Archive for January, 2024

How to wear: the navy trench

Tailored to take on the elements.
Moss - navy double breasted trench coat

A BRITISH TAILORING CLASSIC UPDATED FOR TODAY

Words: C. Saramowicz

The trench coat has been a staple in British wardrobes for decades. Originally used by army officers during WWI to keep dry in the trenches (hence the name), fashion houses quickly picked up on the durable design, reworking it for the fashion conscious. Now it’s a fundamental piece of outerwear, often used as a stylish way to keep out the rain.

Our take is a crafted from a durable navy cotton, featuring a storm flap for authentic detail and a classic trench belt to sculpt the frame. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn at work or on the weekend, but what do you wear underneath? See below for our styling tips.

Work week

A trench coat truly shines when it’s combined with workwear. A tailored pale blue shirt with a navy tie peeking out from the collar? A smart, classic look that exudes sophistication.
With its double-breasted closure, a trench instantly elevates any outfit – in workwear’s case, however, it enhances it, becoming an almost extension of your suit. Finish with a pair of chunky loafers and you’re ready for the working week.

Weekend date

If you’re heading on a casual weekend date, skip the suit and go for something a bit more comfortable. Whether you’re off bowling, the cinema or a stroll through the park, a boxy tee combined with worker chinos makes for a modern outfit that looks and feels put together, particularly with the addition of accessories – in this case navy cap and chunky trainers. Add the trench coat into the mix and you’ve hit the smart casual nail on the head.

Walks in the city

Casualwear doesn’t have to be basic. If you want a cohesive, comfortable look that will keep you warm on walks too, this is it – a chunky cable knit spun with alpaca wool (for extra softness) combined with a pair of cotton-rich joggers and a chunky trainer, and you’re prepared for your weekend walks while still looking fresh. The trench coat looks great layered over this look – the relaxed fit of the outfit softens the aesthetic, while the trench coat provides both protection from the elements and an extra level of refinement.

Posted January 4th, 2024 in Style.

Spotlight on: merino wool

Spun with merino wool and added flexible fibres, our core knits are soft, insulating and layerable.

EXPLORE MERINO WOOL IN ALL ITS GLORY

Words: L. Thorpe

Warm, plush and comfortable, merino wool has been used for centuries as a premium alternative to regular sheep’s wool. Versatile and durable, it’s often woven into activewear because of it’s temperature regulating properties, but works incredibly well as fine knitwear too. Wondering if merino deserves a spot in your winter wardrobe? Here’s why it’s worth the investment this season.

What is merino wool?

Merino is a special type of wool sourced from the merino sheep in New Zealand, Australia and South America. It’s a soft, fine fabric that is thin, flexible and sits comfortably against the skin, making it ideal for fine knits such as roll necks and cardigans. Merino is also breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin, meaning it stays fresher than synthetic fabric.

Why we love merino

Aside from all of the above, the fine fibres of merino make it one of the softest fabrics to craft with. It’s also durable, wrinkle resistant and reduces the itchiness associated with standard wool. Furthermore, it’s more sustainable than synthetic fabrics due to its ability to biodegrade.

At Moss, we love how lightweight merino is, which is why we’ve incorporated it into many of our knits, blending it with acrylic to add a little bit of a stretch and make it easier to care for. All of our merino jumpers are machine washable at low temperatures, and will keep their shape through repeated wear. Check out our guide to caring for your knitwear for some tips on looking after your merino pieces.

How to wear merino

Merino works just as well for casual events as it does for more dressier occasions. Play it safe by going for a neutral black, white or grey, or add a bit of colour with our selection of tonal pieces such as the acid green roll neck or the wine zip neck.

Mock necks and roll necks are layering staples, and a great way to tone down a smart suit. Paired with a classic 2-piece, they add a relaxed feel to a sharp look, but work just as well with chinos or tailored trousers without the jacket. Add in a chestnut overcoat and you’ve got a polished finish that’ll see you from desk to dinner.

Moss - blue fog merino blend long sleeve polo shirt

For a more relaxed weekend look, try a light blue merino polo shirt with chinos and chunky trainers. It can easily transition into formal if needed, and the fine knit allows for breathability which works well for those in-between seasons. If it’s really chilly, layer with an overshirt or a chunky knit for extra warmth.

SHOP ALL MERINO JUMPERS

Posted January 4th, 2024 in Style.

What to wear at work: the business suit

What you need to know about this essential suit style.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BUSINESS SUIT?

Words: L. Thorpe

Heard the term business suit but not really sure what it means? We’re shedding some light on what you need to know about this more formal men’s style.

SHOP BUSINESS SUITS

What is a business suit?

As you might have guessed, a business suit is a more formal style of workwear that can be worn every day. Usually found in the office or a professional setting, it traditionally consists of a jacket, matching trousers and smart shoes. It’s often worn with a crisp shirt in a neutral tone and an understated men’s tie.

Moss - tailored fit navy performance suit

Where should you wear a business suit?

Business suits are most often worn in corporate settings, though they also work for meetings or functions outside of the office too. That doesn’t mean that you can’t express your own personality when it comes to your workwear. There are no rules that say you can’t wear your business suit for other events or occasions outside of work either – the choice is totally yours.

Many workplaces have adopted a more relaxed dress code since returning to the office, but that definitely doesn’t mean the business suit is dead. It’s the ideal workwear for when you want to look polished, especially for more formal work occasions or meetings and presentations.

Moss - slim fit sage herringbone donegal suit

What should you wear with a business suit?

When it comes to your suit, you want to look professional, put together and stay pretty safe with your colour choices and accessories. Navy or charcoal grey suits are usually a good start for your business suit, without it feeling too formal or too much like black tie. Skip the super-shiny fabrics if you can, but if you really want a little touch of texture, keep it in moderation. Tweed is a great option – our take comes in a soft sage tone with a gentle herringbone pattern.

Wool and wool-silk blends are also a great choice for a business suit, usually with a less open weave. If you choose a patterned or printed fabric, go for something more subtle and office appropriate like pinstripes.

However, if your office is less formal (or you’re known for your personal style), there’s nothing stopping you from adding a bit more fun into your workwear. Swap your white shirt for a mock neck to tone down the look, adding a pair of chunky loafers for an easy, smart casual aesthetic.

When it comes to your accessories, keep them subtle. Go for understated cufflinks, plainer shirts and formal shoes, usually in black or brown, depending on the colour of your suit. Shoes with hole perforations, like brogues, are the go-to but wear what you’re going to be more comfortable in at the office, as long as it’s a smart style. Loafers are a great alternative, and can be worn with casualwear such as jeans or chinos too.

Moss - tailored fit blue flannel suit

Tips for getting the right fit

Getting the right fit can make a big impact on how you look and feel in your suit at work. It can be the difference between feeling confident or self-conscious, which can really count when you’re in the office.

Measuring yourself, or getting professionally measured, is the most important step when it comes to getting the right fit. You can then use this to work out what your suit size should be, which means whether you order online or head into a store to try, you’re more likely to get the right fit and style for you. Trying out some different cuts and suit styles can really help you find what you’re looking for.

When you try on your suits, remember to move around in them. Even if you sit at a desk for work, if your suit doesn’t fit properly, you’ll be able to feel it when you’re moving around the office, so it’s definitely better to find out ahead of time. Take note of the length of your sleeves, how tight it feels on your shoulders and the leg length. Also, check out how the suit feels when it’s fastened and unfastened.

If you need some more fit tips, our suit fit guide will help you say on track and get the most flattering fit for your suit.

SHOP BUSINESS SUITS

Posted January 2nd, 2024 in Style.

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