WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO DO IN MANCHESTER

Heard great things about Manchester and want to check out what’s going on, where to head and what to wear? Us too. We’re about to open our second-biggest Moss store right in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.

So whether you’re looking for suits in Manchester, or more casual pieces that’ll take you from day to night, we’re ready to help you find your style.

Trendiest areas of Manchester

When it comes to what to do when you’re in Manchester, there are lots of stylish spots worth spending time in. As it happens, Manchester’s also been ranked one of the top stag do cities in the world, so it’s somewhere you’ll have a great time, whether you’re there to celebrate a mate or not. Here’s where to head for good times in the city:

Ancoats

Popular with creatives, visitors and foodies, Ancoats is an old industrial part of Manchester that’s filled with independent restaurants, bars and experiences. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to spend your time in, like Cutting Room Square (aka Ancoats Square) that houses Michelin-starred Elnecot right next  to one of Manchester’s fave pizza spots, Rudy’s.

Northern Quarter

Located between Ancoats and Piccadilly train station, the Northern Quarter is the place to go out in Manchester. From bars masquerading as launderettes, video rental shops and pawn shops, through to Tiki bars, speakeasies and popups, this area really has it all. You’ll also find a ton of independent retailers, markets and street food, like the amazing Mackie Mayor food hall. It’s a popular spot for TV and film shoots, too, including Peaky Blinders.

Chorlton

Chorlton’s a relaxed suburb of the city that’s all about independent retailers, bars and restaurants, and there’s something for absolutely everyone. One of the best-rated restaurants in the area, Ban San Juan, is in Chorlton, so it’s worth checking out, even if you’re staying elsewhere. It also has a load of green spaces, bakeries and quirky grocers.

Castlefield

Filled with canals and outdoor spaces, along with some great places to eat and drink, Castlefield’s a mainly residential area that’s full of warehouse conversions, beer gardens by the canal and art venues like HOME and Castlefield Bowl. There’s also a sky park at Castlefield Viaduct if you fancy some outdoor space, with bars and restaurants in the railway arches, too. It’s located at the bottom of Deansgate, one of the main streets in the city centre, so it’s easy to get to.

Spinningfields

Spinningfields is a mix of business and pleasure, with a blend of high-profile businesses calling the area home alongside some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. There’s even outdoor space and plenty of spots to din al fresco. The Ivy Asia, Tattu, Australasia, The Oast House and 20 Stories are all in the area, plus plenty of premium retailers. You’ll find Spinningfields just off Deansgate.

Things to do in Manchester

Need some ideas of things to do in Manchester? Let’s start with a little bit of culture. You can do a walking tour of the city to find out more about its history, sights and must-see spots. There are also museums and educational centres all over the city, from the Science and History Museum to Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and the People’s History Museum.

If you’re into football, you’ll feel right at home. The National Museum of Football, Manchester United’s ground, Old Trafford, and Manchester City’s ground, the Etihad, are all within easy distance of the city centre and they’re accessible by transport. Book yourself in for match day tickets, a tour or event at one of these venues.

Manchester Cricket Ground, Manchester Velodrome, the National Cycling Centre and the National Basketball Performance Centre are all in the area too. So if football’s not your thing, you’ll find some other sporting activities to keep you entertained.

For shopping, head to Manchester Arndale, the Trafford Centre and streets like Market Street and St Ann’s Square to find your fave places to shop and relax. Both have plenty of places to eat, drink and enjoy around the shopping, so you can make a day of it.

If you’re into the cinema, bowling or concerts then you’re spoilt for choice too when it comes to things to do in Manchester. You can head to the Printworks, HOME, Freight Island, Parrs Wood or Great Northern for all of the above. There’s also event venues like the AO Arena, The Bridgewater Hall, Albert Hall, Castlefield Bowl and Manchester Academy for live music. The Palace Theatre, Manchester Opera House and the Lowry also have a ton of gigs and events happening, and Factory International’s opening this summer too.

What should you wear in Manchester?

Our research named Manchester as the city in the UK with the most stylish men, showing that it’s not all parkas and Liam Gallagher style haircuts. Manchester fashion’s come into its own, and it’s a big reason why we’ve chosen to set up our second flagship in the city. From stylish celebrities to some of the best known fashion-brands and designers in the world, Manchester’s always had style.

Manchester’s definitely a city that likes to make an effort. Dresswear’s always popular as people head to events, nights out and the latest new restaurants and venues. Tuxedos and dress shirts are some of the items people buy most at Moss, with smart tweed sets coming second.

When it comes to casualwear, Manchester loves ‘new neutrals’ with navy, stone, tobacco and khaki green all the most popular colours for casualwear. Shackets are also popular in the city, with linens and tech fabrics popular for layering, styling and wearing to lower-key events.

Find your style in Manchester. Visit the brand new Moss Manchester where our advisors are ready to help, whether you need an outfit for something you’ve got coming up, need a hand getting your measurements right, want to sort suit hire, or fancy creating your very own Custom Made suit.

ALL THE OUTFITS YOU NEED FOR A SUMMER FESTIVAL

Packing for a festival can be challenging, especially if you’re contesting with always-unpredictable British summer weather. You might need something light one day, the warmest jumper you own the next day, and all the rain gear you brought the day after that. And, you want to look cool, of course.

So, what to pack to prepare yourself for anything a summer festival might throw at you? We’ve got you sorted, from lightweight shorts to graphic prints and the accessories that’ll tie it all together. Read on and get packing.

What are the festival essentials?

The ideal wardrobe for a festival is one that’s in the same colour palette and interchangeable. That’ll mean you can mix and match basically anything you’ve brought and you’ll have a new outfit. So if you have a pair of shorts in a neutral colour, a pair of lightweight trousers in another neutral, a solid-coloured jumper, a T-shirt, and a shirt that adds something extra, you’ll be set. Think: a striped Cuban collar in a breezy fabric.

A coordinated set is a great thing to pack as well, especially if it fits in with the colour palette you’ve chosen. Again, you can split up the separates and wear the shirt with trousers or the shorts with a jumper if (when) the weather changes. 

What kinds of fabric are best for festival outfits?

If it’s going to be hot, your best bet is linen. Linen is about as breathable and lightweight as it gets, so you’ll be comfortable all day long. Cotton is also a great choice because, although it’s heavier than linen, it’s still breathable and easy to wear. An open-knit shirt is also a great option for unpredictable weather, and you can layer it over a T-shirt if the temperature drops.

No matter what fabrics you choose for your festival outfits, make sure they’re easy to pack, easy to throw on and easy to spot clean if it comes to it.

What accessories should I bring?

As nostalgic trends continue to prevail, the number one must-have on your festival packing list is, of course, a bucket hat. It’ll look great and protect you from the sun. Sandals that are easy to slip on and off are a great choice for footwear, and trainers are a must if you’re going to be on your feet all day. Otherwise, keep it simple with your accessories and don’t overthink it.

Whatever you decide to pack for your weekend at a festival this summer, make sure it’s comfortable, suits a variety of temperatures, and is low-effort to wear. And if you’re buying something new, make sure you’re choosing pieces that fit into your everyday wardrobe as well. That’ll help you consider your personal style and you’ll end up with pieces you’ll wear for years – and festivals – to come.

OUR GUIDE TO MEN’S DESTINATION WEDDING OUTFITS

Getting married somewhere beautiful and warm? You’ll need a suit that’s right for the destination and can hold its own in the heat. Keep reading for all the suit advice you need for your destination wedding.

Why do people get married abroad?

A destination wedding is pretty much what it sounds like: getting married away from where you live, often at an overseas location. This usually means more planning and coordination. But it can be worth it to tie the knot somewhere that’s meaningful to you, or just for getting hitched against a stunning backdrop you can’t get in the UK.

The destination you choose might hold some memories for you as a couple, it might be iconic for weddings (we’re looking at you, Las Vegas), or it might be closer to family and friends. Even taking the cost of travel and accommodation into consideration, it can be cheaper to head overseas to get married vs. the UK (especially if it means a smaller wedding party). We suspect a lot of people choose to get married abroad for the guaranteed sunshine the UK just can’t match.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular places to get married overseas, and some of the style challenges they bring with them.

Popular locations to get married overseas

According to Hitched, some of the most popular wedding destinations in 2022 included:

• Istria, Croatia

• Phuket, Thailand

• Amalfi Coast, Italy

• Ibiza, Balearic Islands

• Lisbon, Portugal

• Santorini, Greece

• Var, France

• St Lucia, Caribbean

• Marbella, Spain

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Whether you’re heading to these sunny destinations for a beach wedding, getting married in a villa or a hotel,  it’s worth thinking about the precise location when it comes to your style choices. A tweed suit looks fantastic as a wedding outfit for example, but it might not be the most practical choice if you’re getting married on the beach at midday. Go for lighter fabrics like linen or seersucker, and keep your styling more relaxed with open collars and undone buttons.

If you’re planning a destination wedding at a stately home or a high-end hotel, you might want to up the style stakes and look at a tuxedo, a traditional morning suit or a three-piece suit. Planning a more laid-back wedding day? If a Las Vegas-style wedding or a big day in a big city is more your thing, go more contemporary in a checked suit, or play with colour in a pastel suit.

Wedding outfits for men getting married abroad

Remember, it’s your wedding day and you get to choose what you want to wear. What’s most important is that you feel comfortable ad confident at your wedding, wherever you get married. Remember you can choose to get your wedding outfit tailored, custom made or you can hire a wedding suit depending on what your priorities and your budget are.

Here are some of the most popular styles of wedding suits for men, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding.

Seersucker suits

Ideal for a beach wedding, seersucker is cotton stitched in a particular way to give it a puckered texture. Since it’s cotton, that means it’ll offer all the breathability you’ll need on a hot day, and it’ll be nice and lightweight for travel (and won’t crease in your suitcase).

But, don’t take that beach setting too literally and choose a blue-and-white striped seersucker suit. Instead, keep it modern in a neutral seersucker suit that’ll go with just about any colour palette you and your partner choose for your big day. Keep the look relaxed with loafers and an open-collar shirt, or dress it up with a white shirt and Monk strap shoes.

Linen suits

A linen suit is ideal if you’re going for a relaxed, simple wedding day, whether that’s on the beach or in a small town. Because it’s a lightweight, breathable fabric, it’ll keep you cooler. Linen also tends to travel well, but its tendency to look a bit wrinkled might mean it’s not for you if you want that perfectly pressed look.

When it comes to styling, pair a light-coloured linen suit with a light shirt for a laid-back look. You can even wear a linen shirt with your linen suit, and add a pocket square or tie for a little visual interest.

Going full-on formal

If you’re headed to a sunny locale but you’ve opted for a black-tie dress code, there’s no reason you actually have to sweat it out in black. Instead, go for a dinner jacket in a lighter, more summery colour, like this soft grey one. Wear it with a dress shirt, a bowtie and tuxedo trousers and you’ll still look every bit as dressed up as you should.

If you’ve chosen a really fancy location like a Tuscan villa or a hotel on the coast of Spain, match the formality and go with an Italian suit – apt if you’re headed to Tuscany. Made with the best fabrics from Italy’s most renowned mills, you’ll have a beautifully-made suit that’s more than appropriate for the special day.

Some final tips for getting married abroad

You should start by making a list of what you need to take with you. You don’t want to be halfway through a long-haul flight and realise you forgot to pack your tie (or worse, your actual suit). Think about everything from shoes to accessories and even your wedding party’s outfits. Have a backup plan just in case anything goes wrong with your luggage and avoid checking your wedding outfits.

Keep an eye on the weather at your destination, too. Even if you’re heading somewhere that’s usually sunny, it still might not be as hot as anticipated. Also, take a mini sewing kit with you and confirm your hotel has an iron or a steamer.

The most important tip for a destination wedding? Enjoy your special day in the beautiful surroundings you’ve chosen.

Shop men’s wedding suits for all occasions and destinations at Moss.

HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO FOR A STAG DO

Searches for stag parties have more than doubled since the end of last year, suggesting that best men up and down the country are busy planning what’s in store for the groom, along with his nearest and dearest.

With that in mind, menswear experts Moss have run the numbers to find out where the best stag do locations to head to in 2023 are.

Best stag do locations revealed

Based on essential stag do criteria – including nearby bars, restaurants, weather, stag party activities, hotels, distance from the UK and, of course, the cost of a pint – Moss have revealed the top 5 destinations to head for a stag do this summer:

Benidorm

Benidorm, located on the stunning coast of Spain, is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, thrilling activities and accommodation options for every budget, it offers the essentials for giving the groom-to-be a good send off.

Benidorm’s nightlife scene is renowned, with a wide range of clubs, bars and pubs catering to every taste and budget. The average cost of a pint is less than £1, the cheapest on the destination list. The city also offers an array of thrilling activities, from water sports like jet skiing and parasailing to land-based adventures like go-karting and paintballing.

With excellent transport links, including an international airport, reaching Benidorm is hassle-free for stag groups from around the world.

Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the perfect destination for an exciting stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, affordability, and range of thrilling activities, it offers everything you need to celebrate the groom-to-be in style. The city is renowned for its lively bars, clubs and pubs, providing a diverse range of entertainment options to suit every taste.

Bratislava’s affordability compared to other European cities makes it an attractive choice for stag parties on a budget, without compromising on quality. Its compact size allows for easy exploration and seamless navigation. Whether you’re seeking an energetic night out or thrilling adventures, Bratislava guarantees an unforgettable stag do for the groom-to-be and his friends.

Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an exceptional choice for a stag do. With its legendary party scene, stunning architecture, and affordable prices, it offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. Prague’s vibrant nightlife boasts a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to suit all tastes, ensuring non-stop entertainment.

Plus, Prague’s affordability makes it a budget-friendly destination and its central location in Europe makes it easily accessible for stag parties from different parts of the continent.

Manchester

With its lively nightlife, range of activities and northern charm, Manchester offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s thriving music scene and numerous clubs and bars ensure an epic night out for the stag party.

During the day, sports enthusiasts can visit iconic stadiums or explore the National Football Museum, while adventure-seekers can enjoy go-karting, paintballing or escape rooms. Manchester’s warm hospitality and plenty of places to eat make it a great stag do destination. Plus, it’s usually a train rather than a flight.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an excellent choice for a stag party destination. It offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s electric nightlife scene boasts a variety of bars, clubs, and rooftop venues, ensuring an exciting night out for the stag party. Plus there’s plenty to do in the day.

During the day, Lisbon’s breathtaking landscapes, charming neighbourhoods, and historic sites provide the perfect backdrop for exploration and adventure. Stag groups can visit iconic landmarks, enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city a little further than bars and restaurants.

Popular stag do locations ranked

Based on Moss’ data collection, using the same criteria as above, the top 20 stag do destinations from the UK are:

1. Benidorm
2. Bratislava
3. Prague
4. Manchester
5. Lisbon
6. Blackpool
7. Barcelona
8. Amsterdam
9. Dublin
10. Ibiza
11. Cardiff
12. Krakow
13. Budapest
14. Aberdeen
15. Berlin
16. Bucharest
17. Las Vegas
18. Marbella
19. Riga
20. Belfast

Stag do planning tips

Planning a stag do can be exciting, but it also requires careful organisation and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful stag do:

1. Start early: Begin planning well in advance to secure the best deals on accommodation, activities, and transportation. This will also allow guests to save the date and make necessary arrangements to join the celebration. Remember to find out from the groom who he wants to come, and get their details.
2. Set a budget: Determine a budget early on to guide your planning decisions. Consider the costs of accommodation, activities, food, drinks, transportation and any additional expenses. Make sure to communicate the budget to all attendees to avoid any misunderstandings.
3. Know the group’s interests: Think about the interests and preferences of the groom-to-be and the entire stag party when selecting the destination and activities. Discuss with the group to ensure everyone is on board with the chosen destination and the planned activities.
4. Research the destination: Do thorough research about the chosen destination. Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws and places to go. Identify popular nightlife areas, attractions and activities to include in the stag do plans too.
5. Plan activities and entertainment: Plan a mix of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels, especially if you have a range of ages attending the stag do. Consider including both day and night activities, such as adventure sports, brewery tours, boat cruises or clubbing. Keep the groom’s preferences in mind when choosing activities.
6. Book accommodation and transportation: Secure suitable accommodation early to avoid last-minute availability issues. Choose accommodations that are conveniently located and can accommodate the entire group within budget. If there’s a big group, a central location might be better than having to arrange transport.
7. Coordinate group communication: Set up a group chat to keep everyone informed and involved in the planning process. Share updates, itineraries and important details to ensure everyone is on the same page.
8. Collect payments in advance: If applicable, collect payments from attendees in advance to cover expenses such as accommodation, activities and transportation. This will help avoid any financial complications during the stag do.
9. Plan for contingencies: Have backup plans in case of unforeseen circumstances or unexpected changes. It’s always wise to be prepared for any last-minute changes or emergencies that may arise.
10. Delegate responsibilities: Assign specific responsibilities to different members of the group to share the planning workload. This will help distribute tasks and ensure that everything is well-coordinated.

Remember, the ultimate goal of a stag do is to celebrate the groom-to-be and create lasting memories. By following these tips and staying organised, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable stag do for everyone involved.