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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Not all t-shirts are created equal.

NOT ALL T-SHIRTS ARE CREATED EQUAL

The humble t-shirt. A staple all year round, it’s one of those pieces that you don’t really think about, but somehow have about 10 variants in your wardrobe (if not more). Whether you layer them with knitwear or an overshirt, style them with shorts or use a T-shirt to scale back a suit, they’ll never let you down, regardless of the season.

But how did t-shirts come to be, and what made them such an essential in our everyday life? Let’s take a deeper dive into everything you need to know about your favourite tee, from its humble beginnings to how to wear them in the here and now.

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Our lightest of the three, the linen blend t-shirt.

Where did t-shirts come from?

T-shirts started out as part of a two-piece set of men’s underwear in the late 19th century. A lighter alternative was needed to the traditional flannel shirt that was traditionally worn, and the answer was the short-sleeved, crew-neck shirt that we now know as the t-shirt.

During World War I, American soldiers observed European soldiers wearing lightweight, comfortable, cotton undershirts beneath their uniforms.  The style caught on and in World War II, millions of servicemen began wearing the t-shirt and incorporated them into casualwear after they moved home.

In the 1950s there was a shift into fashion. Hollywood films regularly depicted t-shirts being worn on screen by iconic figures like Marlon Brando and James Dean, which became a huge style statement of the newly-defined teenage culture and the rise of rock ‘n’ roll.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of printed t-shirts, featuring everything from political slogans and band logos to artistic designs and commercial branding.

Today, t-shirts come in all shapes, sizes and fabrics and are worn by all, regardless of gender or age.

A great midweight option – the crew neck t-shirt.

Not all t-shirts are created equal

The first thing to look for when you’re trying to choose a good quality t-shirt that will last is the fabric choice. You want a heavier cotton with longer fibres so that it’s softer, stronger and less prone to pilling. Blends can work well too, but they should have a higher cotton percentage for comfort. The heavier the fabric, the longer lasting and less see-through your tee will be.

The fabric should also feel soft and smooth to the touch, with a consistent weave free of rough patches or irregularities. The same goes for seams and the construction of the T-shirt. A good quality tee will have neat and tight seams with zero loose threads or gaps. Look for double stitching and well-finished, properly shaped hems, sleeves and collars to maintain the shape.

The thicker, longline alternative – the heavyweight crew neck t-shirt.

Getting the right fit

The fit and cut of a t-shirt are equally important too. A well-made tee should have a fit that complements your body shape, neither too tight nor too loose, with well-proportioned sleeves and a length that suits your height.

Going for a more casual style? A looser fit and a more lightweight fabric can help you get the look. Something that’s a little more crinkled or distressed works too. If you’re going for a more relaxed or oversized fit to wear with jeans and trainers, make it intentional. Sizing up your tee will mean that it’s bigger all over. For something that’s a longer fit, then choose a longline tee. This will keep your usual sizing proportions. Our heavy weight crew neck t-shirts feature dropped shoulders for a boxier fit and have a slightly longer line and sleeves, offering a bit more room for movement.

For a more fitted look, either choose a muscle tee that’s made out of stretch materials so that it’s close to the body, or size down. It’s normally best to try your tee on in this case, just to make sure you get the look you want. Our linen blend knit tees are slightly fitted and have a really soft handfeel that’s a pleasure to wear. Pair with wide legged trousers, cargo trousers or jeans to get the contrast between fits.

If you’re looking for that elusive smart/casual balance, a polo shirt can help you get it right. Especially if you choose one in premium fabric blend like cotton and linen, or something that’s knitted to layer with the rest of your outfit.

For a smarter fit, go for your usual size and choose heavyweight material that works with the rest of your style. We love using a tee to dress down a suit, along with a pair of trainers. Bonus points if the suit comes in a colour that’s not grey, black or navy.

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World-renowned for the finest fabrics.

WORLD-RENOWNED FOR THE FINEST FABRICS

Words: C. Stewart

Ermenegildo Zegna founded his eponymous mill in 1910 when he bought his father’s textile looms in the Alpine foothills of Trivero. Today, the mill is famously still family-owned with the fourth-generation Zegna family managing all production of its celebrated fabrics in-house.

And while famed for its long heritage, the mill is renowned for balancing time-honoured craftsmanship with innovation and technology, resulting in world-class cloth that’s in demand by the likes of  Gucci, Tom Ford and Saint Laurent.

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From selecting the world’s finest raw materials to its expert finishing, the prestigious mill oversees its complete production process meaning its quality is second to none.

Over its 118-year history, it has constantly invested in research and new technology to create lighter, more refined and better-performing fabrics that have set new standards in luxury men’s tailoring.

In fact, Zegna fabrics are one of Italy’s most acclaimed exports – which is saying something when you consider this is the country that also gave the world opera, espresso and Ferraris.

Ermenegildo Zegna Cloth suits at Moss are cut from an array of fabrics woven in the renowned mill, from merino wool to silk.

Zegna’s superfine Australian merino wool fabrics are notable for their smooth handles and expensive-looking lustre. The natural elasticity of wool is enhanced by being tightly spun for resilience and crease resistance.

Our suits are cut in a tailored fit, adhering to the proportions of classic tailoring but with typically Italian touches such as more natural shoulders and corozo nut buttons sewn onto working cuffs.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s original mission of creating the “the most beautiful fabrics in the world” lives on with the company’s commitment to promoting improvements in wool production around the world.

The mill established the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Awards in Australia over 50 years ago, tasking the country’s sheep farmers to submit their finest fleece to be judged and potentially awarded the much-coveted trophy. The result? Farmers are incentivised to produce their very best and Zegna secures the year’s finest batches of wool for its fabrics.

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Don’t get pressed: linen travels well if you follow these tips.

Why does linen work so well for travel?

Linen is comfortable, airy and easy to style on the go. It also works best when it looks a little more lived-in, meaning you don’t necessarily need to think too much about getting perfect pleats and crisp lines in your linen clothing.

Made from fibres of the flax plant, linen is seriously breathable, making it a great choice for hot and humid climates. It allows air to circulate freely so you feel cooler, and has moisture-wicking properties to help keep sweat away from your skin. That’s why you’ll usually see it recommended to wear as holiday clothes.

Linen is also one of the strongest natural fibres, making it resistant to wear and tear. That’s another reason why it’s a good travel choice – you never know what you’re going to encounter on your travels or how you’ll be washing your clothes, and linen stands up to the test. Plus, it just gets softer and more comfortable with each wash, which means your favourite linen pieces will usually last for way more than one trip.

It’s also a fabric that can be dressed up or down, which can mean that you’re able to take less items of clothing with you when you travel. We’re here for a lighter case and having to think less about how to put your outfits together. Our lowdown on linen guide covers everything you need to know about this ideal travel fabric.

How to travel with linen

Make like an Italian and stay cool when the weather heats up.

A closer look at one of summer’s lightest fabrics.

We believe men are worth saving.

MOSS + PROSTATE CANCER UK

TAKE THE PCUK RISK CHECKER TODAY

Words: A. Ward

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. There are over 400,000 living with the disease in the UK – and that statistic is only set to rise.

This June, Moss is encouraging everyone to take the Prostate Cancer UK risk checker. It could mean more time for weddings, parties and other really good things. We’ve already raised more than £65,000 to help improve treatment, prevention and support for men with prostate cancer.

But a man is still dying from prostate cancer every 45 minutes. That’s dads, sons, grandads, uncles, nephews, friends and so many other loved ones. The fight against one of the UK’s biggest killers isn’t over yet. We’re going to continue working hard to raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK and keep conversations about prostate cancer going with our staff and customers to help raise awareness and save men’s lives.

CHECK YOUR RISK

Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have symptoms, so knowing your risk and doing something about it can be a lifesaver. But without a screening programme, too many men will still be diagnosed too late. Check your risk in less than 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker here.

HOW CAN I SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR PROSTATE CANCER UK?

You can donate via this link, or pick up a Prostate Cancer UK badge in any of our stores. The money donated or raised from the pin badges will help Prostate Cancer UK transform prostate cancer diagnosis and help fund research to find a better test so that the men we love can live long and well.

You can also urge your friends and family to take the risk checker, which can help detect early signs of prostate cancer or encourage them to get checked out at the GP.

GET SUPPORT

If you have a concern about prostate cancer or prostate problems, Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses can provide a wealth of information and support so you can choose the services that work for you. Give them a call on 0800 074 8383, chat to them online or visit prostatecanceruk.org for more information.

A lesson in keeping cool.

Why go for linen?

Is linen durable?

Does linen dry quickly?

Do linen suits wrinkle easily?

Can you wear a linen suit to a wedding?

What tie goes with a linen suit?

What shoes should you wear with linen?

Can you wear a linen shirt with a suit?

Everything you need to know about lounge suits.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT LOUNGE SUITS

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WHY IS IT CALLED A ‘LOUNGE’ SUIT?

FIT FOR PURPOSE

HOW TO STYLE A LOUNGE SUIT