The average Joe can be forgiven for not feeling the need to invest in an expensive suit. But who wants to be average? Despite luxury suits looking and feeling better than your fast-fash trash, one question remains: Why do some suits cost $100 and others $1000 or more?

It’s time to educate (and re-educate) some of you on the key factors that make up a men’s suit – finding one that meets your sartorial needs; whether you’re the cheap guy or the dapper gent.

Fabric quality is a suiting factor, which is easy to distinguish just by feel and having a basic understanding of natural vs. synthetic fibres. Then, there is the fit – with some brands producing ready-made suit jackets that naturally cut sharp on the shoulder and hug in on the waist.

But the more difficult (and most important) part to buying a suit is the actual construction. We’ve heard the terms full canvased, half canvas, and fused suits. Now, it’s time to adopt this language ourselves. Doing so will give increased understanding of what it is you’re truly buying and essentially, the craftsmanship you’re paying for.

Full Canvas

Canvassing refers to the suit jacket (not the pants). Running from the shoulder to the end of the jacket, the canvas is made up of horsehair, which sits underneath the shell (or outer fabric) of the jacket. Like a good pair of jeans, the canvas drapes well and moulds to your body over time; giving back freedom of movement and a personalised fit.

But with such impeccable craftsmanship comes a huge cost. Sewing the canvas under the shell is fickle, involves a lot of stitch work and it is time consuming. And there is an art to it, which means a qualified tailor is required and because of their skill, tailors cost money.

A full canvas jacket as part of a suit is an investment piece designed to last years, if taken care of. By sticking to neutral, classic hues such as black, blue and grey, the dollar-to-wear ratio of this suit (given you wear it for the rest of your life) proves it’s well worth the expense. And you’ll look killer, too.

Fused Suits

For the cheapsters among you, there’s the fused jacket, which parades itself on the racks of most high-street retailers and fast-fashion outlets. The fusing refers to the fusible lining of the suit, which is glued (not hand-stitched) to the shell of the suit – both in the front panels and in the lapels.

Compared to canvassing, the jacket is more rigid and won’t adjust to the body over time. But, fused suits are priced at a fraction of the cost of a canvassed one.

While fused jackets have vastly improved – like anything glued – the adhesive will break down with wear and dry cleaning over time. Aesthetically, the affordability of fused suits mean you can buy one without much thought and should experiment with on-trend colours and prints (like windowpane checks or green suit hues). It won’t matter if you get one or two season’s wear out of it, so go hard.

Half Canvas

You’ll find a sartorial middle-ground in the half canvased suit. It gives the structural benefit of a full canvas but without the mass investment. A half canvased suit uses a sewn-in canvas piece in the chest and the lapel of the jacket, and is fused on the bottom part of the jacket.

This allows you to have the canvassed structure at the most important part of the suit – the shoulder – and keeps the price down by having less handiwork in the remainder.

The construction allows the suit to drape naturally over your chest without seeming stiff, which is what happens with a fused suit. These jackets also last longer, and are void of bubbling issues that come up over time with fused jackets, as the glue breaks down.

If you’re inclined to stock up on few work suits – in different colours and patterns, then half canvas might be best for you and your wallet. And, its structure sees you get the workmanship of a tailor across the top part of the jacket without dissolving your potential savings for a house deposit.

Wool Vs. Cashmere

Wool is the most common suit fabric and comes in two main yarn varieties: worsted (where the fibres are combed before spinning) and woollen (non-combed). In a nutshell, wool is woven to form your traditional flannel, tweed, gabardine and fresco cloths.

Superwool is a term thrown around a lot, too. Super 100 to 180 (going up in increments of 20), the number refers to how many times the worsted wool has been twisted when it is made. The higher the number, the finer and lighter the cloth will be, and the more expensive the suit is.

But lighter woollen suits (Super 140, 160, or 180) don’t keep their shape as well. Nor are they as durable. Anything above a 140 should be kept for special occasions, as the cloth is much finer than a more conventional Super 100. A high Super is high maintenance, so prepare yourself before you buy.

Most of your canvassed suits will be made from wool, as the luxury of the fabric goes with the intricate construction of the jacket. When going for a non-canvassed jacket, opt for a heavier weight wool too, such as a tweed or an English wool. These drape better over your body and give more of a structured look, but the price will be pushed up, due to the wool content.

A cashmere-blend is a more luxurious version of the woollen suit. Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of goats bred to produce the wool. And, it’s a laborious, handmade job extracting the wool, and then combing it into a yarn for suits. Thus, it’s expensive. Very Italian, cashmere does give a nice sheen to a suit but if it’s not your cup of tea, stick to the more English matte wools or cottons.

Cotton Vs. Linen Vs. Seersucker

Cotton is the second most popular fabric for suits and is derived from plant fibres. Cotton suits move and breathe well, and are satisfactory for softness. But, cotton lags behind in the luxury department when compared to wool fabrics.

Ideal for summer months, linen is light, airy and breathes well, due to its porous structure. But, it creases easily. Understanding that crinkles add character does help linen’s cause. But essentially, it’s an off-duty suit; canvassed or fused. A little tip: stick to heavier linens, to maintain form and drape.

Seersucker is another favourite for the warmer months. It is woven in a ‘bunched’ manner, giving it a wrinkled appearance. Forming part of the charm, the bumps should be embraced for the casualness that they are.

The Low Down On Synthetic Fabrics

These are the cheap fabrics and include polyester, rayon, and acetate. They are not natural fibres so they aren’t breathable, making them difficult to wear in summer. And synthetics are more rigid and look ‘cheap’ to look at. Most fused suits will be made of synthetic fabrics, with the wool or cotton content rising in correlation with the price. The only advantage about this fabric is that they are wrinkle free and are quite durable.

RELATED: What Your Choice In Suits Really Says About You

A Suit Maker’s Expert Opinion

Usually the cheaper the suit price, the cheaper the fabric and make. Essentially, with an expensive suit you can expect to study three key components: fabric, fit, & make. However, it is possible to have good fit in a cheaper suit, not in all cases but it is possible.

With regards to lifespan, it depends on which brands you look at. For example, big international brands -where your paying over $1500 usually have a shorter lifespan because of the delicate and fine fabrics that they use. So, these products should be worn sparingly.

What we provide for our domestic market is somewhere in the middle. Where you use fine high quality fabrics and make, with the bonus of durability and a lifespan in keeping with a premium branded product. This is what today’s consumer expects.

Cheap & Expensive Suit FAQ

The post The Difference Between A Cheap & Expensive Suit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The last twelve months have been tough, but one silver lining has been a shot in the arm for car culture.The last twelve months have seen a renewed interest in car ownership and modification around the globe, as bored gearheads have sunk their time and money into cars instead of travelling or going out.The result? Used car prices are booming and new cars are in short supply, with dealers unable to meet demand. The speculation on some cars is just insane – take the Suzuki Jimny, which is now selling on the aftermarket for almost double the dealership MSRP (in Australia at least).So what’s a revhead to do if you can’t find a new or a used car to play with? Simple: build your own car. And if you’re building a car from scratch, you may as well go big or go home – which must have been the mindset of this enterprising motorsports fan in Bali, who built his very own Ferrari Formula One car replica after being laid off from his cruise ship job thanks to the pandemic.It might look like a Ferrari (if you squint really hard) but its performance is anything but: the custom-made bodyshell is powered by a wimpy 125cc engine from an ATV and can only manage a top speed of 40km/h.While it’s a bit rough around the edges, the 43-year-old from Buleleng in North Bali only spent 30 million Indonesian rupiah (~2,700 AUD or ~2,100 USD) on the project car – that’s not a lot of money for something that’s attracted so many eyeballs.RELATED: Justin Bieber Goes Full ‘Blade Runner’ With Sleek Custom Rolls-RoyceThe car’s not actually road-legal but the crazy bastard plans to build another one with a bigger engine from a ‘real car’ so he can register it and drive it across Bali, The Bali Sun reports.He’s not the first Indonesian to have a go at making their own F1 car. Back in 2014, another Ferrari fan in Lombok crafted his own replica powered by a 550cc engine from a 1980s Daihatsu Hijet microvan, Carscoops relates.These guys certainly give Italy’s tifosi a run for their money: Benetton may not have ever run Ferraris (they were all about Renault engines, actually) but they would definitely need a Bintang or two after seeing this project car…

Read Next

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The post 'Bintang Benetton': Bali Man's F1 Car Replica Is The Ultimate Lockdown Success Story appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s the age-old dilemma that has plagued men for decades: finding the perfect custom jeans.

It’s no easy feat for even the most style-savvy gent, let alone the typical bloke who just wants to feel at home in his favourite pair. Many factors come into play including colour, wash, style, fit and leg length. And then there is the denim as a fabric itself, ranging from stretch to mid-weight to the more heavy and thick selvage.

It’s a casual wear nightmare that I’m happy wake you from – all thanks to the phenomena of made-to-measure custom denim. Not just for suits and shoes, denim is now getting the bespoke treatment – taking the casual indigo cloth to a make-it-as-you-like-it level of class. From online services to walk-in stores, let’s run through the must-knows of custom jeans before listing off the maestro tailors worth visiting.

Enter The Cotton

There are different cottons used in denim with certain ‘staple lengths’ – the size of the fibres used in the material. Cotton with longer staple lengths produces a softer denim than those with shorter ones. Then, there is the type of cotton used.

Some 90% of denim is made from standard cotton grown throughout China, Australia and the U.S. It can range in staple lengths but is often processed for the masses, making a harder, more longer-lasting denim. Pima is a long-staple cotton and is the most durable and absorbent while still remaining lightweight. Turkish cotton is a long-staple fibre known for its natural shine and strength, making it more luxurious.

Zimbabwe cotton is the longest staple cottons and one of the rarest. It is known for its weight, lustre and ability to soak up indigo. Finally, selvedge denim is the unique end part of the denim roll as it comes from the loom. Japanese selvedge is often praised above the rest for its rich colour, texture, weight and quality of cotton.

Custom Jeans – Wash It Your Way

As mentioned in our feature, 20 best jeans brands for men, the main types of wash are the classic, vintage, dark and raw or selvage. Of course, there are hundreds of shades in between; each of these affected by the repetitive washing of the cloth – eliminating the indigo. And then the denim colour may vary having been dyed black or grey.

My favourite is the raw denim as its un-washed stated sees the denim mould to your body and crease in unique places that only you could make. The indigo fades over time too, so the customisation continues well after you’ve left the tailor shop.

The Fit & Cut

For guys, the waist options are typically low-rise and normal (high-waisted if your Seventies-inclined). Then select the cut. This refers to the roominess of the leg and how close the fabric will fall in line with the leg’s shape. Choose from the standard skinny, slim, straight, relaxed and boot.

But the process for custom jeans can be as bespoke as you like; not merely selecting your fit from a template. Like a suit, the rise and leg can be personalised to meet your needs, before even deciding on the width of the knee, the foot and the length of the leg.

Determine The Details

Next, select the hardware for your jean. Choose from a zip fly, buttoned or a one-piece fly, which is the most traditional way of constructing a fly in the jeans. The stitching colour is next but stick to traditional blue, black and yellow for best results. The shape of the back pockets and the placement of the front come next and then there’s the number of belt loops.

Click through the slideshow to find a denim tailor near you or online.

The post How To Buy The Perfect Made-To-Measure Jeans appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Pockets of innovation are often found during a time of crisis. Diamonds started as coal. Strong abs started with sit ups. Musical genius started as hours of listening.We could go on, but the point is: greatness originates from pressure. While it remains unknown if we will emerge stronger for the events of 2020 than we went in, one thing is for sure and that is that there has been more innovation and improvisation going on lately than you can throw an ergonomically designed seat at.From germ repellent designs to futuristic formula one-esque business class seats, 2020 saw all sorts of rumours. Unfortunately, due to the strict health and safety measures (as well as fiscal risks) associated with ripping up everything we’ve got, few of the creative new ideas are likely to see commercial implementation any time soon.What are we left with then? The only business class experience Australians, who are still currently prohibited from travelling overseas (see: Smart Traveller), may be able to get their derrieres on this year is the following.Allow us to introduce the Therapeutic Dual-Pro. At the risk of sounding like a dodgy daytime TV advertisement, this $17,995 hunk of engineering is a god-level massage chair.Per the blurb, “The Therapeutic Dual-Pro features one of the largest massage zones along with Advanced 135cm Flexi-Track Rail Technology that contours to the shape of your spine and gives a customised deep tissue massage all over your body in all the right places. The Advanced Flexi Technology allows you to experience a full body stretch unlike in other massage chairs, where the stretch is focused on a specific part of your body.”Available in black, champagne, grey and chocolate colour schemes, this top of the range, luxurious massage chair is perhaps the closest Australians will come to an international business class style experience this year.Throw in free shipping and three year’s warranty, and who needs the Amalfi Coast or Dubai?“For the first time ever in a premium massage chair the Therapeutic Dual-Pro features two powerful massage hands that are dedicated to focusing simultaneously on massaging your upper and lower body at the same time,” the 100% Australian family-owned product’s website profile continues.“Let the powerful free-floating upper massage hands penetrate deeper than ever before into your neck, shoulders, thoracic and lower back to loosen tense muscles and relieve pain. While the dedicated lower massage hands relieve aches and pains in your legs, hips, waist and lower back by automatically adapting to the shape of your body and focusing solely in this area. The dual massage hands emulate professional, lifelike massage techniques such as knocking, kneading, tapping, shiatsu and rubbing.”“The upper massage hands have the ability to pivot from the track to apply downward pressure giving a neck massage that feels just like it would from a professional massage therapist. All of this combined with the advanced Flexi-Track means the Therapeutic Dual-Pro has the most advanced 4D massage system ever seen in a massage chair.”

“Enjoy a completely tailored massage experience that feels like your body is being massaged by many different therapists at once.”

A leading epidemiologist came out earlier this week and predicted international travel, despite the rollout of vaccines, won’t be possible in 2021. So we might just have to drink to that.

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The post $18,000 Lounge Chair The Closest Australians Will Come To Business Class In 2021 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Rebuild your wardrobe with just 16 items? You bet. Ryan Gosling said so. There’s that line in the film ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ (the long weekend had us brainless movie watching) where Jacob Palmer (Gosling) declares a man can in fact rebuild his entire wardrobe with just 16 pieces of clothing.

Now, we’ll admit it. It’s hard. There are many factors – such as personal style, body type and workplace/dress code needs – to consider. But, if you’re starting from scratch or need to upgrade your look from the ground up, we’re betting that Gosling had these 16 men’s fashion items in mind.

Cropped Jacket

Cropped jackets – à la bomber or Harrington – are essential off-duty coats that can be worn smart, street-ish or sporty. Team one with a shirt and tie for a cool office vibe, or with relaxed, washed jeans and an oversized t-shirt for a clean Nineties vibe. Cuffed jogger pants and a sweatshirt will keep you stylishly snug en route to Saturday’s caffeine-hit. And, then the gym straight after.

RELATED: 20 Best Bomber Jackets For Men

Trench Coat

The trench coat is always ‘this season’ thanks to the military jacket’s design, embedded in practicality: the silhouette (a double-breasted cut and ten front buttons, along with wide lapels, a storm flap, belted waist and adjustable cuff straps). And it comes in traditional colours – khaki, navy, beige.

Invented by Burberry and Aquascutum (they both have dibs), styling the trench is your call: buttoned and cinched at the waist over a suit or worn open with the sleeves pushed up to the elbows. Just add sneakers, jeans and a basic t-shirt. Weekend-ready.

Leather Jacket

You’re either a leather jacket man – living it in like you would a pair of jeans – of you’re more cautious, afraid of what the rock, biker jacket might do to your reputation. For the newbie, the leather perfecto is killer; the lancer-fronted jacket cut in a svelte shape with masculine lapels and just enough hardware – zips, press studs, to be sophisticatedly badass.

Style with cropped woollen trousers and derby brogues à la Marlon Brando or with slim fit denim (black with rips) and this season’s boot, the Chelsea, in brown suede.

RELATED: 20 Best Leather Jackets For Men

Penny Loafer

Harking from Europe in the early 20th century, before being snapped up by Americans – the penny loafer is an easy-to-wear, yet smart footwear option for men. With a moccasin frame, know the penny style – as opposed to the tassel – by the strip of leather across the saddle and a diamond-gap.

Versatility is a key factor for the penny – a black or brown pair looks just as good with cropped jeans and a t-shirt as they do chinos or suit trousers.

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White Sneakers

This one’s a no-brainer, considering menswear’s infatuation with all-thing active right now. White sneakers, in a low-cut silhouette and streamline shape, go with everything and anything. Jeans, chinos, and suit pants: just make sure to stick to dress codes (so maybe don’t wear them to a corporate or formal gig). And please, keep them clean.

BUY 

RELATED: How To Wear White Sneakers

Straight-Cut Denim

Straight-cut jeans will revolutionised your wardrobe. The not-too-loose, not-too-tight silhouette will see you wearing these jeans everyday, of your life (if work allows). Stick to a mid-blue wash – no rips or fading to keep them timeless – and don’t buy cropped, you can roll the cuff if, and when, needed.

Wear with a casual blazer and loafers for weekend-smarts or sneakers and tee for easy breezy summer style in the city.

Basic Tee

A well-fitting crew neck basic t-shirt compliments most necks, chests and sets of shoulders, so it’s every man’s style staple.

Kept white, black or navy, its rounded neckline (one that doesn’t plunge like its V-neck friend) can be worn in any setting: under a blazer for a casual suit look or with heritage-blue jeans and canvas tennis shoes, for a look Steve McQueen would nod at.

Navy Suit

A navy, two button, peak lapel suit with double vents – in a custom fit (never skinny) – is your perfect suit purchase. Pair it with black lace-ups and a crisp white shirt and tie combination for the office, or a cotton t-shirt and penny loafers – the jacket left open – for a summer suit look for the weekend. Stick to a wool or cotton fabric depending on your climate. The best part? Split it – wearing the jacket as a blazer with chinos.

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RELATED: 50+ Ways To Wear A Blue Suit

Black Tux

The black tux doesn’t get mentioned all that much in typical men’s style staple guides. And while you might only wear it once or twice a year, having one is essential. Taking you from black-tie to semi-formal, stick to a single button, dinner jacket with a shawl or peak lapel in sheeny grosgrain.

The trouser should be flat-fronted and tapered in the leg (but never skinny), letting the add-ons like bowtie, boutonniere and shoes liven up the tux. Again – split the jacket and trouser and you’ve got two new looks.

Oxford Shirt

The Oxford shirt can be worn off or on-duty due to its mid-weight cotton fabric and neat finish. Opting for white or blue (always office-appropriate with a tie) keep the cut and fit professional when tucked into suit pants or chinos. Meanwhile, the button-up looks great open-necked and with jeans. Sneakers or loafers? It’s up to you.

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RELATED: Gentlemen’s Guide To Shirt Tucking

Brown Brogues

Recognised for their punch hole design, brogue leather lace-ups are a smart shoe with a touch of va-va-voom in their aesthetic. In tan, chocolate or chestnut – a pair of brown leather brogues will slip seamlessly into your wardrobe and team well with plenty of outfits: smart or casually-so, and they’re a nice alternative to business black, pairing great with navy and grey pants. And mid-blue jeans.

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Black Lace-Ups

Black lace-ups have to leather, always. Depending on your work/life status, the will serve a more formal man’s needs, while the Derby – while still smart – boasts a less streamline design with its raised eyelet flaps and slightly wider/rounder frame these days.

Perfect for the office, weddings and dinner parties, the black leather lace-up will match your suit nicely. Worn casually, a cropped trouser or rolled denim is better.

Chinos

Chinos are cotton twill trousers. Getting more out of your chinos – for both smart and casual occasions – opt for pair in fine, mid weight twill. Wear your chinos lower on the hip that formal trouser, retaining the same rise and length in the leg and tapering toward the ankle.

Roll the cuff for a casual feel. And keep them a neutral – navy, khaki or black – avoiding bright colours.

RELATED: How To Rock Cropped Trousers

Casual Blazer

Ideal for summer, the casual blazer comes unstructured and lightweight in a fine wool or breezy cotton. Designed to give a sartorial lift to a mundane look, you can pair the casual blazer with an Oxford or common t-shirt, injecting chinos or jeans depending on your vibe.

Getting more from your jacket, keep the colour simple – keeping in mind other wardrobe pieces – then decide on what colour (and pattern – windowpane, perhaps?) is most suitable, if at all. Remember, plainer is simpler.

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Sweater

While there are plenty of sweaters, invest in a knit that’s just the right gauge: you want something weighty but slim – nothing too heavy that you can’t layer a jacket over the top. Like the t-shirt, the crew neck is the most versatile, and again – navy, charcoal, cream or beige – will give your more wear-value.

Team with favourite denim and trainers for sharp downtime style or dress it up with a pair of tailored trousers and some brogues, Derbies or loafers.

RELATED: How To Wear A Smart Sweater

Accessories

We’ve piled accessories into one category, as they are no-brainers (and don’t warrant their own dot point) really. Ties and pocket squares should be cotton or silk (the former knitted if you like) and never gaudy. The belt – always leather with a metal buckle, and match it to the metal of your ring and watch, or tie clip and lapel pin.

Quality cotton socks and underwear, in pure cotton, are sans question. Your mother should have taught you that. Finally, eyewear. Black wayfarers, metal aviators or brown tortoiseshell D-frames are three big-hitting, timeless sunglasses. Invest in a pair that matches your face shape and personal style.

The post Rebuild Your Wardrobe With These Essential Menswear Pieces appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve all seen them; know one, even…the incredibly stylish man.

Whether a stranger on the train or that annoyingly suave guy at work who’s always stealing your thunder, the stylish man gets around these days. And you know what? If you can’t beat them, join them.

And we don’t mean be a tosser. Here are the habits of incredibly stylish men who will get you over the line in work and play.

Know Yourself A Damn Good Tailor

The stylish man knows his sizing limitations. Models are sample size so only models can buy straight off the rack and walk out a men’s store feeling and looking like a million bucks.

To overcome the problem of long legs on trousers and sleeves that cover your hands, see someone with the gift of scissors, needle and thread – an alterations specialist. Nowadays it’s super affordable (and a lot cheaper than having your own suit custom-made) and super easy; when you buy new work pants, take the trousers straight to your fix-it man.

Put on some weight? Get the trousers let out to avoid looking like a squashed sausage. No matter how much you spend or how beautiful the fabric, there’s no faking it when it comes to suit fit.

Jackets that sag and baggy pants that slump look careless and serve as the ultimate antithesis to looking like the stylish gent you want to be.

Never Drop Your Shoe Game

It’s all about the shoes (and the suit and jeans and pressed shirt, but that’s another story).

Shoes are the first thing to be noticed when you meet someone for the first time. Rocking up to work in the latest Hugo boss mohair wool three-piece suit is killer. But wearing derby shoes that look like they have been chewed on and spat out is a crime against your colleagues and the beautiful suit itself.

Wipe your leather shoes with a damp cloth at the end of each day to remove dirt and dust and set aside an hour each Sunday to polish up your shoes ahead of the working week. A pair of beautifully made, expensive shoes will never stand their ground unpolished, torn, faded or dirty. Treat shoes like you do your oral hygiene.

Grooming Is Your Religion, Not A Choice

Starting with the hair, book your appointments well in advance with a reputable barber (none of this Just Cuts business). Even if it’s to trim the neck fluff or loose the impeding ball shape your hair is taking, four to six weeks is a good cycle to be on. Facial grooming now, the typical products –  face wash, exfoliation and moisturiser – should be done daily, preferably in the morning so you don’t forget before bed.

For the shaven gent, keep the face super clean, hair-free and shave the regrowth daily. For those working the five-o’clock-shadow look, keep in neat with a razor trim every two-three days. Beard lovers, trim your growth weekly. The most important thing about having a grooming routine is setting it in advance and sticking to it.

Invest In Your Key Pieces

Splurging on timeless pieces for the wardrobe is essential. This means investing in key fashion items that transcend what’s in trend for a season.

Stylish men take a more universal, simple approach. A slim pair of dark denim jeans, crisp white Oxford shirt, razor sharp casual blazer, camel trench, black wool trousers, leather carryall, plain white tee, leather derby shoes, aviator sunglasses – these are classic essentials and will get you started.

And because these are ‘investments’, buy these in the best quality fabrics (cashmere, merino wool, organic cotton, calfskin leather) you can. You’ll be wearing any one of these pieces every day.

Have A Bromance With Your Wardrobe

Getting acquainted with your wardrobe takes the ‘strangeness’ out of dressing each morning. Have a few key looks memorised for play and for work (pastel blue shirt, navy suit and dark tan brogues make for a tonal, smart, alternative to a ‘snore’ black and white business look).

Trying key pieces on together in advance can do this, or simply visualise the textures and colours coming together in your head. Organising your clothes in the closet helps getting to know them better.

Buy wooden hangers and space your clothes out so they become their own. You can get an idea what works or what’s missing by seeing them all lined up together and they don’t get crushed in the process.

For extra assertiveness the night before, lay out the following day’s outfit, including accessories. Then hang your pre-selected clothes in your wardrobe or if packing for travel, lie them straight into the suitcase.

Exude An Air Of Confidence

Stylish men carry themselves with confidence. There is nothing more unattractive than a guy who looks like he’s trying too hard while looking incredibly uncertain about himself.

The confident man makes fashion, even the bold pieces, look like part of his god-given anatomy. He owns his look, because it’s an authentic expression of his personality and who he is.

But the insecure jock is shifty and unsettled (evident with his body language) and his appearance will be noticeably self-conscious – fiddling with things, playing with his buttons, and looking at himself in every mirror or reflective window he can find.

The clothes are wearing him, and not the other way around. Before you step out the house ask yourself this: Am I happy with how I look today? There’s no point wearing something that isn’t you, just because it’s a trend. If yes, go face the world.

From here, be authentic, take the occasional risk to challenge who you are and then, don’t give your outfit a second thought.

Keeping One’s Self In Check

With the time, effort and often serious money spent on clothes and looking the part, letting it all come undone during the day is not an option for the stylish gent. So keep yourself in check.

Not that we’re suggesting being that self-conscious guy in the previous point who can’t leave himself alone. It’s more about assertively making sure you aren’t letting things slip: flies zipped, shirt neatly re-tucked, and belt fasten properly and threaded threw all waist loops after a loo-stop.

Lop-sided ties and a knot that’s not sharp looks messy, too; while a big tomato sauce stain on a work suit after lunch is a deadly style sin.

Keeping things simple: check yourself each time you use the bathroom, scanning (using a mirror is best) head to toe for any random cling-ons, hang-outs and open-things that may have ‘happened’ since you left the house.

The post The Habits Of Well-Dressed Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’re big fans of luxury. The fit and finish of something quality is well worth the rather expensive price tag. But, if you’re one of those guys who’s wearing (or eating) his paycheck week to week, it’s time to start learning how to look cool without spending too much money.

Today’s stylish men work with a combination of classics and ‘investment’ pieces, plus ‘trend’ pieces that refresh the wardrobe. So, it’s about finding the perfect balance, explains Asos marketing manager, Vanessa Carver.

“Men should be making fashion decisions that are driven by both style and practicality,” says Carver, adding that a good starting point is buying items that have a bit of longevity. “Rather than directional trend pieces that might be terrific for one season but may not have the lengthiest shelf-life. These give you less wear for your buck,” adds Carver.

Helping you save those pennies for a rainy day (or one of these bad boys), here’s our guide to shopping on a budget. Frugal it may be, but there’s certainly no scrooge-ing on style here.

Purchase Timeless Pieces

Timeless: “not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.” If you’re not one for spending money every other season on fresh pieces to reestablish your wardrobe, then you have to shop timeless fashion items.

Things like bomber jackets, slim-fit jeans, low-cut sneakers and Chambray shirts are a great start, while classic tailoring tends to look like a dark blue suit — a two-piece, in a medium weight wool so it can be split and worn in both summer and winter. Footwear should be a white low-cut sneaker and a pair of neutral leather dress shoes — essential footwear for the well-dressed man.

Find Your Brands

Saving money is also linked to finding your brands, those that suit your body type and your lifestyle, and then go with them (saving style experimentation for when you’ve got the dosh to do so).

“Definitely experiment with different cuts and shapes to find out what works best for you,” says Carver. For example, some brands are too youth-y for the not-so-young gents, meaning their aesthetic is relatively casual and clothing silhouettes are designed for lean and lanky body types, not for dressing the dadbod.

“Different brands tend to fit or size slightly differently – one might do the perfect button-down Oxford shirt, another nails the perfect fit for jeans – so it’s good to have a mix and match approach to style, instead of being wedded to one specific brand, head to toe,” she adds. “So, definitely mix it up.”

Fit It Right

Proper fitting clothes make you look more expensive. If you can’t afford a bespoke or made-to-measure suit, then buy a cheaper version off the rack, and have it altered.

“Buy off the rack or online and find a good neighbourhood tailor to tweak it,” says Carver. “It might just be to take in the legs for a slightly more tapered look, having the hems shortened to for a little bare ankle with a loafer or white sneaker, or getting the jacket nipped in for a leaner silhouette.”

Read The Label

The fabric ingredients will also dictate just how expensive an item looks, not what it actually costs. So, it pays to read the label before you buy. The place of manufacturing origin is important. While Made In Italy is reserved for luxury items, countries such as Portugal and Turkey are up-and-coming garment hubs producing quality clothing and shoes, at a more affordable price.

The other reason to read? “The fabric quality. The tag will tell you what the yarn makeup of the garment your looking at,” says Carver. Aim for natural fibres: pure cotton or wool, or a blend of the two, reducing the amount of polyester, which tends to look and feel cheap.

More affordable brands are making fashion items with more natural fibre content nowadays — Uniqlo, Asos, Topman — as well as these Aussie menswear brands that won’t break the bank, meaning you can get a pure cotton t-shirt for a fraction of the cost of luxury brand one. “Don’t pay for a name,” says Carver.

Know What To Invest In

Bomber jackets are not only this year’s hero outerwear piece, but you’ll also get more seasonal wear out of it compared to heavier wool coats, which are usually more expensive too. “Instead of investing in a heavy wool pea coat that’s not going to get a lot of use in the Australian climate beyond winter, you might go for a cool bomber instead,” says Carver. “That will keep you warm in winter but will also get a good run in spring, worn open with a t-shirt.”

Other spend-the-money pieces, says Carver, are dress shoes, eyewear and tailoring. “Invest in quality classics like a really great pair of brogues, sunglasses and a great-fitting suit that are wardrobe essentials for every guy.”

Basically, your wallet won’t be hurt with longevity items. “Things like a good pair of jeans that you can live in and a clean pair of sneakers such as Stan Smiths (which are relatively affordable as footwear) are great,” says Carver. The latter goes with everything. “Pair with jeans or shorts in summer and with a relaxed suit or trouser for nights.”

And What To Skimp On

Fashion is meant to be fun. So, don’t go dressing like a minimalist — in head to toe neutrals, void of patterns or prints — simply to get the most wear out of your wardrobe. Trends — loud and proud — are worth purchasing too. But if you’re on a budget, directional or one-season pieces are not the things to be spending hundreds on, says Carver.

“Once you have those key investment pieces, you can keep your style game fresh by pairing these with affordable trend pieces like a cool souvenir jacket, a 70s-style striped bowling shirt or a logo tee from the 90s sportswear revivalists like Fila or Ellesse,” she adds.

Final Word

So, if you want to save money and get the most from your wardrobe as a stylish man, do buy classic. “You can wear these pieces again and again and not look like you’re outfit repeating,” says Carver.

The post How To Dress Well When You're A Bit Of A Tight-Arse appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Updating your digs is not a lot different to updating your wardrobe. Depending on if you want to add a couple of key pieces or do a complete overhaul, it is a balancing act of your style, budget and lifestyle. Decorating doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task though. Here are some expert tips to start you thinking about your home interior.

The magic of monochrome

I adore the simplicity of black, grey and white. The classic monochrome scheme is a good starting point. It’s classic, clean, simple and you can’t go too wrong. I recommend purchasing big ticket items (lounge, storage, flooring etc) in these monochrome neutral colours.

Furniture is an investment and I’m a big believer in ‘you get what you pay for’. When going to the effort and expense of buying a piece of furniture, you generally intend to have it for years to come. With a blank canvas of neutrals, let the fun with colour begin.

Then add a little colour

You don’t have to be in primary school to have a favourite colour. We all have colour preferences and if you’re not sure what yours is, have a quick look at your clothes and see if there is a trend in what you buy. We generally wear colours we like.

Another way to figure out a colour palette is the process of elimination. What colours don’t you like? Everything goes with monochrome, but if you would like to play it safe on the colour front, select one of your favourites and use it in its different shades (Eg blue = powder blue, medium blue and navy).

Add colour to your home with smaller homeware products – lamps, cushions, bedspread and art. When it comes time to refurbish down the track, they are much easier items to update than a lounge is! Another simple way to introduce a few different colours into your space, is if you have a colourful artwork, pick some of the colours out (stick to about 3) and buy your homewares in this scheme. (Photo Credit: Mim Design)

Fill those empty walls

Too many empty walls can sometimes give a space a sterile feel. Art isn’t only for cashed up wheeling and dealing collectors. There are a lot of great options out there and it is another fantastic way to add interest to your home. My advice is to stick to original art if you can.

Many artists (established and up and coming) also produce limited edition prints of their work, which are a more cost-effective way to start building your collection. If you are handy with a camera, hit the streets and start shooting and frame your creativity! If photography is not your thing, perhaps you know someone in your network that will give or sell you some of their shots that you can print and frame.

Buy things that make you happy (no not, drugs)

Your home is your sanctuary and it should reflect your lifestyle and personality. Thought is put into every purchase you make, whether it be a new shirt, TV or car. We buy things because we like them. They make us happy.

Shopping for your home interior has the same principles. We are all attracted to different fashions, eras and colours, whether we realize it or not. Whatever style you like, it can be translated into the decoration of your home. Have a think about your hobbies, sports, interests, favourite fashion brands etc and introduce them in your own way.

It could be in the form of photography that you hang on the wall, beautiful coffee table books, vintage collectables or sculptural items. Remember, not everything in your home has to have a practical purpose. Decorative pieces are the things that add personality to your pad.

RELATED: Lighting Design Ideas That Will Transform Your Home

The post Home Decorating Rules Every Man Should Be Able To Follow… Yes, Even You appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Maybe COVID-19 could be the jolt Australia’s luxury industry needed to fire on all cylinders? Last year we reported on the Australian high end hotel industry’s dining renaissance, this year it appears the world of fitness is due for an upgrade.

Enter: 1R, a UK based boutique gym operator whose ‘god tier’ gyms have have been called, among other things, the ‘King of Gyms’ and ‘Concrete Jungles.’ A place where high intensity training meets reformer pilates, where boxing classes take place in futuristic looking studios, where you can pay per class, where there are Dyson hairdryers in the bathrooms and where Prosecco flows freely of a Friday night.

Gyms truly are the new nightclubs.

1R today launched its first boutique club in Australia, in Melbourne’s new Capitol Grand building, South Yarra. With Melburnians springing out of their third lockdown, and now being allowed back in the gyms, the timing is on point.

Founded in 2015, 1R opened its first flagship club in London by James Balfour (son of Mike Balfour, Fitness First founder) when he realised the old school gym model was in need of a (friendly) throttling.

1R Melbourne is a 800 square metre concrete jungle taking over two levels (the brand’s biggest club to date) and is redefining the fitness landscape globally with its three unique training concept methods: Reshape, Rumble and Reformer. Each class runs for 45 minutes and is a high intensity, grueling workout that is perfectly timed to the beat of the music curated and compiled by local DJs.

The club also has a bar on its first level, which serves smoothies and espresso throughout the day and prosecco and beer come dark. In terms of ~vibes~, 1R has a futuristic look and feel, from its front of house and espresso bar down to its Repair room, created and executed by Foolscap Studios, which has an international client list and presence.

1R CEO Amanda Macleantold DMARGE: “Australian’s have always led the way in the world of fitness and we are one of the most active countries in the world. But with the pandemic, we have developed a new and heightened appreciation for fitness, for health. At the same time, this past year has taught us that our time, and our experiences, are more valuable than anything.”

“We may be more expensive than your standard 24 hour gym, but what we create is a premium, truly boutique fitness experience that has never before been seen in Australia, and cannot be replicated in any other setting.”

“Working out at 1R is an experience, not a chore. One that begins from the moment that you walk through the door. Every space within our club has been designed and curated with precision to heighten and intensify a specific feeling – be it one of adrenaline and nerves (the alley), strength and power (the studios) or calm and serenity (the changing rooms).”

“By creating an experience, we take away the pain of exercise. Instead of dreading another workout, our customers look forward to their next class. 1R sessions are powerful, addictive and so much more than just a workout. And that’s worth paying for.”

Read Next

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The post Australians Paying A Premium For London Inspired Designer Gyms appeared first on DMARGE Australia.