CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

WAWWA is a clothing brand based in the wonderful and creative hotbed that is Manchester, UK, with an important mission to prioritise the planet and people over profits. They use vegan, organic and recycled materials and are dedicated to making a positive social impact by paying fair wages and donating clothing through their 1+1 collection. In 2020, they established their own micro factory in Manchester and now produce most of their products in-house. They source materials from UK suppliers whenever possible to support local production and reduce their carbon footprint. The WAWWA factory operates on a made-to-order or pre-order model for the majority of styles, to minimise waste by producing only what’s needed

Their latest innovative venture is with fellow Mancunian based Cloudwater Brew Co, an award-winning, innovative craft brewery. Known for their dedication to quality, creativity, and pushing boundaries, Cloudwater Brewery has garnered global recognition for their exceptional beers. With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, community engagement, and ethical practices, Cloudwater Brewery remains committed to innovation and creating memorable experiences for craft beer enthusiasts.

The partnership brings together their respective expertise and passion for sustainability and ethical resourcing to create an exclusive clothing range and a craft beer, both proudly made in Manchester, within a one mile radius of each other.

The collaborative clothing range merges WAWWA’s signature sustainable styles with Cloudwater artistic flair, resulting in a truly unique collection. By incorporating Cloudwater’s artwork, the range showcases an earthy-toned print that is actually a re-work of beer seen through the lens of a microscope, offering a fresh perspective on the beverage. The standout print is locally printed onto fabric in Manchester and crafted into garments in WAWWA’s micro-factory. The print can be seen as an all-over design across various pieces, including their Ezra Cuban Shirt, Zama Shorts, Jay Cap, and Boonie hat. Additionally, the collection features graphic prints on soft organic t-shirts and hoodies.

WAWWA’s popular cross body bag and totes also receive a beer lovers update. These accessories now boast four side pockets designed to perfectly fit cans, making them ideal for beach BBQs or picnics in the park. Each piece in the collection proudly features a redesigned WAWWA logo inspired by Cloudwater’s iconic branding.

In parallel, Cloudwater Brewery introduces a refreshing craft beer – One Mile Radius – brewed with passion utilising seasonal ingredients. This bespoke beer is guaranteed to tantalise taste buds with its fresh and zesty flavour profile. Brewed with a lead hop Waimea, a modern NZ version of classic US hops, delivering citrus and pine. It represents the fusion of brewing traditions, embodying the spirit of Manchester’s innovative manufacturing scene. 

 Andrew, Co-Founder of WAWWA Clothing. “Together, we aim to showcase Manchester’s talent, creativity, and sustainability ethos through our collaborative clothing range. This partnership represents our shared commitment to making a positive impact in our respective industries, while celebrating local craftsmanship.”

Paul Jones, Co-founder of Cloudwater Brew Co, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with WAWWA Clothing, a brand that shares our passion for quality, working together with local independent businesses and pushing boundaries. Our new beer will bring together the best of our brewing expertise with Manchester’s vibrant spirit, to tantalise your taste buds.”

Their pre-order model reflects our commitment to sustainability, as it reduces textile waste by producing only the amount of pieces that will be purchased. Estimates suggest the fashion industry overproduces by about 30-40%. By implementing this model for the collaboration, it contributes to a reduction in fabric and fibre consumption, water usage, energy consumption, and transportation emissions.

Since Covid-19 swept across the globe, many industries have shifted to fully remote or hybrid working. During covid, 70% of the workforce was working from home (WFH) and since then, 61.9% of companies have planned to incorporate remote work, be it fully remote or hybrid.

With more and more people working from the comfort of their own home, a Health Impact Assessment found that home working may be associated with more sedentary lifestyles and in turn increased risk of obesity. Most of our calories throughout the day are burned through non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which is things such as walking, and other basic activities. When working from home, sometimes our activities can be even more limited.

This guide from Total Shape includes some great ways to stay fit even when you are working from home. 

• Standing Desk

Standing desks have gained popularity over the last few years and have been proven to provide many positive health benefits. Some of the benefits of standing desks is that standing burns more calories than sitting, even if you simply stand still. Research has also shown that 66% of workers felt more productive and 87% felt more energised. Standing activates the muscles in your legs and core while stimulating circulation, which can help you to burn extra calories and build your strength. Standing desks come in a range of styles and cater for all different budgets meaning this is an accessible option for all.

Cost: £150 – £600

Calories per hour: 60 – 90

• Desk Treadmill 

Although it is a more expensive option, this is one of the most effective ways to stay fit while working at home. It essentially takes the standing desk a step further by adding the walking element. Studies have shown that walking between 1 and 2.5 mph can lead to an extra 170 – 240 calories burned per hour. Not only have people encountered the physical benefits of getting more exercise, but walking helps to oxygenate the brain by stimulating blood circulation. So, we think better and more efficiently when we walk. With most people having busy schedules outside of work, it can make getting the recommended amount of physical exercise difficult, which makes this a great way to stay fit while working from home.

Cost: £200 – £800

Calories per hour: 170 – 240 

• Under Desk Bikes

A very similar concept to the desk treadmill, an under the desk bike features a small set of pedals that can slide under your desk so that you can pedal while sitting. The small machines can be altered to have more resistance which makes it harder or easier to pedal. This type of aerobic exercise is good for staying fit and can help strengthen your legs and joints. Studies estimated that peddling while seated can burn up to 10 calories per minute depending on the intensity, which means you could burn up to 600 calories an hour. However, the average gentle peddling will most likely burn 100-300 an hour. 

Cost: £50 – £200

Calories per hour: 100 – 600 (depending on intensity)

• Resistance Bands 

Resistance bands are an affordable option to help train your body and get fitter. You can perform plenty of more passive resistance band workouts even when you’re doing something at your desk. This means that in between typing and during brainstorming sessions, your body can keep active alongside your mind. Exercises could include bicep curls, overhead tricep extensions and shoulder raises. However, there are many variations and other exercises that can be done with resistance bands.

Resistance bands can help you build muscle and burn calories while seated at your desk. A study published in 2022 showed that resistance band training lowers body fat in people who are overweight better than other forms of training, including free weights and bodyweight exercises.

Cost: £15 – £40

Calories per hour: 180 – 252

• 7 Minute workout 

Searching “seven-minute workout” on the app store will reveal a fantastic app that will guide you through various workouts that you can do in your own home, which take just seven minutes at a time. The best thing about the seven-minute workout app is that its programs are designed especially for people who are doing the workouts at home, and who have no special equipment. While there are some in-app purchases available, you can use the app completely free – so there’s nothing stopping you from getting started. 

The 7-minute nature of these workouts allows people with busy schedules to fit in exercise and can help break up your working day which can increase productivity. Building muscle will also help you to burn more NEAT calories as well which in the long term will help you stay fit and healthy. 

Cost: Free

Calories per 7 minutes: 20 – 50 

• Diet 

Exercise and living an active lifestyle are obviously important in staying fit and healthy; however, diet is a key contributor to overall health and fitness. People with few distractions at home may find that they are more aware of hunger than they would be at the workplace which can lead to more snacking and possibly an unhealthier diet. By focusing on eating healthy foods and healthy snacks, people who work from home can ensure that they are staying fit and keeping their bodies healthy. Studies show that both the overall composition of the human diet and specific dietary components have been shown to have an impact on brain function, this means that diet isn’t only going to keep you fit, but it’s going to improve cognitive function, and thus the quality of work produced. 

A spokesperson from Total Shape commented: “Roughly 2 in 3 people in the US are overweight and with many aspects of life becoming more sedentary, it’s important that people try to find new ways to keep fit and healthy. Life has become busy and more expensive, meaning that it’s harder to find the time and money to attend gyms or activities that help us to remain fit. This guide provides a plethora of choices for people on various budgets and with specific preferences to ensure we are keeping ourselves healthy.”

The way you dress for an interview is so important, not just because it affects your confidence and the interviewer’s first impression of you,’ Amanda Augustine, careers expert at CVApp.de stresses. ‘In summer, you’ve got the added risk of overheating in formal clothes, which affects your concentration and increases the risk of everybody’s worst interview fear: your mind going blank during a question.’

With their experience of applicants’ worries about interview outfits – the dreaded sweat stains, looking unprofessional in shorter garments, or not looking memorable enough – experts at CVApp.deinterviewed fashion expert Hailey Rizzo from feelinggoodashail.com on their most sought-after questions.

How should people dress for interviews in summer in general?

Hailey Rizzo: When dressing for interviews in summer, you want to opt for a balance between comfort and professionalism. Lightweight fabrics and layers are two things to consider in order to stay cool and also comfortable, especially if the interview is being held in an air-conditioned office. Your go-to interview style should start at the base with something like a blazer or cardigan and build up from there. 

In general, you want to aim for items with a well-tailored fit that will help give you a put-together appearance. Depending on the job you’re interviewing for, don’t be afraid to add your own unique spin to your interview outfit. Things like statement earrings and colourful nail polish can help show your personality without being over the top.

What colours work best to get people hired: are there trends people should go for or things they should avoid?

Hailey Rizzo: Neutrals and earth tones are always a safe bet for interviews. Beige, brown, black, and navy are universally flattering and help create a neutral visual first impression. If you have more colour than neutrals in your wardrobes, opt for a soft pastel or jewel tone. Both of these hues make a subtle yet bold statement while adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit.

You want to avoid overly bright or distracting colours. Remember, that’s where fun accessories and accents can come into play.

Which types of fabric are best to stay cool & professional at the same time?

Hailey Rizzo: Linen is the best fabric to stay cool and look professional. Linen is made from a loose weave which allows for air to circulate more easily, keeping your body cool. It also has a natural ability to wick away moisture, perfect for keeping you dry on those humid summer days. Not only is linen incredibly functional, but it allows for a crisp and polished aesthetic making it one of the best fabrics for professional settings. 

Other than linen, cotton is another great option because of its breathable and lightweight nature.

What advice have they got for people wanting to go for “dress code business casual”?

Hailey Rizzo: For those wanting to go business casual, go with a delicate balance for business on top, casual on the bottom, or the opposite. For example, a blazer layered above a French-tucked tee and black chinos as a great example of casual on top and business on the bottom. For the opposite, opt for a tucked-in satin button-down on top and relaxed wide-leg trousers on the bottom. Loafers are the perfect shoe for a business casual dress code as well. 

What types of clothing people should wear/avoid? 

Hailey Rizzo: A blazer is almost always a must for any interview. Underneath a blazer, I recommend either a silk blouse or a t-shirt, depending on how casual you want to go. On the bottom, I recommend wide-leg trousers, straight-leg chinos, or a satin skirt (which is an upgrade from a boring pencil skirt). 

In terms of what to avoid wearing to an interview, you want to avoid jeans and sneakers. These should be avoided no matter how casual the environment may be. I also recommend making sure the outfit is properly tailored to you in order to avoid anything too tight or loose. You may have to visit a tailor for this, but this is a good way to have 1-2 perfectly tailored outfits on deck for any interviews you may have.

How to best stand out/look memorable with your outfit in an interview without looking extravagant?

Hailey Rizzo: This comes down to subtle details that add a touch of uniqueness to your style without being overly extravagant. This can include a delicate pattern, textures, or even a tasteful pop of colour. If you want to stand out in a different way, I highly recommend statement earrings. While you don’t want anything too loud or flashy, wearing abstract or colourful earrings will add a touch of memorability to your outfit, especially since the interviewer will be looking at your face the entire time. 

So in a nutcase;

1) opt for a balance between comfort and professionalism

2) Consider lightweight fabrics and layers

3) aim for items with a well-tailored fit

4) add your own unique spin, such as stand-out accessories

Images

Andrey Popov-Shutterstock

Caterina Trimarchi- Shutterstock

Volodymyr Tverdokhlib- Shutterstock

Par(x), the newest name in the golfing world, has announced the unveiling of its state-of-the-art line of golf gear and accessories, fortified with cutting-edge Filium technology. The brand’s premium products are crafted using only the highest-quality natural materials, designed to provide golfers, or equally guys who just like the look, with a comfortable fit, superior performance, and unparalleled style both on and off the golf course.

It is a leading brand of premium golf gear and accessories, dedicated to providing golfers of all skill levels with the tools they need to elevate their game. The company’s innovative products are designed with style, performance, and sustainability in mind, making Par(x) a favorite among golf enthusiasts worldwide.Par(x) is committed to using sustainable materials and production processes, and the brand’s products are powered by Filium® technology, a groundbreaking process that transforms ordinary fabrics into durable, odor-resistant, water-repellent, and stain-resistant materials.

“Par X Golf is the newest initiative in performance, earth-friendly, natural clothing, bringing to market the same dedication to sustainability and performance as we have with numerous other natural cotton brands. The Par(x) collection is activated with Filium, the proprietary patent-pending apparel technology that imparts performance characteristics – liquid, stain, and odor-repellency – to natural fibers like cotton without sacrificing prized features of natural fabrics like soft hand and breathability. Golfers have been crying out as they appreciate the comfort and updated styles offered by Par(x); many have said that feeling and looking good has helped their game. And when they head to the 19th hole, they are still looking and smelling as fresh as when they arrived at the course. Finally, in a world riven by the effects of climate change and environmental pollution, Par(x) is a desirable choice for golfers who want to contribute to a more sustainable planet. As we like to say: “lower your handicap and carbon footprint with Par X Golf”. – Raj Shah, Founder

For decades, golf apparel has been 99% synthetic textiles. Par(x) breaks that mold with its natural cotton. But the standout feature of Par(x) products is the integration of Filium technology, a revolutionary innovation in the textile industry. Filium transforms ordinary fabrics into extraordinarily durable, odor-resistant, water-repellent, and stain-resistant materials without sacrificing their softness, breathability, or comfort. With Filium -activated fabric, perspiration, and beverages roll off the surface of the material, and liquids known to stain like coffee or wine can be rinsed off without damage. Filium-activated fabric means sweat evaporates and prevents bacteria growth, thus allowing garments to be worn multiple times between washes, leading to less laundry. Filium‘s core technology is produced according to Bluesign standards for sustainable materials and production, making it eco-friendly and harm-free to the Earth. Par(x) is the first golf brand to incorporate this groundbreaking technology, setting new standards in golfing apparel and accessories.

The Par(x) product roster encompasses a diverse range of golf gear and accessories, all enhanced with Filium technology and meticulously designed to provide golfers with unrivaled performance and style. The brand’s clothing line features chic golf shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, and dresses for both women and men, crafted from breathable and moisture-wicking natural materials to ensure golfers remain comfortable, whether on the golf course or beyond. Par(x)‘s accessory range, includes hats that offer the perfect finishing touches to any golfer’s ensemble.

As a new entrant in the golf industry, Par(x) is committed to utilizing the most advanced technology and inventive materials to furnish golfers with the highest-caliber products. Par(x) is not only dedicated to enhancing the golfing experience but also to making a positive impact on the environment. By using Filium technology in its products, Par(x) aims to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, while providing golfers with ultra-comfortable, long-lasting, easy-to-maintain options, to revel in the sport they adore.