Archive for the ‘Expertise’ Category

What is smart casual anyway?

Decoding a sometimes-confusing dress code.

GET TO KNOW THE DRESS CODE

HERE’S WHAT THIS POTENTIALLY CONFUSING DRESS CODE LOOKS LIKE
• WORDS: T.MACINNIS

You’ve just received an invite to an event. Maybe it’s a garden BBQ, maybe it’s a city wedding, or maybe it’s a dinner party. But you’re stumped, because the dress code says smart casual. Here at Moss, we call it smasual, and if you don’t know what’s expected of you when it comes to that dress code, we can help.

Initially, when the term “smart casual” was coined, it was meant to capture a slightly less casual suiting look relative to what you might wear at an office job. Now, it’s a bit more flexible and open to interpretation… which can kind of make it more confusing.

The good news is, as long as you look put together, you can’t really mess this one up. Keep reading to see some examples of typical smart casual looks, and remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with this dress code.

Two men in smart casual suits.

WHAT DOES SMART CASUAL MEAN?

Again, this is open to interpretation. But typically, it’s a look that lands between a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and a full-on suit and tie look. You can mix elements of those two outfits, or you can add or takeaway things to make it smart casual.

If that sounds confusing, fair enough. Smart casual is one of those terms that isn’t as easy to nail down as formal or black tie or even business casual. While that might seem annoying, look at it as an opportunity to do you own thing with it.

For example, choose a suit that’s patterned, and pair with with a crisp white T-shirt and a pair of desert boots. Or, layer a knitted jumper underneath a navy blue suit. You can also take your suit apart, wearing the blazer with a pair of chinos or jeans, or the trousers with a bomber jacket or zip-neck polo.

The one rule we’d recommend sticking to, regardless, is to avoid a tie or a classic white Oxford shirt. Both of those might make your smart casual look veer into stuffy territory. As we said above, as long as you look put together and your outfit reflects your personal style, you’ll be in smart casual territory.

A smart casual suit and a knitted polo.

WHERE CAN I WEAR A SMART CASUAL LOOK?

These days, as dress codes soften and the requirement to wear a suit in spaces like the office and to weddings is less prevalent, smart casual looks will work in loads of environments. Especially if you work in a more creative environment, chances are, you’re probably already wearing smart casual outfits on a pretty regular basis.

As weddings become smaller and more casual, too, you might find a smart casual dress code on those invites. Here, we’d recommend erring on the side of slightly more formal, opting for a suit or a blazer and trouser combo, a patterned shirt, and loafers. This is good to remember particularly if the wedding venue seems more elevated or you know the couple favours a little style.

Otherwise, smart casual is great for a first date if it’s at a cocktail bar or a restaurant, an office party, a dinner party, an engagement party, or really any evening event. Of course, that changes if you know the dress code is formal or black tie. It’s all about paying attention to the details and the amount of information you’ve been given about the event.

A smart casual look and brown leather loafers.

WHAT DO I WEAR WITH A SMART CASUAL OUTFIT?

This is the fun bit. If you have a favourite pair of trainers, a T-shirt you love or a go-to polo, you can work any of these elements into your smart casual look. Just make sure that whatever you choose, there isn’t too much happening in your overall look.

What we mean here is that, to keep your look a bit more understated, don’t pair patterned pants with a patterned shirt. And if you’ve chosen a brightly coloured suit, avoid equally bright trainers. Let one element of your outfit be the focal point, and let all the other parts play off it.

For example, go for a suit that pulls a particular colour out of your patterned shirt. Or, choose a pair of trainers in a solid colour to let your bold suit do the talking. And, be careful not to over accessorise. If you’re going to wear a pocket square, leave the tie at home.

As with any fashion “rule” we always encourage you to be creative and let your personality shine through, and that’s especially important when you’re building a smart casual look. As long as you feel good about your outfit, you’re happy with the fit, and you’re comfortable, we bet your look is bang on form.

Posted March 16th, 2023 in Expertise.

A guide to collars and cuffs

Two cuffs, four collars and when to wear them.

 

TWO CUFFS, FOUR COLLARS AND WHEN TO WEAR THEM

Words: A. Fozzard

 

What would a shirt be without the collar and cuffs? The backbone of any shirt, together they help keep its structure and make sure you look sharp with or without a jacket.

SHOP MEN’S SHIRTS

 

WHAT SHIRT COLLAR SHOULD I WEAR?

Not all collars are the same, and different styles are designed to suit different occasions. Have a read of these quick tips to arm yourself with the styles you need to know about for the next time you’re on the hunt for a new shirt to wear.

REGULAR COLLAR

Let’s start with something easy: most smart shirts have regular collars (sometimes called classic collars). They’re the ones with the sharpest points that sit close together.

Pair your regular collar with a silk tie when business is the order of the day or a knitted tie if your plans are less formal. If you have a wider face and neck, these will probably look the best on you.

BUTTON COLLAR

Next up: the button collar. Basically, imagine a regular collar but with the points buttoned down on the shirt. When you want to wear a jumper over your shirt, these can help everything look smoother.

They’re just as good on their own, though, either with the top button of your shirt undone or fastened all the way up. The fabric of these collars is usually a bit softer, which lends them to more casual outfits.

SPREAD COLLAR

If you want to make a statement, spread (or cutaway) collars will do the trick. The points are set much wider apart than regular collars, and if you choose an extreme cutaway they’re even further apart. You can thank the Duke of Windsor for this style, as he wore them first to make room for his large tie knots.

Today you can wear spread collars with or without a tie. They look great with a suit either way, but we’d go suggest a three-piece if you need to be smart but still want to ditch the tie. As a rule of thumb, they suit slim faces the most.

WING COLLAR

Made for white-tie events, these dressed-up collars have small points that stand up away from the shirt. The idea is to tuck the two points down behind your bow tie.

You’ll only see them on dress shirts and they’re the partner in crime to a tux, and only a tux.

 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SINGLE AND DOUBLE CUFF SHIRT?

When it comes to cuffs, you’ve got two choices: single or double. One’s more traditional and best kept for more formal outfits, while the other is really versatile, easy to wear and you’ll find it on all sorts of styles.

SINGLE CUFFS

On the left above, single cuffs are the ones you tend to see on more casual shirts. They’re shorter so you don’t need to fold them back, and they have buttons you can undo when you want to roll your sleeves up.

It’s likely you’ll wear these most of the time because they’re less formal, so they work for normal days in the office and less formal weddings or smart/casual plans. Some of them have the corner cut off to match cutaway collars.

DOUBLE CUFFS

On the right above, double cuffs are more formal. You’ll sometimes hear these called French cuffs, which is essentially a dressed-up name for the same thing. They’re designed to be worn folded in half and fastened with cufflinks.

Wear them to weddings, black-tie dos and anywhere you want to look your smartest. If you’ve got one of those plans coming up, now’s as good a time as any to update your cufflinks collection.

 

Posted February 28th, 2023 in Expertise.

How to make your wardrobe more sustainable

From better fabrics to repairing instead of discarding, here’s how to make your wardrobe better for the planet.
epsom coat

HERE’S HOW YOUR WARDROBE CAN BE BETTER FOR THE PLANET

Words: L. Thorpe

Sustainable fashion needs to be more than just a buzzword. Here’s how to keep your wardrobe better for the planet by making more sustainable fashion choices.

What is sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion usually means clothes and accessories that have been made in a way that’s better for the world around us. This could mean using recycled materials to reduce waste, using less water, reducing the use of harmful chemicals or using less energy in the process of making and shipping clothing.

Sustainability is important to help the planet, conserve natural resources and ensure there’s minimal waste. It’s about making smarter choices with your wardrobe so having great style doesn’t cost us the Earth.

At Moss, we’ve introduced The Eco Collection. It focuses on suits made from entirely recyclable or renewable materials along with Earth-friendly materials like organic cotton, TENCEL™ and merino wool.

epsom coat

How to make your wardrobe more sustainable

Making your wardrobe more sustainable doesn’t need to feel like hard work. It only takes a few steps and some conscious thinking to get what you need. Here’s how you can make some changes to the way you buy, wear and care for your clothing to help the world around us:

Invest in high-quality pieces

Sometimes it isn’t about buying more for less. By investing in high-quality clothing and being more conscious about the pieces that you buy, you’ll find that your clothing lasts longer. By choosing classic styles in great cuts and fabrics, you’ll be able to mix and match with seasonal trends to keep your look current, even if you’ve worn the same pieces for a while.

epsom coat

Choose sustainable fashion pieces

Make the effort to choose sustainable fashion pieces. For example, our Eco Suits are made out of recycled polyester and with recycled water that’s free from chemicals. We’ve also used natural fabrics like cotton, hemp or linen that can be produced more sustainably than other types of material.

Reducing the amount of water and energy it takes to make your items can make a difference, too, and often sustainable clothing will be made from organic materials that are grown and created more ethically.

Repair and reuse

Following your care instructions, washing at lower temperatures and storing your clothing correctly can all help it last longer, making it a more sustainable choice in the long run. Learning how to repair clothing rather than throwing it away or repurchasing can save you money as well as leading to less clothing in landfill over time.

Repurpose clothing that’s become worn out or past repair by wearing it for other things where you don’t need to look as fresh and pressed. You’d be surprised at how much more life there can be in clothing when you rethink how it’s used.

epsom coat

Recycle and donate

Had enough of clothing that’s still in good condition? You can resell, recycle or donate your clothing so that someone else can wear and enjoy it. Even seeing if friends or family want to wear it can help clothing and accessories get a new lease of life. This helps to reduce the cycle of buying brand new clothing and throwing away fashion items that can still be used.

It also can help people who are trying to make more ethical choices with how they buy their clothes, or they choose to buy pre-loved items because of their personal taste and budget.

Hire rather than buy

If you’re thinking about going for something completely different to what you’d usually wear or it’s a one-off special occasion, hiring can be a smart option. It will save you money and space while helping you be more sustainable about your fashion choices.

Lots of people hire wedding suits to save on costs, or to avoid buying something they only plan to wear once. This can be the case for formal events, too. If you don’t go to them that often, or you don’t often wear a suit, then it can make way more sense to hire your outfit. Another option is to rent your wardrobe with a service like Moss Box.

Posted February 14th, 2023 in Expertise.

Manchester’s most romantic area this Valentine’s Day

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Moss found where you’re most likely to find romance in Greater Manchester.
epsom coat

MANCHESTER’S MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Words: L. Thorpe

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, men’s retailer Moss have revealed where you’re most likely to find romance in Greater Manchester this year.

The most romantic areas in Manchester

Famous for its market and black pudding, Bury’s also in first place when it comes to the number of searches for Valentine’s Day date ideas and Valentine’s Day events, plus second place for searching out the most romantic bars and restaurants to spend 14 February.

For the highest number of romantic restaurants, of bars and pubs, central Manchester leads the way with over 700 to choose from. According to Tripadvisor reviewers, the most romantic city centre restaurants to head for are Vincenzo Trattoria, No 4. Dine & Wine, and Street Urchin. All offer online booking for easy Valentine’s planning.

Manchester claimed second spot as the most romantic location in the region, with Bolton coming in at third place. Bolton also has the second highest number of pubs after Manchester city centre and is one of the places with the most searches for romantic restaurants.

epsom coat

The areas of Manchester that are lower on romance

At the other end of the scale, the areas with the least number of romance-related searches and the fewest places are Stockport, Oldham and Wigan. It’s not all bad news and romance doesn’t have to be dead if you live in these areas. It might just mean you’re more likely to get a table for food or drinks on Valentine’s Day if you head that way.

Or if you don’t really do Valentine’s Day, which 24% of people in the UK don’t, then hanging out in these three areas might mean that Cupid stays out of your way.

Rochdale and Salford sit in the middle of the table, suggesting that if you’re relaxed with your approach to romance these are the places to head.

epsom coat

Gifts to expect on Valentine’s Day

Just 13% of UK men expected to get dinner at a restaurant as a gift for Valentine’s Day in 2021. Far more expected a gift card, money or electronics last year. It’s estimated that in the UK, as much as £1.37 billion could be spent on Valentine’s Day this year.

Looking for the right outfit to set the mood this Valentine’s Day? Head to Moss Manchester for an outfit to suit any occasion, wherever you’re spending it and whoever you’re spending it with.

Posted February 2nd, 2023 in Expertise.

What is a pinstripe suit and where can you wear the classic look?

How to wear this classic suiting pattern.
epsom coat

WHAT’S A PINSTRIPE SUIT, ANYWAY?

Words: T. MacInnis

A pinstripe suit, defined by – you guessed it – its vertical stripe pattern, is a look that’s stood the test of time. The pinstripe suit has been around for more than a century, and this year, it looks like it’s set for a resurgence. Keep reading to learn more about this classic suit, and how you can work it into your wardrobe.

What is a pinstripe suit?

A pinstripe suit is made with a fabric that’s got contrasting vertical stripes running through it. This style of suit was originally worn by British bankers, and where those bankers worked determined the width as well as the colour of the stripes.

When the ’30s and ’40s came around, celebrities and gangsters alike started wearing pinstripe suits (see our favourite, Peaky Blinders). But the pattern reached its most popular in the ’60s and ’70s when actors, like Serge Gainsbourg, and musicians, like Mick Jagger, started wearing the pinstripe suit in a new way.

Adding Chelsea boots, wearing pinstripe blazers with jeans, and including a waistcoat all became popular ways to style the now-famous suit. Then, when the ’80s hit, the pinstripe suit made its way back into offices in a more traditional way. Today, loads of menswear designers are working with pinstripes in different fits and silhouettes, including Moss, of course.

epsom coat

Where to wear a pinstripe suit

There really aren’t any rules when it comes to wearing your stripes – you can wear them however and wherever you want. They’re a semi-formal style you can wear for work, events, special occasions or whatever takes your fancy. Want some ideas on how to style them? Here’s where you can wear a pinstripe suit.

Work

If you want a sharp, tailored look for work then you can’t go wrong with a pinstripe suit in a classic colour like grey, black or navy. Pair it with a white shirt, brogues and a tie of your choice for an office-ready outfit that’ll keep you looking smart and stylish in the office. They work just as well for an interview or if you want to put your best foot forward at a meeting or presentation.

Business events

Ready to make an impression at a networking event, business event or a sales event? A pinstripe suit can help you stand out, show your authority and feel more confident, especially if it’s in a more formal setting. Pair with a matching waistcoat for a perfectly put-together look that’ll have you ready to meet your audience.

The races

Looking for a subtle, classic style that doesn’t stand out too much in the crowd at the races? That’s exactly what pinstripes can do for you. It’s a slick, sophisticated style that’s ideal for a more formal event. Pair with a silk tie, cufflinks and a pocket square for a dressed-up look that won’t leave you out of place at the races.

Weddings

A pinstripe suit is a great choice for a wedding, especially if you’re going for a smart, tailored style. Darker charcoal grey suits and black suits work best for formal weddings, though the choice of suit is totally yours whether you’re a guest or part of the wedding party. If in doubt, go formal with a three-piece suit and smart accessories.

Formal events

For the same reasons as the races, weddings and business events, pinstripes work for almost any type of formal event. They’re understated, professional (if you need them to be) and look smart for any occasion. Go for smaller, closer pinstripes or subtler patterns if you want to look formal but a little more low key.

epsom coat

How to wear a pinstripe suit

How you wear a pinstripe suit is up to you. But we have some suggestions. Since this suit style has its roots in vintage trends, try not to overdo it with the accessories that call on that same trend. So, no fedoras, silk scarves or anything that’ll make you look like you’re heading to a fancy dress party.

Instead, opt for a crisp white shirt, styled open or with a tie. Add the matching waistcoat and tonal accessories to let the stripe stand out. Or, dress it down with a merino roll-neck jumper or even a T-shirt. Then, for shoes, go with a sleek, white trainer if you’re feeling casual, or choose a minimal Oxford shoe to dress it up.

Posted January 31st, 2023 in Expertise, Occasions.

How to care for your wool suit

Eight ways to make your suit last longer.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WOOL SUIT

EIGHT WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WOOL SUIT LAST LONGER

• WORDS: A. FOZZARD

You’ve invested in a great wool suit and now you want to reap the rewards by getting loads of wear out of it.

You’ll wear it to interviews, important meetings at work, a good few weddings and other big family occasions. But you also want your suit to look brand new each time you put it on. With a bit of TLC, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Even better – looking after your suit means it’ll last longer (good for the planet) and means fewer trips to the dry cleaner (good for the planet and good for your wallet). This is how you properly care for a wool suit.

AVOID DRY CLEANING

Chemicals can wreak havoc on delicate fibres over time, so avoid booking your suit in for a dry clean too often. One to three times a year (if you’ve worn it a number of times) should be enough if you air it between uses and get rid of splashes or dirt quickly.

DAB OUT STAINS

However careful you are to avoid spilling wine down yourself, the same can’t be said for other guests at events. If you get a stain on your suit and it isn’t due a dry clean, try dabbing it out with some warm water on a soft cloth with no detergent or chemicals. Avoid rubbing it, just dab it, and if it doesn’t come out then speak to the dry cleaners.

STEAM OUT CREASES

You don’t need to take your suit to the dry cleaners if it’s looking a bit crumpled. Instead, use a steamer to gently ease creases out yourself. If you regularly wear a suit, buying a steamer is well worth the investment. Make sure you avoid ironing your suit (even on a very low temperature) because the heat can burn the fibres and the pressure can upset the structure of the weave.

GIVE IT A BRUSH

Even if you’re not a seasoned suit wearer, a clothes brush is a must. Look for ones made from animal hair because these will be the gentlest against any natural fibres in your suit, like wool. After you take off your suit, brush gently in downward strokes to get rid of any dust and dirt before these particles settle into the material.

HANG PROPERLY

There’s a science to hanging suits correctly. It should be on a large wooden hanger with curved ends to fill the shoulders – the wood naturally absorbs moisture from your suit and the shoulder support helps keep its shape. It’s worth taking a spare hanger to work if you tend to take off your jacket in the office.

Hanging your suit in a clothes bag will help prevent any pesky insects, like moths, getting to it. Cedar blocks will also naturally deter them. Just avoid using a bag made of plastic (even if that’s what it came in) and instead choose a cloth one that will allow some air to flow through to keep it smelling fresh. Before you put it in the bag, it’s worth hanging it outside for a couple of hours after you’ve worn it to get rid of any surface scents. And make sure you don’t overload your closet so there’s some breathing space between suits.

KEEP POCKETS LIGHT

Suit pockets (especially inside ones) aren’t really made for smartphones and wallets – they can handle the odd bank card at best. Try to avoid putting too much in them, as this can distress the seams of the jacket. Plus, overloaded pockets will ruin a crisp outline.

BUY SPARE TROUSERS

If you wear a suit a lot, spare trousers can help you get more wear out of each one. Let’s face it, your trousers are the part of your suit that gets the most wear and that need most regular washing, so doubling up lessens the impact on each. Feel free to mix it up and wear your extra pair with another jacket or a knitted jumper to get even more mileage out of them.

How to fold your suit for packing
    1. Hold your jacket so the back is facing you, then gently turn the left shoulder inside out.
    2. Tuck the right shoulder into it (this will make the jacket fold in half with the lining on show).
    3. Roll the jacket around a couple of other items in your bag, such as some t-shirts or a jumper…
    4. …then fold your trousers in half along the central crease and roll around your jacket
    5. When you get your suit out of the bag, hang it up straight away – on the right hanger, of course.

Posted January 27th, 2023 in Expertise.

Christmas gifts for your partner: what to buy

Need a gift for that special someone? We can help.
christmas gifts for friends

 

FIND YOUR PARTNER THE PERFECT GIFT AT MOSS

Words: T. MacInnis

Christmas is now less than three weeks away. But, don’t panic. There’s still loads of time to find the perfect gift for your partner, no matter their taste and style.

The right gift for that special someone should be thoughtful, well-made and something you know they’ll use or wear again and again. No matter your budget, you can find that perfect thing, and Moss can help. From cosy jumpers to soft leather gloves to sleek accessories, read on for some options we know they’ll love.

christmas gifts for partner jumper
christmas gifts for partner jumper

 

A luxe lambswool knit

Get them this knitted lambswool-rich jumper, and they’ll think of you every time they wear it and feel super cosy. The combination of the chunkier structure and the neutral tone makes it super wearable with everything from smart trousers to more casual joggers.

christmas gift for partner gloves

 

christmas gifts for partner belt

 

Chocolate leather accessories

You might think to reach for black when you’re looking for an accessory for someone, but brown is also a great choice. It’s still a neutral, but a bit more unexpected and warmer than black. Our chocolate gloves are made with the softest leather and a microfibre lining so their hands will be warm on even the coldest days. And, our chocolate belt is made in the UK with pebbled leather and a brushed buckle. Get them both if you’re feeling generous.

christmas gift for partner cap
christmas gift for partner backpack

 

Commuter essentials

If your partner has a long commute, a great gift is something that’ll make that journey a little bit more tolerable. Our faux-leather backpack with a Saffiano print has just enough room for all their essentials without being overly bulky. And, to keep them warm on their travels, gift them a 100% wool baker boy cap, particularly if they’re a fan of Peaky Blinders.

christmas gift for partner jacket

 

christmas gifts for partner jacket

 

A subtle statement coat

If your partner’s been looking for the perfect coat that’s got something a little different, but not too different, you’ll hit the jackpot with this navy bouclé coat. The brushed texture adds some visual interest to the wear-with-everything navy, and the double-breasted closure means it’ll work for both casual and formal outfits. They’ll be wearing it 24/7 all winter, year after year, guaranteed.

christmas gift for partner hiking boots
christmas gift for partner hiking boots

 

Form-meets-function boots

When it comes to boots for winter ’22, nothing is cooler than a pair of chunky hikers. Ours are made with cream nubuck leather for something different, but still very wearable. That leather combined with the chunky sole and brushed hardware achieves the perfect do-it-all boot for the city or the countryside.

christmas gift for partner unlined jacket

 

christmas gifts for partner unlined jacket

 

An Italian wool jacket

Treat them to a bit of Italian wool blended with cashmere in the form of this unlined jacket. It’s perfect layered over a gilet or worn on its own for warmer days, and the tonal houndstooth means it’ll go with everything.

No matter what you choose to gift your partner this year, putting a little thought into it and buying something you know they’ll wear season after season is all you really need to do. But, if you’ve hit a wall and can’t decide, a Moss Box subscription is always a good idea. With that subscription, he’ll always have new Moss pieces to add to his wardrobe. Happy Christmas to you to your partner!

Posted December 6th, 2022 in Expertise.

Christmas gifts for friends: What to buy

Find your friend the perfect gift at Moss.
christmas gifts for friends

 

FIND YOUR FRIEND THE PERFECT GIFT AT MOSS

Words: T. MacInnis

It’s that time of year again, and with only a month left to go until Christmas, you might be thinking about ticking off a few things on your shopping list. If you’re struggling to find the right gift for your mate, and you want to get them something special, we get it.

It’s all about choosing something that’s well made, suits them, and doesn’t put a huge strain on your finances. Might sound like a challenge, but lucky for you, we’re here to help. Read on for the best friend gift ideas at a variety of price points.

christmas gifts for friend beanie
christmas gifts for friend scarf

 

Winter warmers

A good gifting policy is to look at what the person you’re buying for does have, and then buy the nicest, most-premium version of that item you can find. A beanie is a great example, and our dove grey one is made with a cashmere-wool blend so it’s super soft and warm.

If you love the beanie, and you think they will too, why not make it a set with the matching scarf? Same as the beanie, this one is made with a wool-cashmere blend for that luxe, cosy feel.

 

christmas gift for friend rollneck

 

christmas gifts for friend scarf

 

On-trend navy

Softer than black, navy is a great winter staple colour. If you want to help them build a coveted capsule wardrobe, go with navy knitwear that’s ideal for layering, like our merino roll-neck jumper is. They can wear it under a suit, a gilet or even another, heavier jumper.

If you like the idea of navy, but you want to gift something a bit smaller, our cashmere-blend scarf also comes in that winter-ready colour. Again, it’s warm and soft, and it’ll look great with pretty much everything that’s already in their wardrobe.

christmas gift for friend bow tie
christmas gift for friend socks

 

Elevated accessories

If you know they’ve got big New Year’s Eve plans, get them an amazing party-ready accessory, like this velvet bow tie. The colour is unique, and the floppy shape makes it feel more relaxed. As well, it’s pre-tied, so they won’t have to faff with it on the night.

Socks might seem like a basic gift, but not when they’ve got something different going for them. Our melange socks come in four colours, all of which will add a bit of visual interest on any outfit. They’re great for the guy who’s focused on the details when it comes to getting dressed.

Regardless of what you choose to buy your BFF this year, if you’ve reflected on what they like and put thought into your gift, it’ll be a winner. And, if you’re really struggling to make a decision, you can always get him a Moss Box subscription. Then, he’ll have new Moss pieces on rotation, every month. Happy Christmas to you and your pal!

Posted November 24th, 2022 in Expertise.

Christmas gifts for dad: What to buy

Gift your dad something you know he’ll love this year.
christmas gifts for dad

 

GIFT YOUR DAD SOMETHING YOU KNOW HE’LL LOVE AT MOSS

Words: T. MacInnis

Dads are notoriously hard to buy gifts for, especially if you have one of those dads who lovingly but unhelpfully says ‘I’ll like whatever you buy me.’ Lucky for you, we have a bunch of amazing suggestions that we know he’ll genuinely love.

From leather pieces that will make his life way easier on holidays, to staple items that we bet he needs an upgrade on, we have everything you need to impress your dad this year. Read on for the best dad gift ideas at a variety of price points.

christmas gifts for dad washbag
christmas gifts for dad jacket

 

Travel essentials

If your dad needs an upgrade to his travel kit, this leather washbag is perfect. Not only does it look great, but its lining is water-resistant, which means any leaks will be contained. It’s the perfect combo of form and function he’ll love, and it’s something we bet he wouldn’t buy for himself.

If he loves to pack light, that means opting for versatile pieces he can rewear in a variety of ways while he’s traveling. This denim shirt is exactly that. He can wear it buttoned up with chinos for an evening out, or like a jacket over a T-shirt for a bit of warmth.

 

christmas gift for dad wallet

 

christmas gifts for dad wallet

 

Elevated classics

A wallet is always a great gift for dads, because again, it’s something he might not think to buy for himself. This grained leather wallet is a great option. It’s sleek and minimal, and that price point will be easy on your wallet. If you want to give him something even more minimal, go with the matching cardholder. Or, if you’re feeling extra generous, get him the pair.

christmas gift for dad wallet
christmas gift for dad blazer rollneck

 

Office must-haves

If your dad commutes into an office or just needs a way to gather up all his essentials, a beautifully-made folio will sort him out. Made with grained leather and lined with suede, it has storage for paperwork, cards and a tablet, and he’ll think of you every time he reaches for it.

Help your dad up his style game with a versatile piece you know he’ll wear again and again. This 100% wool unlined jacket ticks all the boxes. It’s super easy to wear, comfortable and warm. He can also dress it up or down, and layer it with a jumper or a gilet on those extra chilly days.

 

christmas gifts for dad scarf

 

christmas gifts for dad socks

 

Cosy extras

You can’t go wrong with high-quality accessories. A scarf is always a great choice, but choosing one that’s 100% wool in a bold but still wearable print is extra special. Same goes with a comfy pair of socks in a fun colour that he might not usually reach for.

No matter what you go with, if you make an intentional choice and find something you know he’ll wear and use, you’re golden. And, if you can’t decide, you can always get him a Moss Box subscription so he’ll have new pieces on rotation. Happy Christmas to you and your dad.

Posted November 17th, 2022 in Expertise.

68% of men in the UK can’t tie a bow tie

Our research has discovered that just 32% of UK men know how to tie a bow tie without looking for a tutorial.

bow tie fred siriex moss bros

68% OF MEN IN THE UK CAN’T TIE A BOW TIE

Words: L. Thorpe

How many people actually know how to tie a bow tie? We reveal all.

With winter weddings, events and new year parties around the corner, we’ve commissioned research into whether or not people know how to tie one of the essential pieces of formal wear: the bow tie.

Worn for black-tie events, semi-formal occasions and even casual events, a bow tie’s usually the finishing touch for many different outfits. The number of people searching for bow ties, black-tie dress codes and how to tie a bow tie is on the rise too, showing that more people than ever are struggling with this style basic.

Searches of bow tie (up 105% since September 2021), black tie (up 123%) and how to tie a bow tie (up 83%) have increased significantly in the UK in the last 12 months as formal events, weddings and parties spring back into life.

But how many men can actually tie a bow tie?

Our research has discovered that just 32% of UK men know how to tie a bow tie, without looking for a tutorial, opting for a pre-tied bow tie or calling in for reinforcements.

Luckily, the research has also revealed that most men (39%) only wear a bow tie once a year, with 5% wearing one monthly. So, not being able to tie one isn’t a regular problem for most men. However, 49% of men surveyed said that they never wear a bow tie, whether that’s because they don’t attend formal events, prefer not wear one or can’t tie one.

Despite this, the UK also has the most global searches of “how to tie a bow tie” in the world, suggesting that many men in the UK – and whoever they rope in to help them tie things up – are struggling with this style basic.

Need to know how to tie a bow tie? We have you covered.

If you – or the man in your life – need help to tie a bow tie, we’ve got you covered with our guide on how to fit your bow tie. If you’re into video tutorials, check out How To Fit Your Bow Tie (ft. Charlie Morley) on our YouTube channel.

Posted November 14th, 2022 in Expertise.

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