your glasses should be comfortable, and versatile, and accentuate your facial features. Round glasses frames or square glasses frames can change the look of your face. Specific styles of eyeglasses can make you appear younger. Bold-colored fashion frames can brighten your eyes or skin tone. This can give you a more youthful look.

Wearing glasses gives you the opportunity to express yourself

Personal style is always changing. Your wardrobe may include many different accessories. These accessories can be worn for many occasions, moods, and seasons. For some people glasses are a necessity so you may have one pair you wear daily. Consider wearing prescription fashion glasses as you would a flamboyant scarf. You could be bold and wear colored lenses where your eyes are still visible.

Glasses Care

Now that you’ve invested in a pair of glasses, you must properly care for them. You want to make them last as long as possible. Cleaning your eyeglasses is as simple as one, two, three! There are several ways to keep your glasses looking new.

Wash your hands

The first step to having clean eyeglasses is to make sure you wash your hands. You don’t want to transfer oil and dirt from your skin to the lenses during the cleaning process. Wash your hands well and dry them with a towel that won’t leave specks of lint.

Rinse your glasses well

Before wiping your glasses, rinse them well with warm water. Warm water will dislodge tiny particles of dust and dirt can be on your lenses. Wiping dust and dirt around on the glades can be abrasive and scratch the lenses. Be careful the water is not too hot as it could damage any specialized coatings on your lenses.

Use lotion-free dish soap

As part of the cleaning process, you can use a small drop of lotion-free dish soap on each lens. Rub the dishwashing liquid over both sides of the lenses with your fingers, then over the entire frame. Pay special attention to the glasses parts most often in contact with your skin, such as the nose pads and temples.

Spray your glasses carefully

Another cleaning option is to use a chemical eyeglass spray on the lenses. If you’re using chemical sprays on your glasses, it’s essential that you use sprays and cleaners made specifically for cleaning eyeglasses.  Never use household cleaners like Windex, because these chemicals contain ammonia, which will actually tear off any coating on the lenses.

Air-dry your glasses

Air drying your glasses is another great way to keep any materials from getting onto your lenses. If you can’t set them down to air dry, wipe them down with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth.

Use the correct cloth

You should never use paper towels, Kleenex, or paper napkins to dry your eyeglasses. All of these materials, regardless of how soft they are on your skin, have a textured surface and can easily scratch your lenses. Using the tail of your shirt to wipe your glasses is convenient. However, if your clothing is not 100% cotton, the fibers in the fabric will scratch the lens of your eyeglasses over time. The clothing can also have dirt on it, which means the residue ends up transferred to your lenses.

Grip your glasses firmly

Hold your glasses by the part of the glasses that crosses the bridge of the nose. This will keep you from accidentally bending the frame of the glasses while you’re cleaning them. Bent glasses can negatively affect the way you see out of your glasses. Also, if your frames are bent out of shape, they’re more likely to feel uncomfortable.

Properly store your glasses

Storing your eyeglasses properly will minimize the dust and dirt on the lenses. Using a glasses case will also protect them from getting scratched, bent, or broken. Never lay your glasses down on the lenses. This will cause scratches and potentially other damage. There are many case options for your eyeglasses. If you don’t want a big, bulky case, you can get a microfiber pouch. That is another storage option for glasses you don’t wear all the time such as sunglasses or reading glasses.

Wash your glasses often

Part of taking care of your eyeglasses is to wash them frequently. It’s best to wash them once a day to keep the lenses in their optimal state. The cleaner your glasses, the less your eyes have to strain to see through smudges, dirt, and dust.

Finally, just like other add-on items, fashion glasses come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Wear different fashion glasses with various outfits and find creative ways to put an outfit together.  Ultimately, you can curate a collection that fits your style!

/

Swaine refashions itself as a luxury goods house for the modern age

Since 1750, Swaine is the oldest name in luxury goods in London providing handmade luxury leather goods, elegant Brigg umbrellas and timeless Herbert Johnson, Indiana Jones’ headwear.

As one of the longest-established luxury goods houses – it embarks on a new chapter of its 273-year history, refreshing its image and range for 21st-century life, while retaining the heritage craft skills that made it a revered name in luxury.

Established in 1750 as an equestrian whip maker, Swaine later expanded its offering to suit shifting lifestyles, moving into leather goods and luggage, umbrellas and hats. Swaine represents a thread leading back to a more elegant time. Their products are made to last generations and proudly encourage their customers to look after your item and trust them for repair. Swaine is one of the most prestigious luxury brands in London. Their techniques are nearly a lost art, kept alive by their master craftsmen.

As part of this, it acquired businesses of comparable quality and reputation, bringing their expertise under the same roof, including umbrella maker Brigg and hatter Herbert Johnson, long-time supplier of the British armed forces. This unique blend of expertise earned Swaine the patronage of numerous discerning clients and 16 royal warrants.

It has also been a long-time champion of style on the big and small screens. Swaine’s products have cemented the cultural image of film’s most iconic characters, including James Bond’s self-destructing Swaine attaché case in From Russia with Love, Indiana Jones’s dust- speckled trilby, Mary Poppins’ Brigg parrot-head umbrella and most recently, Thomas Shelby’s Herbert Johnson newsboy cap in Peaky Blinders.

Now, as the brand attunes to the times, its latest evolution cements its place as a leading light in British luxury goods. Formerly known as Swaine Adeney Brigg, it has been rechristened as Swaine after its forefather, James Swaine, with a revamped house logo, while a new flagship store will opened earlier this year to complement the current boutique in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade. This flagship, located at 126-127, New Bond Street, has been designed by leading architectural firms Malherbe Paris and Atelier Architecture and Design, who created an immersive space that reflects both the brand’s pedigree and fresh direction. The 7,000 sq. ft. store will showcase the full men’s and women’s leather goods range and Herbert Johnson hats, alongside a ‘Rain Room’ for Brigg umbrellas and spaces for private appointments and bespoke services. Bespoke workshops for leather goods and Herbert Johnson hats will also be housed above the store, continuing the brand’s long tradition of production in the heart of the British capital.

This clean, contemporary rebrand is mirrored in Swaine’s revitalised product offering. Its iconic James Bond Attaché Case, for example, has been reimagined in a sleeker, lightweight form, making it more suited to busy urban life and for the first time, a women’s equivalent has been introduced to the range. However, for those who prefer to stay true to tradition, Swaine will continue to make its legacy products to their original specification, including the heritage Bond Attaché Case, made from English bridle leather – a signature material for the brand. “Swaine is the oldest luxury brand in the world and that history is one of our greatest assets. This rebirth is about investment, elevation and moving forward to capture a new audience and generation, while maintaining our hallmark of understated British elegance”, says Carine de Koenigswarter, Chairman and CEO of Swaine. While this rebrand is its most pivotal in nearly 300 years of trade, Swaine remains a byword for enduring luxury goods and the best of British craftsmanship.

/

How to combat jet lag, the travel hangover, with Nature’s Truth Levagen+ Bed supplements

According to Google trend data, searches for “jet lag cures” have risen by 3400% in the past month, as people prepare for their summer holidays.

Jet lag can be an unwanted side effect of travel that leaves you exhausted and eats into precious holiday time at either end of your trip. Fear not dear reader, here is a product that helps you to combat the fatigue brought on by travelling through various time zones.

Travel journalist Donna Richardson has visited six countries this past month and crossed many time zones. Feeling exhausted after returning from The Caribbean, there was no time to rest with her energetic six-year-old to entertain.

Added to this she had a busy schedule of travel to manage less than a week later, since her work took her to Scotland, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy in quick succession. And then the summer holidays began and she needed a pick-me-up before her family holiday to the Canary Islands.

Luckily, she discovered Levagen+ Bed. This new supplement from Nature’s Truth is focused on helping you get better rest and feel more refreshed in the morning. It contains PEA, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and L-Tryptophan, all clinically tested to aid sleep in various ways. 

“After all the travelling I have done in the past few weeks I have been feeling drained and exhausted,” said Donna.

“When you travel for work or go on holiday, often the flights are ridiculously early and involve a hotel stay the night before. Knowing I must get up at about 3:00am, I very rarely get a good night sleep as I wake every hour the night before I travel, terrified I will miss my wake-up alarm.

“Then when I arrive at the destination, I tend to struggle to get to sleep the following evening as I am buzzing with excitement.

“Trans-Atlantic travel in particular can really take it out of you – it is a killer on the journey back. You lose sleep on the flight and the jet lag is crippling. For days I felt exhausted after I returned, but I had to be alert as my little girl was eager to play with me after I hadn’t seen her for several days. It took at least a week just to feel normal again.

“Then I was off again on another series of adventures through Europe and then back home. While I was buzzing off the adrenaline, I was depleted of energy. My batteries needed charging and fast.

“Knowing I had less than a week before our family holiday, I needed something to give me a boost. I had been told all about Levagen+ Bed and how it had miraculous results for jet lag, so I decided to give it a whirl.

“The first evening I took it, I slept soundly and uninterrupted. Furthermore, the next morning I felt bright and alert.

“I am looking forward to taking it over the coming weeks to see if it will make a difference and give me energy for my on-the-go family holiday and beyond for the six weeks holidays.”

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) is the latest ingredient causing a buzz in the health and wellness industry. Dubbed the “new CBD”, PEA is a naturally occurring amino acid that has shown promising results in clinical trials. 

Combined with added ingredients to target specific needs, Levagen+ by Nature’s Truth has created a range of supplements that can aid pain reduction, combat swelling, promote sports recovery, aid hormone balancing, support good sleep and boost immunity.

Levagen+ Bed helps you to fall asleep faster during hot summer nights and helps you to wake up feeling more refreshed, making it easier to handle jet lag on your summer holidays, especially if you’re moving through time zones. The anti-inflammatory effects of PEA also have the potential to help combat hayfever symptoms stopping you sleep. 

Beyond helping to regulate your sleeping pattern, Levagen+ can also help to solve travel anxiety. Levagen+ Mood features Ashwaghandha root extract, which has been shown to help regulate mood, reduce stress, anxiety and cortisol levels.


Images by:

Guilherme Stecanella

Florian Van Duyn

/

Italian Summers VS British Autumns – ACQUA DI PARMA MEETS TENUTA LUCE

Bask in the sunny and clear sky that bathes the trails, feel the vibrance and radiance of the pulsating terrain, and immerse in the green and round sensations of the vines. An ode to light, a value profoundly shared by two storied Italian names who come together to present a brand-new fragrance for the home, Acqua di Parma meets Tenuta Luce.

Tenuta Luce, situated in the heart of the Val d’Orcia Natural Park, aims at obtaining the fullest expression of the Montalcino zone yet with an utterly distinctive individual style. Its brilliant sunlight, crisp air and well-ventilated conditions, gift of its unique exposure; and its diversity of soils and elevations all combine to make Tenuta Luce a truly privileged place to produce fine wines, where the equilibrium of all these components is jealously respected and protected

Inspired by a magical place where life, heritage, and culture define a territory of unparalleled value, the limited-edition fragrance unites the essence of nature and expert know-how in a perfect balance transporting the senses to sun-drenched vineyards.

A collaboration of excellent Italian craftsmanship born from the sun, the Acqua di Parma meets Tenuta Luce fragrance fills the living space with the energy of vines, the materiality of their trunk, and the texture of their leaves. Full of luminosity, the dry and woody scent reflects the sun-kissed soil and the richness of the Tuscan territory that Tenuta Luce calls home.

Fresh, aromatic notes of lavandin and thyme, amplified by juniper touches, seal this bouquet’s sparkling, radiant opening. After a strong and intriguing contrast, the fragrance evolves into more fruity, green, and rounded tones with grape leaves accord. The dry and luminous cedarwood reproduces the tactile sensation of sunny soil, while the deep, enveloping, and soft sandalwood evokes the scent of a traditional Italian savoir-faire of barrels.

Acqua di Parma meets Tenuta Luce is available as a 200gr candle and 180ml diffuser, both in shiny black lacquered glass adorned with radiant golden rays as lively as the intense sun rays illuminating the vineyards. The home fragrances feature a unique label in an ode to the all- Italian collaboration that merges tradition, innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.

In line with the attention to the sustainability of the Maison, the essential and compact design of Acqua di Parma’s Home Collection outer packaging reduces material consumption. The packaging comes in 100% recyclable fine paper approved by FSC, an international certification for responsible forest management worldwide.