Archive for June, 2023

What’s the best city in the UK and Ireland to date in this summer?

Summer romance inspo, this way.
Manchester in the summer

 

HERE ARE THE BEST CITIES ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND FOR A PERFECT SUMMER DATE

Words: L. Thorpe

Making plans for the summer? You’re going to want to take a look at our summer dating report, highlighting the best cities in the UK and Ireland for a great summer.

Based on key summer date denominators, like rooftop space, parks, romantic restaurants, al fresco dining spots, cinemas, outdoor markets, galleries and comedy clubs, we worked out where you’re likely to have an amazing summer evening with your person. Read on and get planning.

London's Covent Garden in the summer

Top UK summer dating cities

When it comes to summer dating, Manchester takes the top spot, thanks to its abundance of outdoor space. It’s also the city with the most stylish men, and more than half the people (55%) living in Manchester are single, according to the last census. Whether you want to hit up a Michelin-starred restaurant, visit an art gallery or take a stroll through the park, you can do it all in Manchester.

Capital cities Edinburgh and London took second and third place on this list, with Edinburgh scoring highly for romantic restaurants, al fresco dining and coffee shops. England’s capital city, London, scored points for outdoor markets and wine bars. Around 44% of people in the capital live alone, so the chances of finding a date could be high.

Top 13 cities in the UK to go on a date in this summer

When it comes to the top cities to go out on a date in the UK and Ireland this summer, there’s a pretty even split across the region, with two Scottish cities, the Welsh capital, English capital and the Irish capital all making the list.

1. Manchester
2. Edinburgh
3. London
4. Bristol
5. Dublin
6. Cardiff
7. Leeds
8. Liverpool
9. Birmingham
10. Coventry
11. Leicester
12. Newcastle upon Tyne
13. Glasgow

There are four cities in northern England, five in the south of England and the Midlands, two in Scotland, one in Ireland and one in Wales that all feature in the top cities for summer dating. That means there’s no north/south divide when it comes to having a good time on a summer date.

London's Covent Garden in the summer

Best cities by summer date activity

If there’s a date night activity you have in mind this summer, here’s where you need to head for the best experience:

Best for rooftop bars – Newcastle upon Tyne

Head to the Quayside to ABOVE at the Vermont Hotel or Fenwick Newcastle’s Roof Thirty Nine for some of the best rooftop spots in the city. The Botanist, Revolución de Cuba, Chaophraya, The Crescendo and 3Sixty Champagne Lounge all have rooftop spaces, too.

Best for parks – Coventry

Whether it’s Coombe Abbey Park, Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, the War Memorial Park or some of the other green spaces in and around the city, Coventry is the best place to go for a romantic stroll on your summer date.

Best for romantic restaurants – Coventry

If you’re going all-out on a date, head to some of TripAdvisor’s most romantic restaurants, like Turmeric Gold, Arco, Ristorante da Vinci, Earlsdon Supper Club or Aqua Food & Mood. You’ll find something for every taste.

Best for al fresco dining – Edinburgh

If you fancy dining out on a terrace on your date, the Scottish capital has a plethora of places to eat al fresco. Try Devil’s Advocate, Ecco Vino or The Ivy on the Square for some great food and outdoor space.

Best for cinema – Manchester

Whether you’re in the city centre or the suburbs, there are plenty of places to snuggle up and watch the latest film. From Parrs Wood entertainment complex to independent outdoor cinema spaces, Manchester has it all.

Best for markets – London

From Borough Market to Covent Garden and Camden, London is filled with places to shop, eat and enjoy. And what could be a more romantic date than taking a relaxing stroll and looking at what’s on offer?

Best for coffee – Edinburgh

Edinburgh is filled with cosy coffee shops to get to know your match a little better. Try The Milkman, Williams & Johnson Coffee Co. or Artisan Roast for great independent coffee with a side of people watching.

Best for wine bars – Edinburgh

Edinburgh is also a great place to head to a wine bar and get to know eachother over a few drinks. With something for every style of date, Edinburgh has it all. Try A Wee Taste, Divino Enoteca or Good Brothers for a little sip.

Best for art galleries – Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s on a roll, also coming top for art galleries per population. You’ll find three national galleries in the city, including National, Modern and Portrait. There are also independent galleries and sculpture parks to explore.

Best for comedy clubs – Dublin

If you want to check out your date’s sense of humour, head to Dublin for a dose of comedy and craic. With venues like The Comedy Cellar, Laughter Lounge and Laughter Lines Dublin, you can work out just how compatible you are.

What to wear for a summer date

Now you know what city you’re headed for and what you’re doing when you get there, here’s some outfit inspiration to get you ready for your date.

A relaxed date look

Relaxed date look

Whether you’re going for a coffee, heading to an art gallery, strolling around a market, hitting the cinema or having a chilled picnic in the park, keep your outfit comfy and casual while still looking put together.

Pair some relaxed chinos with a polo and shacket for a laid back look that’ll still impress on the go. Add some loafers or smart trainers and you’re date-ready. Swap out the shacket for a bomber jacket if the weather’s looking a little dicey.

Dressing for dinner and drinks

Whatever the venue, dinner and drinks calls for getting a little dressier. Style a blazer with a shirt or T-shirt and smart trousers and shoes. If in doubt, scope out the venue first to see what other people are wearing.

If you’re not sure about a dress code, it can make sense to err on the side of caution and go for a little bit smarter. It’s better to be slightly overdressed and make an impression than have to stress out about not feeling dressed up enough.

A smart date look

Keeping confident

Feeling comfortable and confident is important for feeling your best on a date. So, once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, choose your outfit based on what makes you happy and captures your style.

Men’s summer shoe styles

How to change up your shoe style this summer.

 

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER SHOES

Words: L. Thorpe

When it comes to men’s summer shoes, you might feel like there’s not as much choice and stick to the same old styles. Here’s how you can change up your shoe style this summer.

Types of men’s shoes

There are way more types of shoe than just flip flops and trainers for whatever summer plans you have. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular styles of shoe for summer.

Boat shoes

Boat shoes – also known as deck shoes or topsiders – are usually made from canvas or leather and have rubber soles so they don’t mark the deck of a boat. They lace up and come in a range of colours, though neutral tones are most popular. They used to have a reputation for being something your dad would wear, but have become a go-to for that preppy, put-together style.

Loafers

Loafers are a type of slip-on style shoe usually made from suede or leather – it’s thought that they’re based on traditional moccasins – and have a low or a flat heel. Sometimes they come with a little embellishment on top like a metal clasp or tassel. Loafers are more formal than boat shoes, but are still considered a fairly relaxed style, so you can wear them during the day or for laid-back evening events.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are casual shoes with a woven rope sole and upper made of canvas or cotton fabric. They can be any colour and come in slightly different styles that vary the shape of the shoe, though the key thing that makes them espadrilles is that rope base. They’re casual and work well for sightseeing, days out, summer dates or heading out for drinks.

Sandals

Sandals are an open shoe with a sole that’s joined by straps going over the instep and around the ankle. They can vary quite a bit in terms of look, material and style. Some are made from leather and others are made from materials like rubber, canvas or plastic – even wood and rope is sometimes used. Often worn casually in hot weather, the sandal is a men’s summer shoe staple.

Sliders

Sliders are a really casual style of shoe that’s usually worn to the beach or around the pool. They’re light with a loose heel and a band across the front that holds it in place on your foot. Usually made from rubber, plastic or foam, they’re extremely lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear.

Flip flops

Flip flops are a summer shoe classic. They have a light, flat sole that sits loosely on the foot with a Y-shaped strap that sits between the toes. The name comes from the noise they make when you walk in them. Mostly worn in a casual setting, flip flops are ideal for hitting the beach, hanging out by the pool or lazy summer days.

Trainers

Also known as sneakers, trainers are one of the most versatile men’s summer shoe styles out there. Traditionally, they were made for sporting activities only, but now they’re more commonly worn as an everyday shoe with everything from joggers to suits. There’s a massive amount of choice when it comes to colour, style, material and performance. They can lace up, slip on or use Velcro, and, above all, should be really comfortable.

What men’s shoes are in fashion this summer?

There are a few men’s summer shoe styles that are top of the trends this summer:
• Trainers – Brighton neutral chunky trainers
• Suede sandals – Taupe suede sandal
• Loafers – Lewisham ivory suede casual loafers

How to wear your summer shoes in style

If you’re looking at wearing closed summer shoes like loafers, trainers or boat shoes, then opt for low trainer socks. They can make all the difference to how your shoe looks and feels. You’re more likely to stay comfy and keep sweaty feet at bay when you use trainer stocks, so add them to your shopping basket.

Another tip for open shoe styles, especially those with an open toe, is to take care of your feet. Trim your nails, make sure they’re clean, and deal with any dry skin or callouses on your feet. You’ll find you feel less self-conscious about showing off your feet in a pair of sandals if you’ve taken care of them.

If you’re ready to try out a new style, it’s time to check out our men’s summer shoes.

How to create a Custom Made suit

Experience the feeling of having something made exclusively for you.

EXPERIENCE THE FEELING OF CUSTOM-MADE TAILORING

Words: L. Thorpe

 

It’s true: tailoring feels great to wear. But an item tailored exclusively for you?
There’s nothing else like it.

Experience the luxury of having something made to make you feel your absolute best with Moss Custom Made, our tailored suit service available across our UK stores.

Start with your pick of fabric from world-class mills, get expertly measured to fine-tune the fit, then craft every detail until it’s just-right for you. Then pick it up or have it delivered in just 28 days – all without the cost of a bespoke suit made from scratch.

 

 

What is a tailored suit?

There are a few different options when it comes to buying a tailored men’s suit, tailored-fit shirt or tailored trousers. Here’s a run-through of the differences between the three main types of tailored suit:

Made-to-measure – Also known as a custom-made suit, this style of men’s suit is created using an existing fit block that’s adjusted according to your exact measurements. You get to choose what you want when it comes to fabric, lining and finishings.

Bespoke suit – In tailoring, a bespoke suit is one that’s made entirely from scratch. The pattern it’s cut from is totally unique, the measurements are completely individual to you, and you can choose exactly what you want in terms of fabrics and finishes. It’s a seriously luxurious, and usually expensive, option.

Ready-to-wear – This suit style is what you’d buy straight from a store in your size. It’s much more budget-friendly than a made-to-measure suit or a bespoke option, so you could still have your suit altered or upgraded for a better fit if there are changes you want to make.

With Moss Custom Made, you’re getting made-to-measure tailoring, meaning you pick your fabric and we’ll tailor your garment to your specifications. That’s everything from changing the leg length of your trousers, to adding a statement lining or personalising the pockets, buttons and lapels on a blazer.

 

 

How does Moss Custom Made work?

You can design your garment online by making your selections and visualising how it’ll look with our configurator. Or you can visit any Moss store where we’ll guide you through every step to create a suit that’s made exactly how you want it. You don’t need to make an appointment, but if you do we can have everything ready for you and you won’t have to wait, which could happen at busy times.

Whichever way you choose, the steps to your custom-made suit are exactly the same.

Step 1: Choose your style. A two-piece or three-piece that suits you like nothing else will. A tuxedo that never fails to make you feel a million bucks. Or maybe just a special waistcoat for celebrations. It’s totally up to you.

Step 2: Get an expert fit. Choose from our slim, tailored or regular fit blocks and we’ll fine-tune the fit to sculpt your frame. Visit us instore and we’ll measure you to make sure you get the best-fitting garment you’ve ever owned – or measure yourself at home and enter your measurements online.

Step 3: Tailor the details. Select from 90 different fabrics from some of the world’s best mills. Then personalise your garment right down to the last detail with your pick of lining, buttons, pockets, fit, lapels, shoulders, buttonholes and stitching. We’ll even embroider your own monogram on the inside.

Step 4: Get it in 28 days. Lock in your design and we’ll get to work using cutting-edge tech and expert tailoring to create your garment – fast.  It’ll be ready to collect instore or delivered to your door in just 28 days.

The process is completely in your hands, but you’re not starting with a blank page, which could be overwhelming when you’re designing your suit. Schedule some time with one of our style advisers and we’ll guide you through every possibility. Or browse our suits online and use one you like as a base for fine-tuning with our configurator.

 

 

Think beyond the three-piece

A custom wardrobe might once have been the reserve of the rich – but with Custom Made, it’s yours for the making.

How about a signature jacket that’s tailored to fit your frame so it feels top-tier to wear – and will take everything else you wear up a notch too? Or the perfect-fit trousers you’ve been searching for? Once you’ve made them exactly how you want them, we promise you’ll wear them again and again (and again).

 

Ready to choose your tailored men’s suit?

The first step is to start browsing to get some inspiration for what suit styles, fabrics and finishes you like so you have some idea of what you want to order. It might be worth trying on some different styles and colours so you can be confident in your choices.

Remember to build in 28 days for us to craft and deliver your garment if you want it for a particular event or date. Once you know what type of tailored suit you want, head over to Custom Made and book an appointment or start designing your custom outfit.

GO TO MOSS CUSTOM MADE

Meet the brand: Reda

Style with standards.

STYLE WITH STANDARDS

• WORDS: C. STEWART

Founded in 1865 by namesake Carlo Reda on a foundation of respect for the environment and its resources, Italy’s award-winning Reda mill sets the benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.

Family-owned to this day, Reda operates vertically, meaning it controls every step of its production chain. That spans from the farms that grow its fleece through to dying, spinning, weaving, washing and finishing its fabrics to exacting standards, all at its Biella, Italy-based mill.

Every season at Moss, we source Reda fabrics woven with their traceable merino wool that’s transparently made with care for the planet, its people and its resources.

Believing that good processes result in good raw materials, Reda meticulously sources its fleece from accredited growers who meet its strict standards for animal welfare and respect for the environment. It helped set up the SustainaWOOL integrity scheme to promote and reward sustainable farming practices in Australia, strengthening its ability to vouch for and trace its wool right back to its origins.

And it’s not just at the source: sustainability is at the heart of Reda’s entire production process – from using solar-powered water filtration systems to state-of-the-art machinery that minimises waste, to recycling scraps as raw materials for other companies. In fact, Reda was the first fabric mill in Europe to get EMAS certification (the EU’s eco-management and audit scheme) for continually improving its environmental performance.

Reda x Moss suits are made with the same tailoring expertise we’re known for, and the merino wool-blend fabrics Reda is famous for that are 100% renewable and biodegradable. They’re also naturally breathable and wrinkle-resistant. We’ve tailored each suit to a slim fit, and we’ve added slanted pockets, a traditional Italian detail. Choose one of these suits, and you’ll be wearing it for seasons to come.

Men’s summer outfit essentials

Need some ideas for mens summer outfits? We’ve got you covered.
2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BUILD A FUSS-FREE SUMMER WARDROBE

Words: L. Thorpe

It’s almost summer again, and with the change of the seasons comes changing over to your summer outfits. As the temperatures rise, you can beat the heat with your outfits while looking cool, and ready for any occasion.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, attending a laid-back party, or exploring city streets (here or further away), the right outfit can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay cool, stylish and comfortable this summer, with minimal fuss.

2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

Light and breezy: linen shirts

Linen shirts are a men’s summer outfit essential, thanks to their lightweight and breathable nature. An airy linen shirt is hard to beat on hot days. Wear yours over a T-shirt in the day and buttoned up for dinner in the evening. Go for classic white, neutrals or pastels for a summery look that’s still put together.

Wear a linen shirt with a pair of chinos in a complementary colour, some front-pleated shorts or matching linen trousers for a trending heat-to-toe look. Complete the look with leather loafers or boat shoes for a holiday-ready outfit.

2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

Effortless casual: polo shirts and shorts

Smarter than a T-shirt, more chill than a shirt, go for a polo shirt in pique cotton or towelling to stay comfortably cool. Choose polo shirts in vibrant colours or classic stripes to add some personality, or keep it nice and neutral for a casual look. Pair your favourite with tailored shorts that hit just above the knee for polished style, or add trainers, casual shoes or leather sandals for an easy-to-wear look, wherever you’re headed.

2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

Classic and cool: shirts and trousers

There’s nothing wrong with a classic, and shirts and trousers are timeless men’s summer outfit options that are easy to dress up or down. Go for a printed cotton shirt with unlined tailored trousers when you need to look smart in the heat, or keep it laid back with linen short sleeve shirts. Leave the flannel, tweed and corduroy back in the cooler months.

Want to lighten it up even more? Roll up the sleeves then add slim-fit trousers cut from seersucker, one of the lightest fabrics out there with a puckered texture that help body heat escape. Add trainers or smart shoes depending on the vibe.

2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

Keeping coordinated: matching pieces

Coords are a holiday packing hack. Two matching items of clothing you can wear together or with other pieces for endless looks and extra case space? Sounds good to us.

Whether it’s a laid-back suit, like this sim fit double-breasted camel stripe suit or a shorts-and-top combo like this sage terry towelling skipper polo and sage terry towelling shorts. Wear them together or mix and match with your other summer staples for nothing but options.

2 piece suit vs 3 piece suit

Looking to update your wardrobe for summer? Check out our men’s casualwear for your favourite fine-weather fits.

Essential summer shirt guide

Every shirt you need for summer.

 

ALL THE SHIRTS YOU NEED FOR SUMMER

Words: T. MacInnis

Adding just a few new shirt styles to your summer wardrobe can really up your game, and have you feeling fresh for the new season. But where should you start? There are so many styles to choose from, depending on where you’re headed and what the occasion calls for. Read on for the best summer shirt styles and how to wear them.

Types of men’s summer shirts

Not all shirts are created equal, especially come summertime. The material, silhouette and fit can make a real difference when you’re planning a warm-weather outfit. Luckily, from T-shirts to dress shirts, there are lots of options to choose from when it comes to readying your top half for summer.

Polo shirts

Named for the classic shirt style worn to play polo, these shirts are characterised by a short button (or button-free) placket, short sleeves, a collar and a slightly fitted silhouette. Ideal for a smart-casual look, choose a polo shirt in a cotton-rich blend that won’t leave you overheated when the sun’s shining.

Printed shirts

There’s no better way to add a bit of personality to an outfit than with a printed shirt. Particularly for a holiday or a special occasion, choosing a subtly-printed shirt can make your look feel more festive. Whether it’s a dress shirt or a short sleeve shirt, pair yours with neutral trousers to let the print stand out.

Linen shirts

Linen is key for warm weather, thanks to its lightweight, airy feel. Not only do linen shirts have that breathability going for them, but they’re super versatile, no matter the temperature. When the warm weather hits, wear your linen shirt with relaxed shorts, and if you’re facing a chillier summer evening, layer it over a T-shirt.

Dress shirts

Your summer diary is probably packed with formal, semi-formal and smart-casual events. All of those call for a great dress shirt (or two), whether it’s worn with an open collar under a blazer, or buttoned up with a floral tie and a waistcoat. For summer, choose one that’s pure cotton for maximum comfort in the heat.

Cuban collar shirts

A Cuban collar is similar to a standard Oxford shirt collar, but less structured for a more relaxed look, which makes it perfect for summer. Essential for warm weather and perfect for evenings out on holiday, wear your Cuban collar shirt tucked in to linen trousers for a smart-casual look.

T-shirts

T-shirts are a year-round staple, and chances are, you’ve got dozens in your wardrobe. But, for summer, you don’t always have to reach for that basic, white tee. Instead, try something in a linen blend with a knitted texture, or go for a pastel colour that will still wear great with jeans. It’s about taking this classic look and giving it your own twist.

Build out and refresh your summer wardrobe with one of these shirts, or with a combination of two or three. And, as a bonus, all of them can be layered under overshirts when the temperature starts to cool again.

Take on all the best summer shirt trends and shop our shirts now.

Three grooming looks for Royal Ascot

A photo finish, this way.
Man in a salon chair dressed for Ascot in a waistcoat, shirt and tie having his hair styled

 

Moss x Murdock

A winning combination

Words: C. Stewart

 

Sorting your Royal Ascot outfit is only one part of the equation – good grooming is essential for a strong finish. We’ve got you: here are three grooming looks that’ll set off your winning style care of our friends at Murdock Barbers of London.

Need a hand? Get down to the Ascot Weekender at our Oxford Street East store from 9-11 June where Murdock’s world-class barbers are doing free trims and tidyups while we get you ready with your Ascot outfit.

Look 1 – The Clean Sweep

A slicked-back side parting. Blow-dried backwards into shape, finished with our water-based Vintage Pomade for a super slick, high shine and strong hold finish.

Look 2 – The Easy Goer

A relaxed, textured fringe. A few spritzes of Sea Salt Spray applied to damp hair for instant volume and great texture, gently blow-dried forward then finished with our Texture Paste for a medium hold and an easy-going finish.

Look 3 – Curtains

A flowing, 90s-inspired style. Add a few spritzes of our Sea Salt Spray to damp hair, either allow to dry naturally or gently blow dry, then work some of our loose textured Hair Play in for a free-flowing, moveable style.

 

Yellow graphic with words Ascot Weekender

 

Want a pro’s hands on your hair? Book in at the Murdock Lounge at our Ascot Weekender.

Ascot Weekender

Oxford Street East

Friday 9 – Sunday 11 June

 

SHOP THE ROYAL ASCOT LOOK

How to wear a 1920s suit for a party

This time, nothing is prohibited.

THIS TIME, NOTHING IS PROHIBITED

• WORDS: A. FOZZARD

We’re calling it: the roaring ’20s will be making some noise once again as we enter the twenty-first century’s take on the decade. Whether it’s for a Great Gatsby-themed wedding, a big birthday bash or a friend’s housewarming, we bet you’ll need your braces and baker boy cap at least once this year.

The roaring 1920s were about throwing caution to the wind. So what should you wear if anything goes?

BLACK TIE DONE THE JAZZ AGE WAY

Luckily parties, champagne towers, trombones and tuxes all go hand in hand. It means you can play it safe with a classic tux, finished with a dress shirt and a bow tie. Maybe nod to 1920s men’s fashion with a pinstriped waistcoat. Sorted.

You could go more out-there by choosing something double-breasted. Or a suit in anything but black. Neutral tailoring works well for the ’20s theme. Men used to go for the pristine shade to show they had wads of cash, seeing as they’d have to have the staff to keep it clean.

Another option is midnight blue. It was originally the dinner jacket colour of choice because it looked darker than black under the lights. Velvet and satin detailing will bring extra luxe to the theme.

TOUGH GUY FROM THE ’20s

The 1920s produced Al Capone. That’s all you need to know. The era had its fair share of gangsters, and there are loads of ways to get the look.

For British gangsters, it’s all about the sharp double-breasted suit made from heavy fabrics like tweed, Donegal and herringbone. These looks are in style at the moment, so it could be worth investing in a heritage-inspired suit if it’s your kind of style.

Famously, baker boy and flat caps shout 1920s tough guy. But if you’re more rich-American gangster than British badass, choose a fedora.

BRING ROARING ’20s STYLE WITH YOUR ACCESSORIES

They knew how to accessorise in the 1920s. Take your tux to Gatsby’s level with a wing collar shirt, complete with silver armbands. If you’ve gone down the thick tweed route, choose a striped shirt and braces. A pocket watch works for both the gangster and the gentleman.

1920s HAIR – THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY

You’ll get a lot of outfit inspiration from this golden age, so chances are you’ll put yours on and think you look great – but not necessarily fully 1920s.

Quite often the final trick comes down to your hair. Slicking it to one side with a little quiff will make the difference between looking ready for a party and looking ready for a 1920s bash.