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Why You Should Pay More For Your Wardrobe Basics

There’s an ad for a T-shirt company right now that asks “Can a T-shirt really be worth £35?” It’s remarkably out of date. It’s possible now to spend twice that, even three figures, on a T-shirt – and that’s one without a glitzy name or flashy graphic.

It wasn’t that long ago, of course, that even the most dedicated clothes horse bought, say, plain white T-shirts in packs of three. When they lost their shape or discoloured, no matter, just buy another pack.

That doesn’t seem so smart now. Increased awareness of sustainability that – for some at least – has underscored the idea that treating any clothing as disposable is ethically dubious: a whopping 87% of all disposed textiles end up incinerated or in landfill, and it’s only fast fashion, high-street pricing that allows a garment to even be seen as disposable. Remarkably, in the UK we spend £2.7bn a year on garments that are worn once before being discarded.

Brands like Asket are championing ‘slow fashion’, producing high-quality essentials that are built to last

But there’s more to this than green thinking. Enter now the likes of Colin Campbell. He’s the founder of Sunray Sportswear, a young, insider-loved British label making its excellent tees and sweatshirts in Japan, and established by the ex army PT instructor in part out of despair.

“I just couldn’t find a great t-shirt anywhere, and I really tried,” he says. “It seems that brands typically think ‘basics’, like a T-shirt, have to be part of a collection, but invariably that they get side-lined from any real attention. And they’ve suffered too from a race to the bottom. So the market for quality basics has been ignored. Even the word ‘basics’ stops people spending where it matters.”

Commodities such as socks and underwear have long been seen as disposable and not worthy of investment, but brands like ASKET are changing that perception

Yet arguably there’s a growing awareness of the idea of investment shopping: that paying more for a product because it will last longer and wear better makes sense, especially when it’s the kind of product you reach for time and time again. Traditionally this approach has been more comfortably the remit of menswear – because menswear has been slower to embrace seasonal trends.

The problem has been when this logic is applied to what have long been regarded as commodity items: T-shirts, sweatshirts, underwear, socks – those garments that are often hard to get excited about, not least because, historically, they’ve been hidden away under other clothes, thus fostering a reluctance to pay any more than one absolutely has to.

Men are ready to pay more for basics as they have become a core part of their looks, whether smart or casual

“But I think men are getting ready to pay more for basics like these,” says Alessandro Sartori, the artistic director of Zegna. “And that’s because basics are playing a much bigger role in menswear now, as we dress more and more casually. I can’t remember the last time I wore a shirt with a suit, for example. I wear a T-shirt. But I know it looks wrong if the T-shirt doesn’t live up to the quality of the suit.”

Denim has helped us slowly get our heads around this way of shopping: what, again, used to be considered a workaday, commodity item underwent a revolution in which – thanks to once decidedly niche, obsessive denim-heads – appreciation for cloth quality, dye, cut and details in a pair of jeans went mainstream. Paying £150, even touching on £300, for a pair of jeans doesn’t seem as crazy as it once did now that, thanks largely to the internet, we better understand the craft that went into them. In more recent years we’ve seen the simple white sneaker get a similar upscale overhaul.

A Sunspel T-shirt has long been considered the pinnacle by industry insiders

Now we’re seeing the same kind of revision, and improved understanding, applied to the likes of tees and hoodies too. We get, for example, that a T-shirt made using a tubular knitting process (which makes it seamless at the side and so more comfortable next to the skin), or which is made using a loop-wheel technique (which allows a sweatshirt a hold its shape no matter how much it’s washed), or with a linked toe section (which removes that irritating seam across the top of the pair of socks) are qualities that could well be worth paying extra for.

‘Premiumisation’ is a marketing/retail phenomenon with many of the things we buy – bread, coffee and beer, to state obvious examples, are among those things that used to be acceptably cheap and cheerful but which now have top-flight craft equivalents that get nerds and snobs alike very excited. Throw in the idea of buying less and buying better, and we’re seeing the same movement in clothing.

A Sunspel loopback cotton sweatshirt

The new basics – these super staples – won’t be for everyone. After all, at first glance, to the onlooker they tend to look much like their cheaper alternatives, so they don’t work to make a statement, for those who want that. And, sure, they lack pizzazz. But they feel different to the wearer – there’s a kind of ‘because I’m worth it’ personal validation at play here – and perform better over time too: that humble tee may in fact be a cotton/linen blend, or have a nano-tech coating. All T-shirts are equal but some are more equal than others. These are basics in name only.

“Why is it worth spending on the kind of garment that normally considered a commodity?” says Campbell. “Well, it’s blown me away just how many variables there are when it comes to making a very good T-shirt or sweatshirt, as they used to be made decades ago, but that pays for those garments you wear hard and wear often.

Yes, I understand that to a lot of people there’s an element of ‘emperor’s new clothes’ about all this. ‘It’s just a T-shirt’ as some people will see it,” he adds. “And of course, the whole concept of buy less, buy better only works for those who have the money to do so. But really, when it comes to such simple garments, ‘expensive’ is something that’s a lot of money but still bollocks. ‘Value’ is something else entirely.”

4 Wardrobe Basics Worth Investing In

T-Shirts




Expect to pay £30 upwards. Look for such details as a lack of seams; how the neck is stitched; whether garment dyeing and pre-shrunk fabrics have been used; the weight of the fabric.

Sweatshirts




Expect to pay £100 upwards. Look for the likes of reverse weaving (which prevents lengthwise shrinkage); garment dyeing; details the likes of the depth of the ribbing at waist and cuffs, ribbed side panels, a V insert at neck, and ‘freedom sleeve’ construction.

Underwear




Expect to pay £25 upwards per pair. Look for 100% cotton, or cotton with some small quantity of stretch; an additional panel through the centre rear; reinforced stress points; working button fly; and quality elastic.

Socks




Expect to pay £15 upwards per pair. Look for all natural fibres – cotton, wool, merino – with perhaps some stretch to help keep shape; a hand-linked toe; properly sized heel turn (the part at the back); greater size range.

The post Why You Should Pay More For Your Wardrobe Basics appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

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By: Josh Sims
Title: Why You Should Pay More For Your Wardrobe Basics
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/high-end-basics-mens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=high-end-basics-mens
Published Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2023 08:00:05 +0000

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Health

How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself

This original article was first published here: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself

Do you keep pushing yourself to do more and more, and do you feel guilty when you stop? If so, you’re not alone, but you might be causing yourself some health issues. It’s far better to take some time for yourself and relax than it is to keep going, but knowing that and doing that are two different things.

The fact is that if you never take any time for yourself, you’ll burn out, and that’s going to affect your health and happiness even more. So why not take a perfect day to yourself and relax, have fun, and re-energize? It will help you more than you could know, and you’ll have a good time too. If that sounds like a great idea, here are some things you could do with your day to make it perfect. Read on to find out more.

Wake Up Early

Wake Up Early

If you want a day to relax, the idea of waking up early might sound like a bad idea when sleeping in might be something you don’t normally get to do, but if you wake up early, you can do more with your day, and you won’t feel guilty for wasting any time.

The best thing to do is to go to bed at a reasonable time the night before. In that case, it will be easier to wake up early, so plan ahead and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Not only will you get more done, but you’ll feel healthy and energized too.

Do Something Fun

Drive a ferrari

You don’t have to do anything at all on your day off when you have your home all to yourself, but if there’s something fun that you do want to do, this is the perfect opportunity to do it. You might want to go and see a movie that none of your friends and family are interested in, or perhaps you want to go for a walk in the woods and enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Maybe you want to rent a luxury car in Montreal and go for a drive in the city, enjoying the fact that you’re doing something just for you that you’ll look back on and feel happy about in years to come.

Whether you do nothing at all or you plan a day of activities, just make sure you’re enjoying what you do and that you’re not getting overwhelmed and stressed, or the good you did by taking some time to yourself will quickly be undone again, and you’ll be back to square one.

Disconnect From Technology

Digital detox

As tempting as it might be to spend time on your day off scrolling through social media or checking emails, try to resist and do anything else instead. Social media can be fun and even good for business, but it can also be bad for people’s mental health, so disconnecting and doing other things is a much better option.

When you’re not constantly distracted by notifications and worrying about missing out on things that other people are doing, you’ll be able to enjoy the present moment much more. When you’re more mindful – which is what enjoying the present moment means – you’ll become less stressed and more relaxed, and your day off will be worthwhile.

Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.

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By: Men Style Fashion
Title: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself
Sourced From: www.menstylefashion.com/how-to-have-the-perfect-day-for-yourself/
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:31:33 +0000

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10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish

The beginning of the 2020s saw people spending more time at home than ever before. The pandemic shone a spotlight on the clothes we wore while lounging around the house, and if you’re anything like us, you probably realised just how much time you spend slumped across the sofa in the same old moth-bitten sweater and gym shorts.

Lockdown is now (thankfully) well behind us, but it has left in its wake a newfound appreciation for good-quality loungewear, and an understanding that the clothes you wear behind closed doors are every bit as important as the ones that venture out of the house.

Chilling at home is an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and having some decent garments to do it in makes it all the more enjoyable. We’re talking comfy, cosy pieces that feel great to wear, but that won’t leave you looking like a complete slob when you have to nip out to the shop or greet the pizza guy at the door.

Here are the key pieces you might want to consider.

Dressing Gown/Bathrobe




There are few pleasures in life greater than swaddling yourself in a gigantic fuzzy dressing gown to drink your coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

You can throw this thing on in the absence of clothes when you emerge from the shower. You can pop it on over your PJs while you shuffle around the kitchen eating toast. You can even spend an entire day in it, nesting on the sofa, surrounded by calorific snacks on a day off.

A good bathrobe is the perfect partner for all of these situations and more, so make sure to arm yourself with a good one in a cosy towelling fabric. Some of our favourites come from Derek Rose, Missoni Home and The White Company.

Drawstring Pants




A good pair of drawstring pants is one of our favourite style cheat codes. They allow you to enjoy the comfort and practicality of a pair of pyjama trousers or jogging bottoms while masquerading as something much smarter.

This makes them perfect for days spent around the house when it may not be appropriate to go full goblin mode, such as when WFH.

Check out the 24 Trousers from L’Estrange – one of our favourite options in this category.

Cashmere Jumper




Investment pieces aren’t usually part of the conversation when it comes to loungewear. That’s understandable. After all, who wants to pump a big chunk of their cash into something that’s never going to see the light of day?

But that’s where a cashmere jumper is different. This is one of the few pieces that can seamlessly transition from Netflix binge to formal function.

It’s comfy and cosy for lounging around, but it’s also luxurious and smart enough to team up with tailoring. And it’ll happily do everything in between those two extremes too.

Boxy Hoodie




We’re staunch advocates of the importance of a good fit, but when it comes to loungewear, you don’t necessarily want everything to be tailored to perfection. There’s a time and a place for baggy, boxy, loose-fitting clothes, and that’s when you’re chilling at home.

A heavyweight boxy hoodie is perfect for throwing on while you’re nesting at the weekend or on cold evenings after work. Go for something plain and well made so it lasts.

We always recommend Camber. It’s a USA-based brand that specialises in heavy-duty blank tees and sweats, and it’s hoodies are some of the best in the game.

House Shoes




You should always take your shoes off when you’re in the house, unless they were specifically designed not to be. ‘House shoes’ is an admittedly pretty broad term that can include anything from slippers to clogs.

They’re what you put on to schlep around the kitchen or take the bins out, and they really came into their own during lockdown.

Birkenstock has a bit of a stranglehold on this market with the Boston, but take a look at other styles like Reeboks Beatnik or The North Face’s Tent Mule too.

Heavyweight Joggers




Don’t waste your money on sub-par sweatpants. If you want them to last and be as comfortable and cosy as possible, spend the extra cash and get a proper heavyweight pair.

Not only will they stack better on top of your best sneakers far more effectively than a flimsy pair, but they’ll be much better at keeping you warm in the winter months.

Again, take a look at what Camber has to offer in this department. Otherwise, Carhartt WIP and Reigning Champ make some stylish options.

Oversized T-shirts




We’ve established why boxy hoodies are great for chilling in, and that same logic applies to tees too. Baggy T-shirts are just comfier, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re lounging around at home.

Instead of buying ones that are a few sizes too big, you could opt for some deliberately slouchy tees like the ones from Uniqlo U, which have dropped shoulders and a wide fit, but still sit at the right length for your torso.

Merino Socks




Merino is a wonder fabric that insulates amazingly, wicks moisture and dries fast. It’s also super soft and comfortable, all of which makes it a prime candidate for socks.

Buy enough pairs to rotate and never look back.

Traditional Pyjama Set




The modern loungewear landscape is dominated by sweatpants, hoodies and crew necks, but a good old set of traditional PJs is still as good an option as ever, and something well worth arming yourself with if you like to save on your heating bill in the winter months.

Some of the brands making the best versions include Derek Rose, Hamilton + Hare, Desmond & Dempsey and CDLP.

Sweat Shorts




Sweatpants are comfy, but they might be a bit too warm for the summer. That’s where you’ll want a pair of sweat shorts. These stretchy bad boys are essentially cut-off joggers.

They’re made from the same comfortable fleece-backed jersey cotton and are perfect for chilling in the warmer months.

The post 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

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By: Paddy Maddison
Title: 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/key-loungewear-pieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=key-loungewear-pieces
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:00:56 +0000

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Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles

This original article was first published here: Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles

Fashion is ever-evolving, with everyone constantly on the lookout for trendy wear. A mix of culture and modern design signifies class and style. Everyone has their unique take on what constitutes “fashion,” but most would concur that it reflects an individual’s sense of personality via their attire.

It’s reasonable to suggest that clothing has the potential to incorporate different spiritual and ethnic customs. However, finding current cuts and cultural aesthetics in one place can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Worry not, as we bring you a clothing store, Olsen Canada, with in-house designs that consist of a contemporary lookbook with a hint of elegance.

We have created a comprehensive review of the service below to look deeper into their diverse range of clothing and facilities. Let’s get right into it.

A Stylistic Analysis of Olsen Clothing Canada

Olsen Canada is an acclaimed name with their persistent style inspiration and a long line of fashion wear curated since 1995. They design apparel with expert skills, considering client tastes and distinct preferences.

European fashion inspires the 16 collections that come out every year. From lovely linens to strong statement pieces, they specialize in providing effortless looks. Everything you could need, from casual and formal, from dresses to blazers, can be found in a single accessible location.

Made with premium eco-friendly material, Olsen Clothing Canada has something for everyone. Taking into account that art is the essence of life, they have in-house designers who introduce runway-worthy cuts and colours to make you stand out in the crowd.

Maintaining a feminine vibe in their outfits, the materials they utilize for their clothing line are top-notch with a wear guarantee, making it appealing and long-lasting with comfort in place. Moreover, they have 24/7 staff to assist their customers with queries or concerns, making them reliable.

Oslen-fashion

Diverse Product Line

They have everything in store, from collection-based and free-style outfits to pick and choose from. Their collections include Effortless Ease, Season Favorite, Vintage Holiday, Designer Choice, and several others.

Olsen Canada does not restrict its designs to a specific demographic; instead, they have a unique set of clothes and flattering cuts to suit any body type and age. From their capsule collection to versatile statement pieces, their apparel is one of a kind.

Quality Clothing

With an inclusive body type and style quotient, Olsen Clothing Canada makes sure to provide the highest-grade fabric. They ensure that the cloth is soft and comfortable and can be used over a longer period to offer high value for money.

Eco-Friendly Apparel

Their designers also introduced a line of high-quality clothes made of biodegradable material. This is an effort to reduce the carbon footprint and waste from landfills. Their environment-conscious efforts make them a step further than regular clothing brands.

Express Delivery

With many convenient physical store locations, customers can easily order from their online website.

  • By navigating through their intuitive UI, you can scroll through their website and skim through all their categories.
  • After selecting the items you want to buy, you can add them to your cart.
  • Here, you must provide personal information, such as name, contact, and address details, and select a payment option.
  • You will receive your order with their express delivery service in a few business days.

Accessible Customer Service Representatives

Besides having a line of premium quality clothes, their customer service is exemplary. By writing to them, you can quickly get in contact with their customer service team for any sort of questions you have. Their customer staff is informative, highly responsive, and has problem-solving abilities regarding orders.

Concluding Note

Style is individualistic and translates an individual’s personality; clothing helps portray this. Women are always looking for feminine yet classic, modern clothes that are easily accessible; Olsen Clothing Canada specializes in this. With their current designs and trendy cuts this company proves to be one of Canada’s most fashion-forward clothing lines. We hope this article was informative and helped you understand more about Olsen Clothing Canada in detail effectively.

Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.

—————————————-
By: Men Style Fashion
Title: Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles
Sourced From: www.menstylefashion.com/discover-the-latest-olsen-clothing-canada-collection-trends-and-styles/
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:57:21 +0000

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