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Medium-length hairstyles are starting to become incredibly popular with men. In part, this is due to more celebrities donning this style, but also to the wider range of hair products available for this length. Previously, men who wanted to grow their hair out to a mid or medium length were often worried that it would become flat or worse, greasy.
If you are starting your journey into medium length hair by growing out your hair, then you will still need to visit your barber. In this current climate, we have all been forced to grow our hair out or rely on a loved one to cut it for us. But, as soon as it is safe to do so, we recommend visiting your barber so he can start work on cutting and styling your hair.
So, if you are bored with your shorter cut, looking to chop off longer locks or want to refresh your style, then a medium-length cut could be ideal for you.
What qualifies for a medium hair length would be anything over 2-3 inches in length. And let's be clear when we talk about medium, or mid-length hair, we aren't necessarily talking about an all-over style. Yes, by all means, that is an option. But, you might only choose to grow out your hair on top and keep the sides shorter. With shorter sides, there is scope to push things further and go for a quiff or pompadour style.
Look out for some medium length hairstyle inspiration further down.
Thankfully, around 80 per cent of men have medium-weight hair. This weight is ideal for growing into this length. Those men that have fine hair might want to opt for a different style, as hair can start to look thin as it grows. For men with thicker hair and are worried about having too much weight, your barber should easily be able to thin it out to make it look less bulky.
Relatively easy is the answer. We aren't going to tell you it is as simple as just a towel dry and you are ready for the day ahead. But, some simple grooming and styling tips will give men a fantastic looking cut. The medium style, if done right, could become enviably your best haircut yet.
If you have a trusted barber, then he will be able to advise on the best maintenance and products for your particular style and hair type. If you feel he is pushing you towards buying their overpriced options, then take a look at our products for medium length hair below
If your hair needs a bit of a lifeline, then sea salt spray is a great way to add more vigour to it. Apply to damp or dried hair for tousled waves or a more refined, textured look.
Using a comb rather than a brush will be gentler on your scalp and hair. If you are looking for a parting in your hair then a comb will give you a razor-sharp line. Kent combs are handmade, will glide through your hair and help stop split ends.
Pomades don't have to mean slick with a shine finish. If your hair isn't thick, then you can use a pomade to add volume or thickness. Alternatively, if you already have thick hair, then you might choose a pomade that has light-medium hold like the American Crew classic.
These guys have taken the sides short for their medium hair length, deciding to keep the top longer.
This effortless style is probably what most men think of when imagining having medium length hair. Unfortunately not all men have the natural wave these guys do.
Bordering on longer hair, these men have kept the sides trimmed, especially around the ears. This helps the style from becoming too messy and unkempt.
Made famous by the likes of James Dean and Elvis, it is still popular among men today. It takes a bit of work in the mornings, but if it was good enough for the king of rock n roll its good enough for us.
Buying a minimalist watch is high up the accessory shopping list for men. The immense popularity comes from the style's understated ability to easily partner with a broad selection of smart or casual outfits, meaning it is a watch you can rely on daily.
Your typical luxury watch adorned with large pushers, dials and multiple face elements comes at a greater price. Buying into that 'look' with a sub £200-£500 watch can be a little tacky. We recommend sticking with a timeless style like a minimalist watch to get you an affordable but classic timepiece that will never go out of fashion.
Related Post: The Best Minimalist Watches Under £200
For men that don't have a large budget to invest in a new watch, we have brought together a list of our favourite minimalist watches for under £100. You will get sleek design, functionality and reliability from some of the world's best watch brands included in the price.
This American brand has a vast history of watchmaking dating back to 1854. Pioneering the likes of the sports watch in the '80s and the night-light in the '90s, they have always pushed the boundaries of innovation. The result is great watches that are robust, functional and sprinkled with a simplistic design. The Farfield is your perfect weekend watch and is a welcome addition to any outfit.
Price: £89.99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 metres
Case Diameter: 41mm
One of the masters of minimalist design is the Danish brand Skagen. On their 'Signatur' timepiece, there is an off-white colour dial with some distinctive design elements, including contrasting hand dials. With a stainless case and a Japanese quartz movement under the hood, this is a fantastic price-conscious option for men.
Price: £89
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Case Diameter: 40mm
A minimalist watch can have all the refined elegance of a paired-back aesthetic, but no one says you can't add some colour. Available in a few different colours, we have picked out crystal white for a sporty addition to our list.
Price: £75
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Case Diameter: 42mm
MVMT has been catapulted to the forefront of well-priced minimalist watches since their fairly recent inception. Many other brands see MVMT as heralding the start of the recent love of minimalism as a watch style. Their marketing team got the brand in front of the masses, and their timepieces delivered functionality and dependability within their price range.
On the list for a second time, Timex keeps hitting it out of the park with their astutely-priced watches. This black dial has a great contrast to the tan leather strap, giving an overall sophisticated aesthetic. Timex has built its reputation on dependability and reliability, which is present in every watch they build. We could probably make an entire list just for the brand, but you will have to make do with this black minimalist watch.
Price: £69.99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 metres
Case Diameter: 42mm
Architect London believes in the mantra that sometimes "less is more". High-quality stainless steel sits on the back of this minimalist dial that screams minimalism. A precise quartz movement keeps things ticking over so you can focus on the day ahead without worrying about running out of sync.
Price: £79
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Case Diameter: 41mm
The Winston Double from Komono features two minimalist subdials. It's modern, contemporary, and an instant classic. Like all those on the list, the price is budget-friendly without scrimping on the details. A Japanese quartz movement is a motor keeping this timepiece ticking, with an alloy case to protect it. The strap is black leather but can be easily switched out depending on taste.
Price: €99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Case Diameter: 42mm
What is minimalism, if not an aesthetic of stripping back to the bare essentials? This Picto Watch takes that to the extreme removing everything but a dot and a line. The brand wants you to create your own agenda and not be bound by time. Are you ready to join them?
Price: €99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
This British brand has been producing affordable watches since 1946. Known for precision timing, by the early '90s, Accurist had become the UK's largest watch brand. Since its inception, the brand's focus has been to deliver watches full of British design and style and represent great value for money. This classic watch is a timeless favourite, ideal for men who favour minimalist design.
Price: £64.99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: Up to 30m
Case Diameter: 40mm
Delivering on fuss-free, utilitarian design is our last selection on the list. This Braun watch has a sleek, slim-lined case of scratch-resistant mineral glass. Ideal for the rigours of daily life. The case houses a quartz movement, making this timepiece functional alongside its stylish, minimalist nature.
Price: £99
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: Up to 50m
Case Diameter: 38mm
A minimalist wardrobe also referred to as a capsule wardrobe, is not about starving yourself of choice or restricting your spending habits completely. In essence, it is about having a greater understanding of our own personal style and the quality of the clothing we buy. When we have that, we can effectively become more minimalist and have a wardrobe of a carefully edited selection of products.
It sounds crazy, but a minimalist wardrobe will give you more outfit choices, not fewer. When we have a wardrobe full of clothes, we often can't see what is really there, how things can be put together, and so think we don't have what we need. This is where we fall into the purchase cycle of buying new clothes because we can't appreciate the ones we have.
I know it can be overwhelming to think about minimalising and removing a lot of the clothing from your closet. If it makes it easier, focus on the money saved from less frequent (regrettable) purchases. Other men might like to think of the more positive effect they will have on the planet.
As we like to say on AGR, trends are temporary, style is permanent. The latest fashions and fads will come and go, but a capsule wardrobe will be the foundation for any stylish man.
Below we have some useful tips for building a minimalist wardrobe.
For this, the best way is to pull everything, and we mean everything, out of your closet. Lay it on the bed or the floor and take stock of all the clothes you have. This can help to hit home the mountain of clothing some men have. You never wear suits to work anymore, shirts you have been keeping 'just in case' and battered old trainers that should never be worn in public.
Start pulling out the items you want to keep and create a new pile for your new minimalist ethos.
Note that at this point, it isn't above removing particularly 'unethical' brands. When deciding what to keep, think about what you wear regularly or if a piece can be worked into a few different outfits. A nice polo shirt, for example, can be great for the weekend and can also be worn with a blazer for a slightly more relaxed look for the office. Versatility is critical when it comes to a minimalist wardrobe.
It can feel cathartic to start cleansing your closet; who knows, you might find a great item you had forgotten.
When you have a clear pile of items to keep, start sorting your 'get rid' mountain into what is sellable. Some clothing and accessories will go straight to recycling, others to charity, and some might be in good condition to sell. If you are starting a new capsule wardrobe, why not start with some money in your back pocket?
I don't expect all men to instantly have a great understanding of what looks best on them. If you are struggling, then reading blogs like this or looking for inspiration on Pinterest can help. Seek out men that have a similar build to you or stylish men that you aspire to dress like. To begin with, it is about focusing on the basics. What consistent themes do you see in the images you've found? Look at coat collars, tie widths, short lengths, and colours.
Don't be afraid to ask for advice.
Choose someone you trust and ask them to critique your clothing choices honestly. It might hurt your feelings at first, but you'll thank me in the long run. Often, friends and family exchange pleasantries without giving their honest views. Asking for advice can give you vital constructive feedback for your new wardrobe.
Fit is everything
If you can master getting the fit of your clothes right, you are already halfway there. This can occur when you buy or post-purchase through alterations. Getting your clothing to fit your body shape in the most flattering way is how you can elevate even the simplest of outfits. Just look at the likes of James Dean or Ryan Gosling. They have mastered how the proper fit of a plain white t-shirt, for example, can be fantastic.
I know we can't all be James Dean or Ryan Gosling, and ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable in whatever you wear. So, please do your research, and your wardrobe will thank you for it.
There is no point in elevating your wardrobe, and investing in a less is more approach only to care for your garments wrong. Storing your clothing in your closet wrong can lead to stretching or, even worse, moths. Washing or drying your clothing wrong can lead to shrinkage. Remember you are trying to reduce clothing waste, not add to it further.
Take a measured approach. Read the care label like the gospel, and even get it dry-cleaned if you don't feel confident.
As you have got rid of the large quantity of your closet, there will be more space. This means each item can be given the room it needs to be stored correctly. For example, if you don't like folding, there are plenty of innovative tools to make it less painful.
Ok, we can't remove all blame from ourselves. But fast fashion brands have a lot to answer for. Their giant product catalogues and low price points encourage an unhealthy need to have 'more'. I have lost count of the number of times I have been sucked in and bought clothes that don't fit right, are made from cheap materials, or I have just never really worn them. Thankfully as I have got older, I have been able to see through the lies and align myself with brands that fit my ethos.
A capsule wardrobe should be filled with pieces from brands that are dedicated to sourcing the best materials ethically. I know this might mean the price creeps up, but remember, this is about buying less and buying smarter.
This can be tricky for many men to ignore and can be made more difficult by the company we surround ourselves with. If your friends are constantly showing off their latest designer label buy or getting in the queue for a significant trainer drop, it can be hard to not fall into those same habits. By nature, men mirror the behaviours and interests of those around them to fit in and be accepted. I'm not saying to go the other way but think about the price you pay for trend-led designer pieces with their small shelf life. Your mates will still be your mates whether you have the latest Yeezy's in your closet.
Style is permanent. Think about why the likes of Steve Mcqueen, James Dean and others from a bygone era are still heralded as fashion inspiration for men. It is because they weren't draped in labels and following overhyped trends. They opted for the subtle approach to dressing. It was about quality and fit. Let your clothes do the talking for you.
Here is where we talk in a little more detail about the products you should have in your capsule wardrobe. We are looking for menswear staples that can interchange different looks and outfits whilst still looking great.
You can always layer these foundation pieces with something a bit more impactful with the use of prints or colours. Just make sure that around 80% of your wardrobe consists of versatile classics.
Here are some examples of classics:
Plain T-Shirts
Printed tees are typically more trend-led. A plain t-shirt is simple and timeless and can go with anything. Try a more casual Friday work look by replacing your formal shirt with a t-shirt.
Suits
If you don't have to wear a suit every day for work, you can get away with a navy blue and grey option. The key with these is you can wear a navy blazer nicely with jeans or even mix them with grey suit trousers.
Jeans
A strong capsule wardrobe piece would be versatile denim jeans. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Choose from dark blue, black or dark grey in a slim or straight cut.
Chinos
A staple of the minimal wardrobe, they are the epitome of smart casual. They can be worn to suit the occasion like most items in your new wardrobe.
White Trainers
As office wear becomes more relaxed, you can partner with a navy blue suit or jeans for a more weekend casual look.
Knitwear
You only need a couple of pieces of knitwear. Mainly because most of us work in offices that have the heating on, or even at home as remote working comes to the fore. If you have the budget, look at cashmere for a premium, luxurious material. Uniqlo is known to have a well-priced range.
Polo Shirts
These are some of my heralded core pieces for a capsule wardrobe. Get the fit right, and you won't be able to get out of them. They are smarter than t-shirts but not as formal as a shirt. Versatility is at their core, and they can be worn with suits, chinos, smart trousers and shorts.
Fashion brands do a very good job convincing men they need one of the above foundation pieces, but a neutral colour is boring. It has to be bold and impactful. As you can imagine, this leads to many men with buyers' regret, and another piece heads to the back of the wardrobe. This is because they don't have the pieces to complement that purchase.
First, stick to neutral colours when building your new minimalist wardrobe. What are neutral colours? A few examples are blacks, navy, greys, beige, and browns. They have fluidity and create a strong base for not only your wardrobe but individual outfits. It allows you to add a bit of colour to a top when you have navy chinos, for example, or wear a partner a bolder shirt with your grey suit. The neutral colour will absorb much of the vivacity of more vibrant colours. So, if you don't have a minimalist selection of neutral colour pieces, then hold back on colour to begin with.
Neutral colours don't have to be boring. Look at our inspiration board below.
Now you have started building your minimalist wardrobe and focusing more on how and what to buy, including the clothing and accessories left from your original clear-out. I believe you should be looking for a wardrobe that consists of around 30-40 key pieces.
A helpful product guide for your wardrobe you can follow is below. Be aware that you can alter it based on your circumstances to suit your needs.
Trousers (Casual/Smart): 8
Shirts (Casual/Smart): 8
T-Shirts: 3
Polo Shirts: 2
Knitwear: 3
Trainers/Casual Shoes: 3
Smart Shoes: 2
Shorts: 2
Suits: 2
Jackets/Coats: 2
In conclusion, you can now understand that your closet doesn't have to be stocked full of clothes to wear the best outfits. We all want to look great daily. Creating a foundation wardrobe using this minimalist approach will help you better understand your own personal style.
Try and enjoy yourself when you get rid of your old clothes. It can be a cleansing experience. The result is a clean, organised wardrobe. It can create a healthier connection with your clothes, and you will enjoy caring for and storing every item you buy.
Minimalist Wardrobe Key Points
With the weather heating up, there is no better time to look more closely at men's shorts. Yes, there is a right length for your body when wearing shorts to make sure they are the most flattering. Like with trousers, the fit and length are integral to the overall look.
In this article, we will be focusing on the length of shorts when in your climates like the UK or US. We understand that when on holiday you can bend the rules slightly, as you bring into the mix different styles like swim shorts. But, these general style rules still apply to men whether home or abroad.
Let's just get straight out in the open. Men's shorts should not sit below the knee - period. The most common lengths are 5”, 7”, 9”, and 11” for shorts, and we wouldn't say one length is better than another. A lot is dependent on how tall you are. We would recommend the best length to look for are those shorts that sit 1" - 3" above your knee.
Now, we aren't saying you can't go shorter than 3" above the knee but that is entirely based on your preference. Most men might not feel confident that they have the legs or frame to pull off the shorter length. So, stick to the 1" - 3" guide.
The same as the length, there isn't a one size fits all answer to the width of men's shorts. But, much like when wearing trousers, you definitely do not want them too tight. Thankfully times have progressed to the extent that men can now choose from some different fits when shopping.
You certainly do not want your shorts to be flaring out once the wind catches them. Being able to pinch the fabric comfortably ensures they aren't too tight, but if you can grab a good handful then they are too loose. Men with fairly slim or average size legs will be able opt for a slim-fit short and still feel comfortable in them. Again, still remembering that the length is 1"-3" above the knee.
Remember, if you find some great shorts but they aren't quite 100%. You can always get them altered. Bring the hem higher, or pinching in the waist can give you that tapered look that follows the silhouette of the leg.
We hope you found this guide on men's shorts helpful.
Reiss - Wicket Casual Chino Shorts
Mango - Cotton Chino Style Shorts
No, it isn’t a piece of Provencal agriculture. The French crop is, in fact an ideal men’s hairstyle for the warmer months. Similar to a Caesar cut, it is a slight variation on a classic men’s haircut style. Easily manageable it will suit the vast majority of men in a short or medium length.
Read on to find out whether the french crop is the right haircut for your face shape and hair type.
In essence, it is a short, back and sides but with a textured top. The fringe can either be worn down to take the edge of the hairline or styled across in a textured side parting. There are variations of a french crop whereby the length on the sides and the top is quite extreme. Some men even prefer to accentuate the difference in length further by going an even shorter grade around the ears.
Having more of a fringe is ideal for men with long faces or large foreheads as it creates a less severe hairline. Wearing it sideways at the front is a great way to update a classic and timeless style. A surefire way for men to look great in the boardroom or the bar.
Your barber should be already familiar with the French crop style. But if they aren't, there are a few things to consider. The back and sides are often cut with scissors to gain a soft transition to the hair on top. We recommend a shorter side for men with thick or curly hair. It offers a modern look with a more drastic transition to longer hair.
Remember, you can always take a photo of the desired haircut. This gives your barber a better understanding of what you want.
Taking note of your hair thickness will also determine the weight on top. Thick hair can look lifeless on top of your head. So, ask your barber to use a ‘point cut’ to add texture. Those with thinner hair like me can ask for a ‘blunt cut’. It is great at combating hair that sticks up at the crown.
With this effortless style, you don’t want it to look too polished. Clay and pastes can add texture but without removing the freedom of movement.
As the hair is scissor cut with a natural finish, this style tends to grow out nicely. So, in theory, there are fewer trips to the barber.
In conclusion, the French crop is a pretty low-maintenance hairstyle for men. Go as short or as long as you feel comfortable, and work with your barber to find the best outcome for your hair type and face shape.
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So, can a washbag made from 30% apples help keep fast fashion at bay? Well, vegan brand, Luxtra would like to hope so.
From the shores of Australia, Luxtra is looking to develop sustainable products with a timeless design. Throughout the manufacturing process in Italy, they use cruelty-free materials, and the results are stunning.
The vegan-friendly product used for this washbag is by Frumat. In northern Italy, there is a large apple growing production, often left with a lot of by-product and waste every year. Frumat developed a new raw material from the apple-waste. A cellulose-based material featuring a variety of textures, thicknesses and embossing. Ideal for use in leather goods.
Often sustainable brands have an excellent value but lack the design focus to infiltrate the masses seriously. Luxtra appears to buck the trend. Their range includes backpacks, washbags and cardholders with prices starting from £35.
Shop this washbag and more at luxtralondon.com