Man Fahsion Tips: 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Leather Goods

Everyone loves to own an occasional leather item. However, leather garments are bound to cost a whole lot. Hence it is advantaging to know how to care for them.

When cleaning your leather items, always choose a product that helps preserve the leather's natural lubricating oils rather than strip them away. Avoid cleaners that leave any sort of grease or residue as it can make leather vulnerable to bacteria which will tarnish the leather and eventually break down the stitching. It is best to test out the cleaner on a less visible area before you start to clean the full surface of your leather good. Pay attention not to use heat to dry leather and always stuff the garment while it is being dried to maintain its original shape.

Leather needs conditioning and the oils found in conditioners help lubricate leather and replenish its elasticity. However, beware of products that contain petroleum or mineral oils as they will damage your leather goods over time. Do more conditioning if your leather item is exposed to hot sunny conditions or moisture. Similar to cleaning products, avoid conditioners that leave greasy residues.

Polish your leather item with a fine polishing agent for a clean and glossy finish. However be careful when polishing as some products contain coloring agents that might stain your item's natural color. Bear in mind that using animal fats might darken leather.

It is best to protect every new leather item before using it. Unprotected leather will stiffen and crack rather quickly. Protect your leather item against moisture such as rain, snow, sweat and other liquid hazards. Always remember to apply your protector on clean dry leather periodically and beware of the protector that might fill the leather's pores with grease. Tana Style 16 Protective Spray is a good recommendation for product protection.

Bear in mind that leather goods are best stored in cool, dry places and should never be stored in plastic bags or other nonporous containers. Always stuff empty leather handbags with newspaper to maintain the shape and avoid using metal hangers when hanging leather jackets or pants.

The best way to efficiently learn about your new leather item's care techniques is to ask the store manager or salesperson for specific instructions. Several grades of leather require more specialized maintenance and hence should be cleaned and maintained professionally.

5 Simple Tips to Look Thinner this Summer

Of course, the best way to look great is to lose the excess weight with the help of a proper diet and exercise program. But there is no reason to put off looking good until you reach your goal weight. All you have to do is make good use of perceptual tricks and make the most of out your shape to create a thinner-looking physique.

Patterns can influence people's perception of your height and weight. A patterned shirt or tie takes the focus off the rest of your body. This helps to downplay a hefty frame or a shorter stature. Dark, solid colors are instant figure fixer and will make you look slimmer. However, avoid bold patterns as they will draw attention to the upper half of your body. 

An important point is to make sure that your clothes fit perfectly. Garments that are too tight will reveal all the spots you would rather not draw attention to. Very loose clothing may hide your problem but it will also make you look larger than you actually are. 

This summer pick up V-neck shirts for the effect of a slimmer neckline. If you have a double chin, V-neck shirt is a great choice as they place emphasis on your chest area instead of on your neck. The best part about summer is that the weather is constantly hot hence the better the reason to dress more in V-neck shirts.

Instead of trousers and jeans that hit your waist, invest in low-rise bottoms that sit on your hips. This is because low-rise trousers have a shorter distance between the top of the waistband and the crotch of your pants than regular trousers. Make note to ensure that the waistband of your pants is large enough to accommodate your midsection so that your belly does not stick out over your pants.

One of the key points to looking thinner is to not carry around excess baggage. Empty your pockets of unnecessary items such as cell phones, overstuffed wallets and electronic devices as they will take the focus off a large midsection. Removing bulky side pockets will also help make your hips appear smaller.

To look like the best version of yourself by playing other perceptual tricks, begin by figuring out what you want to highlight about your body and what you would like to de-emphasize.

Patterned shirt

Low-rise jeans

Remove unnecessary baggage from pockets

Color Trends that You Should Follow in this Spring/Summer

2011 was definitely the year that menswear began to really accept color. Both the spring/summer and autumn/winter collections in 2011 featured a more vibrant palette for men's dressing. This season, the key color is definitely one of familiarity. Bedrooms and clothing are often splashed in this shade almost as soon as the baby's sex is known. The color in question is the stereotypical boys' color—blue.

The color blue appeals to everyone. Its ever-present nature means it slots into all the major fashion types from preppy to military. A blue piece can be utilized as the statement piece in many ways, from a suit or duffle. It works well with most neutral tones as well as complimenting many other colors such as red and yellow. It is such a versatile color that it is easy to wear.

Brands such as Burberry and Canali gave the color blue a starring spot in their spring/summer 2012 collection.

Nevertheless, a limited palette doesn't have to stop you from looking your best. In fact, mixing varying hues of one color creates a really sharp and put together look. The different shades also demonstrate to the world your ability to create a great outfit out of one color.

When it comes to creating a mono blue ensemble, the best way to begin is with a navy suit. This is because the darker suit allows you to go lighter with your shirt and tie. Opt for a tie that is a shade darker than your shirt but is lighter than your suit for the best effect of a mono color ensemble.

Occasional white in patterns such as checks in your mono color outfit are remarkably well too. However, be noted that if wearing a blue check shirt with a tie, steer clear of ties in any shade of blue. Blue ties would clash with the patterns and make the outfit turn from good to bad. Too much of pattern and color going on in an outfit will just ruin the look. So with that in mind, opt for a pale grey tie instead. The color grey is subtle and neutral enough that it will not throw off your all blue.

It is a relief for those who were cautious towards daring bright colors in menswear. The color blue appeases those who were wary of color while also satisfying those who crave a good statement piece.

Man Fashion Tips: Men Dress Shirts for Skinny and Short Man

If you are short and thin, dressing up can be quite the hassle. You are going to look like you are drowning in a shirt if it is not made to fit your figure. Despite having a small frame, there are a few ways on how to look great in a dress shirt.

Short height does best with slim, streamlined details. Pick narrow collars whose points aim downward over wide spread collars as broad collars make you look stouter than you really are.

It is important to have the length of the sleeve and the shirt adjusted to suit your body measurement. Nothing looks more awkward than having the sleeves that hang down too far or shirt that is too wide at the waist. A trim fitted dress shirt with the pocket and collar in the right size will stop you from looking like a flying squirrel.

This is a little optical illusion that you could use well to your advantage. Vertically-oriented patterns on dress shirts compliment short figures. Horizontal line going across will only make you look wider instead of taller. However if you are aiming to look broader, vertically striped patterns such as plaid or windowpane patterns make flattering choices. Do not go overboard with loud plaids and windowpane designs, choose more subtle tonal varieties. Dressing in dark colors from head to toe will only emphasize your skinny body frame. If you wish to avoid emphasis on your small body frame, add in a splash of white or light gray to break the whole one colored outfit. Avoid anything with over excessive stripes in varying colors and sizes as it can be a little overbearing to the eyes. Thin, simple stripes make you look elegant and taller than you actually are.

Another piece of advice for a man of short height is to remember that dress shirt is to always be kept tucked in. Shirttails that are let loose shorten your legs dramatically. Un-tucked dress shirts will cut your body in half and make you look particularly stumpy. Tucking in your dress shirt makes sure your leg line is maximized. Men with longer leg lines naturally give the illusion of being taller.



Regardless of what kind of body shape Mother Nature gave you, making the most of what you were given will make you look better and help you feel more confident.

Men Fashion: 7 Must Knows for Men Dress Shirts

The men's dress shirt is typical classic fashion. Other than becoming more fitted over time, men dress shirt has not changed a lot but there are tons of options when it comes to choosing a dress shirt. A typical dress shirt is a button-up shirt with a collar, long sleeves, and wrist cuffs. It is usually made from a dyed and cotton fabric woven into various colors and patterns.

The problem with dress shirts is that they are ready made garments and hence, are made to fit many. As a result, they might not fit anyone perfectly. It is important to know these 7 Tips that we are going to share with you before swap your credit card.



The most important part of a dress shirt is the neck and collar area. The purpose of a shirt collar is to properly balance and frame a man’s face. Do not underestimate the collar because it is this part of the shirt that truly accentuates your attractive facial features. There are whole lot ranges of collars to choose from so when shopping for custom men dress shirts, pay close attention to them.

When deciding on a custom dress shirt, notice if the sleeves are long enough that when you raise your arms the cuffs will not be pulled down the forearm. Notice if the sleeves are short enough that when your arms are down, you won’t have more than an inch of fabric gathering near the cuff.



The shirt’s cuffs are the only visible parts of a shirt—other than the collar—when a jacket is worn. Cuff links are divided into two types and are mainly for decorative purposes. Button cuffs are single cuffs that are most commonly found on readymade shirts. French cuffs are a double cuff and are the bulkier choice.

The type of fabric on a dress shirt determines comfort, quality and the durability of a dress shirt. The higher the grade, the softer the shirt is. However, softer shirts wear out faster than the heavier ones.



Believe it or not, the quality of the buttons on a dress shirt indicates the overall quality of the shirt. The best custom dress shirts have thick or triple stacked buttons. Plastic buttons break easily so the best alternative is the Mother of Pearl buttons.



Split yoke is used to adjust a shirt to fit a men’s build. Nowadays most shirt yokes simply match patterns and are not custom-made.

Gusset or tails is the triangular shaped material added to the area between the front and the back of the shirt. The gusset makes tucking dress shirts into pants easier.



The shirt speaks for the wearer and hence, every detail on your shirt matter. Pay close attention to the characteristics of the shirt and it will compliment you.

Men Fashion: Dress Shirts Back to Basic

Men's dress shirts come in many different styles, usually determined by the shirt's fit and what type of cuff or collar it has. A basic dress shirt is a collared shirt, traditionally with long sleeves ending in cuffs, that buttons up the front. Fit may be tailored or standardized if the garment is ready made. The two most common types of cuffs on a dress shirt are the button or barrel cuff and the French cuff, while the more common collar styles on dress shirts include the point collar, the spread collar, and the button down collar. Other elements that contribute to the individual style of a dress shirt include what type of fabric is used to make the shirt, whether or not the shirt has breast pockets, and what type of buttons are used to close the shirt.

Dress Shirt Cuff

The most common and least formal cuff to see on an off-the-rack dress shirt is referred to as a button or barrel cuff. This type of cuff wraps around the wrist and closes with either one or two buttons. Another common type of cuff is the French, or double, cuff, which is considered more formal. A French cuff is folded over and held in place with a cuff link rather than a button. The most formal type of cuff is the single cuff, which is fastened with cuff links like the French cuff.

Dress Shirt Collar

There are various different styles of collar, which is the primary indicator of the formality of a shirt and here are three common type of dress shirt collars that you can commonly find in the market.

• Spread collars measure from around 3½ to 6 inches between the collar points, and the wider collars are often referred to as cutaway or Windsor collars after the Duke of Windsor. This city style is more formal, though it is common in Europe, and predominant in the UK.

• Point, straight, or small collars are narrow, with 2½ to 3¼ inches between the points of the collar.

• Button-down collars have points fastened down by buttons on the front of the shirt. Introduced by Brooks Brothers in 1896, they were patterned after the shirts of polo players and were used exclusively on sports shirts until the 1950s in America. 

How you wear a dress shirt is almost as important as what it looks like. Depend on what occasions, while formal wear can be too stuffy for many occasions, casual but still dressed up is enough to make a good impression.

Men Fashion Style to Avoid for 40+

A distinctive charm to men in their 40s lies in the fact that they know what they want. Well beyond their 20s and 30s, an age of self experimenting or so they say, men of such knows what style works for them. But does that mean you can’t stray once in a while and wear out those electric blue pants you bought on a whim that has been stashed at the back of your closet ever since?

We say, why not? For S/S 2012, menswear collection has been all about the perfect blend of maturity and that oh-so-elusive element of youth injection. Be it Milan, Paris, London or New York, designers are showcasing lines where any men in their 40s would be eager to get their hands on.

That is not to say without limitations. No man wants to look like they’re desperately grasping on to the handles of youth, would they? So here are some guidelines on what to avoid when you’re being adventurous with fashion in your 40s. Let’s start with hair. We sometimes reckoned it would be frustrating that hairstyles for men are very much constrained. But, unless you’re a rock star from the 80s or Fabio Lanzoni for that matter, steer clear of the long locks.



Ever since Kanye West appeared on stage with a printed buttoned up blouse from the Celine spring 2011 women’s runway show, the menswear world has been a-blazing with patterns ranging from floral to geometric to animalistic. This is evidently so in the London fashion week where designers such as James Long and Christopher Shannon has created garments with their own unique spin on prints.

Even with the high street brand, Topman which also presented at the recent London fashion week, we see a collection that is heavily inspired by a Moroccan-esque pattern with what can only be expressed as a Moroccan princes’ sleeping attire.

Prada S/S 2012 collection during Milan fashion week is also harping on the same note but this time around, the focus is on pants with a colourful burst of floral patterns.

So, note to men in their 40s, the Spring/Summer 2012 trend of wild patterns is not for you! It is still possible to have fun with prints but don’t go overboard with it, find instead pops of pattern in a garment that catches you by surprise.

Another dress code that should be avoided at all cost by men in their 40s is the short shorts, even if it is for leisure. A not to be missed trend during the Spring/Summer season of 2012 witnesses a spike in shorts with an ungodly length, well that is for a man whose body is somewhat past its prime state. That is not to say the trend isn’t a stroke of brilliance. Like with the Hardy Amies look shown right below, shorts gave a carefree vibe to the entire collection, giving an otherwise stuffy suit a fresh new twist. But, piece of advice to those of you in their 40s, please err on the side of caution when it comes to experimenting with shorts.

Shoes and accessories on the other hand are in a total entity of their own. It might be the only fashion garment that the concept of no holds barred is applicable. A man can be seen carrying around a tote from the Celine collection. The non forgiving fashion faux pas of wearing socks with sandals is even making a controversial comeback to the 2012 runways for men. That shows how much room for play there is when it comes to shoes and accessories. The key is to always keep it simple and suave.

5 Men Fashion Styles to Avoid in Winter 2011

With Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, you know it’s that time of the year again. No, we are not talking about presents and fireworks. It’s that dreaded onslaught of bitter winter weather and a time when even the most fashion conscious men are taking a hiatus on style. You can opt for comfort but let’s not dismiss fashion entirely shall we? Consider this a guide men fashion trends for 2011 winter you can avoid in pursuit of warmth and comfort during the frigid months ahead.

1. Patterned Chunky Knits

Over-sized chunky details on sweaters are all the rage this season, making it one of the strongest trends to hit Fall/Winter 2011 runways for women and men alike. Such knits are distressed in such a way from larger than life cabling to exaggerated ribbing, leaving wearers to think that this might just be hand-knitted. But, the look can make you look bulkier than you actually are. So, err on the side of caution with this trend, for those of you who anticipate to put on some holiday weight.

2. Oversized Coats

A well lined coat is a staple during the winter, an essential to brave the cold. We’re still seeing plenty of exquisitely tailored coats for Fall/Winter 2011. But, the oversized trend has made its mark on coats. At the Acne show, coats that are way past knee length billows behind the model as they strut their way down the runway. I ask myself, are these appropriate for the winter, especially when you’re trudging through inch deep snow.

3. Men in Black Fashion?

Hues of dark color such as black have always been a frequent element for winter. Breaking free of the shackles of traditional winter palette, designers are showing an influx of bright colors in their 2011 collection. So, ditch the black ensemble and go for an outfit with a pop of color to brighten up those gloomy winter days.

4. Need flamboyant headwear?

Novelty hats have become a thing of the runway, providing necessary theatricality that elevates the collection to another level. Note, Agnes B or Alexander Mcqueen’s Fall/Winter 2011 menswear show where pirate and military head gears are heavily accentuated. At risk of looking like you’re heading for a Halloween party, let’s keep the winter hats in check and stick with your basic ski caps, fedoras, newsboy hats and bowlers.

5. Your Favorite Suede!

For those of you who receive snow during the winter, avoid suede at all cost! Be it a badass suede jacket, suede boots or chic suede pants. It’s a known fact that suede loses its integrity when worn through damp weather, i.e. rain or snow.

What else that we have miss out? Share with us those styles that you think it should not be in during this winter.

Mens Fashion Hairstyles Trends in 2012

Looking to revamp your hairstyle but can’t make up your mind? We present to you a compilation of the hottest hairstyle trends showing on Spring/Summer 2012 runways.

Take your pick from the masculine fringe at Burberry Prorsum to the classic part shown at Dries Van Noten .

1. Side Swept Fringe Hairstyle

Keeping it short at the back and sides, the side swept fringe, also called swept bangs can be played up accordingly as you like. To truly rock this style, you will need to find the perfect length for your face shape, be it at brow length or just around the temple. But, the trend for 2012 is gravitating towards a more textured, layered cut. For some great examples, look no further than Burberry Prorsum 2012 menswear show where the fringe style truly shined.

Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

Quick Tip: Suitable for those with diamond face shape.



2. Wet Fringe Textured HairstyleSlick your side swept fringe forward using a matte wax or pomade and you would have achieved this next look as seen in the Jil Sander show. This wetter than wet hairstyle is not for everyone but if you’re up for it, you can recreate this hairstyle by pulling in hair from the temples and crowning it towards the forehead.



Quick Tip: Suitable for those with diamond face shape

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

3. Messy Hairstyle

2012 will be another year for messy hair style. If your hair is of a wavy quality, the messy fringe is definitely for you. Just run some hair products over your hair, tossle it up and BAM!, instant sex appeal.



Quick Tip: Suitable for diamond or square face shape.

Hermes Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

4. Classic Part

Exuding old Hollywood glamour, the classic part has always been associated with the greats such as the likes of Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant. It has become the ultimate trend setter for 2012 with a modern twist of course now that men are in pursuit of sartorial elegance.



Quick Tip: Suitable for Oblong, square or rectangle face shape

Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

5. Chic Bangs Hairstyle

At the Lanvin menswear collection, we see the comeback of a childhood staple-the bowl cut. In tune with a collection that shouts war and military, Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz has opt for bluntly chopped Medieval-esque bangs.



Quick Tip: Suitable for square and rectangle face shape

Lanvin Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

6. The Slick Back

The slick back goes hand in hand with George Clooney. This Adonis of a man has single-handedly catapulted this hairstyle into one that has dominated runways for the longest time. In fact, fashion has had a standing affair with the slick back and that is not about to change, as evident in the 2012 shows from Louis Vuitton to Ermenegildo Zegna.



Quick Tip: Suitable for square or rectangle face shape

Ermenegildo Zegna Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

7. The Crew Hair Cut

Think crew cut and G.I Joe comes to mind. Sometime we also called this as butch cut or buzz cut. The notorious “tough guy” haircut can be suave too as demonstrated by Calvin Klein in the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.



Quick Tip: Suitable for oval or round face shape.

Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection

8. “Out of bed” look

Ah, the “out of bed” look, a hairstyle that oozes the devil may care charm. In this season, no one does it better thn Costume National Homme. Channel Robert Pattinson and you shan’t be too far off the mark.



Quick Tip: Suitable for rectangle face shape.

Costume National Homme Spring/Summer menswear collection

Hair is one of the first things that attract everyone attention, and it is just as important as the clothes and shoes you wear, so take the time to choose a hair style from 2012 trends that complements your personality and your face's shape.

5 Men Fashion Tips to Camouflage Your Beer Belly

Look down and ask yourself this question – “Do I have a beer belly?” and yes, you have to be brutally honest. If you’re above the age of 35, chances are the answer to that question is a YES especially when you’ve enjoyed the occasional pint or two.  If it’s a no, well the years have been kind to you. But, fear not.

Here are some men fashion tips that we think can help to camouflage that beer belly so you can walk out in confidence.



1. “Maternity” wear

Now, before you think we are out of our mind and actually suggesting you put on pregnancy clothing, hear us out first. Maternity wear are generally tighter on the upper body and flare out at the mid section. So, what we are advocating here is a menswear equivalent of such cut. Believe it or not, many designers are slowly warming up to this style. Most notably, coats that are cinched at the waist hence, creating a silhouette that is forgiving on the beer belly.

2. Single Breasted Suit

There are many contradicting opinions in the fashion world with regards to the type of suit a man with, shall we say ample girth should wear. A double breasted suit with its double row of buttons is said to draw attention to the mid section thus creating a wider illusion. However, some other style experts claimed that double breasted suits tend to“cuts away thickness” in the eye of the viewer. Ultimately, what matters is a well tailored suit. If all else fails, you can always fall back on a good ol’ pinstriped suit that is sure to elongate the body.

3. Avoid Light Colors

In the world of women’s fashion, there is a reason why the LBD or little black dress is of such timeless appeal. Muted, dark colors such as your shades of black and brown virtually slims out all traces of belly fat, muffin tops and love handles. You might end up with a closet deem fitting for creatures of the night but until you lose that beer belly, you’ll just have to bear with it. While we’re at the topic of colours, also try to avoid the colour blocking trend. Instead, keep your outfit as monotonous as possible.

4. Low Rise Pants?

The last thing you want if you do have beer belly syndrome is to have your gut spilling out over your pants. Keep them in check with pants that are at least at belly button level. Do avoid the low rise pants trend that has infiltrated pop culture, a staple in hip-hop music. Zac Efron might be able to pull it off but have you seen his abs?

5. Body Sculpting Undergarments

Just like what Spanx have done for women, there are now undergarments designed to mould men’s figure into a deceivingly fit one. If you hadn’t disclose that you’re wearing body shaping trunks underneath, no women will be any the wiser. Forgive the unappealing photo above, but we just had to make sure we get our message  across. :)



In short, we always advocate wear what makes you feel comfortable, rather than following trends. However, we are pretty sure you don't like to show your beer belly either.