#men's tips

One of the most popular subcultures in the UK is the Football Casual. It’s very popular

Not many people have heard of a football casual, and may who have assume it’s part of the culture of football hooliganism, which historically it was. But most violence has far removed from being a football fan. Being a football casual is about being a football fan and embracing that sense of identity. It’s a pretty big movement. More than 13 million people in the UK, go to football matches, mostly male, a large part of them feel some affinity to casual fashion.

The UK has always been at the forefront of youth subculture. Including Teddy Boy, Mods, rockers, skinhead and punk, and now, football casuals. It’s always been the next generation, showing their disdain for the mainstream establishment, and the casuals are no different. The only real difference is that this subculture is largely based on very specific designer brands.  

Football and fashion

The football can track its history back to the 1950’s when the Teddy boy movement was seen on the football terraces. This continued through to the late 1960s when it morphed into the skinhead movement. But this didn't sit well with football fans at the time because, A) they were not political and skinheads at the time were, and B) hooligans at the time were easily identifiable. The skinhead “look” stood out and made it very easy for the Police.

Casuals get their own identity

The casual football fan wanted to move away from the skinhead subculture, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s when casual fashion found it’s own identity. The mighty Liverpool FC were the best team in Europe. Season after season the team, with their fans, travelled over Europe as they marched on to the final of the tournament.

It was these Liverpool fans who started visiting the boutiques of Europe and bringing back branded clothes to the UK. At the time, it was Lacoste and Sergio Tacchini. They wore these clothes almost like a badge of honour. “We are the fans that have followed Liverpool FC over land and sea”. The diehard fans.

Fans from other clubs very quickly followed suit. Even those from clubs that were not in Europe. It became the trend to wear designer clothes, from Europe, to show yourself as a “true fan”. They would go to France and Germany, just to buy the clothes which at the time, were really difficult to pick up in the UK because they were not the same brands you’d find in the Boutiques

of London.

It never looked back. Different fans connected with different clubs would prefer their own brands so they could recognize each other in cities that had several clubs, especially cities with rival clubs. At the time, hooliganism was rife, but for most, it was more than violence, it was about a sense of belonging.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL CASUAL

It’s been going on strong since. Right through the 90’s, which is when the subculture started creating their own brands to add the melting pot, to the present day, where it’s as strong as ever. And throughout that time, it’s become increasingly less about football violence and more about the fashion.

Today, young guys, aged in the 20’s and 30’s with plenty of expendable income embrace the fashion. You get to be “one of the lads” and be stylishly dressed. It reaches across socioeconomic class with young working class and professionals alike being part of the casual culture.  Right now, there’s a definite love for the retro casual. A homage to the 70s and 80s.

Some of the more popular brands of the football casual are:

Stone Island

Probably the most iconic, thanks to the emblem on the sleeve, Stone Island became popular in the 1990s and hasn’t looked back since. It’s usually the sweaters and coats that are the most popular items of clothing for this brand.

Fred Perry

One of the original brands, this classic tennis brand was first embraced by the skinhead movement in the late 60s before finding it’s way on the terraces. One of the more affordable brands, it’s very popular with newcomers to the movement.

C.P. Company

A real niche brand, C.P Company, is a little more subtle. No iconic emblem like Stone Island or

Lacoste have. It’s more about being in the know. Those who are football casuals will know, everyone else will just see a stylish man. These days, C.P Company is part of Stone Island.

Lacoste

When the Liverpool FC fans first went over to Europe and came back with brands they wore like a badge of honour, it was all about Lacoste. The logo is iconic as are Polo shirts. Today they are a massive part of the wardrobe of any self-respecting football casual.

Lyle & Scott

One of the classic retro brands from the 90s that is seeing a resurgence is Lyle & Scott. The Golden Eagle has a great look and is a firm favourite, especially the Polo shirt and sweater. It has that 90s feel still, which casuals love.  

How To Achieve The Classic Beard Look

There are many styles of facial hair, from the five-o’clock shadow to the full-blown hipster beard, but nothing exudes manliness and self-confidence like a well-groomed classic full beard. Whether you’re suited-up for a business meeting or just playing volleyball on the beach, a handsome beard is an eye-candy accessory that turns heads everywhere.

Don’t Rush the Fuzz

Stop checking the progress of your whiskers every three hours! In fact, you should do nothing for at least a month, and let nature take its course – no shaving, no shaping, no trimming. Hairs grow out at different rates, so be patient. While you’re waiting, feel free to shop around for the best beard products on the market.

Baby Your Beard

Your beard takes care of you by filtering out allergens and UV rays, and by preserving the natural moisturizers in your skin. Show your facial hair some TLC by using all-natural beard balms and oils. Did you know that one of the most popular products is a Shea Butter Beard Balm that rejuvenates your skin and your facial hair at the same time? There are some great new beard care oils available to complete your image, including a Bourbon Beard Oil, and it smells as manly as it sounds. Now your scent can be as unique and enticing as your beard.

Follow the Leaders

Who is an attractive man to a modern woman? What women mean when they say, “This man is so attractive!’, “He`s masculine!” and “He's a real man!”

Let's deal with what makes a man attractive to women and why some men win women`s hearts at first sight, but other are not interesting for them at all.

So, male attractiveness is a complex concept and it`s difficult to understand what a man should be to be loved by a woman. But there are two main things that most of the women value more than anything else in men`s appearance: beard and hair. Man`s beard and hair are two inseparable entities which always add a specific charm and sexuality to the image.

Of course, you say your hairstyle is very important for your sweetheart but how the beard is involved in this!

Why Beards Makes Men More Attractive To Women?

In Australia, the special study has been concluded according to this question. This study examined how male facial hair affected women`s judgment of men`s appearance and sexuality. The results were unexpected. The research has shown that the men who have the facial hair and especially those men who have a full beard, light or heavy stubble are more attractive to women and more often have been chosen for the long-term relationships than those who are always clean-shaven. It happens as a lot of women connect beard with strength and power. Also, it`s very important to choose the right beard type with will suit to your hairstyle perfectly and emphasize just strong face features.  If you`ve made the right choice, be sure that the result will be not long in coming!

Why Beard Shows Men's Masculinity?

Women become excited by masculinity and they usually say that beard can make the man looks dominant and masculine. This seemingly simple attribute is so necessary element to be successful among women in attracting their attention.  Women also say that the beard is associated with aggression, courage, physical force and social maturity. That`s why women often choose exactly bearded men for relationships.

What Haircuts And Beard Types Are Popular Today?

If you decided to grow a beard, it's a cool idea. But you should think about the matching your hairstyle with your beard. The beard can definitely transform your look and get you confidence.

Here are 10 cool inspirations for men with splendid beard types combined with the best hairstyles of this year. Look at them and choose the right variant for your change!

1. Low Fade Haircut With Full Beard

2. High Taper Fade Slicked Back With Groomed Beard

3. High Taper Fade Slicked Combover With Classic Short Beard

4. Long Slicked Side Haircut With Long Beard

5. Man Bun With Short Beard

6. High Fade Combover With Long Beard

7. Messy Long Hair Look With Trimmed Beard

8. Top Knot With Full Beard

9. Top Knot And Short-Cut Sides With Big Groomed Beard

10. Long Haircut Slicked Back With Big Full Beard

Men only wear 13% of their wardrobe, despite spending one tenth more on clothes than women, according to a study by Thread (a virtual stylist).

However, did you know that according to a poll by Men’s Health, you only need 24 items of clothing in your wardrobe? These staple pieces will see you through an average week – from work to the weekend, the gym to the pub, the office to dinner.  

So, with that in mind, here are some top tips to help you get the perfect men’s wardrobe.

Tip 1: Find a pair of jeans to suit your shape

Denim, particularly jeans, is a staple of any wardrobe. They are the ultimate go-to for every season and can be teamed with anything from a t-shirt and boat shoes in the summer to a jumper and leather boots in the winter. But, it is important to find jeans in a colour and style that suits your shape. A baggy, blue, ripped pair could be unflattering, while a black, slim fit will look great and work well for both smart and casual occasions.  

Tip 2: Accessories can transform an outfit

Accessories aren’t just for women, and it is important to not forget about them because they can completely transform your outfit. Hats are a great example - a bobble beanie for winter or a snapback in the summer won’t only add to your outfit, they will also keep your head warm and the sun out of your eyes. Similarly, ties, sunglasses, watches, and bags – all finish off an outfit perfectly and can really bring plainer clothing to life. So, make sure you have a good selection in your wardrobe.

Tip 3: Invest in a good suit

It is important to have at least one good suit in your wardrobe – something you can always turn to for weddings, job interviews or a formal date – whenever the occasion for a smart suit arises. This should be slim fitting so it is as close to the body as possible while still retaining free range of movement in your arms. Ideally go for a navy or charcoal as these are timeless and versatile colours.  

Tip 4: Light coloured shirts and t-shirts are key

While a black shirt will start to fade at the collar and cuffs – making your outfit look scruffy - a lighter coloured shirt will stay looking crisp and smart. Blue and white are a good place to start as there is very little that won’t go with these colours, and they can be both dressed up and dressed down.

Tip 5: Make sure you have a decent pair of shoes

Smart shoes can dress up any outfit – this might be a pair of brogues, oxfords, or desert boots – whatever suits your personal style. Just make sure they look smart and make you feel stylish.

Tip 6: Stick to classic clothing

There are men for whom just a few pieces here and there is all they need to get ready and leave. To look in style and stay with the trends, you need to have certain staples in your wardrobe. Investing in such clothing and accessories will go a long way to keep you in style.

 So if you too are planning to upgrade the wardrobe, here is a list of essentials, you must have in there for sure.

 1.         A chambray shirt

Yes, we all have those collection of button-down shirts in our wardrobe. The best thing about those shirts is that you can have them for any occasions. So whether it is about going to work or partying with friends, this can definitely turn out to be a brilliant addition to your closet. So why not have a chambray too? This denim like shirt is available in different shades and so you can choose the one that defines you.

 2.        A pea coat

We all have at least one puffer jacket in our wardrobe. Most of the time it makes us look fluffy, but it gives us the best warmth during those chilling days. But the thing is that you don’t have to always look bulky in them. When the days are not blizzard better opt for a pea coat. You can easily accessorize your coat with a hat and a scarf. A number of varieties are available in the market so you can choose one based on the colour and length.

 3.        A bomber jacket

You don’t always have to look formal especially when you are not at work. So get the utmost cool look this season with a bomber jacket. If you invest in a good one and use the right deals like Urbanoutfitters.com discount on mens fashion you will be able to find a long-lasting one for cheap. You can have them on your normal pair of t-shirt and jeans, and transform your look instantly.  

 4.        A pair of perfect brogues

No attire is complete without the right pair of shoes. When it comes to dressing up, you cannot have sneakers everywhere, for every occasion. They can look cool with t-shirts or similar casuals but, when you are in a pair of neat suit and pants, you need something that goes well with it. So invest in a good pair of brogues like a black or brown one and look amazing.

 5.        A pair of sneakers

So once you have your shoes for all the perfect look, now you may need a pair of sneakers to look relaxed in your casuals. The right pair of shoes are enough to say whether a man is stylish or not. So make sure you buy one that you can wear for a long time at less maintenance.  

 6.       A pair of cuff links

This may seem to be a bit old-fashioned. But it can give you the classic look when you have everything else in place like shirt, tie, pants and suit. Apart from being a men’s jewellery, this accessory is good enough to let others know that you love to be perfect when it comes to get a complete look.

 7.        A sports jacket

Investing in an amazing pair of suit is important for all those business meetings as well as to create an impression on your clients and boss. Similarly, you can show away your creative side by wearing something sporty. So invest in a sports jacket and pair it with your shirt and pants. The best think about your sports jacket is that it does not have to be boring like your suit and you can go for bright and colourful ones.

So you just nailed your interview.  You got a call from your boss offering you the job.  Congratulations!  Now you can envision your first day in the office, stunning your colleagues as you walk by the aisles, their heads turning and peaking over the cubicles.  What are you wearing, seriously?  Maybe you’re short on cash until that first paycheck. Lucky for you, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.  So if your family or significant other keep pressing you about what you want this holiday season, here’s a few things to suggest:

A Pocket Square

It’s a simple gift, and oh so classy.  Even just a small selection of pocket squares in neutral tones can do the trick on any day. Nordstrom and Macy’s have a wide variety of pocket squares, from plain to bold.  It’s a detail that can be easily missed, but makes all the difference.

Dress Socks

There is nothing silly about wanting dress socks. Just like pocket squares, dress socks are a key detail that will get you noticed.  More specifically, you will be noticed if you don’t have them.  If you groan and think: But nobody sees them! think again. Stance has an assortment of dress socks to elevate your style for work and other occasions.  They come in every color and pattern imaginable for a professional yet unique look.

Shoes

With great socks come great shoes. Appropriate work shoes not only complement the outfit, but they can totally steal the show.  From slip-ons to wing-tips, loafers and everything in between, upgrading your shoes can make the difference on your impression the first day.  Walk in with confidence knowing your feet are covered.

Ties

The contemporary men’s wardrobe offers an array of options for ties.  Depending on your work environment, you may be tie-only or tie-optional, but optional doesn’t mean never wear a tie.  Whether tie or tie-less, make the look on purpose.  The key phrase here is put together.  And remember, you can still be casual-cool with the appropriate tie.  Picking out a tie need not be complicated.  When in doubt, go neutral.  Navy is a universally flattering color and an excellent option. Or perhaps you’re the bowtie type. You’ll be wearing them a lot, so why not get creative?  You might be surprised.

Cuff Links

Again, another detail.  Accentuate your suit with high quality cuff links.  You’ll be wearing them anyway, so why not ask for some that really accentuate your individual style?  Start researching, and you may get lost in the diverse world that cufflinks have to offer.

Shoulder Bag

Maybe you already have one, but maybe you need a spare?  Using the same shoulder bag every day can make it wear fast, so you’ll be thankful to have a second one handy.  If you have a tan purposely-worn leather satchel, maybe go for a sleek and minimal spare.  Depending on your preference, you can likely find the same pocket placement and storage capacity to fit your needs.

Sunglasses

This is an accessory that is useful for both in and outside of work.  Perhaps you have a favorite brand, like Ray-Bans.  Getting a pair in both brown and black will give you more diversity to your wardrobe whether in the office or at the beach.

Cologne