CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

American heritage, modern performance – few footwear brands have mastered the balance quite like Cole Haan. Originally founded in Chicago in 1928, the label has spent decades refining the art of versatile footwear, combining timeless silhouettes with contemporary comfort technologies designed for today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

What continues to set Cole Haan apart is its ability to move seamlessly between formalwear, casual dressing and performance-inspired design. From polished leather loafers and smart brogues to lightweight trainers and hybrid styles, the brand has built a reputation for creating shoes that look elevated without sacrificing comfort. It’s this fusion of style and functionality that has helped the American label maintain its relevance across generations.

At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking wardrobe pieces that offer longevity and versatility, Cole Haan’s understated aesthetic feels particularly well judged. Their footwear is designed to integrate effortlessly into modern wardrobes — equally suited to tailoring, premium denim or relaxed weekend styling. The result is a collection that feels refined yet accessible, with an emphasis on wearability over trend-driven excess.

Innovation also remains central to the brand’s appeal. Cole Haan has consistently embraced lightweight construction methods, cushioned footbeds and flexible sole technologies that prioritise all-day comfort without compromising on design integrity. The brand’s hybrid footwear offering, in particular, reflects the growing shift towards smarter casual dressing, where practicality and sophistication now go hand in hand.

Beyond footwear, the brand’s expanding accessories and outerwear collections continue to reinforce its polished American sportswear identity. Clean lines, premium materials and functional detailing underpin the wider offering, creating a cohesive lifestyle proposition that resonates with professionals, frequent travellers and style-conscious consumers alike.

In an era where versatility has become the defining feature of modern menswear, Cole Haan’s enduring success lies in understanding exactly how men dress today — seeking pieces that transition effortlessly between work, travel and everyday life. It’s a philosophy that has allowed the brand to remain quietly influential for almost a century, proving that timeless style and comfort need never be mutually exclusive.

In a fashion industry often dominated by celebrity endorsements, influencer campaigns and carefully curated social media imagery, genuine transparency remains surprisingly rare. While brands are quick to promote the finished product, far fewer are willing to openly discuss how and where those products are made. Behind the scenes, cost-cutting and aggressive margin targets can frequently overshadow craftsmanship, quality and ethical responsibility.

British label Drake & Hutch believes there is a better way.

Originally formed in London in 2012 by a collective of tailors, the brand was created with a simple ambition — to produce high-quality everyday essentials that make people smile. What began as a passion project rooted in British craftsmanship has since evolved into a distinctive lifestyle brand known for combining personality, premium quality and understated humour.

Over the past decade, Drake & Hutch’s journey has taken the brand from London to Manchester before eventually settling within the Ribble and Pendle Valleys in the heart of Lancashire — a move that feels fitting for a label so heavily connected to British heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

While the company initially gained recognition through premium underwear, the brand has since shifted its focus towards socks, refining its identity around stylish, everyday essentials designed to inject individuality into modern wardrobes. The evolution feels natural. In much the same way tailoring uses subtle details to express personality, Drake & Hutch applies colour, pattern and playful design to one of menswear’s most overlooked accessories.

At the core of the brand remains a commitment to quality and transparency. Rather than relying on gimmicks or trend-driven marketing, Drake & Hutch focuses on producing well-crafted products using premium materials, including soft GOTS organic cotton designed to deliver both comfort and durability. The result is a collection of socks that balance bold personality with everyday practicality — equally suited to casual styling or more formal dressing.

The tailoring influence behind the brand remains evident throughout the collection. Founder Pete McGuinness originally developed the concept while working within men’s formalwear for Charles Tyrwhitt, drawing inspiration from the patterns, linings and detailing traditionally associated with classic tailoring. That same attention to detail continues to define the brand today, even as its focus has evolved.

What continues to set Drake & Hutch apart is its authenticity. The brand doesn’t attempt to overcomplicate its message. Instead, it understands that modern consumers increasingly value products with personality, craftsmanship and genuine integrity behind them. There’s a refreshing honesty to the way the company presents itself — confident without taking itself too seriously.

In a market saturated with fast fashion and disposable basics, Drake & Hutch offers something increasingly valuable: everyday essentials with character. Whether worn to bring subtle personality to formalwear or simply add comfort and individuality to daily life, the brand proves that even the smallest details in a wardrobe can still make a lasting impression.

A good body wash is one of those understated essentials that quietly upgrades your entire routine. The right formula doesn’t just clean your skin — it wakes you up, sharpens your senses and leaves you feeling properly put together before the day has even started.

Forget the generic supermarket shower gels. These are the body washes that bring elevated ingredients, refined fragrance profiles and a little luxury to your daily routine.

1. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

A modern grooming staple. Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser blends botanical oils with mandarin rind and bergamot for a crisp, green fragrance that feels instantly refreshing. The gel formula cleans deeply without stripping the skin, making it ideal for everyday use.

2. Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel

One of the most iconic men’s body washes for good reason. Warm black pepper, coriander and earthy vetiver create a sophisticated scent profile that feels far more expensive than your average shower product. Rich, energising and unmistakably premium.

3. Kiehl’s Body Fuel All-In-One Wash

Designed for busy mornings, Kiehl’s Body Fuel works as both a shampoo and body cleanser. Infused with menthol, caffeine and vitamin C, it delivers that sharp wake-up hit while keeping skin and hair feeling fresh rather than dried out.

4. Harry’s Stone Body Wash

Affordable, straightforward and genuinely impressive. Harry’s Stone Body Wash combines mineral notes with subtle citrus for a clean masculine scent that doesn’t overpower. The rich lather and hydrating formula make it one of the best value grooming upgrades around.

5. Le Labo Hinoki Shower Gel

For those who want designer-level grooming, Le Labo’s Hinoki Shower Gel is hard to beat. Inspired by Japanese hinoki wood baths, it delivers smoky woods, soft spice and a calming spa-like quality that turns an ordinary shower into something far more indulgent.

6. Malin+Goetz Bergamot Body Wash

A minimalist favourite. Amino-acid cleansing agents purify the skin without irritation, while bergamot delivers a clean citrus edge that feels fresh year-round. Stylish, effective and quietly luxurious.

The difference between a rushed morning routine and a polished one often comes down to the details. A quality body wash might seem like a small upgrade, but it’s one you notice every single day.

At Clothes Make The Man, looking sharp starts long before you get dressed.