Meet the man putting Ted’s Performance suit through its paces.

Having first tried his hand at climbing at the tender age of eleven, Matt Cousins has been confidently making his way to the summit of the sport, in which he has firmly established himself as one of the foremost talents.

Based in Herne Bay, Kent, Matt thanks his first climbing teacher, who taught him to climb on a small indoor wall at secondary school, for his introduction to climbing. Before long, he had progressed to competition climbing and international events.

Now a professional climber and route-setter, Matt has spent the last few years focusing on the competitive aspect of climbing. After a short break from the sport, he returned in 2012 and was soon selected for the GB Climbing Team.

The focus clearly paid off, as Matt now represents GB in competitions all over the world. “I’ve had lots of performances that I’m proud of, but the one that sticks in my mind is winning the British Bouldering Championships in 2016, which was amazing,” he says.

Returning to the same competition this July, Matt once again ended the competition on the podium, with an impressive second-place finish.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ted enlisted the bouldering specialist to put his new Performance suit through its paces versus the dramatic splendour of Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands.

Launched in 1999 as the original performance suit, Ted’s Endurance collection was a pioneer for a technical take on tailoring. Now, a little ahead of the twentieth anniversary of its release, Ted presents a new generation of performance tailoring.

Matt explains that joining Ted in Glencoe was about exploring new routes: “It was a chance to explore a beautiful new area with Ted, who was perfectly happy to let me get on with the climbing. It was great fun!”

Asked whether the suit stood up to the test that the climb presented, Matt was pleasantly surprised. “It felt really good actually – better than I expected! Climbing is a full-body sport and requires a lot of flexibility. The suit didn’t restrict movement at all. It was very durable too; after three days of scrambling around on rocks and it still looked like new.”

Crafted from super 100 fabric with a subtle natural stretch, the Performance suit resists creases while its naturally breathable composition repels water while also being quick to dry and resistant to stains.

“The suit wicks water incredibly well”, says Matt. “There was a moment in the filming where I had to basically put my arm in a waterfall and my shirt cuff was soaked, but the water just rolled off the suit fabric.

“There are some really nice finer details too, with beautiful stitching around the inside of the collar and in the lining. I love the combination of great quality, attention to detail and unique style.”

The Performance suit features a modern, slim-fit cut with tapered trousers and a flattering notch-lapel jacket, available in a variety of colour and textile options, including navy and a blue check.

Finished with Ted’s signature eye for detail when it comes to statement linings, bespoke hardware (such as rubber tabs on the inner pockets and a branded lapel pin) and considered elements, the Performance suit carries the baton for Ted’s enduring Endurance collection, making a bold fashion statement while simultaneously offering the ultimate in city-proof practicality.

Having pitted the performance suit against the decidedly tougher test of the Scottish Highlands, we asked Matt if he would wear the suit to climb again. “Most definitely!” is his emphatic answer. “Just like Ted, I’m never afraid to try something different.”

The Ted Baker Performance suit, part of the Endurance collection, is available from £429 in selected Moss Bros. stores and online now.

Stylish groom and guest wear, this way.

STYLISH GROOM AND GUEST WEAR, THIS WAY

• WORDS: C. STEWART

† IMAGE: 1. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 2. Beretta/Sims/REX/Shutterstock

GREY AND BLUE LOUNGE SUITS

† IMAGE: 1 & 2. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 3. Chris Jackson/AP/REX/Shutterstock

MORNINGWEAR AND TAILS

† IMAGE: 1 & 2. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 3. Chris Jackson/AP/REX/Shutterstock

DARK BLUE AND BLACK

Great style is made for living in.

The New Formal marks a new relaxed take on menswear, but this laidback trend extends beyond just what we wear and is changing the look and feel of where we spend our time too. We asked interiors bloggers Mark Russell and David White of Forward Features to take us through how the trend for relaxed style is finding pace outside of our wardrobes, and how you can tap into the look at home too. Over to the guys.

When it comes to personal style, there’s a lot you can learn about yourself from what’s hanging in your wardrobe. We train our brains to gravitate towards certain textures, colours and designs. This is true of what we wear ­– but it’s also true of what we put in our home.

Having our homes reflect our own style is becoming more and more common. Exposure to design on our social feeds is inspiring us to be a bit braver when it comes to interior design – allowing us the freedom to have our homes reflect our tastes as well as the personal ways we live. Since we’re all go-go-go in our daily lives, our homes also need to be places we can slow down and relax. Everyone wants to feel at home, don’t they? Just like menswear, right now it’s really all about interiors that feel as good as they look. So here are three ways you can get the New Formal look in your home.

RELAX INTO IT

If it’s time to switch up the generic Swedish-designed interior products you’ve been choosing, first thing’s first: take stock of what you wear. Menswear has changed and it’s no longer all about the regimented suit and tie combination; we’re going more relaxed with slouchy silhouettes and layered styling.

If your style is more relaxed, then bring this into the home. We’re talking oversized cushions casually stacked on sofas, or perhaps propped up against walls as impromptu seating – the aim is for it to look inviting. Textured fabrics like tweeds, velvets and wool feel welcoming, especially in the colder months, as will plump, comfortable furniture. Steer clear of sharp edges and instead look for curved corners and smooth lines to encourage guests (and yourself) to kick back and stay a while.

ADD EASY ELEGANCE

However, if you’re the type who’s not ready to give up his polished brogues just yet, you can still embrace this form of relaxed formality at home – just soften the look with a few small changes. In menswear, the look’s all about ditching the tie and adding in a softer layer like this season’s brushed cotton shirts or a fine Merino knit. In order to bring this look into your home, it’s again about making a few small edits. If a sofa covered in cushions isn’t your thing, go for a sleeker look instead with one or two (or none at all) but stick to a sofa with those round edges or elegantly worn-in leather upholstery.

The New Formal’s all about great materials and colours that are easy to mix and match and you can recreate this feeling at home with a tactile rug, warm wood furniture and minimal accessories. Earthy shades of brown, taupe and ochre work well here as will natural materials like wood, wicker and stone, while highlights of deep green or teal and a few reflective surfaces for contrast.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Lastly – it’s all about those finishing touches. Just as you would wear one standout piece, such as a vintage watch or cufflinks, do this in your home. Create a focal point in a room that sums up your personality. Now we’re not talking about one huge ceramic vase or anything – we’re here to tell you about vignettes. These are ‘snapshots’ that you can create in a room to emulate your personal style.

Layer different object such as photo frames, books and ornaments in one space (shelves work really well) and you’ll find yourself an area that reflects your personality. Hang a framed vintage movie poster or graphic piece of art for the finishing touch. What’s also great about these final details is that, as in tailoring, these can be changed about at your will, depending on your mood or the season.

David White and Mark Russell are interiors bloggers from South London. Their website Forward Features – winner of Best Design Inspiration blog, Amara Interior Awards 2016 – discusses the latest trends and design news and you can find them on Instagram too.

Colour, texture and suits styled for living in.

This season power dressing’s had a reform: gone is buttoned-up, stiff tailoring and instead is a relaxed and layered approach that’s made for the colder days ahead.

The New Formal collection is all about mix-and-match menswear. Suits and separates in tactile cloths and eye-catching patterns sit alongside brushed cotton shirts, fine Italian knitwear and suede or leather trainers. A colour palette of warm grey, soft stone and muted blues is designed to mix easily with earthy shades of camel, mustard and red with flashes of bold, bright teal.

But as much as there are key pieces in the collection, the emphasis is firmly on styling that updates classic looks with a laidback feel. Really, it’s all about comfort. Because the more comfortable you are, the more confident you feel. Here are four ways to get the look.

SPLIT UP YOUR SUIT

A suit will always look great worn as a matching set, but the new relaxed menswear mood has loosened the rules and encourages you to treat your suit as separates. Yes, it’s time your jacket and trousers went solo.

The easiest way to get more mileage out of your suit trousers is to let them out and about with a more casual top half. Smarten up for work by layering an always-reliable white shirt underneath. Note the shirt collar tucked into the jumper – a small detail that makes the look less schoolboy and more streamlined.

As for your jacket, you’ll be amazed how versatile it can be when you set it free from the usual shirt, tie and matching trousers. A touchable double-breasted jacket worn over a plain white tee and contrast windowpane check trousers? Now you’re talking. The key here is to make sure colours are complementary and both parts are in a relaxed cloth of a similar thickness or weight – think this season’s flannel or bouclé, something with texture and softness.

GO TONAL

Styling straight from the menswear shows, but also actually something easy to pull off? It might sound hard to believe but we promise it’s true. Head-to-toe tonal outfits look like you’ve made more effort than you have, as the effect is pulled-together and deliberate. But all you’ve had to do is layer a similarly toned t-shirt under your already-matching two-piece suit. And because it’s really that easy, we suggest going the whole way and finishing the look with smart trainers in the same shade.

REFORM FORMAL

While we’re encouraging you to mix it up this season, there’s still plenty of love left for wearing the suit as it’s intended: the matching two-piece. But what is different is how you wear it. This season’s bold checks and textured cloths are ripe for a more casual approach. Dial down the formality by wearing your suit jacket open over a jumper – worn on its own at the weekend and over a shirt for work. For added casual points keep your shirt untucked at the waist to achieve the New Formal’s multi-layered look. And since you’ve got that extra layer of warmth on the top you can afford to skip socks and go for bare ankles, which is a simple but effective way to make a suit feel more casual.

ADD KNITWEAR

Yes, we’ve mentioned knitwear twice already, but since it’s so integral to the New Formal look it deserves extra attention. This season, we’ve spun our lightweight knits from Italian wool in inky blue, green and teal, warm shades of red, wine and mustard, and soft neutrals like oatmeal, charcoal and dusty pink. A colourful crew-neck is foolproof to pull on with a pair of tailored trousers, but the look is easygoing, elegant and as great for a date as it is worn to work in more casual offices.

And it’s not just jumpers: the humble cardigan is making moves back into the menswear limelight. Layered under your suit and over a crisp white t-shirt, the look is contemporary (and warm). If you’re just dipping your toes back into the cardigan pool, try it in a tonal shade as talked about above, but we think the look works best worn without apologies in a contrasting shade

Looks like a suit, feels like leisurewear – meet the casual new take on tailoring.

Ever wished you could wear what you lounge about at home in for work? With the slouch suit, we’ve brought that dream as close as you’re ever going to get it (without turning up to a meeting in your Sunday casuals).

Made from jersey fabric with a modern, informal silhouette, it’s a new easygoing approach to formalwear. But despite its relaxed look, it’s actually taken careful craftsmanship to hit the sweet spot between comfort and style. Here’s how it’s done.

The biggest changes from your usual suit are stretch jersey fabric and an all-over looser cut, resulting in a fresh new silhouette and the most comfortable suit we’ve ever made.

The jacket’s deliberately unstructured with no shoulder pads and only taping on the seams, instead of a more structured lining, which enhances its slouchy fit. We’ve also cut it a little shorter than other jackets and made the facing (the front) more swept away – both subtle details but add to the casual feel.

The real magic? A pair of trousers that feel like wearing sweats but will easily pass semi-formal dress codes. A lower crotch and drawstring waist cover the casual corner, but on-trend pleating and tapered legs tip the scale back to just the right side of smart.

Available as separates, the jacket and trousers are designed to wear easily as a suit, but each will put hard hours in for you individually too. Slouch trousers and a knitted polo or t-shirt are an easy way to upgrade your weekend jeans or chinos. And you know that invitation you’ve got for a smart-casual afternoon do? A slouch jacket worn over a casual shirt will look like you’ve made the effort but will feel like no effort at all. Find us another suit jacket that can do that – we’ll wait.

Power dressing that puts comfort first.

For a long time tailoring’s had a stereotype that’s come straight out of boardrooms. And there’s nothing wrong with that look. It’s crisp, pulled-together, assertive… formal. But it’s time for a new take on formal that makes room for something else important: comfort.

When you’re comfortable, you’re confident and you put your best self forward to the world. The New Formal is about relaxing the rules around tailoring so there’s space for a more personal approach that suits individual tastes and lifestyles. Like many tailoring trends, this one found traction in the business world. It was the big City firms that were the first to relax their dress codes beyond dress-down Fridays. Yes, high-hitters still pull out their finest for an important presentation or entertaining clients, but there’s been a definite move to versatile separates that can be dressed up or down depending on what’s in the diary. Of men making use of clever layering to go from a relaxed breakfast meeting through to the afternoon’s big pitch to unwinding with dinner and drinks after work. And as even the most formal work environments have loosened their ties, so to speak, the trend’s trickled down to offices across the country.

Fabrics are key with tactile wools like bouclé and flannel making traditionally formal tailoring feel all the more casual, while mix-and-match styling is rebuilding menswear to suit how men dress now. You’re still making an effort, but you’re achieving that much-wanted balance between smart and casual, between looking put together and feeling comfortable. Because a man who’s comfortable – who’s dressed to be taken seriously but feels like himself, who’s able to do what needs to get done – he’s the one we’re putting our money on to make his mark.

A story of heritage, craftsmanship and really, really good colours.

We’re proud to work with some of Europe’s finest mills and suppliers to bring the very best cloth and craftsmanship to the British high street. Case in point? Our premium Moss ties that are made in England by master silk weaver Vanners, which has been creating luxurious accessories in Sudbury, Suffolk, since 1740.

A finely made accessory has the power to lift your outfit beyond the norm and these beautiful ties are a prime example. Crafted from pure silk, they’ve got a slightly wider than average blade measuring 8 cm, which nods to traditional English style and makes a strong focal point for formal outfits. But really, the statement here is all about the pattern and colour – classic patterns like paisley and florals brought to life with the beautifully bright colours that are Vanners’ hallmark.

The esteemed mill began weaving silk fabrics for neckwear over 100 years ago when ties were still relatively new for men (who until then had mostly worn cravats). It remained one of Europe’s most prestigious silk weavers throughout the twentieth century, specialising in state-of-the-art jacquard and dobby weaving. Today, the world’s leading design houses call on Vanners for its rare ability to create double layers of single-toned thread, creating the distinctly vivid colours that set these ties apart.

Sourcing only the best mulberry silk, Vanners uses luxurious 7-ply silk for weft, which is loftier and richer than most other weavers use. Its rich jacquard weaves are achieved with exclusive 350 ends-per-inch warp counts that give incredible texture and detail. Not only this, but Vanners has its own dyehouse and is able to create an unparalleled range and depth of shades with over 360 weft and 20 warp colours prepared, dyed and woven in-house.

SHOP MADE IN ENGLAND TIES

Received a black tie invite? Your dress code autopilot probably says black tux, white shirt and black bow tie – but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Before you start thinking about where to get your tux from, don’t forget to ask ‘what sort of tux should I go for?’ first. Although there’s nothing wrong with the classic look, there’s no reason you can’t put your own spin on the dress code. That’s not to suggest you should rebel against all the rules; it’s more about making small changes to stand out.

Here are three ways to do black tie differently.

Choosing a tux in a colour other than black automatically makes a statement. It’s a red carpet favourite, and as long as it has satin on the lapels, you’ll still put a tick in the black-tie box. Rich tones like wine, navy and deep green nod to black tie, so they’re the ones to go for if you want to make sure you look formal enough for each event. Thanks to the black satin, all you need is a black bow tie and shoes with a white shirt and pocket square to complete the look.

By hiring a suit, you’ll have the freedom to pick the right one for the occasion, which means you can be more experimental with your hues. There are lots to choose from and we’ve made sure ours are expertly tailored and cut from a top-quality material to give you confidence that you look the part.

Even if the event really does require a black tux, you can show your adventurous side with your accessories. A coloured bow tie in a rich burgundy, purple or navy will bring subtle personality to a simple black and white outfit. To get some on-trend character into your look, why not pick one with a pattern or in a velvet material? Or relax the code slightly with a skinny tie – but be sure to wear it with a skinny fit suit.

Then there’s the cummerbund. This accessory isn’t essential for black tie, but it does amplify a formal outfit and give you a streamlined frame. Reach for a plain black one to keep your coloured suit in line with the dress code or choose one with a pattern to give your black tux an eye-catching edge. Though if you’re being bold with your cummerbund, it’s best to keep your bow tie simple.

Making men look their finest since 1906.

MAKING MEN LOOK THEIR FINEST SINCE 1906

• WORDS: C. STEWART

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