Archive for October, 2017

Tailors on tour

We’re hitting the road, touring the country with our Tailor Me Cart, measuring up the men of Britain. Our Tailoring Experts will be on hand to take you through the four-step process of creating a suit that’s crafted for you and only you.

Tailor Me makes owning a custom-made suit accessible to all, with a wide range of suit fabrics and styles and a made-to-measure fit. You can also add personal touches such as monogramming and colourful linings. Each suit is made to order and ready for collection within 30 days, and all for just an extra £100 on the base price of your suit.

 

 

Here’s where you’ll find us over the next few months:

 

YORK

Saturday 7th – Tuesday 10th October

REGENT STREET

Wednesday 11th October

CANARY WHARF

Monday 16th – Wednesday 18th October

METROCENTRE

Friday 27th – Sunday 29th October

ASHFORD OUTLET

Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th November

SOUTHAMPTON

Saturday 18th – 19th November

EXETER

Thursday 7th – 9th December

CRIBS CAUSEWAY

Friday 5th – 7th January 2018

 

We’ll be adding new locations every week so check back to see when we’re coming to your area.

 

The art of layering

The art of layering

When the cold weather kicks in, layering is your friend.

Done properly, layering coats, knits and scarves not only keeps the chill at bay, but also provides extra styling opportunities that sparse summer outfits just can’t compete with.

 

 

 

KNIT UP

The funnel neck knit makes a heroic return to menswear this winter and does a remarkable job of being both a bit sporty and well suited to wearing under tailoring.

Keep things on the smarter side for weekday commutes by wearing one in a similar tone to your suit. Extra points for adding in a scarf that cleverly matches it to your also-very-fashionable camel coat.

 

 

 

GO TONAL

Your grey overcoat becomes an extension of your suit when worn over a 2-piece and shirt in tonal shades and patterns of roughly the same scale.

A richly toned tie provides a focal point on a head-to-toe grey outfit, while black leather gloves subtly pick out the suit’s checks as well as keep fingers functioning in the cold. Handy, that.

 

 

 

DO THINGS BY HALVES

No, not half-heartedly, but by using tailored separates to make a whole new look.

Turn your slim fit coat into one part of a winter suit by skipping the jacket and pairing with slim fit trousers in the same shade. On really cold days, layer in a chunky cable roll neck knit for a modern (and warm) take on business casual.

The winter coat guide

 

It’s that time of year again and you’re going to need a new winter coat to defend against the oncoming chill. Might as well make it a stylish one, then.

 

 

 

THE CAMEL COAT

A camel overcoat is a true menswear classic, with generations of men relying on it as a stylish layer over a suit or sharp separates on chilly days. Ours comes in an on-trend double-face, wool-rich cloth that’s half-lined and cut in a tailored fit for warmth without the bulk.

 

 

 

THE FASHION COAT

Patterns are a key trend in coats as well as tailoring this winter, and a checked overcoat is a great way to liven up even the simplest of outfits. Crafted from a soft, textured wool-blend in a stylish slim fit, this monochrome Prince of Wales version will go beautifully with a grey suit as well as over knitwear and chinos on days off.

 

 

 

THE PEA COAT

Originally designed for sailors, the ever-stylish pea coat has its roots in functionality. Cut longer than a jacket but shorter than a coat for extra mobility and featuring an oversized collar that can be buttoned up high in harsh conditions, it’s more than equipped to keep you warm on adventurous weekends (or, you know, just strolling around town).

 

 

 

THE OVERCOAT

In go-with-everything grey and a tailored fit to complement the lines of a sharp suit, this wool-rich overcoat will also sit well with jeans and a jumper on the weekend. Single-breasted with smart peak lapels, it’s a menswear classic that’ll cover you through the winter months this year and the next. And the next.

 

 

 

THE SLIM FIT COAT

Just because it’s cold and wet, it doesn’t mean your style should get dampened. Look sharp when the temperature starts dropping with this navy twill overcoat. Cut to complement the lines of slim fit tailoring, it’s finished with a smooth navy velvet collar and a contrast red lining that’ll brighten even the gloomiest of days.

 

GET YOUR COAT 

Spotlight on: raincoats

It’s true, a little rain never hurt anybody.

But if you live on our fair isle, you’ll probably be dealing with more than a light shower this autumn. Get the right raincoat in your armoury and you’ll face those wintry showers in fighting form.

 

 

If you’re looking for a raincoat that’ll blow miserable days out of the water, this is it.

Our newest Moss rainmac is finished with a showerproof coating to treat downpours like water off a duck’s back. It’s also got a removable quilted insert so on days when the weather can’t decide what it’s doing, you don’t have to either. Only rain forecasted? Keep things simple with just the mac. Both the rain and cold due to come biting? Appreciate the warmth of an extra quilted layer.

Available in classic stone or smart navy, it’s finished with valuable-saving internal pockets and a herringbone fabric collar stand for a flash of pattern when you lift your collar up against the chill.

 

 

If rain is your only concern, our original Moss rainmac is lightweight, water-repellent and smartly tailored to fit snugly over your suit on a wet commute.

Available in three colours – stone, dark grey and navy – we’ve purposefully kept the design minimal, with a single-breasted front and unlined contrast inner, so you can easily stash it in your bag should the clouds clear. At least until they roll back in again.

 

 

 

GET HOME AND DRY 

 

The fine print worth noticing

In the Suit Up revolution, it’s essential you pay attention to the fine print. The print on your shirt, that is.

Nothing adds more personality to your outfit than a printed shirt, but standout style doesn’t need to be complicated. Below, our pick of this season’s finest prints with some words on how to wear them.

One thing’s for sure – you’re not going to go unnoticed.

 

 

When you’re looking to make an impact, a plain blue shirt probably isn’t going to cut it. Wear this floral print formal shirt in place of your normal weekday shirt and there’ll be no mistaking you for the office wallflower. With a tapestry-inspired print and coordinating double collar, it’s truly a shirt to stand out in.

 

 

This leaf print shirt takes summer’s fresh botanical patterns over to the dark side for autumn and winter. A great weekend shirt, its darkly tropical print will look great worn open over a t-shirt and chinos during the day but will come into its own buttoned all the way up and paired with tapered black trousers for after-hours.

 

 

Running with the leaf theme (it is autumn, after all), this slim fit shirt is a subtler option with its pale grey print and soft, casual collar. Skip the tie, roll up your sleeves and wear it with tailored trousers to show there’s no grey area when it comes to smart style at the weekend.

 

 

Always fall back on your checked shirt? Go off grid just a little with the geo print formal shirt. A graphic update on the menswear classic, its micro print and sharp cut means it’s versatile enough to work in the office as well as out in the evening.

How to step up your skincare for winter

How to step up your skincare for winter

Like it or not, winter is on its way… As the nights get darker, and the weather gets colder, our friends at grüum are back to share their tips on how to keep your skin in check over those chilly winter months.

 

Winter is notorious for upsetting your skin. Whether its chapped lips, a “Rudolph” nose, dry skin, or beard-druff, along with the cold comes a plethora of issues you’d rather not be dealing with.

As the temperature drops and conditions get harsher, your skin’s usual protective barrier is compromised. Nasty allergens, irritants, and pollutants which are usually kept out are let in, and the good stuff like water and natural oils are let out. Not an ideal situation at all.

But don’t fret. When it comes to protecting yourself from the wrath of winter, a simple skincare routine and a bit of TLC go a long way.

 

 

MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE!

This one is really important, can you tell? But seriously, that damaged barrier means your skin is going to need a strong helping hand in staying hydrated, so don’t skimp on the moisturiser. You should be moisturising your face at least once a day, but ideally twice. A layer in the morning will aid in protecting your skin throughout the day from those unforgiving elements. Then, before you go to bed, go for a slightly thicker application (make sure you wash your face first) to soothe and repair as you sleep.

 

DON’T FORGET THE FACIAL FUZZ

There’s nothing like a nice bit of facial fuzz to keep you toasty in the cold weather, but it’s important to protect that too. Facial hair has a tendency to wick moisture away from the skin. Add some cold weather to the occasion and you’ve got a recipe for itchy skin, or even worse, beard-druff. Lock in the moisture with a daily dose our leif beard oil – just rub a drop into your hands and work through your beard, making sure you get right down to the skin underneath.

 

 

GET YOUR VITAMINS

Omega-3 and vitamin D are super helpful for maintaining your skin’s protective barrier. Vitamin-D usually comes from sunlight, however, during the winter months, the sun isn’t strong enough to produce vitamin D, so a supplement might be a good idea. Nutritionists recommend eating oily fish around 3x per week to keep up your omega-3 levels, but if fish isn’t your thing then opt for a supplement instead.

 

PUCKER UP

Avoid those crispy winter lips by keeping a lip-balm handy when you’re out on the go. Be mindful of which one you go for though, many “medicated” lip balms actually end up drying your lips more in the long run, so go for something that contains natural oils, butters or beeswax.

 

Skincare a new ball game for you? Not a seasoned wet-shaver? Desperately trying to tame your whiskers to no avail? The guys at grüum have got loads more tips and advice available on their blog. Or give them a shout on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Their tailored grooming kits contain everything you need to take care of your face and if you take their 3-step survey, they’ll let you know which products are best for you and give you 50% off your first order.

 

Know your way around a tailored jacket

The devil’s in the detail.

KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND A TAILORED JACKET

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL

• WORDS: A. FOZZARD

If looking smart with minimal effort is your goal when getting dressed, a tailored jacket is your wardrobe trump card. Sharp but easy to wear, with the ability to take an average outfit to something much more pulled-together, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a garment that’ll work harder for you.

But it’s the little things that separate a good tailored jacket from a great one. Here’s what to look out for.

VENTS

Most tailored jackets have vents on the back. These vertical splits in the fabric along the bottom edge give you room to move without creasing the material or making the buttons gape. A jacket with no vents would feel a little bit restricting. Most jackets made for business have double vents (see 2 above) with one on either side. This style is the British tailoring standard, but if you’re erring on the side of casual you might prefer to have just one split down the middle (1).

LININGS

You’ve heard it said that it’s what’s on the inside that counts? When it comes to jackets, this definitely rings true. If you want your jacket to feel comfortable, look sleek and hold its shape, this extra layer of silken material makes all this happen. It helps keep you warm, too, so choosing a full lining (2) is a good option in winter. When you’re looking for a jacket for summer weddings and events, keep your eyes peeled for half-lined ones (1). By keeping the lining to just shoulders and arms, your jacket still slips on easily but your body heat can escape through the back.

POCKETS

Choosing your pockets is a matter of personal taste, as opposed to any real practicality, as your pockets should be for show only – putting anything bulky in them will ruin the lines of your suit.

Most smart jackets have flap pockets (2), which have (you guessed it) a flap above the opening. If you want to blend in at business meetings, go for a flap pocket. Keen to ramp up the style? Go for an extra ticket pocket (1) on one side. Sitting above your main pocket, these smaller pockets were traditionally cut into jackets to hold coins for roadside tolls. Used on a modern jacket, they give a vintage feel.

Lastly, we come to patch pockets (3). These pockets are sewn onto the outside of your jacket, rather than built into its structure. They’re normally found on casual coats rather than tailored jackets, but recently they’ve made their casual mark on the tailoring world too. They work well on unstructured jackets with minimal tailoring. If you prefer a laidback look, they’re the ones to go for.

COLLARS

In general, the stiffer the collar the smarter the jacket. All tailored jackets have a collar stand to help them stay upright. They also have fabric sewn into the underside to add more structure – usually, this a woven fabric called melton that might be the same fabric as your jacket but is often a contrast colour or even a piece of printed lining fabric. We say, be as adventurous as you like: a bright melton adds a welcome shot of colour when you lift your collar.

CUFFS

Every tailored jacket has buttons on the cuffs, and they may or may not work. Working cuff buttons are also sometimes known as surgeon’s cuffs because, historically, men might have worn tailored jackets to do messy work (think: surgery) so would need to roll up their cuffs. Today, working buttons on your sleeve cuff are generally the mark of a bespoke-made jacket, as most ready-to-wear jackets are made with non-functioning buttons. The difference isn’t particularly noticeable, but it’s a small detail that might just get you the nod from those in the know.

5 modern British jackets to wear now

5 modern British jackets to wear now

Inspired by traditional British tweed, this season’s tailored jackets have been rebuilt for the man of today.

Made with softly structured shoulders and lighter weight cloths than traditional tweeds, they’re the modern equivalent to the thick hunting jackets our Grandads used to wear. Add on-trend textures, contemporary colours and modern micro-print linings into the mix, and you’ve got a sharp jacket that’ll see you stylishly through just about any smart-casual occasion.

Here are five modern British jackets to wear now for smartness with minimal effort:

 

1. GREEN WITH BLUE WINDOWPANE JACKET

With a minimal grid design, the windowpane check is today’s answer to the traditional Prince of Wales check.

This Moss version gives traditional rural style a modern refresh by weaving a bold blue windowpane check into countryside-inspired green wool. Extra features include an external ticket pocket, a contrast blue polka dot lining and a matching chest pocket lining that doubles as a pull-out pocket square.

 

 

 

2. CHARCOAL AND TEAL WINDOWPANE JACKET

For a slightly more urban take on the windowpane check, this Moss jacket will freshen up any formal look.

Its graphic grid pattern is highlighted with bright teal and a sharp, slim cut, while its stormy grey hue will look great paired with smart black trousers. Fully lined, it’s finished off with a teal lapel buttonhole and a flash of colour under the collar.

 

 

3. TAN MULTI CHECK JACKET

Crafted from 100% wool, this multi-check jacket by Moss blends heritage style with modern touches.

Its casual notch lapel features a traditional throat latch tab, while its checked cloth replaces classic shades of brown with flashes of orange and blue. A paisley printed undercollar is an unexpected detail and, as above, the chest pocket lining turns upwards into a built-in pocket square to sharpen up your look, fast.

 

 

4. GREY PRINCE OF WALES JACKET

How do you bring the traditional Prince of Wales check up-to-date? Craft it in modern monochrome, of course.

We’ve upped the modern minimalism on this Moss jacket by cutting it in a neat slim fit and replacing classic flap pockets with patch pockets. Typically found on more sporty jackets or coats, used here patch pockets add a casual contrast to a typically smart item. Dial up the smart-casual by styling it with knitwear and chinos.

 

 


5. BLUE HERRINGBONE JACKET

This wool-rich jacket by Moss updates the classic tweed look with an on-trend herringbone texture.

A British tailoring staple, herringbone fabric gets its name from the zigzag skeleton of the herring fish. Used here, it’s given a modern twist layered with a subtle checked pattern in rich red and orange and a sharply tailored fit.

 

 

SHOP MODERN BRITISH JACKETS