Knowing the dress code for the event is the first step in knowing what you should wear. More than likely this information will be furnished within the wedding invitation and indicate either formal, semi formal or casual. If this information is not made available then feel free to ask a member of the bridal party or someone connected with the wedding planning.
For a formal wedding a formal dress suit is ideal though in today's day and age a dark suit is also acceptable. Essentially choose whichever garment you already own, and if you own neither rent a dress suit.
If the wedding is Semi Formal then you should either wear a suit or a sport coat. There is no real ideal here, and either is appropriate; so choose whichever garment you are more comfortable in and looks the best.
For a casual wedding either a sport coat or button down collared formal shirt would be equally appropriate. Again there is no right or wrong choice here and it all depends on the venue and any indication you have been given from someone who is planning the event. If you are unsure, wearing a sport coat is always the safer bet as it is far better to be slightly overdressed than woefully underdressed for this type of occasion.
As with any dress event you're going to want to accessorize to a level that matches your outfit. Cufflinks are only appropriate with formal attire and may look inappropriate when worn with a sport coat. Similarly, make sure you are wearing the right type of shoe to match your outfit.
Knowing the wedding venue will help you make a more informed decision about what type of clothing will be appropriate. For instance if the reception is being held in a ballroom yet the invitation indicates semi formal attire you should probably make the assumption that the wedding couple are being polite and not requiring that everyone rent a dress suit; however, a dress suit is definitely appropriate for a ballroom venue.
If you are attending a semi formal outdoor wedding and are not sure whether you should go with a sport coat or suit it is safe to assume that a lower tier of formality is appropriate and wear a sport coat. Additionally for outdoor events it is safe to break the tradition of wearing dark coloured sport coats; and instead choose a jacket made out of a lighter material such as, cream or khaki coloured cotton which teams nicely with a crisply pressed pair of chinos or khaki coloured gabardine trousers.
Lastly you'll want to take into consideration what your partner will be wearing to the wedding. It is important that both of you dress to the same level of formality. Few things look as in appropriate as when someone's partner shows up in a tailored evening gown or suit and their partner is wearing a polo shirt!
It is not necessary that you match the colours of each other's outfits (which in fact can be considered quite tasteless) however, it is good to have the colours complement each other.
Take a look at our ready to wear jackets, and ready to wear shirts and accessories if you have a few weddings coming up.
]]>With trousers lengths shortening more than ever before, and a greater number of men opting to cuff their trousers, socks are becoming increasingly visible and as such play a more significant role in bringing an outfit together. We’ve looked at what you need to consider when selecting which socks to wear.
In many cases, the socks you opt for will be determined by your outfit. There are 3 key factors within your outfit that you’ll need to keep in mind.
1. Trousers
The general rule of thumb when it comes to socks is that they should match your trousers. Many people are often misinformed in this case and tend to match them to their shoes. While this might make sense at first thought, visualising the 2 looks will make it clear for anyone with an eye for style that socks complimenting the trousers provide a better look.
If you want to go the extra mile with your socks then you can also choose to coordinate them with items such as your tie or pocket square. Keep the design of your socks simple (such as spots or stripes) and match the odd colour from your chosen accessory.
2. Shoes
Not only should you consider the style of your shoes, but also the fit of them and how they feel on your foot. While we all want to look good, fashion should also be practical in terms of comfort – so opt for socks that provide this taking your shoes into account. For example, if you find yourself wearing tight shoes then steer clear of heavily textured socks which can add a considerable amount of girth onto your foot. Similarly, consider the thickness of your socks in various climates to ensure that they provide the upmost comfort.
Now the style of your shoes also warrants some attention as different sock styles will certainly prove to suit different shoes. Casual footwear such as trainers allow you to get as creative as you please with your socks. However smarter shoes require a little more care.
Low riding footwear such as loafers are ideal for going sockless if you’re feeling bold enough. It’s a look which has grown in prominence and while you might want to leave it for the warmer months, it will instantly add a stylish edge to your look if done with confidence.
3. Quality of suit
Your socks should also be in line with the quality of the suit you’re wearing. If you’re attending a black-tie event in a dinner suit then opt for cashmere and silk socks. Failing to keep your socks up to par with your suit will ultimately make them an eye sore when they do grab people’s attention, and will ultimately take away from your look.
The Occasion
While socks might not be the first thing people take notice of, they will at some point during an event and so wearing a pair appropriate to the occasion is important. Here’s how to judge your sock selection for a range of events.
1. Funerals
With funerals being such sombre events, you’re best served playing it safe and opting for socks that match the occasion. Keep them simple and muted (black in most cases) since the whole point is to show respect and refrain from standing out of the crowd.
2. Weddings
While your wedding dress will be dictated by your overall theme, if you’re going for a traditional elegant feel then keep your socks in line with this and opt for a pair similar to your trousers. On the other hand, if you have a slightly quirkier feel to the day and are open to looks which are a little bolder then by all means find yourself a pair of socks that’ll stand out.
3. Business
Business dress should typically remain simple and sophisticated. If you’re wanting to put across a professional image then you won’t want to go for bright socks. The light-hearted nature of them could lead to people not taking you as seriously which will work against you in important meetings. Day to day office wear on the other might be a little more forgiving however this is very much dependant on the culture within your workplace.
That should give you a better idea on which socks to wear and more importantly, when to wear them. don’t worry if you’re more on the reserved side with your fashion, playing it safe with a plain pair of socks is better than get it all wrong. Also don't forget to take a look and shop our range of socks.
]]>The fleeting glance we make when we first meet someone is considered the first impression, and making a ‘good one’, is vital. Whether you’re at a meeting, networking event or, especially, an interview, one way to ensure a good first impression is through the clothes that you wear, and a well fitted suit can help you exude confidence and professionalism – which are valuable traits to have in the business world!
The elements of a classic business suit for men are a well tailored jacket, a well fitted trouser, a shirt: white, cream or light blue, a good belt, a tie and possibly a waistcoat.
For women, a fitted jacket, skirt or a fitted trouser, and a blouse are are great option. Rarely do women wear ties, though a silk scarf can work very well. Women also tend to have more choice when it comes to colour, a deep red, purple or even green material can look great.
Accessories are also very important and can really complete an outfit. Men should wear a silk tie, cufflinks and a belt as a minimum, a pocket square is not essential although a nice extra touch for special occasions. Jewellery on both men and women should be modest with subtle colours to keep the overall look professional.
Most business suits don’t go out of fashion so it’s an investment worth making as it will be one outfit that will stand the test of time and see you through the next few years of meetings and special events.
Our suits are made-to-measure meaning you can ensure a perfect fit because the garment is created to your exact measurements, although we do have ready to wear options too.
A made-to-measure suit from Hemingway Tailors is a great choice if you want to invest in a high quality suit made just for you. You’ll also have the benefit of a wider selection of cloths, colours and patterns to choose from – in fact no shop in the world can offer the choice of materials or indeed style as an experienced tailor!
Contact us today to discuss your individual requirements and to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced tailors at a day and time to suit you and your lifestyle.
]]>However, while some of these “rules” stand true, others don’t have to be followed so stringently. We’ve addressed 3 points and given our take on how to pair your shoes with your outfit to have you laced up to perfection.
MATCH YOUR SHOES TO YOUR BELT
Let’s start with one you should follow and the most prevalent ruling. If you’re dressing for an occasion which requires a smart dress then you should certainly be looking to match the colour of your shoes to your belt. Most shoes are going to come in black or a shade of brown so finding a leather belt in a similar colour shouldn’t be a tough task.
However, for more casual looks you can bring out alternate belts and mix match your shoe and belt combinations. One thing we’d never suggest however is mixing black and brown leather – that means black shoes with black belts and brown shoes with brown belts only.
MATCH YOUR SHOE COLOUR TO YOUR SUIT BUTTONS
While matching your shoes to your belt is widely accepted as the way to dress, matching your shoes to your suit buttons is not mentioned as much. While matching these could show you as being carefully conscious of every piece of your outfit to the watchful eye, it can also hinder the versatility of your suit in regards to creating other looks.
What we would suggest you look out for is the occasional blue suit which has black buttons. Remember brown shoes are generally much more preferred with blue suits regardless of the colour of the buttons and it’s often considered a fashion faux pas to combine a blue suit with black shoes.
MATCH YOUR SOCKS TO YOUR SHOES
This is one thing you should refrain from doing, especially if you’re wearing light trousers and dark shoes or vice versa. If anything, you should look to match your socks to your trousers, however doing so is very much dependant on how particular you are about your look and the type of event you’re attending. Socks offer up a great chance to add a dash of colour to your outfit and striking socks won’t be frowned upon in most cases. However, if you really want everything to coordinate seamlessly then we would suggest that your socks and trousers match.
The same applies if you’re attending a formal event where you might be better served to play it safe and not wear anything that’s too bold. The last thing you want is people to think you aren’t taking the event or dress code seriously.
Ultimately fashion is about making your own mark and dressing in a manner which you’re comfortable with. There aren’t many rules which are considered a “must” however following many of them will simply provide a look which a likely to be easier on the eyes.
]]>Keep an eye on your heels
Although it is women who are most likely to have problems with the thinner and more fragile heels of their shoes, men too need to take care of their heels. If you start to notice that your heels are wobbling or the leather or material is fraying, return to the shop in which you purchased them to see how they might be able to help, or take them to a heel repair shop, where the costs of repairing heels is usually fairly reasonable. It is also sensible for women to avoid wearing their favourite heels if they know they are likely to be dancing or walking for long periods of time – if not to protect your poor feet and legs, then to protect your heels!
Leave them to dry
If your shoes get wet for whatever reason, it is imperative that you let them dry out completely before storing them away. If you chuck your wet shoes into your cupboard immediately, it is likely that they will not dry properly, remaining wet for longer and damaging the material, or that they could go mouldy. This is also one of the main causes for smelly shoes, so if you want to avoid contracting feet infections or developing smelly feet, best to let them dry out completely before you wear them again.
Polish & clean your shoes
Polishing your leather shoes or cleaning your shoes of other materials on a regular basis will not only help to protect them from excessive use and weather, but also help keep them looking as good as new! You’d be surprised at what a little bit of polish can do to a leather shoe, especially if you have a rather nasty scuff you’d like to cover. As long as you find the right colour polish, apply generously and you’ll find that you are able to cover the mark up completely.
Get new laces & soles
More often than not, it’s your laces that will make your shoes look tired and worn. You could try washing them separately, but it is worthwhile simply purchasing a new pair to really bring your shoes back to life. If the soles of your shoes are wearing away, you might want to consider sending them off to be re-soled. If they are expensive, this is likely to be a great deal cheaper than buying a brand new pair!
Give them support
When storing your shoes, you should always fill the toes with shaped moulds or soft tissue in order for them to be able to retain their shape when you are not wearing them. This will also help to prevent them from being squashed among your other shoes in the cupboard. Ideally, keep them in the box you purchased them in so as to protect them from other shoes – heaven forbid they touch your running trainers!
For more information on how to take better care of your bespoke suits, or for regularly style guides, keep an eye on our blog, and don’t forget to order your beautiful bespoke tailored suit from us here at Hemingway Tailors.
]]>It’s unlikely to have escaped your notice by now, but certain men find it easier to pull off a made-to-measure suit than others. There is, of course, a reason for that. While your suit may be the most beautiful, well-fitting garment of any of your peers, the ability to wear it well is not innate for some people. Mistakes can very often be made, and those mistakes will undermine the fine tailoring of your suit. One of the most common suit faux pas is footwear, and you’d be surprised at how many men have no idea what shoes are acceptable to wear with their tailored suits. Fortunately, we’re on hand to set the country right. Take a look at our guide to suit appropriate footwear and start making the correct decisions in future...
Colour
The colour of your footwear should always take into consideration the colour of your suit. Simply put, if the colours clash, you may as well have ruined hours of expensive tailoring. The most common colours of dress shoe are black, brown and burgundy, and these go with more common suit colours than any others. While white, tan and grey dress shoes are also popular, these can be more difficult to pull off successfully. As a general rule, your tailored suit should be matched with footwear colours as follows:
Style
Now that you have the colour sorted, it’s time to select the style of shoe you wish to wear with your tailored suit. There are a number of common styles it is acceptable to wear alongside formal dress, and this list is by no means exhaustive. It will, however, give you an indication of the kind of shoe you ought to be looking for.
Simply put, “business casual” means that suits and ties don’t necessarily need to be worn. The inclusion of the word “business” indicates that a certain level of formality should still apply to your choice of clothing and this is something that you should always keep in mind.
Here are some simple rules that you can follow, to help you to maintain an appropriate air of professionalism, whilst rocking the business casual code whether in your home office or the workplace.
Jeans can be worn…. in the right places.
The first question that is on most men’s lips – “Can I wear jeans?” The answer is yes. And no. Whether or not you can wear jeans depends completely upon where you work and the organisation’s attitude to just how casual “business casual” may be. If your colleagues are wearing jeans, then go for it. If they’re not, then don’t! Where the rules lie with jeans comes down to their fit and finish. Opt for a smart style, not too tight and definitely not ripped. If jeans aren’t acceptable, then opt for a chino or flat front trouser. The general rule of thumb is to keep to traditional colours such as black, grey, navy or beige – it’s probably best to save the salmon ones for the weekend.
Collared shirts are always a good idea.
When it comes to your top-half and meeting the business casual criteria, it is always a good idea to ensure that the shirt you are wearing has a collar. It doesn't matter if you're wearing a polo shirt or a formal shirt, so long as it has a collar. T-shirts, even under a blazer are too informal and should be saved for your days off. Try a shirt with button down collar and feel free to unbutton the top one or two buttons but don’t go any lower - you don't want to show too much skin.
Wear your best knitwear.
Thanks to the good old British climate, knitwear is, for at least two-thirds of the year, a wardrobe staple. Another benefit of the business casual code is that it is more than acceptable to wear a luxurious sweater or sleeveless pullover over your shirt, unlike in many formal scenarios where your warmth comes down to the hidden vest your mother trained you so well to wear! Avoid chunky knits and sweatshirts though – these are too casual for the office. Invest in quality merino wool and fine cashmere knits – crew necks, cardigans or v necks are all appropriate.
Don’t be afraid to show your personality.
One of the big plus points of the business casual dress code is that rather than conforming to the everyday corporate style, you can dress in a way that better reflects your own personality. Wearing a pale coloured cotton shirt or one with a subtle print is definitely acceptable or why not wear a real stand out jacket? Perhaps one in a pattered fabric or with coloured button holes or elbow patches? If you prefer to keep your actual clothing more muted, business casual is also the perfect outlet for you to show off your accessories. Interesting cufflinks or coloured shoes and cashmere scarves are great ways to inject a bit of personality into you’re professional look. Just don’t go overboard - make sure you stick to including one interesting feature in your outfit to impress your colleagues with.
Keep a tie on your desk – just in case!
Whilst it’s generally accepted that a tie isn’t required for business casual wear, it is a good idea to keep a spare in the office – just in case a client arranges a last minute meeting.
Shoes should always be closed.
As far as shoes are concerned; so long as you wear closed toe shoes to work you will be fine. Depending on where you work trainers may be acceptable but, if not a loafer, monk strap or driving shoe or even a chukka or Chelsea boot will keep you in good standing.
Make sure your clothing is well pressed.
No matter what you wear, the key to looking smart is to ensure your clothes are clean and well pressed. Even a three piece suit can look scruffy if it is creased and crumpled. As a rule of thumb, leave any trousers with holes in them or frayed bottoms at home with the sweatpants where they belong.
Think fitted, not tight.
No matter how good you think something may look on you, you need to maintain a level of professionalism at work. Ensure clothes fit and flatter. Don’t wear anything too tight or too low cut on the chest - you don’t want to be the source of office gossip for the next week!
Take note of what your more senior colleagues are wearing.
Don’t worry - this doesn’t mean copying their outfit choices and becoming their clone. In-fact turning up in exactly the same outfit that a colleague had on the week before will do you no favours at all! Simply take note of their level of formality and make your choices from there. If your boss is wearing jeans then that should be ok but if not, then you shouldn’t either.
Remember: it isn’t the weekend.
Many people believe that a dress down day or business casual code gives them the excuse to dress as they would on a weekend. It doesn’t and you shouldn’t. You are still at work remember. Save t-shirts, tracksuits, shorts and flip-flops for your days off – you still need to make a good impression, even on a Zoom call.
]]>Jewellery
Given the endless selection of jewellery available to buy on the high street and online, it may seem almost impossible to make the right choice. You should know your mum’s taste reasonably well, but when it comes to gifts you probably shouldn’t buy the same old pearl studs that she seems to wear every day. Instead, consider opting for a statement piece, or something more personal.
Statement pieces are big, bold and often unique. Search for a piece made out of her favourite metal or containing her favourite precious stones – her birthstone is also a good place to start if you’re completely lost. Scour sites such as Not on the High Street and Etsy to find something unique. These websites are also great places to visit if you’d like to give her a personalised piece of jewellery or jewellery set.
Accessories
If your mum isn’t really a jewellery person and instead values the practicality and style of a well-crafted clutch or wallet, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to treat her to one. Opt for high quality leather products that won’t start showing signs of wear and tear for many years and will weather fashion trends, remaining timeless. Satchels, totes, messenger bags and makeup bags can all be great gifts, as long as they’re well made and reflect her personal style.
Alternatively, scarves and shawls are welcome gifts at any time of year. A light silk scarf can be worn in many different ways throughout the year, while a luxurious cashmere scarf is also a fantastic, long-lasting gift.
A tailored suit
The unbeatable fit of a tailored suit is the ideal present for almost every fashionable mum. We can craft made-to-measure suits that are perfect for whatever occasion you’d like – from winter weddings to important business meetings or a day at the races.
Right now, we also have an exclusive offer when you purchase a men's or women's two-piece suit from our selection of fabrics, you will receive an additional pair of trousers or skirt FREE! Offer is only valid until end of May 2021.
Give us a call or fill out an online enquiry form if you’d like to gift your mum a tailored suit this Mother’s Day.
]]>Early beginnings
In the 15th century, the population of Leeds likely hovered around the 1,000 mark. This small town was insignificant in national terms. While Leeds was home to many different trades, wool production emerged as the dominant industry. Wool was woven, fulled (a set of processes where the wool is cleansed, thickened, and becomes more waterproof) and dyed. It was sold at weekly markets and annual fairs. In the 16th century the town expanded rapidly, driven by the wool trade. By the end of the 16th century, Leeds’ population had tripled from the 15th century figure.
An export hub
The 17th century brought more growth to Leeds and its industries. It became a wealthy town. Leeds’ fortunes continued to improve with the construction of the canals and the railways from the 18th century onwards. In the early 18th century, the Aire and Calder Navigation improved Leeds’ links to nearby towns and villages, while additional canals (including the Leeds-Liverpool canal) further expanded its export opportunities. By the start of the 19th century, the population of Leeds had reached 30,000. Just 50 years later, it reached the 100,000 mark. The railway arrived in Leeds, first linking it to Selby and then to York. Leeds became an export hub for wool.
The move to tailoring
By the late 19th century, demand for wool products had slowed. Leeds diversified and delved into many other industries, including the production of leather, shoes and boots, as well as tailoring. The start of the 20th century brought the golden age of Leeds tailoring. Montague Burton chose Leeds as the home for his empire of tailoring and menswear. The Leeds factory employed 10,000 people, and Burton’s name remains a fixture on our high street even today. Countless other textiles firms flourished in the city, with further expansion spurred by the two World Wars, when the city’s tailors were put to work to manufacture uniforms.
Hemingway Tailors
After the war, competition from abroad brought about the decline of Leeds’ large-scale tailoring industry, but the city is still known for its highly skilled tailors, not least Hemingway Tailors’ own: Toby Luper. Toby’s uncle and father ran the largest single-storey factory in the country, making garments for Burton and Burberry. Toby’s grandfather was one of Leeds’ master tailors during the height of the city’s tailoring industry. Ninety years on, Toby continues with his family’s work.
Our tailored garments owe a great deal to the city’s tailoring history. To own a Hemingway tailored suit, coat or shirt for yourself, make an enquiry with us today.
]]>Hemingway Tailors want you to stay on top of this trend, which is why we have listed the ways in which you can incorporate warmer, brighter colours into your outfit, whilst keeping it stylish.
When the world around you is in a constant pale grey setting, it can be a bold move to wear something bright and warm to counteract with that. If you want to wear a warmer shade but are afraid of drawing too much attention to yourself, try wearing warmer colours in darker tones.
Darker variations of warm colours (red, orange and yellow) such as burgundy, brown and gold look sharp in a winter season. Dark berry colours such as burgundy and plum are perfect wardrobe colours for the cusp of changing seasons. Earthy colours such as brown, bring warm natural shades to your wardrobe, whilst golden pieces of attire are synonymous with the holiday season and will instantly bring a sense of winter cheer.
If you don’t want to wear a full-on yellow suit to work in winter, you could add a dash of pigment to your clothing through the patterns you wear. For example, complementing a grey checked suit with a bright yellow thread in between.
Paisley shirts are ideal for incorporating colour; conventional winter colours can be contrasted with a warm-coloured twisted teardrop. For subtle hints of colour; wear a polka-dot shirt, with warm coloured spots.
In winter, most people tend to stick to a blander colour palette. So, wearing warmer colours is one way to set you apart from the rest. If you live closer to the poles, during colder seasons, you are going to receive fewer hours of sun. Psychologically, people are drawn to warmer colours, as it strikes the resemblance of heat. With that in mind, when warmer shades are incorporated into outfits, it’s a natural response for people to observe them.
Pairing a cold, neutral coloured suit with a warm coloured tie, hat, scarf or shoes is a great way of accentuating a strong accessory.
Shop our Yellow Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper for some brightness or Burgundy Lambswool V Neck Jumper for some warmth.
]]>Accessories don’t need to be frumpy and as well as maintaining an adequate temperature they can also be used to enhance an outfit. Here at Hemingway, we think accessories are just as important as apparel which is why we have listed a complete guide to all of the key accessories and garments every man should own.
These garments complete a look and regardless of age, frame, and lifestyle, suit every stylish man. There will be occasions where you will thank yourself for investing in these high-quality, listed articles. As, the saying goes “quality is long remembered after the price is forgotten”.
Knitwear/Jumpers
A jumper is a fundamental piece of apparel in winter, but it can be tricky finding a piece of knitwear that fits well with your daily formal-wear. You want something that slots in with your current rotation, but not so much that it becomes forgettable.
Hemingway has a luxurious range of men's jumpers that come in a wide array of colours, made in a choice of indulgent, lightweight merino wool, delicately soft, warm lambswool or luxurious fine merino wool and cashmere blend.
People often associate men’s knitwear with a misshapen frumpy layer, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Stay warm yet stylish with a well-fitted garment.
Hats
It’s one of the most important parts of the body, but it’s often forgotten about when it comes to dressing. Your head is shelter to the most significant organ and deserves to be protected by high-class headwear.
It’s not a myth that you lose most of your body’s heat through your head, so it is in your best interest to keep the top of your face and ears warm. At Hemingway, we would complement any good suit with a sharp Fedora or traditional herringbone flat cap.
Scarves
There’s something intrinsically stylish and comforting about a scarf, it is an accessory that enhances any winter outfit. Scarves are an accessory everyone can agree on and they can be used to ramp up an otherwise simple outfit.
Wrap up in a Hemingway scarf and choose between 100% lambswool or 100% cashmere, the materials your skin can truly appreciate. Our scarves are the perfect addition to any winter wardrobe.
Gloves
The best investment during the coldest seasons is a good pair of gloves. Keep the chills at bay, with some heat-retaining, smart leather gloves. When it is cold and wet outside, a budget pair of cotton gloves just won’t suffice.
Hemingway’s range of men's leather gloves are produced by Dents of Warminster, who have nearly 240 years' experience in making handmade fine leather gloves in contemporary styles. Leather gloves are a classic accessory for any gentleman in the cooler months and are versatile enough to complement both formal and casual outfits.
Tailored Coat
As with our suits, there is a plethora of fabrics to choose from with tailored coats, including light and heavy weight tweeds to a range of Herringbone and Plain wools. Our expert tailor’s guidance is critical with regards to ensuring the size and figuration is perfect and he can also guide you through the cloth and personalisation options available.
Tailored overcoats are a wonderful investment because they will complete your look, stylishly protect you from the elements during those winter months and, if looked after, a tailored coat will last you for years.
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