Archive for December, 2023

What to wear: festive edition

From puppytooth to plaid, checked shirts are a must this season.

 

WHAT TO WEAR THIS FESTIVE SEASON, WHATEVER YOUR PLANS MAY BE

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

However you’re spending Christmas this year, the holiday season is always an exciting time to experiment with outfitting. You don’t have to stray far from your daily get-up, though – just a few key pieces in your wardrobe can really up your festive game. From warm cashmere jumpers to comfortable chinos, here are our picks for all the important days in the Christmas calendar.

SHOP CASUALWEAR

 

 

The night before Christmas is often spent cosied up in front of the TV or wrapping last minute gifts, but if you do decide to have company over or pop out for a few, you may as well look great. Layering is the best way to go here – start with a heavy cotton tee as a base layer, then add a thick knit such as the ecru cable zip to lock that warmth in. A pair of wool-rich flannel trousers will keep you cosy in a drafty pub, alongside a smart pair of Chelsea boots, crafted from the softest chocolate-coloured suede. Top everything off with a wadded jacket that traps pockets of warm air and can easily fit under a thicker winter coat if needed.

 

 

The biggest day of the festive calendar is definitely a time to look the part, but you also need to be comfortable. After all, most of your time will probably be spent at the dining table and opening gifts on the sofa, which means that easy layering is the right way to go. A washed Oxford is a smart casual essential that uplifts any outfit, especially when it’s made from 100% cotton with added stretch for comfort. When paired with a skipper jumper, the look is relaxed but still feels put together. As for your bottom half, go for a stretch chino that is tailored to your body but still has breathing room for those extra mince pies.

 

 

Boxing Day is a time for leftovers and movie marathons, so comfort is key. A polo shirt, crafted from the softest merino wool blend, feels great on the skin and moves with your body for extra ease. A pair of worker chinos give room for moving from the sofa to the fridge with their elasticated waistband and added stretch through the legs. Top it off with a cashmere crew jumper and a comfy pair of chunky trainers and you’ve got an outfit that’s all about looking and feeling good, whatever you’ve got going on. It’s also great for Twixmas – the time between Christmas and New Year when time has no meaning – due to the high comfort levels.

 

 

It’ll likely be quite chilly on your New Year’s Day walk, which means wrapping up and staying dry is imperative. A cable roll neck made from a rich lambswool blend will keep the warmth in while regulating your temperature, alongside being the perfect neutral base for your outfit. Combine that with a pair of tonal tailored trousers to maintain the smart casual aesthetic, and add hiking boots that are made for trudging around in the snow (or rain). Finish with a brushed wool cap and a flannel puffer, extra-long to keep your bottom half warm and wadded with insulating padding to keep the wind out.

SHOP COATS

What is an Epsom coat?

Here’s what makes a double-faced Epsom coat special.

WHAT MAKES A DOUBLE-FACED EPSOM COAT SPECIAL?

Words: T. MacInnis

 

From puffers to trenches to blazers to parkas, there are many coat options with different features that differentiate them. One that might be particularly elusive is the double-faced Epsom coat.

If you’re looking for an overcoat you can wear over a suit or to dress down at the weekend, the Epsom coat could be what you’re after. But what exactly is an Epsom coat, and what makes it special? Read on to find out and see how and where you can wear one.

Moss - oatmeal epsom overcoat

What is an Epsom coat?

A double-faced Epsom coat is a particular style of overcoat with a single breast and a hem that sits just above the knee. The fabric is usually cashmere, wool, silk or another natural fabric, and is double woven. Two thin layers of fabric are threaded together to make a thicker fabric, hence the “double,” and you can use either side for the outside of the coat. Special seaming and finishing techniques are usually done by hand and there’s no lining, which makes the coat lightweight but still warm.

Thanks to their quality fabric and construction, double-faced Epsom coats are great investment pieces.They’re warm, well-made and super versatile. We offer them in a range of colours for you to choose from like camel, chestnut and navy, which means you’re bound to find one that fits into your wardrobe.

Moss - camel brushed epsom coat

What can I wear with a double-faced Epsom coat?

Thanks to their clean lines, you can wear Epsom coats with just about everything. The chestnut-coloured coat pairs well with joggers, a roll-neck jumper and trainers, and the charcoal one layered over your best Italian suit. Essentially, you can smarten up a more casual outfit with a Epsom coat, or you can maintain a more dressed-up office or formalwear look.

Moss - light grey epsom overcoat

Where can I wear a double-faced Epsom coat?

We love versatility at Moss, and our double-faced Epsom coat captures it perfectly. Unlike some coats that feel more right for a weekend away or more formal occasions, these coats suit just about any day or destination. We think the camel one is best for a casual weekend while the navy, black or charcoal would make a great topper for your wedding suit.

If you’re in the market for a new winter-ready coat, the Epsom is a great choice. You’ll wear it loads, it’ll last for years to come, and it will always fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. What could be better?

Moss - charcoal wool blend epsom overcoat

Gift guide: For the quiet luxury guy

Make a good suit a great one.

 

ITALIAN FABRICS AND PREMIUM KNITS WHEN UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE IS HIS FORTE

Words: L. Thorpe

 

If he cares about luxury and invests in premium fabrics and carefully considered pieces, he values quality above all else.

As a discerning and style-focused recipient, this is a Christmas gift that’s worth getting right. Think high-quality soft fabrics, smooth silhouettes and a clean, luxurious feel. Cashmere, merino wool and Italian fabrics are all going to tick the box, as are neutral tones and muted colourways.

Let’s start with the cashmere. A simple ribbed sock is anything but when it’s crafted from a supple cotton-cashmere blend. Combine three of their favourite colours and get a sock gift box for a well thought out present they’ll actually use. A beautifully constructed winter white scarf, made from lambswool with a dose of cashmere for extra softness, will have them anticipating the drop in temperature with joy. As for our ribbed beanie, they’ll get a kick just from the quality of the knit.

When looking at jumpers, invest in classic styles they can mix and match with like a merino camel roll neck or a cashmere crew neck jumper. With a super-soft handfeel and a world of styling possibilities, they’re both wise investments that will go far in any luxury lover’s wardrobe.

If you want to take it up a notch, this light blue overshirt should make the Christmas list. Crafted from an Italian wool-cotton blend, it’ll lock in warmth during the colder months and can be layered underneath a thick coat too. They’ll love the classic herringbone pattern. If they’re into matching sets, this taupe relaxed coord combines a wool-blend shacket and trousers for a relaxed, tailored outfit that feels intentional and exudes luxury.

SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN

Gift guide: For the guy who’s getting out and about in 2024

Make a good suit a great one.

Moss - chestnut brushed wool baseball cap

 

TRANSIT-FRIENDLY GIFTS TO HELP REACH HIS TRAVELLING GOALS

Words: L. Thorpe

 

If he has travelling as one of his new year’s resolutions, it’s only right that you gift accordingly. Get him a Christmas present that will take him places this year, so he can hop on a plane knowing he’s set for his adventures.

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts for someone who loves to travel, there are a few pieces of criteria to hit – comfortable, easy to pack and useful. Let’s start with the obvious: travel luggage. This leather holdall is ideal for overnight stays in the UK, flights and longer trips (if he can pack light). If he’s shoving his toothbrush in with his socks, give him the gift of organisation with this black grained leather wash bag. With a grained finish similar to the leather holdall to match, it’s a functional and beautifully constructed accessory that he won’t have realised he’s been missing.

Sticking with accessories, this baseball cap in an autumnal chestnut tone is an absolute must. A classic piece of casual headwear, it’s made from 100% brushed wool that will keep his head warm in the cooler months. As functionality goes, you can’t beat it – it can also double up as a mask for a late-night flight, or keep the sun out of their eyes if they’re jetting off somewhere warmer.

Another underrated gift idea for the traveller is an easy to wear overshirt. Our take is crafted from a fine cotton needlecord with added stretch for comfort. Overshirts are ideal for layering, useful for when you’re hopping on and off the plane and regularly changing temperatures. For something warmer, this navy wadded jacket is just the ticket for travelling to cooler destinations, which can also wear it under a thicker coat when the cold really bites.

SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN

Gift guide: For the guy who doesn’t know what he needs (until he gets it)

Make a good suit a great one.

Moss - shearling leather gloves

 

THOUGHT-THROUGH ESSENTIALS HE’LL WONDER HOW HE SURVIVED WITHOUT

Words: L. Thorpe

 

We all know at least one person who never knows what they want. It sounds easy – technically, you could buy them anything and they’d be happy with it – but having too many choices can be daunting when buying Christmas gifts for this guy.

Keeping it simple is key. Classic shapes and accessories always go down well, as do those useful day-to-day pieces they would never have picked themselves but now absolutely love.

If you’re going for clothing for this year’s Christmas gift, choose pieces they’d like but might not pick up in store. This sage washed Oxford shirt is a prime example – it’s a classic style but the colour offers a modern feel, adding a bit of difference to their work wardrobe.

As for bottoms, chinos are an essential part of any smart casual wardrobe but may not always be something they buy for themselves. Made from a cotton-rich fabric with added stretch, our worker chinos can be dressed up or down and, with the addition of an elasticated waist, offer an extra level of comfort alongside their versatility.

Accessories are another great way of getting it right this Christmas. If they’re always pulling their trousers up or rattling loose change in their pockets, go for quality leather gifts like this modern reversible business belt or a grained leather wallet. They’re both Christmas gifts they wouldn’t be inclined to buy themselves, and solve a problem they didn’t think they had. We also love these chocolate suede shearling gloves that are great for permanently cold fingers. Crafted from the softest leather with a fluffy interior, they’ll keep him smart when combined with a tailored epsom coat but look just as good paired with a trench.

SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN

Gift guide: For the guy who keeps it casual

Make a good suit a great one.

 

LAIDBACK LOOKS FOR THE SUIT-AND-TIE-SHY

Words: L. Thorpe

 

Buying for someone who keeps it casual can be a rather enjoyable experience. Comfort is their forte, choosing relaxed silhouettes and casual accessories over more formal looks. Think neutral tones, a monochrome palette and oversized fits that are easy to wear and make them feel good.

One option is to go for classic casual essentials like these black slim fit chinos. With their flattering fit and breathable cotton fabric, they’re versatile, comfortable and pair well with casual separates. They’ll easily slot into your casual guy’s year-round wardrobe.

As for the top half, you can’t go wrong with a t-shirt – he practically lives in them. Don’t just get any t-shirt though, treat him to this taupe heavyweight one for something that ups his t-shirt game. It’s cotton-rich, has a relaxed fit and a super-soft peached finish.

Another laidback taupe piece that they’ll love is this melange relaxed fit skipper jumper. It’s a great layering jumper that works over a T-shirt or an Oxford shirt depending on the season (and the occasion).

Leather gifts also go down well for men’s smart casual vibes. Choose from a simple black casual leather belt that they can wear with jeans or casual trousers alike, or elevate their accessories even more with a black grained leather backpack. It’s an upgrade from their casual canvas backpack, all while still keeping with that laidback look that they love.

SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN

Gift guide: For the statement maker

Make a good suit a great one.

Moss - navy brushed check overshirt

 

BOLD TONES AND A SUNDRY OF TEXTURES TO GET HIM NOTICED

Words: L. Thorpe

 

If you’re buying gifts for someone who’s a statement maker, there’s a good chance they’ll want something that really makes an impact. And so, getting it right with bold colours, textures and striking pieces is the key to buying them a great gift this Christmas.

They probably steer clear from neutral tones, preferring rich injections of colour, chunky knits and fabrics that other people might shy away from. Buying Christmas gifts for this guy can go one of two ways; playing it safe and getting them a few relatively pared-back pieces they can add their own statement pieces to, or go just as bold as them in your gift giving.

If it’s the latter, allow us to present you our colour of the season – and the colour your statement maker will love – acid green. Choose from a moleskin acid green shacket that truly stands out and pairs well with navy joggers and a neutral rollneck. If you’re hesitant about sizing, go a little safer with an acid green brushed oversized scarf they can wrap up in, crafted from the softest recycled fibres.

Green not their thing? This navy brushed check overshirt is another great gift that offers a more subtle statement. Wool-heavy and brushed to add texture, it adds depth to an outfit and can be worn over suiting or under a winter coat if the temperatures drop. Add in a navy merino rollneck and a ribbed beanie and they’ve got a bold, tonal look that will catch all the attention.

SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN