The leather belt adds polish to a gentlemans outfit. Whether you are going for a classic or highly fashionable appearance, the belt should enhance the look. This means that it should complement the rest of your clothes, matching the style and mood. Most men enjoy dressing in a classic yet fashionable way and therefore require a belt to suit this mode of dress. In this article I will look at the must own leather belt that every man should have in his wardrobe. It should be able to go with most of your clothes, and could be the only belt you own.

Versatility is the key when choosing a must own leather belt, but can one belt cover both formal and casual wear? The need for a dedicated suit belt has become less and less relevant for the modern man for the simple reason that it has largely been replaced by business casual. There is some debate as to exactly what business casual means, but for many men there is little difference. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for business casual, if worn with a shirt and smart shoes. It is definitely possible to find a belt that suits both styles, and possibly work with a suit.

A casual belt usually has quite a wide width (going up to 5cm) giving a chunky feel, whilst a formal belt has a more narrow width (about 2.5-3cm) for a sleek look. The must own fashion belt should fall somewhere in the middle at around 3.5cm, offering enough boldness to work well with a pair of jeans but also offer a professional look. When it comes to colour of leather, black should always be the first choice. The reason is that the belt should match the colour of your shoes, and black is the most popular shoe colour. For the ultimate in versatility, a reversible mens leather belt offers the choice of black or brown leather. Always choose matt leather over shiny leather, as the latter simply does not look good with a more casual trouser.

A must own belt should have a simple and clean look. This does not mean it should be boring or un-fashionable; a leather belt with sharp and modern lines can look exciting. In addition, there are many opportunities to choose a versatile leather belt with unique design touches so that you feel it best suits you. Subtle stitch detail or embossing can add an extra dimension to the belt, but it is best to avoid over embellished belts. Whilst studded belts for men are a fashionable accessory, they only work well with a very casual look. The buckle offers a good opportunity to add a fashion element, such as plaque buckles and elongated or sharp lines.

There are several designer brands that specialise in versatile leather belts for men. Calvin Klein is an excellent example as their house look is clean and minimalistic. Their mens belts are designed for that business casual look, with many being reversible. Hugo Boss is also well known for its sophisticated design, with a penchant for black (take a look at their Boss Black range). Many of their belts use stitching and have a wide selection of different leather treatments (smooth, textured etc). Ted Baker also cater for the everyman, but with a few stylish touches unique to the brand. For example they offer a fixed prong buckle belt and a paisley embossed belt tip. There are several brands (such as All Saints and Diesel) that have a more high fashion look suited only to trendy casual gear. It is definitely worth having a belt like this, but only if you already have a Must Own Belt.

For the best quality mens belts including mens Ted Baker belts, please go to www.herbertjones.co.uk/.

Emporio Armani underwear is firmly established as one of the leading men's underwear brands. Retailers are finding that Armani underwear sales are second to Calvin Klein and catching up. The brand has received a huge popularity boost with David Beckham gracing the sides of buses and Selfridges as the face and body of men's underwear (Christiano Ronaldo and Megan Fox are set to take over in the 2010). Not only has Emporio Armani underwear benefitted from high profile advertising, they also have developed an extensive range that is synonymous with the brands sophisticated Italian styling. In this article I will explain the different ranges within the Armani underwear collection for men and what sets them apart from the other brands.

Emporio Armani has developed a world renowned reputation for elegant Italian styling. The clothing has a well tailored fit that is designed to show off an athletic and healthy physique. The men's underwear collection is deigned with the same ethos. Armani has said that he designs for the athletic sportsmen, which is one of the main reasons he chose David Beckham as the official model. The general style of Armani men's underwear is close fitting, sitting lower on the waist than most other brands. Many of their designs feature a diagonal cutaway leg which offers an elegant and streamline look. One of the most striking features of the Armani men's underwear is the use of the eagle logo, which features prominently on the waistband. They offer the full range of underwear styles including the brief, boxer brief, trunk and boxer short. All men's underwear have a closed fly except for the seasonal stretch cotton trunks that come with an optional button fly.

Emporio Armani, like most other designer brands, has a classic and seasonal collection of men's underwear. The flagship range is the Stretch Cotton, which as the name suggests is made from a 'stretchy cotton' for a tight fit. The trunk has a standard waistband with the logo, whilst the boxer brief and brief have a very wide waistband with large eagle logo. There is also a metallic waistband version of the stretch cotton, which has a more subtle branding that only stands out when it catches the light. The stretch cotton men's underwear is comfortable to wear and has a style that will suit most men, making it an all rounder.

Emporio Armani utilise modern fabric technology to create underwear ranges with particular properties. The micro modal is a refined garment, offering a smoother and softer fabric than standard mercerized cotton. It also is resistant to shrinking and fading. Emporio Armani modal (or micro modal) men's underwear has a higher price point than the stretch cotton range, and has a more subtle design to reflect the sophistication of the garment. Their 100% pure ribbed cotton men's underwear is excellent for everyday use as it is particularly hard wearing. Other fabrics used include stretch bamboo, mesh and polycarbon.

When it comes to their fashionable 'Seasonal' collection of men's underwear, Emporio Armani mainly works with the stretch cotton fabric. Whilst designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Ginch Gonch and Diesel produce some quite outrageous designs with colourful prints, Armani prefer to stick to a more muted colour palette and simple designs (e.g. stripes). Each season they offer a collection of solid colours, a stripe pair of men's underwear, striped band and a sports design. Many of the fashion underwear designs have a snugger fit than the classic stretch cotton collection, with shorter legs in the trunk and lower rise on the waist.

David Cole is a trained designer, and has worked in the mens fashion industry for 4 years since graduating. He has a particular interest in mens accessories, and runs a website called Herbert Jones Mens Accessories that offers mens underwear, Emporio Armani underwear, belts, bags and more from the leading designer brands.

Mens bags are widely accepted as a functional and fashionable accessory. Gone are the days of the old school combination lock briefcase with its generic rectangular shape, and in comes a wide ranging assortment of bag styles for men. The more casual working environment and cosmopolitan society has driven a demand for fashionable designer bags. Men can now choose from the messenger bag, tote, briefcase, reporter bag, flat crossover bag, the backpack and much more. In this article I will look at the defining characteristics of the different mens bags available, and who they are best suited to.

The most popular style of mens bag for the 21st century is the messenger bag, a very versatile bag that has an inherently masculine appeal. The messenger has evolved from a functional bag used by couriers to an all purpose mens bag. It offers easy access to the contents without having to remove the bag which is opened and closed via a large flap. In addition the messenger bag hangs over the shoulder and lies comfortably across the body without getting in the way. The messenger allows for a large volume of contents to be stored inside, and often features various different pockets for modern essentials such as ipods and computer leads.

The messenger bag is available in many different styles, from the casual to the smart and sophisticated. A well structured messenger in leather, or leather nylon mix, is suitable for the office and work and can take a laptop computer. Some messengers are designed specifically as laptop bags, containing foam protection inside. A loosely structured messenger made from canvas or nylon is great for casual wear. The classic shape of the mens messenger bag is east west (horizontal). Some designer brands offer a north south profile which is more comfortable to wear as it does not bang from side to side as much.

The reporter bag is also an over the shoulder mens bag, but it is quite compact in size (typically 20cm wide by 25cm high). It is designed to be lightweight, ideal for travelling or staying on your feet all day. The north south profile means that it will not get in the way whilst walking, and does not become too bulky. Unlike the messenger, the reporter is not a flap-over bag and instead has a simple zip fastening on the top. The most comfortable and lightweight version of the reporter (or crossover) is the flat-bag. It is designed without any depth so that it lies flat against the body.

The Tote (or shopping bag) demonstrates how men are willing to try new styles of bags that promote their metrosexuality. The tote is shaped somewhat like a shopping bag and is carried by two carry handles. Designer brands have made an effort to give the tote bag an element of masculinity, although it may be too feminine for some. On the other hand, it is considered extremely fashionable and will show off the gentlemans sensitive side.

The briefcase has been given a major overhaul, offering a much less structured and rigid mens bag compared to the old style. Most briefcases now offer the option of carry handles or an adjustable shoulder strap. Nylon is a very popular choice of material as it is lightweight, whilst the addition of leather trim adds an air of refinement.

The leather belt adds polish to a gentlemans outfit. Whether you are going for a classic or highly fashionable appearance, the belt should enhance the look. This means that it should complement the rest of your clothes, matching the style and mood. Most men enjoy dressing in a classic yet fashionable way and therefore require a belt to suit this mode of dress. In this article I will look at the must own leather belt that every man should have in his wardrobe. It should be able to go with most of your clothes, and could be the only belt you own.

Versatility is the key when choosing a must own leather belt, but can one belt cover both formal and casual wear? The need for a dedicated suit belt has become less and less relevant for the modern man for the simple reason that it has largely been replaced by business casual. There is some debate as to exactly what business casual means, but for many men there is little difference. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for business casual, if worn with a shirt and smart shoes. It is definitely possible to find a belt that suits both styles, and possibly work with a suit.

A casual belt usually has quite a wide width (going up to 5cm) giving a chunky feel, whilst a formal belt has a more narrow width (about 2.5-3cm) for a sleek look. The must own fashion belt should fall somewhere in the middle at around 3.5cm, offering enough boldness to work well with a pair of jeans but also offer a professional look. When it comes to colour of leather, black should always be the first choice. The reason is that the belt should match the colour of your shoes, and black is the most popular shoe colour. For the ultimate in versatility, a reversible mens leather belt offers the choice of black or brown leather. Always choose matt leather over shiny leather, as the latter simply does not look good with a more casual trouser.

A must own belt should have a simple and clean look. This does not mean it should be boring or un-fashionable; a leather belt with sharp and modern lines can look exciting. In addition, there are many opportunities to choose a versatile leather belt with unique design touches so that you feel it best suits you. Subtle stitch detail or embossing can add an extra dimension to the belt, but it is best to avoid over embellished belts. Whilst studded belts for men are a fashionable accessory, they only work well with a very casual look. The buckle offers a good opportunity to add a fashion element, such as plaque buckles and elongated or sharp lines.

There are several designer brands that specialise in versatile leather belts for men. Calvin Klein is an excellent example as their house look is clean and minimalistic. Their mens belts are designed for that business casual look, with many being reversible. Hugo Boss is also well known for its sophisticated design, with a penchant for black (take a look at their Boss Black range). Many of their belts use stitching and have a wide selection of different leather treatments (smooth, textured etc). Ted Baker also cater for the everyman, but with a few stylish touches unique to the brand. For example they offer a fixed prong buckle belt and a paisley embossed belt tip. There are several brands (such as All Saints and Diesel) that have a more high fashion look suited only to trendy casual gear. It is definitely worth having a belt like this, but only if you already have a Must Own Belt.

Mens accessories add personality and colour to any outfit. They can help create different looks to suit the occasion, as well as being versatile with your wardrobe.

Accessories for men can greatly improve a mans outfit and create a positive style statement, but are not always top of the list when building up their wardrobe. In this blog I will discuss the benefits of using mens accessories such as; ties, cufflinks, belts, socks, bags, wallets, watches, hats, scarves, underwear and gloves.

Accessories are a great way to add style and personality to an outfit without overdoing it. A lot of mens clothing is quite simple and classic, and so it is not easy to stamp your own personality onto your clothes. Because accessories are quite small e.g. cufflinks, it is possible to choose more dramatic pieces without dominating the whole look. For this reason, there is vast range of accessories available for men for every occasion and personality. Accessories are also a great way to introduce colour into your clothes, without creating a lurid outfit.

Another benefit of using accessories is their versatility, because one accessory can be matched with a whole variety of different outfits. In addition, swapping over an accessory on the same outfit will create a whole new look. For example a basic suit and shirt can be livened up with a jazzy tie and crystal cufflinks, whilst it can be perfect for work with a power tie and classic cufflinks. Accessories are relatively inexpensive, even from the designer brands and therefore are a very useful style tool for men.

Most fashion houses have a large range of mens accessories to choose from. Popular accessory brands for men include Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss and D&G. Most brands have a core range of accessories they carry from season to season, as well as a range for the current season. In fashion, there are 2 collections a year; Autumn/Winter and Spring Summer. Accessories though are not hugely seasonal, and so will not go out of fashion quickly. An online mens accessories store, Herbert Jones, offers the full range of accessories from the designer brands.

Belts are available in two types; dress belts and casual belts. Dress belts are thinner, have a less obtrusive buckle and tend to have a shiny leather finish. Casual belts on the other hand are thicker, have a matt finish and can have more creative buckles. It is important to always wear a formal belt on a suit. Ties can add some much needed personality and colour to a suit and shirt. Ties mainly vary in colour and pattern, but also in width. Skinny ties tend to come in and out of fashion, although kipper ties havent been in fashion for some time. Cufflinks are a great way to add glamour to your outfit and are available in a wide range of styles from crystals to coloured enamel to novelty cufflinks. Socks are not the most glamorous accessory, but still must be considered. A watch is a great way to add some detail to an outfit, and is usually the only piece of jewellery a man owns. Bags for men have increased in popularity over the past decade, as the messenger bag has become a fashion item.

Fashionable mens nightwear might not be considered an essential item of clothing, but it is great for lounging around your home and impressing your partner. This article looks at the reasons why its worth spending time to find some trendy loungewear.

For most men spending time on finding really great nightwear is not high on the list compared to the rest of their wardrobe. The common opinion is that nightwear really doesnt matter because no-one really can see what you are wearing when you are asleep. In addition to this, mens nightwear is not considered a fashionable item as we have long suffered the matching trouser and jacket. Over the past 15 years though the major designer brands have begun to offer fashionable nightwear, which hints at a demand for such a product from men. This article poses the question whether it is worth making an effort with your nightwear, and particularly does your nightwear need to look good?

Before we decide whether men should wear fashionable nightwear, we need to make sure that mens nightwear can look good? After all, how cool can pyjamas look? For many years the standard outfit has been the matching trouser and jacket, which looks like men are going to sleep in a rather untidy suit. It looks too stiff and has become old fashioned. Whilst this look may suit the older gentleman, is there anything for the more fashion conscious man who is too old for his jim-jams? The answer is clearly yes, with brands like Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani offering pyjama trouser and t-shirts with great designs and flattering cut. They have managed to create comfortable sleeping attire without being too baggy, in great patterns and colours.

Although there is lots of great looking nightwear for men, do we need to look good in bed? Whats the point if no-one sees us? The desire to look good is based on the idea that we want to impress others, and attract the opposite sex. There is obvious truth in this statement, and so its a good idea to look good for your partner or wife in bed (I am sure it is something that would be appreciated). Nothing would kill the mood like a well worn and baggy pyjama suit with dodgy lapels.

In my opinion the biggest reason men might want fashionable nightwear is for lounging around the house (and I dont mean hanging around in a smoking jacket with a pipe). We all like to lounge around the house in the evening and particularly at the weekends. There is something very indulgent about wearing your pyjamas/nightwear on a Sunday morning whilst reading the papers over a pot of coffee. Whether you are surrounded by your family, or hanging out on your own, its nice to wear something comfortable that fits well and looks good.

We wear stylish clothes not only for the benefit of others, but for our own sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Although fewer people will see us in our nightwear, it can still make us feel good. Fashionable mens nghtwear provides a flattering cut which follows the contour of a mans body for a more comfortable fit. This feeling of comfort and self confidence at night-time can have a positive effect on our sleep, which for me is the most convincing reason to purchase quality nightwear.

Mens accessories are essential in adding personality to a formal outfit. Whilst ties, cufflinks and belts help create the right look for work, a different look is required for social occasions such as weddings.

Wearing a suit and tie is most commonly thought of as work attire, but it is also worn for formal social occasions such as weddings, graduation and barmitzvahs. It is important for men to dress appropriately for these different occasions, and accessories play a large part in tweaking the formal look. For example, ties can be worn in big and bold patterns, and cufflinks in sparkly crystal designs for a social event.

In addition, there is a different style of dress to be adhered to for social events that is more in keeping with the joyous mood. It is a particular skill in elevating your formal wear beyond a typical day at the office to something a bit more special. In this article I will look at how men can use accessories to elevate their formal look.

The most important formal accessory for men is the tie (or bowtie if preferred) as it is the best opportunity to customise formal wear, and demands the most attention. For a formal social occasion, the tie should reflect the mood through colour combinations and tie patterns. Big and bold patterns tend to work best, with large florals being a particularly popular choice for weddings. Spots and paisley ties are more associated with the office environment and should be avoided. Striped ties are very popular for work, as they are regarded as symbolising power and status. They can also work for social occasions, but should be less obvious and a more unusual stripe (variations in stripe thickness).

Men should avoid dark or heavy coloured ties, as they tend to present a more serious and sombre mood. Light coloured ties are fresh and spring-like which often match the dcor of a wedding. Just think of white lilies, cream linen and marquees. Light coloured ties can be accented with darker patterns. In fact, the contrast of say a lemon yellow against a navy blue gives a wonderfully rich and dramatic look, but the dominant colour should be light.

Keep your colour palette simple with only one dominant colour, and avoid very loud ties. Here are some great combinations to try out gold and navy, light blue and purple, pink and navy. Neutral tones such as beige and brown can also work really well.

Mens accessories are essential for adding polish to casual and formal wear. Here is a rundown of the essential accessories for men that offer versatility.

When it comes to fashion accessories, men tend to own only one of each type. This is not to say that they are unimportant, since mens accessories can add polish and detail to casual and formal wear. The key to purchasing accessories is therefore versatility, meaning that they will blend in seamlessly with any outfit you choose. Classical shapes, colours and designs are the best way to ensure versatility, but this does not mean they have to be boring. In this article, I will look at the must own mens fashion accessories with an emphasis on being modern and fashionable as well as versatile.

A classic belt should blend in with the rest of your clothes, and therefore should not be loud and ostentatious. Ideally all men should own a dress belt and a casual/jeans belt as they are very different and should not be mixed up. A dress belt has a narrow width (usually 3cm or less) with a small buckle, and is made from shiny leather. If you are going to purchase one dress belt, it should be black as most men wear black formal shoes (as opposed to brown or tan). When purchasing a jeans belt, it is advisable to steer clear of flashy buckles unless you already own a classic jeans belt. For the ultimate in versatility, look for a reversible belt which gives you the option of brown or black leather. A chrome buckle is more modern than a brass one.

Looking at mens accessories for formal wear, every man should own cufflinks and a tie. Working attire has become more informal with a move to business casual, and consequently formal accessories are not as essential as they once were. There are always occasions when we need to dress up and it is vital to be prepared. For a tie that covers all bases, I would recommend a stripe tie with a predominantly classic colour such as navy or burgundy. Avoid very loud ties with busy patterns as they will not suit all occasions. A good idea is to match the dominant colour in your tie with your cufflink, although this may mean other ties wont match your cufflink. For a pair of cufflinks that will match any tie, why not choose a chrome cufflink which offers a sleek and elegant look. Stick to classic shapes such as ovals, circles and squares and avoid any novelty designs.

Mens bags are becoming increasingly popular, as designs are becoming increasingly stylish. The messenger bag is the best choice as it is suitable for all occasions and can be worn with casual or formal wear. The backpack is only suitable for travelling and walking, whilst the briefcase is a bit old fashioned and wont work with jeans and a t-shirt. A plain black or brown messenger bag made from leather and nylon is smart and lightweight, but not too formal.

For the Winter, gloves and scarves are essential for keeping warm and looking good. Plain black leather gloves work with all types of clothing, and a cashmere lining offers warmth and comfort. It is best to steer clear of woollen gloves in bright colours, unless they act as a second pair.

Every man owns a wallet, and its one of those accessories that can last a long time. Be careful though that it does not become dog eared and faded as this can ruin your image and look. A classic choice would be a plain black leather wallet, and stay away from velcro and large logos. If you like to dress more fashionably, then there are some very cool wallets by J.Fold that use perforated holes and great colours. The money clip is a bit old fashioned, and coin purses are too feminine. Perhaps the most important accessory a man will every buy though is his watch. Avoid oversized straps and faces, and coloured faces (white, black or off white is best). A stainless steel band watch offers a masculine and sporty look, and is very durable. A leather wristband has a timeless and elegant look, but is less durable and should not be taken into the water. Avoid oversized straps and faces, and coloured faces (white, black or off white is best).

The title King of Cufflinks belongs to Simon Carter, whose range has a very British flavour. His quirky sense of humour shines through with his modern take on vintage British styling, which includes his Victorian subversives and regency squares. There is a real cross section of patterns and shapes, holding it all together by Simon Carters love for everything British.

Many cufflinks use semi precious stones such as mother of pearl and Swarovski crystals at very reasonable prices. Unusual shapes include; honeybees, aspirin tablets, petals and teapots. His cufflinks are well suited to anyone who wants to inject a light hearted feel into their plain everyday suit.

Paul Smith is perhaps one of Englands best loved fashion designers with his distinctive, slightly 1960s, British look. He has a very strong range of mens accessories which includes some wonderful cufflinks. Similar to Duchamp-London, classic shapes are given a unique twist with coloured enamelled patterns, such as the Paul Smith thin multi-stripe synonymous to the brand. There is a definite sense of fun running throughout the range, such as the classic British mini painted with the Paul Smith stripe.

Similar to Tateossian, Seven London is a jewellery brand with a range of designer cufflinks. All their designs combine solid silver with precious stones and crystals. Their look is fashionable and refined, with clean simple lines and limited use of colour. If you are looking for sports motif cufflinks for the discerning gentleman then look no further than Murray Ward. They specialise in solid silver designs on shooting, horse riding, golf tennis, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.

Finally, Tyler and Tyler offer a unique collection of hand enamelled cufflinks with two very different signature looks. The first uses black floral silhouettes set against a background of vivid and seductive colour. This look is very dramatic and works very well with a black tie/dinner suit. Their second look is the Victorian tease, which has erotic pictures of Victorian women and will show off the more naughty side of your personality.

David Cole is a trained designer, and has worked in the mens fashion industry for 4 years since graduating. He has a particular interest in mens accessories, and runs a website called Herbert Jones Mens Accessories that offers designer cufflinks, ties, belts, bags and more from the leading designer brands.

It was in the mid 1980s that the boxer short was perceived as fashionable due to the Launderette Levis commercial which starred English model and musician Nick Kamen who stripped to his blue boxers.

The boxer brief is in my opinion the most fashionable because it benefits from a body hugging fit, whilst also featuring the flattering longer leg. The most important aspect of tight fitting underwear is that they are good quality, such as Calvin Klein or Emporio Armani, because if they lose their shape the result is truly awful.

For most men the vital characteristic of underwear is the comfort factor. Briefs provide the most support, which some men find comfortable and is best suited to sport. The downside is that they contain tight elastic around the legs, and for many men can feel too restrictive. Unlike briefs though, the boxer brief does not have tight elastic around the legs.

Instead they rely on the elasticity of the fabric to provide enough support, making them more comfortable. Boxer shorts provide the most freedom, which some men find comfortable but others find provide too little support. Although boxer shorts are loose, they are not made from stretchy fabric, which means that they do not allow extreme movements. In addition, boxer shorts have a rather nasty tendency to ride upwards which is most unwelcome.

A more scientific approach is the effect of underwear on male fertility. Some studies suggest that tight underwear negatively affects sperm production because of the increased temperature. On the flip side, a study in the October 1998 Journal of Urology concluded that underwear type is unlikely to have a significant effect on male fertility. So by way of a conclusion, the brief is ideal for sport and toned bodies, the boxer brief provides all round comfort and fashion whilst the boxer short is only for the die hard fans.

David Cole is a trained designer, and has worked in the mens fashion industry for 4 years since graduating. He has a particular interest in mens accessories, and runs a website called Herbert Jones Mens Accessories that offers mens underwear, grooming, belts, bags and more from the leading designer brands.