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As men, we can often glance enviously at women who can nonchalantly pull off colours, especially in the warmer months. Our trepidation towards more vibrant hues comes from a lack of understanding of how colours work together. Alongside the fear of buying something only to get it home and realise it doesn't work with any other garments you already own.
But playing it safe can only get you so far. So, it is time to cast off those blinkers and look beyond your comfort zone. Introducing colour into your daily rotations can be a great way to update your current looks while adding a dash of personality.
However, before you find yourself reaching for the hot pink, there are some rules men should follow to ensure no sartorial mistakes are made.
If you want to introduce some colour into your wardrobe, it should mean something other than an overhaul of everything you own. By adding an accent of colour here or there, you are testing the water without jumping in headfirst.
We recommend looking at your socks or a winter accessory like a beanie or scarf to start adding colour. They can deliver that injection of bright hues without invading your whole outfit. Plus, they can be relatively inexpensive. So, you can experiment without spending a fortune. Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and we want you to move at a comfortable pace.
Should deciding on one main colour be a step too far, to begin with. Why not investigate how patterns can be used subtly to introduce colour?
The blue secondary stripe in a check suit, or the red in a floral tie. It can all be evidence of bringing colour into play without making it draw too much attention.
The fear men quite rightly have, is that when they start to wear colour, it will clash with what they already own. One way to combat this is to build the right foundations.
We don't expect every guy to be an expert in the colour wheel. Though, even at an intermediate level, we know that some colours often look better with others. These are the whites, navy, blacks, beiges and greys of this world. They should become the foundational colours of your wardrobe. For example, take a white dress shirt. It is the perfect backdrop for pretty much every colour of suit or tie.
When purchased correctly, items in these foundational colours deliver better value for money. They are timeless in style and have the ability to be worn more regularly with different pieces.
Not every colour is going to look nice on every guy. I can attest to that after some bad choices in the past. So, rather than letting yourself be swayed by the fashion world thrusting this season's "must-have" colour into your face. Stick to what works best for you. It may be a little trial and error, but remember, once you find what clicks, it will be forever in your arsenal.
First, start with a colour you genuinely like. This is a good jumping-off point and gives you something to work with. Then, factor in a few considerations, most notably, your complexion, hair colour and eye colour. As a rule of thumb, brighter colours can wash out pale skin, while darker skin tones can absorb a richer array of vibrant hues. However, this is only a guideline.
As a rule of thumb, men should know that business dress shouldn't stray too far into the experimental field. Keep it simple. Stick with the blue, white and grey hues you are accustomed to. However, you can play with colours in a less formal setting. As previously mentioned, suit fabrics, ties and other accessories can all be a great way to include colour with suits.
Aside from these two environments, men can let loose and embrace what they feel works.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, JFK, is highly regarded as the most stylish resident of the White House. His Ivy League-inspired wardrobe made him as popular in the fashion stakes as it did in the voting arena. Even today, he adorns mood boards of brands looking to add a vintage twist to their contemporary ranges.
JFK came to power during the swinging sixties. A time when the younger members of society threw off the shackles of the previous generation. Out went the big suits, ties and formal hats. Men wanted to avoid dressing and acting like their parents, which included a less formal approach to menswear. JFK epitomised this in the Oval Office and during weekend retreats with his family. While his work attire became attuned to a slimmer-fit suit or tailored separates, his off-duty uniform embraced chinos, soft knitwear and polo shirts. Showing men that they needn't be overtly formal at all times.
Intrinsical to JFK's style throughout his presidency was his Ivy League DNA. From his college years enrolled at Harvard and Princeton, the future president would have been exposed to the now-famous art of dressing associated with these prestigious schools. His connection to Brooks Brothers, a brand synonymous with Ivy League a clear representation of this. Core products of Ivy League style included sports jackets, oxford button-down shirts and loafers. All these gave guys the freedom to relax the silhouettes of their more formal attire while being able to introduce different fabrics and designs. As we can see below, throughout his adult life, JFK still wove this style through his outfit choices.
I'm sure we have all perused imagery of JFK and admired his stylish approach to nautical attire. Weekends on the boat saw him reach for his trusty polo shirt and white chinos. The classic fit of a polo shirt with an open-neck collar created a flattering, refined silhouette, even in a casual environment.
Ideal summer clothing, the polo shirt is a sartorial update to the t-shirt. To do it justice, men need to opt for a polo shirt crafted from a premium material like Supima cotton. It will hold its shape for longer and be soft against the skin when you add knitwear as the sun sets.
JFK was rarely seen without a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses. They became his bridge between the smart and casual worlds he operated in. The tailored president during the week and the all-American father at the weekends.
You might be forgiven for thinking the commander-in-chief wore Ray-Ban Wayfarers with his oxford shirts and chinos. But, he actually favoured a pair of American Optical frames the majority of the time. His frame of choice was the Saratoga, which had long been forgotten till the brand reintroduced them from its archives in 2020.
At the weekend, JFK would opt for a less refined wardrobe. Suit jackets and blazers were replaced with chunky knits and crew-neck sweaters. It was a uniform for the off-duty dad that was still inherently American, thanks to its Ivy League connotations.
Though not as popular as before, the shawl cardigan is still an admirable substitute for the standard merino crew. It delivers additional warmth for those evenings spent on deck, while the neckline compliments a formal shirt or more relaxed Oxford button-down alternative.
Check out some picks below to see how stylish this knitwear can be, even if you don't have a boat to spend your weekends aboard.
JFK's default suit was always single-breasted, never double, and primarily crafted from worsted wool. Previously, the POTUS might have been seen in a wider-fit suit with a corpulent matching tie, but not this guy. Mr Kennedy mirrored the growing movement among young American men adopting a slim-fit suit with a skinnier tie.
Though he loved a Brooks Brothers' suit, choosing to get married in one to Jackie-O. JFK also was happily seen in a sports jacket. Formalwear, worn as separates being a neat way for men to break up the traditional suit without losing that smart element.
Originally the uniform of labourers, the humble denim jacket has come a long way in menswear. Yet, with little change to its winning construction. Hardwearing, cotton twill material is sculpted into a fit that tapers from the chest to the waist. The resulting cut is flattering for most guys, hence the denim jacket's popularity as a menswear staple.
Are you looking to upgrade your current transitional jacket options or want to get your hands on a denim jacket for the first time? It is an investment worth making. The durable material won't let you down over time. Through wearing, it will develop a unique patina as creases and surfaces rub together. It's an evolving choice that becomes more individual the longer you own it.
The rugged denim fabric sits well within a workwear-inspired look. But, the denim jacket's secret weapon is its ability to easily move through the layers of a men's outfit.
In itself, this jacket is not inundated with insulation. Though, men can utilise this by introducing it as a mid-layer piece. Choosing to wear it with knitwear under an overcoat for a fresh take on winter layers.
As the weather starts to warm up, we can embrace the denim jacket in its natural state. Including it in a simple, masculine aesthetic, men can update the Canadian tux by introducing a contrasting denim colour in their jeans and using a humble white t-shirt as their foundational base layer. The overall look will have a casual vibe that can easily be worn to work or on the weekends.
The home of laidback, Parisian style, A.P.C has a particular nonchalance when it comes to their denim. This jacket is cut from flexible 12.75oz Japanese denim and finished with contrasting marigold topstitching. It is everything a guy needs from his denim and will be a dependable option for years to come.
Take that denim jacket to the next level by experimenting with contrast collars. Rag & Bone has taken their inspo from Americana and workwear with an item that sits nicely in this popular aesthetic. Men get added insulation with a quilted interior as the brand brings you its warmest denim jacket to date. Ticking all the practicality and style boxes, this is a surefire hit.
Who says your denim jacket has to be cut in the familiar tried and tested mould? Alex Mills has brought a contemporary twist to the party. This jacket would look at home with your tailored clothing as it would the more familiar casual pairings. The recycled denim delivers extra sustainable points as well as being soft. A winning combo in our eyes.
We couldn't create a list of the best denim jackets without including the OG of denim, Levi's. This American brand's infallible sherpa-lined trucker jacket never seems to get old. It's a timeless classic that won't let you down. Chock-full of rugged masculinity it will fade over time to create a unique patina, individual to the wearer.
Reinventing a classic item like the denim jacket isn't easy. But we applaud Arket's take on this menswear staple. The pronounced double front pockets bring a touch of prison jacket alongside some additional intrigue. This would look great with some wide-fit chinos and a pair of fresh white trainers.
A nice, richer blue like this GANT pick can add some nice contrast. Finishing just above the hip, it comes in a relaxed fit. Go for double denim if you feel confident. If not, there are plenty of options that would look great with this one.
Covering the basics from a sustainable standpoint, Asket would always be wise to include a popular jacket like this in its offering. They've opted for a simple fit in a light blue to give men a style they can wear day after day. As shown, a simple white t-shirt is a great jumping-off point. But you can also include smart casual pieces like an OBD (Oxford Button Down) into the look to bring something slightly different.
This dusty blue denim jacket from Nudie Jeans is giving us a 90s vibe. Something about that twist of grunge in the faded material is making us all nostalgic. Lean into this with a more rocky style with slim-fitting black jeans and Chelsea boots. A perfect look for sinking a few beers with friends.
Not so much of a secret among the stylish elite anymore. London-born, Blackhorse Ateliers has won over many denim aficionados with its attention to detail and true craftsmanship. They use the best materials to create multiple fits (modern and classic) from their home on Blackhorse Rd in E17. A brand and hero jacket that should be championed.
If your search for a denim jacket comes with a limited budget. Look no further than the all-American brand, GAP. The front detailing and easy-on-the-eye blue colourway make this a piece that will see you through spring days and beyond. Just partner with simple, muted tones for a relaxed look.
The birth of the denim jacket as an influential menswear pick was in the 1950s. Ralph Lauren has taken inspiration from this period for their RRL Leeland Trucker Jacket. It has a fitted silhouette through the chest and has been made from 12.75 oz. Japanese denim with a turquoise-indigo cast. As a bonus, it has been Sanforized® to minimise shrinkage.
Wrangler has been producing top-notch denim since 1947, so know a thing or two about using this material to create great jackets. This outerwear piece comes with patch chest pockets and slanted side ones. We recommend keeping things clean and simple when styling. Tone down what you wear with the jacket and let it be the standout star.
Part of their 'Made in Japan' collection, Edwin has delivered a unique proposition. The jacket is made from 13.5oz pure indigo rainbow selvedge denim. A fabric that elevates this from its competitors due to being one of the finest materials available from the Japanese mills it was created in. The washed effect makes it a palatable piece that can seamlessly integrate with your wider wardrobe choices.
As the name might suggest, this jacket has been made using wild Himalayan nettle and organic cotton. The advancements in sustainability don't stop there. Every element of this denim jacket can be fully recycled at the end of its wear lifecycle. It's an investment piece that notes our potential impact on the world through every seam.
If you know your denim, you'll know that Japan is the place for superior jeans. TWC has harnessed Japanese mills to sumptuously craft a relaxed fit jacket. Given a 45-minute rinse to soften the notoriously unyielding selvedge material, the result is a worn-in feel that won't leave your arms covered in dye.
Since its inception in the mid-1800s, the men's baseball cap has evolved from a sporting accessory to a menswear mainstay. A simple design made contemporary through fabrics like cashmere or wool blends has kept it relevant. So much so, aside from the practical nature of shielding your face from the sun. It can deliver a unique touch to an off-duty outfit, whether avoiding the paparazzi or having a bad hair day.
It was 70s Hollywood that catapulted this hat style into the mainstream. Staying true to an understated design in a timeless cut means we can take our style cues from the men of that era. And with summer on the horizon and hazy days incoming, it has never been a better time to start thinking about your warm-weather accessories.
Unfortunately, every brand, from high street to luxe-fashion, has a cap in its arsenal. To cut through the noise, we focus only on the best headwear options. That means baseball caps crafted from hard-wearing fabrics in a fit perfectly suited for a modern man's wardrobe.
Read on for our picks of the best men's baseball caps to buy.
We always applaud how Uniqlo can offer men a go-to place to stock up on basics at a great price. This men's baseball cap is a classic shape but has been given character with a vibrant blue colourway. Be sure to partner with a relaxed-fit oxford shirt and chino shorts for a Hamptons-inspired summer look.
Turning their premium hand to accessories, Loro Piana has brought a luxurious look with a cashmere baseball cap. Developed using the brand's innovative Storm System® technology, the cashmere will easily repel light wind and rain. Ideal for the unpredictable British weather.
The master of Scandinavian minimalism, Arket, as expected, has kept it understated with their headwear. This baseball cap features a classic 6-panel design, with fabric made from wool and recycled polyester. A simple, but effective choice for men.
Proof that classic men's baseball caps don't have to be boring. This understated piece has been given a face-lift with yellow trim and duck embroidery. You wouldn't know that the man behind this outdoor brand is none other than the Japanese fashion designer, Nigo.
Create some interest and depth by playing with fabrics. This wool-blend cap from Reiss will draw the eye nicely and complete your weekend outfit choice. Subtle enough to be worn with a mix of colours, it is a versatile favourite.
Patagonia seems to be the name on the lips of most menswear enthusiasts due to the surge in the popularity of outdoor clothing. This workwear-style men's baseball cap is ideal for lovers of shackets and denim. A great pick to take you through summer and beyond.
A coveted piece, this cap from the LA brand Gallery Department is more toned down than their wider offering. Though, it still manages to bring that effortless cool spirit we know from them.
Incorporating earthy tones, our next pick has us longing for hazy evening walks and drinks by the sand. It is a classic wear-with-everything cap that won't go out of style when you step back on home soil. Just make sure you have a nice tan to go with it.
Feel like you are heading into bat with this 1950s-inspired baseball cap. Famous for its reproduction of old sportswear caps, Ebbets Field Flannels has looked to Harvard University for this one. Adorned with an 'H' for the university this piece has a flat peak and six-panel construction. A home run if ever we saw one.
If you are a guy that needs a cap to integrate into your current wardrobe seamlessly? Then, Foret, have you covered. A timeless design, with eyelets for breathability, the corduroy finish gives it a contemporary twist. It's a go-to daily essential.
The garment-dyed process used when making this cap gives it a unique imperfection. As always, with J Crew, we get an elevated classic. This one has been expertly made in the U.S.A. The bold "Pale Toffee" colour choice is a welcome addition to our summer wardrobe.
With a welcome nod to their heritage, this GANT baseball cap is chock-full of preppy vibes. It has an adjustable strap and an engraved silver metal clasp at the back. But, the bold font finessed with green branding has won our hearts.
Norse Projects has always tried to include a cap in its collections. The latest inception is a twill sports cap made in the US. A subtle 'N' can be seen on the front and plays into the Danish brand's no-nonsense approach to menswear.
Pastel hues appear from everywhere once the sun starts to creep out. So, embrace it with virtue by choosing this pared-back logo cap from Closed. Rather than being an afterthought, this cap enables men to use headwear as the starting point for picking an outfit.
For the OG of sports caps, we have opted for the coloured polo player embroidered logo instead of the traditional single-colour version. This freshens things up and adds playfulness to a design we know and love.
Appealing to scuba-specialist and those just dipping a toe in the holiday pool. The best diver watches have a universal admiration that flows through their intrinsic craftsmanship and eye-catching design.
The majority of our readers might not be flinging themselves backwards off a boat anytime soon. Though, that shouldn't stop them from admiring all a diver watch can offer. This style has been seen on the wrist of James Bond, and Steve McQueen, exuding a timeless masculinity that makes it a desired accessory in and out of the water.
Without the wizardry of computing, divers in the past had to rely on other tools to monitor dive length and oxygen levels. Watches and water notoriously didn't mix. That was until 1927 when Rolex launched the 'Oyster' timepiece—the world's first 'water-resistant' watch and thus allowing divers to monitor their own time submerged.
In the 1930s, the Italian navy commissioned Panerai to make its version. That model became the Radiomir and could be submerged to 30 metres. This revolutionised the industry and spurred more watchmakers to introduce water-resistant dive watches.
The wider interest in diving as a recreational sport from the 1950s fueled the dive watch's popularity. Now the best diver watches come with a ton of functions to help navigate those murky waters.
Importantly, to be called a dive watch, it must withstand travelling to 10 atm (roughly 100 metres). However, most modern watches will comfortably get you to 200-300 metres and should suffice for the hobbyist scuba diver or diving board jumper.
It's hard to beat the clean face aesthetic combined with enlarged, easily distinguishable minute markers the dive watch delivers. Nice to look at, sure, but they are also a design note for divers, as the watch becomes easily readable in darker waters.
Another core element is the unidirectional rotating bezel that circles the watch's face. Turning counterclockwise, it has markings at least every five minutes, allowing the wearer to track elapsed time underwater.
Aside from these dive watch fundamentals. Other features might be included depending on your budgets, such as a helium escape valve or a built-in deepwater sensor.
We have pulled together our list of the best diver watches available with or without all the extras. It covers a mix of budgets and brands, and there is sure to be a timepiece that appeals to your needs. So, let's get started.
Seiko launched Japan's first dive watch in 1965. Since then, they have been crafting watches fit for men who take on adventure headfirst. The Prospex was nicknamed the "Sumo" when sold exclusively in Japan due to its size and robust nature. Now available in Europe, men can get their hands on this bold pick without making a sumo-sized investment.
Combining style and performance, the 1970s inspired this timepiece. The bronze colourway and black mesh strap make a sophisticated addition to any wrist. While under the hood, Delma delivers a Swiss automatic movement that won't disappoint.
Created to celebrate 25 years of the iconic Seamaster way back in 1993. This watch is still as timeless as ever and features Omega’s “Master Chronometer” automatic movement. Men can also benefit from additions like a helium escape valve and a minimum power reserve of 55 hours. It is a timepiece that will never go out of style.
Featuring a head-turning blue face reminiscent of ocean waters, Tissot didn't stop there with the design notes. The transparent back is unique for a dive watch but only adds to the magic of this watch. Water-resistant to 300m, the screw-down crown and unidirectional ceramic bezel ensure it isn't all style and no substance.
This vintage-inspired watch has been created for a slender wrist, set in a 39mm steel case. The black domed dial is a tribute to Tudor's first-ever dive watch. But, given a contemporary twist with pink gilded markings and numerals.
Embodying the brand's rich history, this watch from Victorinox has been rigorously tested to deliver high performance in all circumstances. Swiss by name, and movement. It boasts excellent Swiss precision timing for high-level accuracy.
Built for sports lovers and adventure seekers, Seiko has reinterpreted its first foray into dive watches from 1965. A stunning charcoal dial offers higher visibility than the original model, while Seiko has worked hard to improve the comfort level when on the wrist.
A hardwearing pick, the HydroConquest features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial glass. Men can easily take it to 300m without any loss in performance, while the eye-catching green dial helps set it apart from its competitors.
Each Zodiac watch is intrinsically crafted in small batches in Biel-Bienne, Switzerland. A nice alternative to chunkier diver watches, it is a sleek 39mm diameter case combined with a 20mm strap. The matte black design makes it easily adaptable to any look, though, the rubber strap means men might favour including in a smart casual outfit.
Certina eloquently delivers everything required for the ISO 6425 standard. This marker ensures any watch hits the minimum 10 ATM fulfilment for depth. The DS Action is a nice sub-£1k timepiece for those in the market for a dive watch.
Having been rigorously tested for water resistance and reliability, this diver is a sleek option for both in and out of the water. A prestigious watchmaking brand, Ulysse Nardin is a trusted name in the world of horology. Able to create high-achieving watches that deserve the loftier price tag.
The Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms embodies the spirit of the brand's 1953 model. When it was released, the original blew the competition out of the water, adept at going 200m below the surface. This has a vintage feel that might not be to everyone's taste. But, we are big fans.
A contrasting black and white dial offers a unique perspective to the traditional dive watch. The Alpina Seastrong boasts a 38-hour power reserve from its automatic movement, protected beneath a sapphire crystal glass case. It can go up to 300m beneath sea level and features a refined black bezel synchronising nicely with the black strap.
Bringing the diver watch up-to-date with an original shape, Bell & Ross have taken a contemporary swipe at a timeless watch style. Ordinarily synonymous with aviation watches, this is a refreshing change for the brand. It has all the hallmarks of a diver with some innovations, such as what they call an "ultra-resilient synthetic fibre" for the strap.
This Oris Diver's Sixty-Five has a design emanating from one of the brand's most iconic timepieces from that decade. Updated tweaks to the layout, like a 120-click unidirectional bezel, don't distract too much from the watch's timeless appearance. It's an absolute classic.
With spring on the horizon, it's time to think beyond your puffer or peacoat. Men need to turn their focus towards a lighter, transitional jacket, with the shacket a perfect antidote to unpredictable spring weather.
Shacket is a thicker version of an overshirt that is further along the spectrum towards the traditional jacket. It has long sleeves and a button front like a shirt, but it is typically constructed in a hardwearing material—a hybrid of the aesthetic of a shirt with added jacket warmth.
Both the overshirt and shacket are ideal for multifunctional menswear. An easy throw-on when the temperature drops a little. But, not too bulky that it can't be layered underneath a bigger coat. If we were to argue the difference, we would say the shacket is slightly thicker and heavier than an overshirt. Though, to be honest, brands will use both monikers interchangeably to describe variations of similar garments. So, let's not get too bogged down with the name game.
To set it apart from its menswear cousin, the overshirt. Men can seek some familiar traits when shopping for a shacket.
It is rare to find anything but a chest pocket on a shirt. With a shacket, we might see patch and chest pockets together or individually. Both lend themselves to slightly different looks.
Chest pockets are straightforward and give the impression of a casual aura. Patch pockets, on the other hand, are synonymous with sports jackets. As such, the latter enables the shacket to additionally be introduced in tailored attire.
A shacket is created from more robust material than your humble shirt. Thicker cold-weather options will be crafted in heavyweight cotton, tackling wind head-on but offering manoeuvrability, which leads us nicely onto fit.
The shacket allows men to be laxer when it comes to a silhouette. A comfortable layering piece needs not to be too restrictive. With this in mind, shackets have less structure throughout, giving a relaxed drape.
Obviously, with much of menswear, there are always nuances. Those brands, for example, with a more significant presence in tailoring produce shackets with a narrower silhouette. Therefore, allowing them to be paired more easily with formal trousers.
Versatility is key to a modern man's wardrobe, and the shacket dovetails nicely with this mantra. Available in lightweight or thicker, more durable alternatives, there are options that can suit every need.
Post-winter, men can strategically layer their shacket underneath their outerwear of choice. Doubling the protection against any lingering cold. As the mercury rises, bring your shacket to the fore. Opt for a lightweight, breathable fabric like linen and show how this menswear piece can be partnered with chinos or smarter trousers.
A workwear vibe is a style we can lean heavily into when considering shacket outfits, weaving it through different looks. The robust and hardwearing nature of the item is reminiscent of workman's jackets from history that were typically cut from the same sturdy cloth as the bottoms. Note the origin story of Levi's denim or the French prison jacket. They had to be thick enough to be worn over an undergarment but have some fluidity of movement to execute your job.
Dive headfirst into workwear and take your inspiration from the blue-collar workforce of America. Brands like Carharrt have been nailing this look for decades, so offer a great place for men to get workwear-inspired pieces.
We like adding denim on the bottom half, but wide-leg chinos also lend themselves nicely to a relaxed fit that flows throughout this look.
Padded or insulated shackets are the ideal last layer to your considered smart casual outfit. Crucial to getting this look right is to bridge the gap nonchalantly. Never fully committing to a too casual/relaxed fit, but having enough restraint to leave refined tailored pieces for an outfit like the next one.
Why do your casual outfits get to have all the fun? By creating a tighter drape, we can introduce this menswear piece into the realm of smart.
You can see from the above image, that the top and bottom half of the look follow the same silhouette. This is a menswear tip that is crucial to making your tailored garments sing. If the shacket was in a more relaxed cut, it would be at odds with the formal trousers and therefore create too much of a juxtaposition.
The beauty of a shacket is in its ability to be partnered with such varied menswear. One look we love is to utilise knitwear and a shacket together.
There is no shortage of jumpers or roll necks that we could wear. Though, picking something like a funnel zip collar can add interest and a nice contrast to the shacket's collar.
Shacket outfits, due to more presence of autumnal colourways, tend to become a little dark, which is fine to an extent at the backend of winter. But, come summer, if we still want to get additional wear from our shacket, we should opt for a lighter colour palette.
Partner with white jeans or beige chinos to create a warm weather look, that can see you through the summer and beyond.
