Moleskin brings tactility to this season’s everyday styles.

A SUEDE-LIKE ALTERNATIVE THAT’S A WINNER IN COLDER WEATHER

When it comes to winter fabrics, moleskin ranks among the best. While it may not be the most well-known option for colder months, it has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in the form of trousers and overshirts – and for good reason. With its velvety texture and robust durability, moleskin is a standout choice for both style and practicality. Let’s explore what makes this fabric so special.

What is moleskin?

Despite the name, moleskin has nothing to do with the small, furry creatures. The fabric gets its name from its soft, brushed surface, which mimics the feel of mole fur. As a member of the fustian family, moleskin shares similarities with corduroy in its dense weave, but without the signature ridges. This tight construction makes it an excellent option for winter wear.

Historically, moleskin was valued for its practicality, favoured by workers and farmers across Europe for its thick, durable weave that provided protection against harsh weather. Over time, however, the fabric evolved from functional workwear into a stylish staple, a role it continues to play today.

Beyond its ruggedness, moleskin is celebrated for its warmth, breathability, and incredibly soft hand-feel. It also absorbs dye exceptionally well, resulting in deep, rich colours that stay vibrant and resist fading over time.

How to style moleskin

Our tailored take on moleskin makes it easy to create outfits for work and weekend, all while still maintaining a level of smart.

Crafted from Italian cotton hailing from the renowned Emmetex mill, our moleskin trousers are a cold weather alternative to traditional tailored trousers, with a soft hand-feel for extra comfort. With neutral tones, they also act as a great base layer for building winter looks. For a smart-casual vibe, combine with a merino roll-neck or a chunky knit in a similar colour for a tonal look – the different textures will compliment each other and offer a sophisticated, tactile quality to the outfit.

Our moleskin overshirts bring a rugged, outdoorsy charm to your wardrobe. Perfect for layering, they’re ideal over lightweight knits in autumn, and work just as well over thicker knits as winter sets in. While versatile enough to wear year-round, they truly shine in colder months when warmth and style are equally essential.

Get up to speed on this crisp but comfortable style.

THE SHIRT THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

Ever been confused by shirt styles, wondering ‘what is an Oxford shirt?’ Or found yourself unsure about when or where to wear one? Our shirt guide will help you get up to speed on this crisp but comfortable style everyone needs in their wardrobe.

What is an Oxford shirt?

You’ve probably seen or worn an Oxford shirt before, but you might not have realised. The name Oxford refers to a type of cloth originally made in Scotland – it’s heavier and has a rougher weave (also sometimes known as a basket weave) than other types of shirts, which means it’s sometimes more durable. Oxford cloth tends to hold its shape well and is often stiffer than other kinds of fabric, too.

An Oxford shirt can have a two-tone appearance when different colour threads are woven together, but single-colour shirts are just as popular. A white Oxford shirt is a classic look that works for all kinds of events, from laid-back days through to formal affairs. It’s a versatile and timeless look, wherever you’re headed.

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Where to wear an Oxford shirt

Because an Oxford shirt is durable, simple and stylish, it works well for almost anything you’ve got on. Pair it with a smart men’s suit for more formal events like a wedding or Ascot, then scale it back for something more casual. This type of shirt also lends itself well to everyday plans like work, family gatherings, business meetings or drinks.

If you choose this style of shirt for work, be mindful of the dress code in your office. An Oxford shirt is a great option for a more relaxed office environment because it’s easy to style up and down. Wear it with chinos for a more laid-back day, or under a suit jacket for a big meeting. 

Because of its heavier weave and weightier fabric, an Oxford shirt is usually a better choice for the cooler months. That’s one of the reasons we love them for winter or outdoor weddings, especially when you can’t rely on British weather. When paired with a jacket, however, a heavier weave Oxford shirt can be a little on the warm side so go for something lighter in the summer.

Getting the right fit

Need some help styling your shirt? Here are our quick tips to get the right fit for your Oxford shirt without having to overthink it.

When it comes to the cut, you’ll usually find slim, tailored and regular are the most common options available. Your shirt shouldn’t feel too tight across your chest, even if you prefer a more fitted style. Ideally the shoulder seams should sit on the spot where your chest and arm meet so it’s not stretching across your front.

Collars are usually button-down, which means the ends of your collar can be fastened to your shirt with discreet buttons to make things neat without being overly stuffy. Ideally you want to be able to fit two fingers between your neck and closed collar so it stays looking neat whether you’re buttoned up or a little bit open.

With a long-sleeved shirt style, you want to make sure the hem of your sleeve ends where your arm and hand join. If you’ve ever worn a shirt with sleeves that are slightly too short, you’ll know exactly where this should be.

How to style your Oxford shirt

How you wear your shirt is up to you, but if you want some help styling your Oxford shirt, we’ve got you. Sometimes it’s still easy to get caught out by the different interpretations of formal and business casual. 

Formal and semi formal events

Heading to a formal wedding or event? The dress code will usually be pretty clear. It’s normally a white Oxford shirt and a black suit or a navy blue suit – you can even explore other neutral suit tones if you’d prefer something a little less formal. For other events, including less formal weddings where you’re a guest and not in the wedding party, you can have a bit more fun with your outfit, adding different colours and accessories like a watch or cufflinks.

For events classed as semi-formal, you can usually get rid of the tie and mix up your colour choices more. You can also move away from styling your shirt with a suit and try more casual picks like a less formal blazer or chinos.

Business casual and smart casual

If you’ve ever looked up business casual in a panic, you’ll know there really isn’t one single definition of this style. It’s very much open to interpretation, and we think that’s a good thing. As a general rule, this dress code focuses on more modern styles and casual fits. It’s not about being buttoned up, uncomfortable or overly formal. 

Smart casual is less about the workplace and more about sunny days, outdoor weddings and dinner at a nice restaurant. You can tone down the formality by pairing your Oxford shirt with tailored trousers or even wearing it open with a T-shirt underneath. If you really want to move towards the more casual end of the scale, smart shorts can work well, too.

Casual

Oxford shirts are great for layering and will keep you warm in autumn and winter. Layer under a jumper with the collar peeking through and add jeans or chinos for a relaxed feel. Rolled up sleeves, opening up your shirt, or unfastening the top two buttons can also up the casual factor. You can wear your Oxford shirt untucked or half-tucked, too.

Upping the style stakes with an Oxford shirt

When it comes to shirts for men, an Oxford shirt is up there as a versatile wardrobe piece. It’s simple to style, and should fit in with the rest of your wardrobe easily. If this versatile, timeless look is for you, check out our line up of Oxford shirts.

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A menswear classic, geared to functionality.

What is a field jacket?

How to wear a field jacket

The modern iteration of the field jacket is far less military-led, leaning more into
versatility and style. Our contemporary take comes in deep autumnal shades of navy and
chestnut, with traditional details such as four front pockets, a drawstring waist, and
showerproof tech fabric. With vents in the back for extra movement, it’s also lightweight,
which means it’ll do well in the in-between weather when you don’t want to feel overloaded
with layers – though there’s plenty of space if you need them.

As summer moves into autumn, throw the jacket over a t-shirt and a pair of chinos and
you’re ready for the change in weather (especially the wind and rain). Then, when winter
truly comes around, add a chunky knit and moleskin trousers for extra warmth, and finish
off with a pair of hiker boots.

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Three centuries, 13 generations and always-exceptional cloth.

A CLOSE LOOK AT BARBERIS, ONE OF THE EXCEPTIONAL MILLS WE WORK WITH IN BIELLA, ITALY

• WORDS: C. STEWART

Shoes and suits go together – here’s out guide to the suit shoes you need this season, and how to style them.

Announcing Hibernian FC x Moss – a new partnership in pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch.

The brow suit has returned in modern silhouettes and contemporary shades.

Their big day, your chance to take it up a notch.

WHAT TO WEAR TO AN AUTUMN WEDDING

Words: C. Stewart

 

Wedding invitations sometimes come with strict dress codes, and it’s your duty as a guest to do your best to keep to that dress code. But, if you’re having trouble decoding what a dress code means, you might be feeling a little stumped as to what to wear. And if the weather’s unpredictable, as it can be in autumn in the UK, that brings more challenges with it.

Autumn weddings, however, do present the chance to bring out the best bits of men’s style, like great fabrics, rich colours, layers and a really good pair of shoes. So consider this your opportunity to take things up a notch and wear something that makes you feel great. Keep reading for autumn wedding outfit ideas.

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Embrace colour

If plain navy is your default setting then use the opportunity to do something different. How about a suit in a standout shade like dusty pink or bright blue? An optimistic colour feels right for the celebratory mood of a wedding. Finish with a contrasting shirt for more dressed-up days or keep things more relaxed with a knitted roll-neck under your suit.

Add texture

Autumn is prime time for some texture. Perhaps a contemporary tweed, like our green version here: its textured weave is way more interesting than your workweek standard. Bring out that texture with a knitted tie or a tonal merino jumper for a semi-formal wedding, or go classic with a crisp white shirt and an Italian patterned tie. Loafers or a pair of monk shoes feel right for a relaxed autumnal look – but make sure you add a warm pair of socks. These are not the months for bare ankles.

Go for pattern

A wedding is one of your best shots to break out something a little more out-there, like a stripe. We rate going all in with the three-piece suit, including horseshoe waistcoat, but you could also ease into the look with just patterned trousers and a block-colour jacket. To finish, a pair of polished lace-ups and a tonal textured tie.

Look to Italian fabrics

If you really want to up your game, it’s time to invest in solid Italian suit that will see you through this season and beyond. Choose a neutral colour that feels premium and you can get multiple uses out of.

Crafted from flannel hailing from the world’s oldest wool mill, this Barberis suit is a great base to build upon, depending on your preferred style. Pair with a crisp white shirt and an Italian Bottinelli tie, or play with colour and choose accessories that reflect the theme of the wedding. Autumn is the time for gold and bronze tones, so a tie like this textured rust would work perfectly.

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

What is merino wool?

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 durable, wrinkle resistant and reduces the itchiness associated with standard wool. It’s also more sustainable than synthetic fabrics due to its ability to biodegrade.

At Moss, we love how lightweight merino is, which is why we’ve added 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. Wondering how to wash merino and if it’s high maintenance? 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 suit, 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.

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.

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.

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As the city credited with being first to craft cord, who better to show its evolution than our Moss Manchester team.

SHOP CORD SUITS

Sam

How have you styled your cord suit today?

I chose to style it with an Italian silk tie, a button-down collar shirt, braces and a soft suede loafer as a nod to Italian tailoring. I also added a white and navy lined pocket square to complement the tie, the combination of materials offering a nice array of textures.

What do you like about the suit?

The jacket’s soft shoulder is a comfortable and easy wear, with lots of options for layering. Also, I love the bold shade of lime green – it’s very impactful!

In your opinion, what makes Manchester a unique fashion hub? How do you think our new cord suits represent the spirit of the city?

Manchester is the heart of diversity, style and colour, from the vivid street art to the architecture. The new cord colours reflect the city and its vibrant personality to a T!

What’s been some of the best feedback or compliments the suit has received?

On the day of the shoot, we were all turning heads! We had many comments from passers by saying that they loved the colours, particularly the lime green and the duck egg.

How often does suiting feature in your every day wardrobe?

Suiting is a big part of my day-to-day. I always look for versatility and what can be incorporated in to a capsule wardrobe. Incorporating statement colours like the lime green has given a breath of fresh air to my wardrobe both as a suit or as separate pieces.

Hasan

How have you styled your cord suit today?

I’ve opted for a bold, yet effortlessly cool look with my yellow suit. To contrast the vibrant hue, I’ve layered it over a rich brown merino crewneck jumper, which adds warmth and texture and makes the outfit perfect for a crisp day.

What do you like about the suit?

I love its versatility and character. The colour is bold but surprisingly easy to style, offering a refreshing break from neutral tones without being overwhelming. Also, the corduroy has a rich texture and weight that feels premium but not too heavy, making it suitable for multiple seasons. This suit can easily transition from a casual daytime event to an evening out, making it a valuable addition to my wardrobe.

In your opinion, what makes Manchester a unique fashion hub? How do you think our new cord suits represent the spirit of the city?

Manchester has always been a city with a rich cultural heritage and a distinct identity, which is reflected in its fashion scene. There’s a sense of authenticity here—fashion in Manchester isn’t just about trends; it’s about expressing individuality and resilience. Cord, which was originally invented in Manchester, is a fabric that embodies this spirit. It’s durable, versatile, and has a certain working-class charm that resonates with the city’s roots.

Wearing one of these cord suits feels like a connection to Manchester’s past and present—a perfect blend of tradition and forward-thinking style. It’s a reflection of the city’s ability to honour its history while constantly evolving, much like its vibrant fashion scene.

What’s been some of the best feedback or compliments the suit has received?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers frequently mention how comfortable the material feels, and the range of colours has really resonated with people too – beyond the eye-catching yellow, our cerise, blue steel, ink, and olive cord suits have been particularly popular. Customers love how these shades are both bold and versatile.

Connor

How have you styled your cord suit today?

I went with the ink as I’m a big fan of a contrasting look, which was achieved by combining the dark navy tones with our selection of white casual wear. I chose the pique long sleeve shirt to create an overall softer, more relaxed look. To top it off I went with a white leather shoe, which broke up the outfit more and created another bright focus point.

What do you like about the suit?

I love the versatility and how easily it can be styled. The dark navy can easily pair the suit with a variety of colours and tones. As separates, the double breasted jacket has been used in a variety of my everyday outfits by combining it with chinos and a t-shirt. The trousers pair nicely with merino wool jumpers for evening events such as dinners with my partner or going out with friends.

As for the quality of the fabric, the suit is lightweight enough to feel comfortable while wearing, but thick enough to keep me warm in the upcoming winter period. I look forward to getting a lot of use out of it!

In your opinion, what makes Manchester a unique fashion hub? How do you think our new cord suits represent the spirit of the city?

Part of what makes a Manchester a unique fashion hub is the rich history and melting pot of culture that the community provides. With areas like the northern quarter where art is expressed on the very walls of the buildings, the new range of cord suits match the vibe completely! With a range of colours and versatility for how it can be worn, it truly reflects the adaptable and lively personality of the city.

What’s been some of the best feedback or compliments the suit has received?

Customers have been intrigued by how they can wear the new corduroy suits and, with a bit of guidance from our team, they’ve really enjoyed them! One customer in particular was trying the lime green suit with a brown merino jumper to host a forestry and nature well-being talk. He said it was exactly what he was looking for as it reflected his personality and made him ‘the star of the show’ at his event.

How often does suiting feature in your every day wardrobe?

The trends we’ve seen in tailoring are always changing, with the most popular at the moment being smart casual. With office attire moving in a more relaxed direction, the expected dress codes has eased up a bit. Suit jackets and trousers are now being paired with t-shirts, merino wool zip necks and Oxford shirts. To reflect this, the outfits and styles that influence the way I dress have changed to incorporate this.

Jamie

How have you styled your cord suit today?

I chose to go for a casual approach with my cord suit, styling it with a nice white tee and trainers to give a more understated look that is still smart but relaxed at the same time.

What do you like about the suit?

I love the versatility of the suit, that it could be worn for a wedding but also to a nice meal with friends or a night out on the town. You have lots of options. And the duck egg is a whole vibe, not only in that it’s a unique colour for a suit but it’s not overly loud so you can accessorise and play around with it without being over the top. When it comes to my own personal style I like to be creative and try new trends, so this suit is perfect for me.

In your opinion, what makes Manchester a unique fashion hub? How do you think our new cord suits represent the spirit of the city?

Manchester is a city filled with artists and expressive people, unafraid to share their opinions and be a little rough around the edges with how they talk and how they dress. We like to push the boundaries, particularly in style. There is also a diverse mix of cultures being embraced in the city, so our new cord suits definitely fit this demographic. Not to mention the city is the home of corduroy.

What’s been some of the best feedback or compliments the suit has received?

The sage cord has had a lot of attention, especially for its versatile styling options. Customers are keen on the range of colours and fits we do in the cord, making them more accessible.

How often does suiting feature in your every day wardrobe?

Most men struggle to incorporate suiting into their everyday looks but that’s why I love this job, as it gives me an opportunity to help the customer see just how stylish a suit can be outside of just the office or an event. I’ve found myself wearing suits a lot more since working at Moss – it can be hard in a modern society where suiting isn’t the everyday norm to step out the box, but once introduced to this side of fashion, you can’t really go back.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to thank Moss, Sam and the team for the opportunity to model for them for the day, and have the chance to give my best “blue steel”.

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