Backpacks a New Trend in Mens Bags

Messenger bags have made bags for men a fashionable and functional accessory. The flapover messenger is not stuffy or rigid like a briefcase, and has a certain amount of street cred about it. The backpack has traditionally been associated with trekking, school children and tourists. This is all set to change though as fashionable backpacks from designer brands are offering a smart and trendy alternative to the messenger.

The commute to work can be a long and arduous one. If you are carrying heavy equipment such as a laptop and books, it can be even more tiresome. There is no doubt that carrying these items with a backpack is the most comfortable and economical way. But can a backpack look smart and trendy I hear you cry!! Well the answer is yes, as designer brands such as Calvin Klein, HUGO BOSS and Knomo bags have designed mens backpacks for exactly this purpose. They are using more sophisticated materials and designs to give a more structured and sleek look. Gone are the bright and garish designs, and in come minimalistic designs in blacks, browns and greys.

Of particular note is the Knomo waxed canvas backpack, which has a moulded protective core to cushion your laptop.

Double up this Winter with Two Jackets

With the big chill creeping upon us, we are all thinking about wearing overcoats again. Many fashionable overcoats though are not designed to keep us super warm on the coldest of days. Jackets that provide extra warmth can be bulky and look cumbersome (such as puffas and skiing type jackets). I am a huge fan of doubling up with two jackets, one thinner underlayer (such as a jean jacket) and a main overcoat over the top.

It has always been considered fashionable to wear two jackets, and this season it’s hitting the high street in stores such as G-Star Raw. A jean jacket underneath a long overcoat is my favourite pairing although you can wear zipped outer jumpers, windbreakers, summer weight jackets and hoodies as well. It has the benefit of looking great and being highly practical. Wearing two jackets will definitely keep you warm outside, whilst you can choose to wear the thinner jacket inside. In winter it can be quite cold in some museum, galleries and restaurants and so it is very useful to have a thinner jacket to wear.

You can choose to pair up two jackets of your choice, or alternatively some designer brands are offering jackets with an inside layer that can be zipped together. If you are choosing two jackets of your own choice, be careful that the colours do not clash or feel uncomfortable. A high collared under jacket always works well with a lapel overcoat.

Add Life to your Ankle-wear with Argyle Socks

Last blog I wrote about the reinvention of the double breasted suit for a new generation. I thought I would continue this theme and write about the resurgence of the argyle sock to a modern fashion garment for men. I personally really like the argyle pattern. I think it works particularly well with socks as the pattern is quite bold and can add some subtle detail that doesn’t dominate a whole look.

Traditionally the argyle pattern was adopted by golfers, and hence was not always deemed the height of sophisticated elegance. In the 80s and 90s though fashion brands such as Pringle and Burlington utilised the pattern in men’s fashion knitwear. I sense that argyle socks are becoming a fashion piece once again, with Burlington recently advertising on London buses.

Whilst argyle socks offer great versatility in classic colours such as charcoal and navy, it is the seasonal and more unusual colour combinations that really look great. One of my favourites is the hunting green by Burlington socks, which really has a trendy ‘English gent’ look about it. As we are now in Autumn, the Burlington extra soft sock will keep your toes warm and comfy. I am not a fan of completely plain socks, particularly for a casual outfit. So add some life to your ankle-wear with a pair of men’s argyle socks.

The Double Breasted Suit is Back for a New Generation

Fashion has a very interesting way of bringing back forgotten classics, reinventing them for a new generation. The double breasted suit represented the glamour age of the 1930s and 1950s, and was revitalised in the 1980s for the yuppies obsessed with power dressing. As fashion has become more casual and covenient, the double breasted suit became outdated.

I think we are starting to see the double breasted suit making a comeback though, with top designers (Tom Ford, Prada, Zegna) and the high street (Top Shop) offering their own designs. A new generation that hasn’t experienced the double breasted suit may have a new and invigorating attitude towards the garment. In many ways, bringing back an old classic is a way of subverting the garment itself.

The double breasted suit has a wonderful look of sartorial elegance, making the wearer look ultra confident and smooth. Whilst this may have been overused in the 80s (and leading to its demise), perhaps we are ready for this look again. What is interesting is whether the double breasted suit will be worn traditionally, or tweaked for the 21st century consumer. A skinny tie and trilby could add a whole new dimension to the double breasted suit.

Do England Proud by Winning a CK Underwear Modelling Competition

Got a set of rock hard pecks and washboard stomach? Look great in a pair of underwear? Then why not enter the Calvin Klein underwear male modelling competition and represent England against 8 other European countries.

Calvin Klein has released the Steel underwear (low rise trunk) in the flag colourways of competing countries in the football world cup (e.g. England has a white trunk with a red waistband and small England flag). The idea behind the competition is to represent your country and compete against the best male bodies in Europe. If you have the confidence, submit a photo of yourself wearing Calvin Klein Underwear and submit it to 9Countries9Men. The winner will earn a modelling contract.

The other European countries involved include Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia, Holland, Greece, Sweden and France. So if you fancy showing those continentals a thing or two about looking good in your Calvin Klein underwear, better start working on those sit ups and do your country proud!

Do you Prefer a Wallet with a Coin Pocket or Without?

When it comes to choosing a leather wallet, there is divided opinion amongst men if they require a coin pocket or not. Several designer brands believe that men would choose a wallet without a coin pocket, whilst a woman buying a gift would choose one with.

Traditionally the classic leather billfold wallet features two folding note compartments with two rows of credit card slots. The coin wallet does away with one side of credit card slots and replaces it with a coin pouch. A coin pouch is a really useful way of keeping your notes and coins altogether in one place, but for some men adds too much bulk. A wallet full of coins will make it look cumbersome, and the extra weight will not help the structure of the wallet. On the other hand, if the wallet doesn’t have a coin pocket, it tends to remain loose in the pocket which some may find annoying.

Wallets without a coin pocket remain slimline and crisp, ideal for sliding into a suit jacket pocket unnoticed. I have recently swapped my billfold coin wallet for one without. I prefer not having to dig around inside a coin purse for the right change, but miss a secure place to keep my coins. What do you prefer?

Jewellery for Men – Yes or No?

Jewellery for men has been around for centuries, but has had a massive resurgence with the ‘Bling’ craze that has sweeped our nation. Rings, pendants, bracelets and even medallions are considered fashionable for men. In fact, the bling craze was triggered by the Hip Hop Stars such as Puff Daddy who felt the glitzier and bigger the better. Whilst most men wouldn’t want a diamond encusted dollar sign hanging around their neck, many still enjoy wearing jewellery.

My personal preference for wearing jewellery is to keep it to a bare minimum, which means just a watch. I prefer the clean and simple look, and jewellery is an unnecessary complication that doesn’t enhance my sense of style. Whilst jewellery may not work for me, there are many men who can pull it off. It’s all about attitude and a flamboyant sense of fashion. A leather platted wrist band would look great with Boho chic, whilst a solid silver pendant may work for the showbiz man. In my opinion though, most men prefer to dress quite classically, and jewellery doesn’t really work. If you get it wrong it can make you look like a desperate wannabee, which is a risk not worth taking.

If you are trying out a piece of jewellery, make sure you go to one of the fashionable designer such as Thomas Sabo, or Tateossian. Of course, cufflinks are a different matter altogether, and for me anything goes.

Should Men use a Messenger Bag or Briefcase for Work?

The gentleman going to work in a pinstripe suit, bowler hat and stiff briefcase was once considered very fashionable, but not anymore! A revolution in workgear has taken place in the 21st century, with business casual being the buzz words. Even accountants and lawyers don’t need to wear a suit and tie all the time. A stiff briefcase in my opinion is not appropriate as a workbag.

I sometimes think that men don’t put enough effort is put into finding a fashionable workbag. After all, we are judged on our overall appearance and an ill conceived bag will let down an otherwise great outfit and create the wrong impression. The messenger bag is ideal for the modern man as it is really practical and comfortable to wear. Carrying a bag over the shoulder has a more contemporary look than carrying a bag by its handles. A structured leather and nylon messenger bag in black is great for a sophisticated look, whilst a softer messenger in neutral tones can work for the real trendy types.

I am not totally against briefcases though, just the old fashioned ‘rectangle with brass combination locks’ type. If you are going for a briefcase, the soft leather or nylon look is the way to go (and make sure it has an optional shoulder strap). Please try and avoid using the free bag that came with your laptop, they are devoid of any uniqueness and style. Most designer brands have a range of laptop bags that will enhance your clothing. Knomo intentionally set out to make laptop bags that stood out from the crowd, using exciting colours like gloss black and blue/brown. All their bags have a moulded protection system called PIMP!!

The Bowtie: A Fashion Faux Pas or Geek Chic?

Whilst flicking through the men’s fashion magazines recently I noticed several times that leading designer brands were showcasing the bowtie. Whilst the obvious way to style a bowtie is straight laced Harvard preppy, I was intrigued to see the Paul Smith advert with a geek chic vibe about it (was it the bow tie and check shirt combination?). It got me thinking as to whether the bowtie really does have a place in men’s fashion, or is it an outdated accessory?

One thing is for sure, wearing a bowtie (black tie not withstanding) makes you stand out from the crowd as very few people ever wear one. It has such strong associations with a certain type of character (the straight laced bookworm), that many people shy away from it. Having said that, Harrison Ford pulled off a bowtie very well in Indian Jones!

As has been proven time and time again though, fashion keeps reinventing looks that were seemingly outdated or thought uncool. I am mainly referring to the Geek chic fashion phenomenon. It is the very idea of rediscovering the old and forgotten, but making it current. Nostalgia is hip (Star Wars, the 80s, Sodastream). If a bowtie is to look fashionable in today’s society, have fun and combine it with a whacky check shirt. I feel that if you take the bowtie too seriously, you can end up looking very uncool.

Are Boxer Shorts Back?

Boxer shorts have taken a backseat (pardon the pun) over the past few years, as trunks and boxer briefs have become by far the most popular underwear of choice for men. I remember back in the 1980s though that boxer shorts were the bestselling underwear, in part due to the Levis advert (the Launderette) featuring Nick Kamen.

I have noticed recently though that the top designer brands such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani are offering a wider range of boxer shorts. Calvin Klein has a traditional fit and slim fit boxer. Are men swapping their trunks for boxer shorts again, or is this a case of the fashion houses stimulating demand. I still think that trunks are the way to go, but maybe I’ll give boxer shorts a go again. They definitely are more forgiving of an expanding waistline.

Wearing a Suit for a Smart Casual Look

I enjoy wearing a suit, the sharp lines and tailored fabric gives me an air of confidence and masculinity. With business casual being the most popular mode of dress for the office, there is less occasion to wear one though which is a shame. Traditionally a suit is worn with a suit and tie, and obviously has a very formal look. There are possibilities though to dress a suit for a smart casual look, which is a really great look.

There are loads of occasions where we want to look smart but not stuffy, fashionable but not scruffy. A friend’s party, dinner at a top restaurant, night out at the theatre or club. I get bored of wearing the typical uniform of shirt and trousers, possibly with a blazer. My favourite way of wearing a suit casually is to combine it with a crew neck knitwear top (definitely without a shirt collar poking out), ditching the shirt and tie. You get the benefit of a tailored suit without the uncomfortable and restrictive tie.

Don’t try and match the colour of your knitwear with the suit, instead choose a colour or tone that contrasts. For a sophisticated look stick to charcoals and greys. For a more lively occasion have fun with bold colours or patterns. This is a look that top designer brands such as Giorgio Armani are showing off at the moment. The polo neck is also a good idea for Autumn and Winter.

Can Pyjamas for Men Look Sexy?

Now we are heading into the Autumn and Winter seasons, we are all starting to wear our pyjamas again at night time. The pyjama suit for men has not traditionally been an item of clothing associated with style and cool. In fact it has often been the butt of many a joke, worn with novelty patterns such as fluffy clouds and trains. I would suspect though that many men would appreciate a fashionable nightwear option.

For some men, they will not be bothered about wearing fashionable pyjamas because they will take the view that ‘who cares what you look like whilst you are asleep’. For the fashionable modern man, I am of the opinion he would want to look good at night-time for his wife or girlfriend (plus it is great for lounging around the house). Firstly, the pyjama suit with matching trouser and suit jacket is not a great look. It kind of looks like an untidy work suit with its collared jacket, and does not set the right tone for bedtime. I much prefer a pair of designer pyjama trousers matched with a t-shirt (or no t-shirt at all if weather permits).

The designer brands such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani have a great range of mens pyjamas that focus on really flattering and sexy cuts. Striped or check pyjama trousers work really well with a plain t-shirt. Make sure your t-shirt picks up a colour from your pyjama trousers. This is a really sexy look and will be appreciated by your female companion.

Tweed: A major Tend for Autumn Winter 2009

A very significant trend for menswear this Autumn Winter (2009) is the use of the tweed fabric in garments from blazers to suits to overcoats and trousers. It has been picked up by designers such as Missoni, Nicole Farhi, Ralph Lauren and Margaret Howell in the classic herringbone and checks. My preconception of tweed is of old fashioned garments favoured by college professors. Whilst tweed has a long history in men’s fashion, the industry’s ability to reinvent and juxtapose against the modern makes this trend exciting and new.

Tweed has a rugged wool texture that is very hard wearing (perfect for the crsip weather of Autumn and Winter), and in my opinion has a similar quality to jeans. Whilst jeans have an undeniably American influence, tweed has a classic Britishness about it (which we should be proud of). The designer brands are showing tweed in various different looks. Perhaps the most obvious is the preppy or dignified country look, pairing a tweed jacket with chinos (typical of the Ralph Lauren look). A more modern approach is the mixing of tweed with a selection of contemporary garments with unusual knitwear patterns and textures (such as velvet). For me, this is the best way of incorporating tweed for a practical and everyday look. It is the exciting mixture of new and old that sets this trend alight. I would be happy to wear a pair of jeans, modern knit top and tweed jacket. Would you be prepared to wear tweed this season?

The Everyday Man Bag: Essential Accessory or Metro Sexual Phenomenon?

Up to fifteen years ago everyday bags for men mainly consisted of stiff and structured briefcases for work. Most men wore suits to work, and this best suited the look. For casual use the only option was a backpack which does not offer a fashionable look. As we have entered the 21st century, men’s designer bags have exploded in popularity with new choices such as the messenger bag and tote. In this blog I will analyse whether these new style designer bags are accessible for all men, or just the ‘Metro Sexual’ man.

Society is constantly changing and fashion is very quick at reflecting this. With the bag, it has traditionally been considered a fashion item for women but a purely functional one for men. The classic briefcase was intended to look smart with a tailored suit, and suitable to fit some papers and very little else. As we have moved into the 21st century there have been some interesting social, technological and cultural changes. A change in the workplace has been the switch from suit and tie to ‘business-casual’ attire, which has allowed more self expression for the man. In addition, the traditional roles accepted by men and women have been challenged and broken down. With the common use of a laptop computer and other accessories such as an ipod, men simply have more to carry than just a few papers.

Modern society has therefore created a demand for a fashionable and more casual bag for men. Men’s bags have become more relaxed (made from softer materials), more spacious, more comfortable to wear and much more individual and fashionable. Because these ideas have been associated with the handbag, some may consider the man bag a bit too feminine. The truth is though that the man bag has become a hugely popular item, adopted by all types of men. Designers have made every effort to design fashionable bags that retain a masculine identity (e.g. more chunky) so as not to put the general population off. There are some very trendy specialist bag brands for the urban consumer such as Knomo Bags.

The messenger bag has allowed men to use the shoulder bag, without looking feminine. Initially used by courier messengers, they have entered the mainstream due to its comfort, practicality and versatility in design. Most importantly it has a more urban cool to it than a briefcase, suiting today’s casual work environment. Messenger bags are less structured and softer than a briefcase, offering much more flexibility in what can be carried. There are many different designs and fabrics used on messenger bags. They can be more structured, ideal for a professional look, or soft for casual wear. Leather messenger bags look smart, whilst canvas or nylon is more relaxed.

Most men now accept the messenger bag as a male fashion accessory. There are bags however that push the boundaries of masculinity, most noticeably the tote bag. Its appearance can be likened to a designer shopping bag with carry handles and a zip fastener. A horizontal design gives the appearance of a soft briefcase, and is therefore quite acceptable. A vertical shape give a more feminine look and is best suited to the confident metro-sexual man. Most tote bags have the option of using a shoulder strap, which gives an appearance similar to a messenger bag.

It seems briefcases are out, and relaxed everyday bags for men are in fashion. I don’t think this is a passing fashion craze, as this change has been driven by the needs of the modern man. As more men start using shoulder bags and totes, the more it becomes accepted as a masculine fashion accessory. As with all fashion, there is a wide variety of bags that range from the classical to the more risky. Don’t let these metro-sexual bags put you off a man bag altogether, as they are a hugely useful and trendy item.

Opinion on Cuffed Trousers – A Big Trend for Men in 2009

One of the biggest Summer trends for men that made its way from the catwalks of Milan and Paris to the high street has been cuffed trousers (manually rolling up trousers to your ankles and above). It gives a casual and sporty look, whilst also being very comfortable during the hotter months. This look has been showcased by designers such as Missoni, Gucci and Neil Barrett.

Be careful that you don’t roll your trousers too high as it will look like you are about to go for a paddle. I always think that cuffed trousers work with very loose fabric trousers (starchy jeans a no-no), to give the ‘I have just come from a yacht’ look. A big decision to make when wearing cuffed trousers is whether to go with or without socks. Whilst some men are confident with showing off their smooth ankles, many men are not quite so bold (and for many occasions it is not appropriate). If you are going to wear socks with cuffed trousers, make sure you pay attention to this underrated garment as it is now on full show.

My belief is that cuffed trousers is a casual look, and so works best with casual socks. Plain black and dark charcoal grey socks will kill of your well intentioned outfit, giving an austere and harsh look. I think that soft and pastel shades work best, such as light blue and beige. Whilst you can do no harm with a plain sock, it is not going to help you stand out from the crowd. Why not try an argyle, Burlington socks have a really wide range of fantastic summer colours. A thin stripe also works well, keeping in with the boating theme.