68% OF MEN IN THE UK CAN’T TIE A BOW TIE

How many people actually know how to tie a bow tie? We reveal all.

With winter weddings, events and new year parties around the corner, we’ve commissioned research into whether or not people know how to tie one of the essential pieces of formal wear: the bow tie.

Worn for black-tie events, semi-formal occasions and even casual events, a bow tie’s usually the finishing touch for many different outfits. The number of people searching for bow ties, black-tie dress codes and how to tie a bow tie is on the rise too, showing that more people than ever are struggling with this style basic.

Searches of bow tie (up 105% since September 2021), black tie (up 123%) and how to tie a bow tie (up 83%) have increased significantly in the UK in the last 12 months as formal events, weddings and parties spring back into life.

But how many men can actually tie a bow tie?

According to the data, the best photo location in Brighton is The Royal Pavilion. Also known as Brighton Pavilion, this Grade I listed former royal residence was built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales in 1787.

It’s now a public attraction, iconic wedding venue and museum with over 400,000 visitors per year. Filming and photography is allowed at the venue, with over 44,000 Instagram tags sharing the gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Visitors to the Royal Pavilion described it as “spectacular,” “beautiful,” and “well worth a visit.”

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach has been voted as one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world. Plus, it’s one of the most famous beaches in the UK, so it’s no surprise it’s also one of the best photo locations in Brighton.

The pebble beach is surrounded by certified Blue Flag waters and a four-mile promenade, with plenty of water sports, a pier and traditional fairground. It was tagged on Instagram over 970,000 times in the last year, making it Brighton’s most tagged attraction.

Visitors to Brighton Beach said that it was “beautiful” and praised the entertainment, water sports and refreshment options available on and around the beach.

Undercliff Walk

Running from Brighton Marina to the Brighton & Hove City boundary at Saltdean, the Undercliff Walk pathway is just over  five km long and is accessible on foot, as a wheelchair user or by bike. It’s a popular running route as it’s uninterrupted and gives great views of the sea. Part of Brighton’s coastal defences, this route protects the city from erosion, with dramatic waves crashing into the seawalls below

It’s rated highly on Google and TripAdvisor, with visitors praising it as an accessible route that’s also great for running or relaxing.

Kemptown

Brighton has a reputation as the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, and has been for hundreds of years. Kemptown is at the heart of this today. It’s an area of Brighton that centres on St. James’s Street, and features a range of bars, clubs, cafes and B&Bs adorned with rainbow flags. You’ll find vintage fashion, vinyl, antiques, boutiques and the Brighton Flea Market sitting alongside the Marlborough Pub & Theatre, known for its drama and cabaret performances.

It’s been tagged more than 41,000 times on Instagram and rated highly across both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews.

British Airways i360

This glass viewing pod allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of Brighton, the South Downs and the coastline. You’ll be able to see Brighton’s landmarks, rooftop art, windfarms and the coastal views from Seven Sisters cliffs right through to the Isle of Wight.

Designed by Marks Barfield Architects, who designed the London Eye, it opened in 2016 as Britain’s first ‘vertical pier’ and serves drinks from the South coast’s highest bar. Visitors praised the excellent views and the great experience, rating it highly on Google Maps and on TripAdvisor.

The Lanes

The Lanes make up part of Brighton’s rich history, with 16th and 17th century houses and a medieval town feel. It has the oldest pub in Brighton’s centre, immortalised in Graham Greene’s classic novel Brighton Rock, and is filled with independent boutiques, jewellery shops and antique shops. It also has plenty of places to eat and drink while you visit, with everything from traditional pubs and tea rooms to fantastic restaurants.

It’s rated highly on TripAdvisor, and has been tagged in photos almost 44,000 times. Visitors praise the atmosphere of the area and the fact that there’s plenty to do when you visit this location.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier (also known as ‘Brighton Pier’) is a Grade II listed pier in the city centre of Brighton and is the only pier that’s still in operation. It’s an entertainment venue with fairground rides, coastal views and places to grab food and drink. It has millions of visitors every year and is regularly featured in film, TV and books.

Visitors praised it on TripAdvisor and Google for its entertainment, nostalgia and the fact that it’s an iconic Brighton destination. It was tagged in over 27,000 photos by visitors to the city.

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina is one of the biggest marinas in Europe and centres on the harbour. It’s full of places for food and drinks, boutiques, shops, galleries and crafts. From here you can charter a boat, head out fishing or diving and see the Brighton Walk of Fame. Whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, there’s plenty to do here.

Visitors to Brighton shared their love of the welcoming destination and the choice of places to shop and eat, tagging it over 46,000 times on their socials.

Find your local Moss store.

Sometimes, you just need one super special piece to go with stuff you’ve already got. That could be something as simple as an accessory, or it could be something punchy like a bold, printed shirt.

A floral shirt might seem out of place in autumn/winter, but this one with its muted black-and-grey is just right for the colder months. This look is ideal for a laid-back office party, a casual family affair or even a date during the festive season. You can also layer it under a suit if you want to dress it up and bring it on holiday for evenings out.

Keep it casual

Partywear doesn’t have to mean black tie or even a full suit. Think about the event you’re headed to, the venue or location and the people you know who will be there when you’re picking your outfit.

If the evening is super casual, a chunky white knit might be the right choice. Try pairing it with checked trousers for a bit of contrast. If it’s a city wedding and the couple is laid back, you might not need to wear the whole suit. A nice alternative to just removing your tie is opting to wear your waistcoat on its own. Whatever you choose for a more casual event, just make sure you look tidy and you’re comfortable.

A suit, with a twist

Does the occasion call for a suit? Again, think about the people hosting, the venue and the event itself, and consider whether you can put your own unique spin on your look.

If it’s black tie, make it extra festive and go for a plum velvet jacket with a matching velvet bow tie. If it’s more casual, instead of reaching for a grey or navy suit, why not try a teal suit? It’s not quite green, so you won’t feel to Christmas-y, but it’s still a fun colour that’s perfect for a party. It can also be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and a tie, or down with a knitted roll neck.

No matter the occasion or what you choose to wear, we hope you have a safe and happy festive season this year with friends and family. And we hope we’re able to help you look your very best as you celebrate the year.

Not sure what to look for when it comes to men’s winter boots? Here’s a rundown of some of the most common styles of men’s boots to choose from:

Chelsea boots are usually made of leather or suede with elasticated sides for a better fit and more comfort. They’ve been around since the early ‘60s and sometimes get called Beatle boots, thanks to their rise in popularity around the time when the band became famous. This style of boot sits somewhere between casual and dressy, so you can wear them almost anywhere.

A chukka boot is an ankle-high leather or suede boot that has a leather or rubber sole, laces and eyelets. It’s usually more of a casual style, so it’s better to wear them when you’re feeling a little more relaxed. They’re better with jeans or chinos than a suit. Sometimes chukka boots are called desert boots, but desert boots have a crepe sole rather than a leather or rubber one.

Hiking boots are pretty much what they sound like – they’re built with hiking in mind so tend to be supportive, waterproof and durable. They usually lace up for comfort and they aren’t always made with style in mind. Needless to say, they’re a more casual style that’s usually worn for more casual pursuits.

Cowboy boots probably don’t need too much of an explanation. You’ll have seen them – at least on film, if not in person. These are a pretty big style statement or are more commonly used as a working boot so if either of these are the look you’re going for.

Combat boots started out in the military but were quickly adopted by the punk movement. They’re heavy, chunky and totally stand out. They’re probably better suited as a work boot or something to wear in a casual setting, though your personal style is obviously totally up to you.

Which winter boots should you choose?

The type of men’s winter boots that you choose is totally up to you, your personal style and what you feel most comfortable in. It also depends on your lifestyle and where you live, work and travel. However, when it comes to keeping it practical, you’re probably best going for something waterproof, warm and durable in winter.

Leather or faux leather is a good choice for winter as it tends to keep the water out while still looking stylish and put-together. Suede styles look great too, but make sure you use suede protector before you head out into the rain or snow as they can get stained or water damaged.

It totally depends on where you’re headed, too. The type of boots you wear for a night out in November are probably different to what you’d wear on a winter walk the following week, so think about where you’d need to wear your boots and choose your favourite style to suit.

How to take care of your men’s winter boots

Want to keep your boots looking good for longer? There are some easy steps (see what we did there) that you can take to keep your boots protected and staying their stylish best.

• Protect your boots – invest in a protective spray to waterproof and repel dirt, liquids and stains. Make sure you follow the instructions and reapply regularly to keep your boots in check – it isn’t a ‘one and done’ job. This is especially important if you’re rocking a pair of suede, nubuck or fabric boots.
• Moisturise your leather – if your boots are made from leather, you’d be surprised how much of a difference conditioning your boots regularly can actually make. It keeps the leather looking good and your boots looking shiny and polished, as well as helping them to last longer.
• Keep them repaired – if you spot any damage or stains on your boots, especially on the soles or the heels, look to fix them up straight away to keep your boots in great condition for as long as you can. Damage will just carry on getting worse.
• Store your boots properly – don’t just kick them off under the stairs if you can help it. Take a little time to wipe them down, clean them up and store them upright so that the leather or material doesn’t fold or crease.

Looking for your next pair of men’s boots? Browse our collection now.

Taking their name from the posh London neighbourhood, Chelsea boots have been popular since the ’50s and ’60s. That enduring style is thanks to a timeless silhouette and an ideal combo of form and function. Find a good Chelsea boot, and you’ll be reaching for it year after year.

Our Gladstone Chelsea boot, made with black leather, is a great option. The almond toe evokes a dress shoe, while the elasticated side and stacked wooden heel keep them classic and super wearable. Pair them with joggers, and it’ll polish your look for an evening out, or wear them with a suit to dress it down a little.

Dressed-up desert boots

When you think of desert boots, you might think of tan suede and a rubber sole. But this season, we’ve done desert boots a little different with shiny brown leather and a stacked, wooden heel. All the better for a rainy British autumn, we think.

Try them with denim and a chunky roll neck jumper to elevate your look. Or, if you’ve got a smart-casual occasion coming up, wear them with a navy blue suit instead of a dress shoe. You’ll still look put together, but a bit more prepared for whatever the unpredictable weather could bring.

Statement chunky trainers

The streetwear trend endures, and the best way to take it on (in our opinion) is with a chunky trainer. Not only do they instantly make any outfit look trendier, but they’re also super comfortable. Ideal if you’re on your feet all day at work or at the weekend.

Our Brighton chunky trainer ticks all the boxes. Not only does it have that oversized, textured sole, but it also has the added element of leather and suede detailing to set it apart. Wear them with sweats, wear them with joggers, wear them with chinos, or even wear them with a suit if you’re feeling adventurous.

Black chunky boots

If you’re looking for something subtly different for your autumn boot collection, we suggest a black boot, but with something a little extra. The chunky sole on our lace-up boot for the season is that something extra.

This pair is made for that rolled-up cuff on your favourite pair of trousers, but could also work as an unexpected finishing touch for a dark suit at the office. Again, as all autumn footwear should be, these boots are functional without compromising style.

Streamlined trainers

A solid pair of go-with-everything trainers is a must for autumn/winter. They’ll go with jeans, they’ll go with joggers, they’ll even go with a suit for those smart-casual occasions.

This season, we’ve updated our classic white trainer in two new shades of suede: chocolate and camel. Both will add a nice hit of neutral colour to your autumn wardrobe, without overwhelming any other colours you’re wearing.

No matter what footwear you choose for the season, make sure it fits well and it’s comfortable. Also, take a bit of time to consider whether it works with what you’ve already got in your wardrobe. Ticking both of these boxes means you’ll have a pair of shoes you’ll actually wear all season long, and hopefully into next year, too.