Month: September 2020

Every man needs a good selection of shirts in his wardrobe. That much is clear. What’s not so clear is the exact form those shirts should take.
The solution, as it almost always is, is to stick to the classics; the tried-and-trusted shirting staples that have never gone (nor will ever go) out of fashion. Doing this will allow you to build a capsule shirt collection that has you covered for every conceivable occasion, looking your best at all times.
Whether you’re heading for a wedding or sipping cocktails by the poolside, these are the key shirt styles you’ll always find yourself reaching for.
The Classic OCBD
The Oxford-cloth button-down shirt (OCBD for short) is a type of casual shirt cut from a basketweave fabric known as Oxford cloth. It gets the other half of its name from the buttons that hold the collar in place. It’s thicker than a classic formal shirt with a more textured look and feel, making it perfect for bridging the gap between smart and casual.
Why you need it
It’s the glue that holds your wardrobe together.
How to wear it
The OCBD is so versatile that it would be quicker to tell you how not to wear it. Suffice to say, it’s difficult to get wrong, but as a frame of reference, we’d advise against wearing it with anything more formal than soft tailoring and anything as casual as sportswear. Within those limits, pretty much anything goes.
The Camp-Collar Short-Sleeved Shirt
What is it?
This summery staple is the key type of short sleeve shirt that should be hanging in your wardrobe. It features a spread collar for a relaxed, breezy look and can be either plain, patterned or sometimes decorated with an intricate all-over print.
Why you need it
If you have to ask, you’ve obviously never sauntered along a Mediterranean beach while wearing one unbuttoned to half-mast as it flaps gently around your torso in the breeze.
How to wear it
As a rule of thumb, save your camp collar shirts for summer and spring. They’re great with shorts and can be worn either open over a T-shirt or singlet, or loosely buttoned up and worn on their own. Team one with cuffed jeans or cropped trousers and loafers in the evening, or even layer under a summer suit in place of a regular shirt for dressier warm-weather events.
The Cotton Twill Overshirt
What is it?
Falling somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, this evergreen essential is made from thick cotton twill and usually features a button fastening and several patch pockets to the front. It’s a longtime workwear staple and is among the most versatile garments in any wardrobe.
Why you need it
It’s one of the few garments that will have your back no matter the season – a true layering hero piece.
How to wear it
How you style your overshirt will depend largely on the season. In summer, it’s great for throwing on as a light jacket on cooler evenings and looks great worn open with the sleeves cuffed over a well-fitting white tee and chino shorts.
During the colder months, it becomes a stylish midlayer. Try wearing one over a roll-neck jumper and raw denim jeans, topping it off with some winterproof outerwear and sturdy leather boots.
The Flannel Shirt
What is it?
It’s thick, it’s warm and it’s ideal for layering up when the weather starts to bite. The flannel shirt is a casual classic and a must for your autumn/winter rotation. Woven from wool or cotton, flannel fabric is soft and slightly raised, making it comfortable and great for insulation in colder temperatures.
Why you need it
For keeping the chill at bay in style. Also, for making you look a little bit more lumberjack-esque, which is rarely a bad thing.
How to wear it
Flannel shirts can be either plain or printed, which will influence how you wear it. For classic checked versions, however, jeans and leather boots are the obvious way to go. That said, part of the flannel shirt’s appeal is its versatility, meaning it will go just as well with chinos or even dress pants if you style it with the right footwear. But one thing you should always steer clear of is pairing it with tailoring – this is strictly a casual garment and should be styled as such.
The Denim Shirt
What is it?
Unsurprisingly, a denim shirt is pretty much any shirt cut from the same stuff as your jeans. It’s robust, great for layering, and if you go for raw denim, it will take on a rich patina and unique fades as it ages and moulds to your body.
Why you need it
It’s one of the simplest ways to add a dose of texture to your weekend wardrobe.
How to wear it
Denim shirts have a reputation for being difficult to style. In our experience, this tends to stem from the fact that jeans are the world’s default casual legwear and wearing both together can result in some pretty unsightly looks. But that’s only if you get the shades too close. Ensure there’s enough of a contrast between top and bottom and you can’t really go wrong. Think white jeans and a dark blue denim shirt, for example – double denim done right.

As sportswear continues to infiltrate everyday wardrobes, the humble sweatpant is becoming something of a modern essential. Whether you’re working out, relaxing or just looking to adopt a bit more of the athleisure look, you’re going to need a pair in your legwear arsenal.
Speaking of which, if you’re thinking about investing in a pair, it pays to know who’s making the best ones. Here we round up the best sweatpants brands for everything from sofa-day staples to high-performance sportswear.
Sports
If you’re working out in cooler weather, some sporty sweatpants are a must. What sets them apart from their more casual counterparts is the use of technical fabrics, streamlined cuts and a general focus of performance above all else.
Nike
Unsurprisingly, when it comes to sport-specific sweatpants, global-dominating athletics label Nike is making some of the best. Where other sportswear brands rely heavily on the strength of their archives, Nike is always looking to the future for inspiration. Therefore, if you want modern fits and innovative fabric technology, the Swoosh should be your first port of call.
Adidas
German label Adidas is one of the most successful and well-respected sportswear labels on earth. Over the years, its sweatpants have been worn by stars of track and field as well as icons of music and film. The hip-hop scene of the early 1980s saw the brand’s tracksuits surge in popularity thanks to their adoption by now-legendary New York group Run DMC.
Under Armour
Under Armour made its name off the back of its compression garments and base layers. Today, it still produces some of the best but has also evolved into a sportswear brand in its own right. Under Armour’s sweatpants are built for performance and feature clever fabric technologies, ergonomic cuts and moisture-wicking materials, making them the first choice for clued-up gym goers.
Athleisure
Styling athletic garb as part of casual outfits is one of the defining characteristics of 21st-Century style. It’s commonly referred to now as ‘athleisure’, and there’s a whole genre of brands devoted to it. Generally, sweatpants that come under this umbrella will still be designed with sports in mind, but with an added focus on aesthetics and the implementation high-end fabrics and craftsmanship.
Castore
Hailing from Liverpool, this young label creates upscale kit that delivers high performance and stylish looks in equal measures. Quality-wise, every garment is put through its paces by elite athletes and must be tested for 100 days before being approved for construction. And that includes the sweatpants.
Reigning Champ
Founded in 2007, Reigning Champ bridges the gap between high-end athletic garb and streetwear. In fact, CEO Craig Atkinson was the main manufacturer for some of the most hyped labels on the planet, including Supreme, before starting the brand. Expect rugged, well-made gear with plenty of street cred to boot.
Torsa
A newcomer to the sportswear arena, Torsa is already making waves with its signature blend of performance-focused design and slick styling. The Wolf training pant is the label’s signature sweatpant and it’s packed with techy features like Japanese DWR fabric and no-sew bonded hems. This is activewear you’ll want to don for more than just working out in and from a style standpoint we see no reason not to.
Luxury
Only a couple of decades ago, the idea of sweatpants as a luxury item would have been laughable. Today, they’re a staple in the ready-to-wear collections of luxury brands from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. Boasting high-end tweaks like cashmere-blend construction, flattering cuts and beyond, this much more than just your standard gym gear.
Brunello Cucinelli
Italian label Brunello Cucinelli is known for its upscale casualwear and soft tailoring. The brand has a knack for taking simple garments and making them indulgent – with sweatpants no exception. From luxurious cashmere to French terry fabric, Brunello Cucinelli has transformed the humble sweatpant into something truly special with its use of premium fabrics and artisanal craftsmanship.
Loro Piana
Loro Piana is known the world over for its luxurious cashmere and wool garments. The Italian label has been producing some of the finest clothing in the world for close to a century. And over the last decade or so, sweatpants have become a staple of its seasonal collections. Expect silky soft knits, Italian craftsmanship and stylish design quirks like pleated waists and cropped legs.
Thom Browne
Thom Browne’s unique blend of tailoring and activewear has seen the label become the face of upscale athleisure. Known for its extreme attention to detail and arguably even more extreme price tags, Thom Browne is the go-to label for those looking to go all out on a pair of luxury sweatpants.

Loungewear
Sweatpants may originate from sporting stock but they’re equally well suited to the exact opposite. When it comes to lounging around the house, nothing quite beats a pair of simple jersey joggers.
Sunspel
British brand Sunspel is known for its refined take on the basics. Simple garments, perfected. Sweatpants are no different, making this label a solid option for anyone who favours quality and a clean cut over excessive detail and heavy branding.
Derek Rose
Derek Rose takes the same care and attention that most high-end designers pay to clothing, jewellery or footwear and applies it to garments made to unwind in. Simple yet refined, the brand’s sweatpants are perfect for anyone looking for loungewear with a touch of luxury.
Uniqlo
Japanese label Uniqlo is a firm favourite of ours when it comes to stocking up on stylish basics. Take the brand’s sweatpants, for example: they’re simple, well put together and don’t feature any unnecessary branding or detail. Just what you need for lounging around in style.