Archive for April, 2024

Do this one thing to transform your wardrobe

Unlimited style possibilities, this way.

 

FRESHEN UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH MOSS BOX

Words: C. Stewart

 

Take a look in your wardrobe. What’s in there? Stuff you love, we’re sure. Probably some pieces you’ve worn a million times, and some others you’ve not worn in ages. Certainly some items that are looking a little worn out. Maybe even an item or two you’ve regretted (or worse: never worn).

Oh yes, there it is: the gap you feel for something new. We get it. The feeling of new is hard to beat. But always succumbing to the need to buy something new isn’t sustainable – for the planet or your wallet.

The answer? Transform your wardrobe with an ever-rotating lineup of new looks without the waste or cost of one-off wears by renting your clothes.

Moss Box, our rental subscription service, has endless options to level up your style.

Branch out the risk-free way with something you might not normally consider. Rent something special for that night out you’ve got coming up, or lift your everyday staples with seasonal pieces you can switch out as often as you like.

Think about it this way: a rental subscription is an opportunity for a new you, one box swap at a time.

Start by trying out a new knitted polo for meeting your friends in the pub garden, then see how it works with tailored joggers when you head into the office. Swap the polo out for a shirt for that formal thing you’ve got on at the weekend. Realise you’ve got a month full of meetings coming up and add a crisp blazer into the mix. Replace the blazer with something to celebrate in when the month of meetings is over. It’s never been easier to rent clothes, whatever your favourite style is.

You get the endless-options picture.

How it works

Select your lineup and get two items at a time to style your way for long as you want. Once you’re ready for something new, send one or both back (delivery is free both ways) and we’ll send your next box.

Rent, return, repeat. No commitments. Cancel anytime. And if you find a keeper? Buy it at up to 50% off.

We’ll even take care of laundry for you, with eco-conscious dry-cleaning on us. And if that’s not reason enough to start now, sign up via the link below and we’ll give you a free trial for one month.

 

Ready to rent clothes?

GET STARTED

*Promotional offer is available to new members to 11:59 p.m. GMT 31/05/2024. To redeem the offer, click on the “GET STARTED” button and follow the directions to sign up for the service. Upon sign up, your credit card will be charged the promotional offer amount. Thereafter, your credit card will be charged £65, inclusive of VAT, for each month. Moss Box terms of service apply, click here to view. You may cancel your membership at any time. To find out more about your right to cancel, including your right to a cooling-off period, click here. Promotional offer has no cash value, is not transferable, and subject to change. Please not, we only deliver to addresses in the UK.

Posted April 26th, 2024 in Style.

Moss wears: the double breasted suit

A modern classic that works for everyone, as evidenced by the Moss team.

 

THE NAVY HERRINGBONE DB, AS STYLED BY TEAM MOSS

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

Our team are a pretty stylish bunch, and we love seeing all the different ways they style their Moss gear.

For our first installment of Moss Wears, our team are wearing a classic bestseller that will never let you down – the navy herringbone double breasted suit. Cut to a tailored fit, its deep navy tone and versatility make it a favourite in and around the office.

See below how our team chose to style it.

SHOP DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS

Amir – Talent Acquisition Manager

How have you styled your navy herringbone DB today? 

Starting from the top, I paired the navy herringbone with a cotton linen sky Bengal stripe shirt. For the trousers, I went with slim fit off-white stretch chinos, and I rounded it off with Moss white leather trainers. 

What do you like about the DB? 

What stands out about the DB is the sharp peak lapel – it’s all in the details!  But what I love most is how light it feels, especially around the shoulders. It’s super comfy, not too stiff, which makes it perfect for dressing up or down for a more smart-casual aesthetic.   

How would you describe your personal style? 

I’d say smart casual.

How often does tailoring feature in your everyday wardrobe?

I haven’t really included much formalwear yet, but my smart-casual outfits are tailored to fit well. I’m looking forward to starting a collection of tailored formal pieces like blazers soon, just refining the dad bod first!

Lin – Senior Ecommerce Executive

How have you styled your navy herringbone DB today? 

I styled it with a plain white t-shirt jeans and white trainers, using these simple wardrobe essentials to create a smart-casual, timeless look. 

What do you like about the DB? 

I really like the soft construction of the jacket – it gives you that boxier fit without being too intense. Plus, it’s super versatile. You can style it with the full suit for that boss lady vibe or throw it on with a t-shirt and trainers for a more casual aesthetic. You can also pair it with skirts for a feminine twist. It allows you to create so many different looks with just one piece.  

When you button it up, it gives you that sleek silhouette without feeling too restrictive, perfect for those days when I want that oversized look. You can even share it with your partner if you like – a win-win!  

How would you describe your personal style? 

I’m all about that simple yet put-together style, which is why I have so many jackets in my wardrobe. It makes it easy to create a smart-casual outfit without even trying.  

How often does tailoring feature in your everyday wardrobe? 

Tailoring is a big part of my everyday wardrobe. I have quite a few tailored jackets that I wear to the office all the time, they’re my secret weapon for looking sharp and put-together. They’re the perfect office staple! With my broad shoulders, men’s jackets usually fit perfectly – the cut and fit are more often exactly what I’m looking for. 

 

David – Buyer, Accessories

How have you styled your navy herringbone DB today? 

Despite having chosen the full suit I’ve decided to dress things down, swapping the shirt and tie for a navy linen knit tee, a Bottinelli printed pocket square and black loafers. 

What do you like about the DB? 

For me it’s the soft construction of the jacket which is perfect for spring/summer, with no shoulder pads or lining. Equally the trousers with their double pleats are nice and generous around the waist and seat, draping nicely and giving maximum comfort. 

How would you describe your personal style? 

I always like to wear some sort of tailoring, particularly for work, even if it’s just the trousers paired with a nice overshirt and smart trainers. The suit isn’t dead — it’s just about wearing it in different ways these days. 

How often does tailoring feature in your everyday wardrobe? 

Quite often. And I think it’s time I started wearing ties again, which I don’t just say as Accessories Buyer! 

SHOP DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS

Posted April 24th, 2024 in Style.

Buyers picks: weekend away edition

The styles that will set you up this spring – by the people who brought them to you.

 

OUR BUYERS’ PICKS FOR WEEKENDS AWAY

With lots of long weekends on the horizon, it’s worth thinking about what you’ll be wearing during your time off. And with so many great pieces to choose from, sometimes you need a bit of wisdom and guidance from the people who brought them to you.

See our buyers go through their favourite pieces for long weekends away below.

 

Moss - belfast white chunky trainers

— Stefan Oxley, Senior Buyer

“We’ve updated the design of our bestselling Brighton trainer, using softer tones to keep this shoe more pared down compared to its bolder predecessor. However, they’ve lost none of the luxury, having been made in Portugal with high-quality European materials.” 

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Moss - taupe floral print cuban collar shirt

— Hettie Keough, Junior Buyer

“This floral print shirt is great for holidays. Lightweight enough to layer with a vest, throw on with our beach trousers or pleated shorts for elevated summer style. The floral jacquard fabric is Italian and we’ve added a button and tab under the collar so the shirt can be worn open Cuban-style or buttoned to the top.” 

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Moss - off white cargo trousers

— Yasmin McPherson, Junior Buyer

“Developed in a heavyweight jersey fabric, the cargo is a new edition to our trouser offering. Featuring an elasticated waist for comfort, it has tapered legs and casual side pockets, however, the fit and fabrication give the style an element of formality.” 

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Moss - swimshorts

— Sophie Kelly, Assistant Buyer

“Brand new for SS24 is swimwear. We’ve elevated the classic swimshort with tailored features like button fastening and side adjusters, so you can transition them from beach to bar by pairing them with one of our Cuban shirts. The peached finish gives a beautifully soft handfeel, while the recycled fibres offer sustainability. If smart styling isn’t your thing, go for a classic, sporty look with our drawstring waist alternatives. Cut from white seersucker with 4-way mechanical stretch, this option is a fail-safe choice for your holiday excursions.” 

SHOP SWIMSHORTS

 

Posted April 24th, 2024 in Style.

Casual outfits for the long weekend

Fresh ways with the linier pattern that everyone looks good in.

 

FOR WELL-DESERVED DAYS OFF IN THE SUN

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

Another bank holiday is almost upon us. Though we can’t guarantee good weather, we can ensure you’ll be well-dressed for whatever you’ve got going on. Bank holidays are a great excuse to update your wardrobe with key pieces that will take you beyond the long weekend. See below for this month’s BH outfit inspiration.

SHOP CASUALWEAR

 

Smart casual affairs

If the weather’s warmed up but you want to stay looking sharp, a smart pair of shorts is the way to go. Cut from lightweight linen that’ll keep you cool in the heat, our matte linen shorts are a great warm-weather alternative to tailored trousers. Though they’re cut to a slim fit, the side adjusters allow for the waistband to be altered slightly, great if you prefer a tighter or looser fit.

The versatility of these shorts means that you can wear them with anything from t-shirts and Cubans, to Oxfords and linen shorts if you need a bit more refinement. Round things off with a pair of velvet loafers, crafted from the finest Italian suede.

 

 

Daytime strolls

If you’re after something a bit more casual, invest in a pair of worker chinos. The most relaxed of all of our chino styles, the worker chino offers a sleek silhouette but all of the comfort of a casual trouser. With an elasticated waistband and a little bit more room in the seat, you’ll feel put together without any restrictions. As for your top half, a polo shirt is always a good idea, especially if it’s crafted from a soft linen blend – we’ve done away with the buttons to ease it up a bit. Finish off with a solid pair of tonal trainers to amp up the laid-back vibe.

 

Pub or park

Tonal outfits are trending, particularly in neutral, warmer tones. If the sun does decide to show up for more than 5 minutes, head-to-toe linen in the way to go. A pair of linen joggers are best investment you’ll make this summer – naturally textured, the cross hatching adds depth to the fabric and helps them stand out against a smooth oatmeal t-shirt. Though they’re the most casual trouser from our range, the pleating and tapered leg still offer a level of smart that can see you through picnics in the park or meet ups with friends. Finish off with a sparkling pair of white leather trainers – just mind the grass stains.

SHOP CASUALWEAR

Posted April 23rd, 2024 in Style.

The morningwear guide

Here’s how to get it right.

WHAT IS MORNINGWEAR?

The Moss guide to getting it right

Words: A. Fozzard

Basically, morningwear is today’s formal wear (the three-piece suits you wouldn’t wear to work or to black-tie dos).

Most of us don’t need to wear morningwear very often – there are only so many grand weddings and race days one man can go to – so it makes sense to hire it as and when you need to. Plus, for weddings, there’s a good chance you’ll need to match your suit with others.

HIRE MORNINGWEAR

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When is morningwear a must?

The obvious answer here is weddings, and only really if you’re one of the groomsmen. You might also need to wear morningwear for a day at the races, especially if you’re in an exclusive enclosure.

Some men prefer the more laidback look of three-quarter-length jackets for their weddings, while tails offer something more traditional and are generally what’s required by race-day dress codes.

Why is it called morningwear?

Tails are pretty overdressed for Monday to Friday these days, but they used to be the standard outfit from sunrise until about 5pm when men would change into more formal eveningwear. Watch a clip of Downton Abbey and you’ll see what we mean.

So, it’s called morningwear simply because it was worn before the evening. As fashion relaxed over the years, tails became reserved for marking certain occasions.

How should tails fit?

Tails fit differently to lounge suits, so keep these pointers in mind to look your absolute best in the limelight.

Want something classic?

To look traditional for the big day or to meet strict race-day dress codes, go for a tail suit with contrasting pinstripe or houndstooth trousers and a silk or wool waistcoat in a subdued colour. For weddings, coordinate your pocket square, tie and/or waistcoat with the bridesmaids for a complete wedding party look.

Or maybe something a bit more modern?

Colour-blocking your tails to your trousers is a more contemporary take on the look. Blue is a bold choice, while grey and navy feel modern but refined. A contrast waistcoat is a nice touch and pastel-hued double-breasted styles are enjoying a resurgence thanks to a certain Mr Beckham sporting one at the royal wedding and make for a very stylish extra flourish.

Still not sure?

Book an appointment at your local store and have an expert help you a few options to try on.

Posted April 23rd, 2024 in Hire-Occasions, Races, Wedding.

Trending: the striped suit

Fresh ways with the linier pattern that everyone looks good in.
Moss - tailored fit Italian rust suit

 

STRIPES GET A CONTEMPORARY UPDATE

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

Striped suits seem to have a resurgence every few decades or so. First appearing at the end of the 19th century, striped tailoring was often associated with bankers, whose stripes varied in thickness depending on what institution they worked for. Soon, the style became the uniform of gangsters, jazz musicians and many film stars during the 1920s prohibition era.

Today, pinstripes are seen on red carpets and runways alike, the shapes, fits and styles adjusting with the ever-changing fashion landscape.

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Moss - tailored fit Italian denim suit

 

Why are striped suits so popular?

Striped suits have come in and out of fashion many times, primarily because of their versatility. It’s a style that works for most occasions, with flattering vertical stripes that give the illusion of a slimmer frame.

They also come in a wealth of colours, from traditional black, grey and blue to more modern colours like copper, mauve and green, For some, they’re a statement maker; for others, they’re a classic design that’s transcended time and fashion trends.

 

 

How to style a pinstripe suit

Striped suits have long been associated with workwear, but with more contemporary styles and softer structures now available, there is opportunity to experiment.

The most obvious place to wear a striped suit is work. With it’s slim, flattering fit and double breasted closure, our dusty pink linen suit will easily see you through the working week. It’s a slightly bolder choice than a classic blue or grey, but the muted pink offers a great way to ease into colour without feeling too overwhelmed. Pair with a crisp white shirt and tonal tie (preferably from Italian tie specialists Bottinelli).

Meanwhile, our chalk stripe suits are great for both smart and casual affairs. Cut from Italian wool that hails from the world-famous Ferla mill, the fabric has a distressed, textured finish which softens the suit’s aesthetic, allowing for a wealth of styling opportunities. The classic tailored fit sharpens the silhouette with the drawstring trouser offering a slightly more laid back look, which works well for dates, dinners and everything in between. Combine with an open neck shirt and hold the tie, or tone it down further with a t-shirt and casual loafers.

 

Moss - slim fit mauve stripe double breasted suit

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Posted April 19th, 2024 in Style.

How to wear men’s wide leg trousers

Wide leg trousers are trending – see how can you style them your way.
Moss - ecru stripe beach pant

 

HERE’S HOW TO WEAR THE RELAXED STYLE

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

Wide leg trousers are back, and they’re a big change from the slim-fit styles that have been trending for a while. Slowly but surely, wider fits are making it off the runway and into the everyday.

SHOP CASUAL TROUSERS

 

Moss - oatmeal floral beach pant

This style of trouser has a roomier cut, but they’re fitted at the waist for a more tailored look that feels smarter than oversized streetwear styles. While it’s not completely new – wide leg trousers have been around since the 1920s and have moved in and out fashion over the years – there’s a fresh take on the look that makes it feel a bit more contemporary.

If you want to wear it wide but you’re not sure how to style them, go for a casual look to start with. A classic colour and a simple fabric like cotton or a lighter wool blend can make the fit and shape of a wider leg hang more easily. Choose darker shades like black, navy and charcoal or neutral tones like camel, beige and stone.

Our beach trousers are a great way to ease into wider styles. It’s our most relaxed trouser yet, sitting higher at the waist and tapering down to a slightly wider base. The extra room makes them great for laid-back summer weekends, the elasticated waist and external drawcord ensuring you stay comfy all day long.

 

Moss - ecru herringbone beach pant

 

Getting the right balance is key to styling wide leg trousers. Wear with something fitted, like a T-shirt or a short-sleeve shirt. Tuck your top in to really get the contrast between wider legs and a fitted top half, or layer it a little an overshirt on top. This helps to balance out proportions.

It’s also important to get the right fit. You want them to feel like they’re the right size at the waist – and they may sit a little higher than what you’re used to – while flowing freely on the legs. Trousers that are big all over can just look like you’ve chosen the wrong size.

 

Moss - ecru stripe beach pant

 

If it’s about going smart-casual, choose a smarter shirt, some fitted knitwear and pair with boots or smart shoes rather than trainers or a casual shoe. That’ll take the styling up a notch without feeling like it’s been overdone.

To wear wide fit in a smart or formal setting, go for a relaxed fit suit or pair your wide leg trousers with a smart shirt and a tailored jacket. The key here is for the outfit to look intentional and well thought-out; choose your fabric wisely, incorporating rich cloths like wool, tweed or corduroy. Go for smart shoes like Oxfords to balance out the size and shape of the rest of your outfit.

Learn more about styling your favourite trousers fit in our trousers guide.

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Posted April 17th, 2024 in Style.

Elevate your wedding style with the best Italian accessories

We’ve got the perfect tie for all the big days in your diary.

 

YOUR GO-TO TIES FOR ALL THOSE UPCOMING WEDDINGS

Words: T. MacInnis

You can have an amazing suit, the perfect shirt and a great pair of shoes, but the finishing details can make or break your outfit. You want to go with something that complements your suit without overpowering it; makes sense for the event and season; and ultimately elevates your look.

What better way to add something special to your outfit than a silk tie or pocket square, designed, printed and hand-finished in Italy’s Como region? Read on to find out why a Tessitura Bottinelli tie is set to be your go-to summer wedding accessory.

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Moss - Tessitura Bottinelli mill


What makes Tessitura Bottinelli ties so special?

Tessitura Bottinelli has been making ties for almost a century in Como, a region renowned for its silk craftsmanship and long history of tie-making. The Tessitura Bottinelli mill stands out as one of the best, thanks to their approach to tie-making that combines textile traditions with cutting-edge printing technology. They’ve applied that expertise to our collection of Moss x Bottinelli ties.

Made with Fuji silk that’s soft but holds its shape, these ties will hold a knot for the whole day and dimple perfectly. The paisley designs give a nod to that traditional tie-making, but modern colours and bit of texture make them feel right for now. With a Moss x Bottinelli tie, you’ll get that elusive balance of versatility and impact, and nothing about your outfit will look like an afterthought.

 


What should I wear with my Italian-made tie?

It only makes sense to pair your Italian tie with an Italian suit, but at the end of the day, as long as your suit fits well and the colours work with the tie you’ve chosen, you’ll look your best. For a winter wedding, go for flannel – our Barberis light grey flannel suit works well as a neutral backdrop for all the Moss x Botinelli ties. If you’ve got a wedding later in the summer and you think it might be chilly, opt for a tweed suit in a blue shade that’ll create a tonal look .

 

Moss - sage paisley Moss Bottinelli silk tie

What other accessories will work with my Italian tie?

When it comes to the rest of your finishing touches, start with your pocket square. Each of our Moss x Bottinelli ties has a matching pocket square, so that’s an easy (and smart) choice to make – but mixing the patterns in the same shade, by wearing a paisley tie with a medallion print pocket square or vice versa, will lift the look to the next level. Then, keep everything else simple and let the prints shine with a versatile pair of brogues and classic cufflinks. And don’t forget your socks – they’re a great opportunity to pull a colour from your other accessories and tie everything together.

 

A high-quality, Italian-made silk tie is always a good idea, because not only will you look smart at your event, but it’ll also stand the test of time. Choosing a Moss x Bottinelli tie means you’ll have a special piece in your occasion wardrobe you’ll want to reach for, year after year.

SHOP BOTTINELLI ACCESSORIES

Posted April 16th, 2024 in Wedding.

How to wear chino shorts

Sun’s out, legs out.

 

HERE’S HOW TO WEAR CHINO SHORTS THIS SEASON

Words: C. Stewart

 

Whether you’re heading abroad or enjoying the warmer weather here in the UK, it’s time for shorts. Sure, a sporty pair has its place in your lineup, but chino shorts will set you up for just about any summer outfit.

SHOP MEN’S SHORTS

 

Moss - slim fit off white stretch chino shorts

STYLE

We’ve made our chino shorts smack-bang in the middle of smart-casual. In smooth twill they’ll style up a treat, while the mitred waistband takes it up a notch and gives a clean finish.

There are so many ways to style them; try yours with a knitted polo on casual days and smarten up with a linen shirt for at-ease elegance that offers comfort and breathability too.

Moss - slim fit dusty pink chino shorts

FABRIC

Look for a high percentage of cotton in the composition so they’ll be breathable in warm weather. You might also like a shot of stretch for extra flex – we’ve add some Spandex to the mix for ease of movement.

Moss - slim fit khaki chino shorts

FIT

Chino shorts come in all sorts of fits. Our advice for a modern profile is pair that’s just the right side of slim in fit (not skin-tight, but not baggy either), with a length that hits a couple of inches above your knee.

SHOP MEN’S SHORTS

Posted April 12th, 2024 in Style.

How to care for a linen suit

Look after it and it’ll return the favour.

Moss - tailored fit oatmeal linen suit

LOOK AFTER IT AND IT’LL RETURN THE FAVOUR

Words: A. Fozzard

 

A linen suit will see you through all those summer events. Breathable, lightweight and moisture-wicking, linen naturally keeps you cool, even when the temperatures rise. And despite its airiness, it’s also really durable as it’s made from strong flax fibres that can handle washing and ironing.

It makes a good-looking suit too, which explains why tailors have been cutting suits from linen for centuries. The question is, what’s the best way to go about caring for a linen suit? Here, we put some qualms to rest.

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Moss - tailored fit mauve double breasted linen suit

Is it better to wash or dry clean linen?

Dry cleaning a linen suit is usually better than using a washing machine because it uses a solvent rather than lots of water. This gentler process helps the weave to maintain its structure and protects your suit.

But when it comes to linen shirts, there’s no reason why you can’t wash them in the machine at home. Make sure you set the temperature to the one specified on the label and use a gentle detergent.

Can linen go in the dryer?

Linen can be susceptible to shrinking in high heat, so avoid putting items made from it in the dryer. Instead, hang them on the line or an airer to let nature do its job. As a naturally moisture-wicking fabric, linen shouldn’t take too long to dry.

As long as your linen suit hasn’t been through an intensive drying process, it shouldn’t shrink much at all – especially if you’ve taken it to a dry cleaner with a good track record. You might find that it feels a bit tighter when you first put it on, but it should loosen within half an hour or so.

Moss - regular fit light blue linen suit

How do you keep your linen suits from wrinkling?

The only downside to linen its tendency to wrinkle, but you can help it to stay looking sharp by giving it a good iron. Don’t be afraid to turn the heat up and go over it a few times to make sure all the creases are out. Once it’s ironed, keep it hung in a dry place so it’s ready for when you come to wear it.

A few creases give a linen suit the relaxed look associated with much-admired Italian style, but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer a smoother finish, you can go for one made from a blended fabric. The proportion of linen will boost its breathability, while the other threads should help it sidestep some of the wrinkles.

 

 

Can you get stains out of linen?

Linen is absorbent so it does stain easily, but most marks can be removed. If you do get a stain, dab it straight away with a slightly damp cloth to prevent it from setting deep into the fabric. After the event, make it your priority to take your suit to the dry cleaners to finish off the job.

SHOP LINEN SUITS

Posted April 11th, 2024 in Expertise.

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