YOUR GUIDE TO THE VIBRANT CAPITAL OF SCOTLAND

Words: L. Thorpe

With a rich tapestry of history, culture and style, Edinburgh is a must-visit UK destination. Though you may be inclined to think of castles, history and the surrounding landscapes when visiting the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh’s fashion and culture scene has its own tale to tell.

From haute cuisine to stylish shopping, including our flagship Edinburgh Moss store, Edinburgh has it all. Here’s our guide to everything the city has to offer and what to do in Edinburgh.

Lannan Bakery

WHERE TO HEAD IN EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is home to plenty of stylish boutiques, vintage shops, designer stores and fashion retailers, one of the many reasons why we chose to open up our new flagship store in the city. Moss Edinburgh is located in the heart of the city’s fashion and retail centre St James’ Quarter, where you can find all your favourite men’s suits in Edinburgh, along with Custom Made, casualwear, suit hire and styling advice.

For unique Scottish fashion, explore independent boutiques in the Grassmarket area, offering everything from traditional kilts to contemporary Scottish designs. Or, take a stroll down the Royal Mile where you’ll find some traditional Scottish fashion and jewellery.

Edinburgh also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Number One, Ondine and The Kitchin leading the high-end side, along with plenty of other eateries to choose from. Looking for something that’s a little lower key? The Rock Salt Cafe is perfect for breakfast, brunch and freshly roasted coffee, while Fishers has locations in Leith and in the city, serving up fantastic seafood. The Roseleaf, The Bon Vivant and the Lannan Bakery are three more relaxed food spots that serve up seasonal, locally-sourced food in the city.

Dive into Edinburgh’s bar and pub scene by visiting stylish bars like Mistral or Bramble, or make your way towards Leith for plenty of evening hang out spots. For panoramic views of the city while sipping on cocktails, venture to The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. There’s even hidden speakeasies dotted across the city too – look to venues like Panda & Sons and Hoot the Redeemer. If you’re interested in the world of liquor, take one of the world-famous whisky tours that are dotted around the city.

Edinburgh Castle

THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH

A trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an iconic symbol of the city. Explore its historic chambers and witness breathtaking views of the cityscape. For something a little different, you can always go for an underground city tour of Edinburgh to visit some of the city’s oldest, deepest vaults.

To further fill your cultural cup, visit the Scottish National Gallery for classical art, or the Fruitmarket Gallery for contemporary exhibitions. There are also art halls and venues like The Usher Hall and Queen’s Hall for concerts and performances. To explore the very best of history, art and design, head to the National Museum of Scotland where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating exhibits. As for animal lovers, Edinburgh Zoo will delight children and adults alike.

Every August, Edinburgh bursts with creative energy as thousands of artists globally descend on the city to showcase their talents. From theatre and comedy to dance and music, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a dynamic, open-access celebration where established and emerging artists mingle. The streets of Edinburgh become a vibrant stage for artistic expression.

If you’re visiting in December, head to the Edinburgh Christmas markets. Explore charming stalls for unique gifts and crafts, indulge in traditionally Scottish and international treats, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether sipping mulled wine, enjoying city views from the Ferris wheel, or basking in Christmas lights, the markets are a great way to celebrate the festive season in true Edinburgh style.

St James Quarter

WHEN TO VISIT EDINBURGH

The best times to visit Edinburgh depend on your preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for in the city. Here’s some info that’ll help you decide when to visit:

• Summer (June to August): This is peak tourist season due to the milder weather and longer days. Edinburgh experiences various festivals, including the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in August. Expect larger crowds, but the outdoor events, festivals, and a lively atmosphere will make up for it.
• Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer a good balance between decent weather and fewer crowds. You can explore the city comfortably without the peak-season hustle.
• Winter (November to February): Winter in Edinburgh is festive, especially with the Christmas markets and decorations. While you’ll probably want to wrap up warm, it’s well worth a visit. January and February can be a bit quieter.

Whatever the weather, if you’re looking for menswear in Edinburgh, we’ve got you covered with our new Moss Edinburgh flagship store. Visit us at St James Quarter from the 6^th of March.

Softer shoulders, minimal linings and relaxed fabrics designed to lighten the load on dressed-up days.

What is an unlined jacket?

Where would you wear an unlined jacket?

Because of the softer nature of the fit, unlined jackets offer a slightly more relaxed profile than standard suit jackets. This means they are very well suited for casual occasions like evening drinks or birthday parties, all while maintaining a level of smart.

Summer is a great opportunity to try out unstructured fits – the lack of lining offers far more breathability and works great if you’re going to be out all day but still need to look the part. A warm-weather wedding, for example, would be the perfect excuse for an unstructured linen blazer. Or, if you’re on holiday and want to add a level of formality to your evening dinner, an unlined jacket over a casual tee and a pair of chinos would hit the spot.

 

How to style your unlined jacket?

Due to their versatility, unlined jackets can be worn in a wealth of ways.

If you’re looking for an elevated look, you can still dress up an unstructured jacket despite its more relaxed shape. Combine our dark-blue Italian wool jacket with a white poplin shirt and dark-coloured trousers for a polished work look that’s smart without being stiff.

For something a bit more relaxed, our Copper Hoxton can act as a standout piece in a neutral outfit. When paired with a white mock neck and white chinos, it adds a shot of texture and colour, elevating the overall look without feeling too over-the-top. And with added stretch, it’ll keep you comfortable too.

SHOP BLAZERS

How to find the right blue suit for every occasion.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BLUE SUIT FOR EVERY OCCASION

Words: T. MacInnis

While a black suit might work for particular occasions and a grey suit is super wearable, nothing is quite as versatile as a blue suit. From the office to a wedding to a smart-casual party, you can’t go wrong with a blue suit.

Depending on how you style it and what shade of blue you choose, a blue suit can work in just about any setting. And, blue has the added benefit of looking good on everyone. Below, we make the case for our favourite suit shade and offer up a few styling tips based on the occasion. If there’s one suit you invest in this year, keep reading to find out why we think it should be blue.

Wear a blue suit to a wedding

Nothing says spring like a pop of colour. But, if you’re a wedding guest, you might not want make a massive statement. This is when a pale blue suit is the perfect choice. The shade is different enough to stand out, but it’ll never stick out. Pair it with a light-coloured shirt and pastel accessories to keep it subtle, or enhance the colour with a complementary patterned tie.

Alternatively, choose a more classic look and go for the navy performance. Crafted from a wool-rich fabric with extra stretch, its breathability and hydrophobic coating will keep you dry and comfortable all day long.

Wear a blue suit to the office

If you wear a suit to work every day, whether you’re required to or not, you might be in need of a spring refresh. Any darker-toned blue is a great choice, but going for a tonal check will set your look apart. To let that check stand alone, wear it with tonal accessories, or add a contrasting pattern with a floral pocket square.

A trench coat is a great choice for outerwear, acting as an extension of your suit for when you want to feel extra put together. Ours is showerproof and pairs perfectly with any navy suiting.

Wear a blue suit on a night out

If you’ve got a date this weekend, an engagement party, or a smart-casual family function, kick it up a notch in a blue suit. Our navy flannel is a cut to a classic tailored fit that you can dress up or down to your heart’s content.  To keep it casual, pare it back with a white mock neck or a T-shirt (weather’s a factor here) and suede trainers.

Wear a blue suit to the races

Even though the dress codes at the races are changing, you still might want to wear a full three-piece suit. Since the start of racing season lines up with the start of spring, a pastel blue three-piece suit is a great choice. To keep it classic, wear it with a white shirt and a simple tie. Or, embrace the new season completely and opt for a matching floral tie and pocket square.

The navy flannel from above is also a great option – just add the matching waistcoat and you’re good to go.

Get married in a blue suit

If you’re getting ready for your spring wedding, there are a load of trends to consider. One of our favourites is the return of checks, and we love this more modern, subtle take. Wear it with the waistcoat and a dark tie to capitalise on the vintage feel, or lighten it up with brighter accessories.

We’re embracing versatility this season, and that’s part of why we love blue suits. It’s also because they look great on everyone, and the accessorising options are endless. Whichever blue suit you choose, it should be one you can see yourself wearing on several occasions for several years – and one you love wearing, of course.

Make a good suit a great one.

Why get the right fit?

Getting the right fit for a men’s suit can make all the difference – you’ll be amazed at just how good a suit fits just right looks on your body, especially if you’ve previously worn suits that aren’t quite the right size or fit for you.

Not sure how to measure for a men’s suit or how a men’s suit should fit? Our suit size guide might help you out if you already know your measurements. If you don’t know where to start, or you don’t feel confident about getting the right fit, getting measured for your men’s suit is the step you should do straight away. We can help you with this at any of our Moss stores – you can find your nearest one with our store locator.

If you can’t get into a store to get measured, then you need to grab a tape measure and make sure you get an accurate idea of your measurements.

How to measure for a men’s suit

If you’re going to measure yourself at home, then the first thing you’ll need is a tape measure. Remember not to hold it too tightly or too loosely when you measure as this could affect the sizing you ended up with.

Here are some pointers on how to measure for a men’s suit:

• Measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar will sit. Take the measurement with your index finger underneath the tape – you should be able to fit it between your neck and your collar for a snug but still-breathable fit.

• Measure around the broadest part of your chest, making sure that the tape is just below the armpit and above your shoulder blades. Keep the tape flat against your body and parallel to the ground.

• For jackets and blazers, measure around your natural waistline (the narrowest part of your waist). For trousers, measure from the widest part of your waist, roughly 6cm below your natural waistline.

• Relax your arms down by your side. Measure from the tip of your shoulder and down your arm to where you want your cuff to sit. Your jacket sleeve should sit pretty much bang on your wrist bone, while your shirt cuff should be 1-2cm longer.

• Measure from the inside leg at the crotch to where you want your trouser hem to sit on your shoe. For a tailored look, your trousers should sit on top of your shoe, with no crease or one crease maximum at the hem. For a modern, cropped look, aim for just above your ankle bone.

Don’t be afraid to order the same suit style in different sizes if you need to, either. Sometimes a slight size change or a second opinion can make all the difference, plus sometimes it just depends on the style of suit that you’re into.

If you’re still unsure about your size and ideal fit, why not try our Custom Made service? From fit to fabric to the colour of the stitching and lining, you can have your suit made exactly how you want it. You can even have your own personalised message embroidered on the inside to make your suit a true original.

Men’s suit styles

Speaking of suit styles, here’s a quick run-through of the different suit cuts that you can try and how you should fit them.

SLIM FIT SUITS

Slim is our narrowest fit, precisely cut for a pin-sharp silhouette. It’s snug through the shoulders, chest, arms and thighs. The jacket and waistcoat are fitted through the waist, while trousers are neat through the seat and taper towards the ankle to skim the top of your shoe.

Slim fit is great if you’re looking for a narrow fit all round. Choose a classic neutral tone, or go for a muted version of vibrant colour such as the DKNY claret.

If you’re buying a slim fit suit or jacket for the first time, you might find going up a size more comfortable.

SHOP SLIM FIT SUITS

 

TAILORED FIT SUITS

Our tailored fit offers a well-balanced fit that sticks to the core rules of tailoring. It’s cut to define your shoulders, chest, arms and thighs but leave enough room to move with ease. The jacket and waistcoat are tapered through the waist while the trousers are defined through the seat with a tapered leg that sits on top of your shoe.

Tailored fit suits work well as a 3-piece, like our Italian blue check. It sculpts the silhouette while offering a bit more room than the slim fit, and works well as a single or double breasted suit, making it worthy of various occasions.

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REGULAR FIT SUITS

Looking for an even roomier fit? Our regular fit suits are cut in line with traditional British tailoring with a broader fit through the shoulders and straight arms and legs. The jacket and waistcoat are lightly shaped through the waist while trousers are fuller through the seat and thigh and hang smoothly to break on your shoe.

Regular fit suits such as our taupe twill are a bit more relaxed, offering a classic look with a bit more movement. It also flatters all silhouettes.

SHOP REGULAR FIT SUITS

 

RELAXED FIT SUITS

The roomiest of them all, relaxed fit suits are designed with comfort and movement in mind. With a boxier shape, slightly dropped shoulders, and straight legs that fall to puddle at your shoe, they’re designed to hang looser than tailored fit suits and offer an easier, more laid-back look.

Our relaxed fit suits, like our dusty pink flannel, feature a double breasted closure which lends itself well to more formal events, but can easily be worn to casual affairs too.

SHOP RELAXED FIT SUITS

Get up to speed on this crisp but comfortable 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Make a good suit a great one.

Make a good suit a great one.

Make a good suit a great one.

Make a good suit a great one.