CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Adidas Stan Smith – A Fine Bromance

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Stan The Man

imageArguably,  Stan Smith trainers are one of the most popular sneaker around, in fact I.D Magazine labelled it ‘The Ultimate Fashion Shoe’ back in 2015. Worn as the outfit for the effortlessly cool people, who have ‘I was too busy to think about what to wear today’ look.

In 2014 with the rise of the normcore trend and the relaunch of the shoe, where Adidas sent personalised Stan’s to celebrities, where drawings of the celebrity faces replaced Stan Smith’s, the sneaker was named Shoe Of The Year by Footwear News. So how is Stan Smith so relevant when he retired in 1985 and who is the man behind this so beloved shoe?

Stan Smith is a former American number 1 tennis player. Born in 1946 he shot to fame during the early 70s, even winning Wimbledon in 1972. Smith was also made famous by creating one of the most famous double teams with his partner Bob Lutz.

imageThe shoe itself was born in 1963, but it was never originally called Stan Smith, the original name was Halliet after the French tennis player Robert Halliet. Adidas asked Smith to endorse the ‘Halliet’ shoe in 1971, (this was before the shoe looked like the classic white and green sneaker we know and love.) It was in the late 1970s that the shoe was officially renamed Stan Smith and his famous caricature logo was put on the tongue with the mint green detail.

Since the 1980s the shoe has been the uniform of many fashion creatives, such as Marc Jacobs in 2004 sporting them on the runway. The various collaborations that many fight hard to get a hold of and will pay crazy money for has made the Shoe become the leader of the sneaker pack, with many companies doing fakes or incredibly similar trainers, sorry homages too.

imageI personally, like many,  own more than one pair, there is something about the round, crisp, white shape of the sneaker that is incredibly satisfying to look at, and I am sure that the actual style of this classic shoe has a big part to play in it’s long history of remaining a current wardrobe must-have.

Although now ‘not recommended’ for tennis players, the shoe is worn by millions despite it being 53 years old and many of the wearers unaware of the tennis pro legend that is Stan Smith.

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Drake & Hutch – The British Brand Putting Personality Back Into Everyday Essentials

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.

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Clean Sweep — 6 of the Best Body Washes for Men

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.

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7 perfect polo worthy polo shirts

Sun-drenched days are finally within reach, and with summer style back on the agenda, there’s one wardrobe staple that continues to reign supreme: the polo shirt. Striking the perfect balance between smart and casual, the polo remains an effortless go-to for everything from laid-back weekends to rooftop drinks and holiday evenings.

To celebrate the season, we caught up with Scotts Menswear to spotlight seven standout polos from their latest collection — one for every day of the week. Covering everything from understated classics to statement-making styles, these picks prove there’s a polo shirt for every personality.

1. The Classic

A timeless option from Fred Perry that never goes out of style. Clean, sporty and effortlessly cool, this is the polo for those who appreciate understated confidence with a subtle urban edge.

2. The Smooth Operator

Minimal, refined and instantly recognisable, this Lacoste polo is all about quiet sophistication. Perfect for those who know true style doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.

3. The Gentleman

Tailored, polished and proudly British, Hackett delivers a polo that’s made for smarter summer occasions. Think garden parties, weekend lunches and effortless gentlemanly charm.

4. The Statement Maker

Bold colours and retro-inspired energy make this Fila piece impossible to ignore. Designed for those who embrace fashion with confidence and aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.

5. The Easy-Going Essential

Relaxed yet refined, another standout from Fred Perry proves that simplicity done properly is hard to beat. Ideal for effortless off-duty dressing with a premium feel.

6. The Modern Icon

Blending classic tailoring with a contemporary edge, Pretty Green delivers a polo that feels distinctly modern while still rooted in timeless style. The perfect choice when making an impression matters.

7. The Head-Turner

Confident, sharp and unapologetically bold, this design from BOSS is built for those who like their summer wardrobe to do the talking. A standout piece for long evenings and even longer weekends.

Whether your style leans classic, contemporary or somewhere in between, the polo shirt remains one of menswear’s most versatile summer essentials. Easy to wear, endlessly adaptable and always stylish, these seven picks offer a fresh reminder of why the polo continues to earn its place in every modern man’s wardrobe.

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Expert Tips – How To Get The Most Out of Every Shave.

It might not be at the top of your to-do list, but swapping out your razor blades regularly, and taking proper care of them makes a noticeable difference if you’re aiming for a cleaner, smoother shave. Olly Walker, Resident Grooming Expert at Harry’s, shares his tips on how to get the most out of every shave.

How often should you change your razor head? The lifespan of a blade can vary based on your hair type, how often you shave, and how you care for your blades. On average, most people tend to change their blade every 6–8 shaves, or as soon as it starts to feel dull or tug at the skin.

Why is it so important to change your razor head regularly? Changing your razor head regularly is one of the easiest ways to get a better shave and to keep your skin happy. As blades dull, they’re more likely to tug at hair rather than cut it cleanly, which can lead to irritation, razor burn, and a higher risk of nicks and cuts. Old blades can also harbour bacteria, especially when they’re used repeatedly in damp environments, increasing the chance of breakouts or infection.

What is the key to a smooth, close shave? For the smoothest, most comfortable results, preparation and technique matter just as much as the blade itself. Start with warm water to soften the hair, use a gentle cleanser and a good shave cream and shave with light strokes in the direction of hair growth. Rinse your razor frequently, then finish with a cool rinse and moisturiser to calm the skin. A fresh, sharp blade paired with the right prep delivers a closer, cleaner shave with less irritation and better results overall.