Individualism - Making men more stylish

Top 5 Glove Styles for Men

We’ve already covered belts, smart trainers, cardigans and shoes so if you’re new to the site, then invest an hour of your time to go over those articles and upgrade your style in moments.

If you don’t gain anything from our articles then we’ll send you some white dog shit in the post, free of charge (and you KNOW how scarce that is now!).

Moving on…this week’s quick-read informative article covers a clothing item that is usually overlooked, but in times when polar bears slumber in my front garden and penguin congregate in Trafalgar Square, it’s time to wrap up everything including our hands. It’s time to get some gloves lads.

Avoid picking up the first pair of gloves from the sale stores. You’ll need a pair that’s relevant to your daily activity and overall style. There is more to know about gloves then you’d think. The moment you put on a well chosen pair, you’ll understand what I’m on about.

Here’s our top five glove types and what makes them stand out. Have a read and go get a decent pair.

1) Fitted Leather Gloves

I mention the word ‘fitted’ because this is key when choosing leather gloves. Most high street stores will be offering black and brown leather gloves. Every man should own both colours in leather, as they compliment winter-coloured coats; blue, brown, black and green.

When buying leather gloves make sure you get the closest possible fit; you don’t want excess material bunching around your fingers and making them look longer. My tip is to get them a little tighter then normal, because after a week’s wear the leather will give and expand to fit you perfectly.

 A little test that I do with gloves is the phone test. Put the gloves on, pull out your phone and start pressing the buttons. If you can’t feel the buttons or end up pressing the whole key-pad, then the gloves are not slim-fit. Go for a thinner, more fitted glove that allows your fingers to feel the small details of the phone. Also, the strap on the end of some gloves allow for a slight taper, which closes the glove to your wrist to trap and maintain heat.

Don’t wear these leather gloves with sports wear, or we’ll have to find your address and leave boxed brown dog shit outside (and you know how available that is.)

2) Mittens

Some say they are a little feminine, but mittens are old-school and retro…not gay. They are widely available in cotton, but also come in suede and leather exteriors with lined inners. They are usually a pick for the more adventureous and creative as they come in mixed colours and patterns. 

Mittens work well with chunky knits and more rugged winter coats, due to their un-fitted shape. Some mittens have foldable finger covers, which reveal your fingers whenever you should need them… (you filthy-minded guys!)

3) Driving Gloves

Out of all the gloves featured, driving gloves are the least warm. This is because they are designed to aid the grip of hands on a car steering wheel.

You’ll notice that many have holes dotted around the outside of the glove as well as a massive space where the button down straps meet. Not too insulated ay? Well, thank God my moto is ‘Suffer for Style’, because these are the most stylish looking gloves. They fit like skin and are very thin, so your finger movement isn’t restricted. You feel like you don’t even have them on at times!

They are available in leather and suede and vary from plain block colours to mixed colours with intricute detailing. Very slick. They even work with fitted sweaters and won’t make your hands look massive. Just don’t use these when it’s snowing, you’ll hate us.

4) Fleece Gloves

Usually the cheapest of the bunch and the least fitted, but for the practical guys out there, fleece gloves are arguably the warmest. Its inner lining traps heat longer than both wool and leather, thus keeping your hands toasty. And they’re as cheap as East London prostitutes (so I’ve heard) and can be found all over the floor in TK Maxx and other bargain stores.

They look odd when worn with fitted tops and coats as they look like Alfs hands have been attached to your arm. Wear them with parker jackets or coats with sleeve openings  big enough to tuck the end of the glove neatly into them.

5) Fingerless Gloves

These were obviously designed by someone who was pissed off with normal gloves. Maybe a serial text messenger or pickpocket? Who cares! We benefit. Fingerless gloves are for the more adventurous. The classic conservative guy will stay clear.

By allowing finger freedom, your hands are in full use. You’re totally receptive to what you touch and pick up, and your hands are warm at the same time. You can type, pick your nose and most importantly, draw pictures on steamed windows.

Available in loads of colours and mainly cotton composed, fingerless gloves work well with all coats bar formal ones.

So now there should be no freezing fingers. Feel free to leave your comments below as we’d love to hear what you have to say about those gloves.

As Always,

Stay Stylish

Reuben C.

Related posts: Sins Of Style Part 1

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Top 5 Tricks To Keep Warm This Winter

When it comes to winter, many of us freeze in the name of fashion. Or…we look like sh*t just to keep warm. We are often posed with this age-old question: Look stylish or feel warm?

NOT ANY MORE!

We’ve compiled a list of five tricks that will help you stay toasty without having to compromise your style. You’ll no longer have to look like the Michelin Man to enjoy the season.

Take note lads.

1. Rock some Long Johns

You may feel a little girly pulling them on at first, but don’t fret. No-one will see them (unless you want them too. But that’s your business).

Long Johns are designed to grip your leg in order to trap heat and follow your contours without showing on the outside of your jeans or trousers, so you can still show off your tailored trousers or jeans.

They are worn by mountain climbers and skiers and do exactly what they say on the tin. Keep. Your. Legs. Warm.

2. Layer Your Torso

People just do not understand the importance of layering. By layering your upper half, you’ll keep your whole body warm. Multiple layers of thin clothes trap a lot more heat then single, thicker garments and heat needs to get through more walls in order to escape from your body.

It not only provides you with extra warmth but gives you a variety of options to play with, depending on your situation. All of us pass through a number of environments throughout our working day, all varying in temperatures.

From retail stores to public transport, our body temperature is never really at one constant level. Layers help you adapt to your situation.

Take a layer off if you’re too hot or throw another on if the temperatures drops. All the while you’ll be showing off a variety of styles.

3. Keep Your Head Warm

More then 30% of your body heat is lost from your head. You may be snugly dressed head to toe, but the moment your coconut feels that wind, it’s gonna be chilly mate. You’ll feel a lot warmer by just adding a hat to your outfit than trying to gain heat with thicker or more clothes.

So in Beckham terms – ‘Keep your head warm = keep your hands and feet warm’

4. Vaseline Before You Put On Gloves

Before you leave the house, apply a fair amount of Vaseline over your hands, rub in, then slip your gloves on. It will help trap the heat in, not to mention keep your hands from looking like my grandfathers knee caps.

A neat little trick. Thank us later.

5. Use Headphones As Earmuffs

Earmuffs are simply not masculine. You could have got away with them back in your primary years, but until some eccentric pop star trend-setter decides he’ll buck the trend, you can only expect to see toddlers running proudly around in them.

However, that still doesnt solve the problem of how to keep your ears warm.

Fear not, we’ve discovered the perfect solution. Large headphones are a great way to keep those things at the side of your head that never stop growing (no joke, just look at every old man and you’ll believe me) toasty and warm.

We have been called the “i generation” and there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t own some sort of mp3 player nowadays. This is a perfect excuse for you to carry around your larger earphones.

Whenever you feel it’s getting a little nippy, drop your white iPod earphones and pack the big guns.

As Always,

Stay Stylish

Aaron C.

Related posts: Filson Charcoal Wool Packer Coat, Brick Lane Vintage Jacket Stall

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