America is more divided than it’s ever been. On one side you’ve got vegans getting hung up about dreadlock etiquette, on the other there’s ‘carnivore dieters’ are agitating for their right to own a stash of guns that would make Saddam Hussein blush.That’s a cruel caricature of the country, but you get the picture.Then there are the Trump supporters that last week stormed the United States Capitol to halt the certification of the President-Elect. This led to the evacuation of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, with “the US capital descend[ing] into chaos after a massive security breach allowed a mob of rioters to enter the supposedly fortified complex, smashing through windows and making it as far as the Senate floor,” The Sydney Morning Herald reports. They continue:

“Trump posted a video on Twitter telling the protesters to go home, but also repeated the false assertions that the election had been stolen which had inspired his supporters to storm the Capitol.”

“Biden demanded Trump go on national television to call for an end to the ‘insurrection.'”In response to the news, travel blogger Valerie Joy (founder of Trusted Travel Girl) posted the following comment to both Twitter and Instagram.

“Next time you tell me to be afraid of visiting another country that you don’t know anything about, please replay a tape from the attempted coup in America today.thx bye.”

The statement highlights a double standard many Americans hold – the tendency to forgive or play down the dangers of your own culture or country (or those similar to the one you grew up in).

 

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A post shared by Valerie Joy Wilson Traveler (@trustedtravelgirl)

To a degree this is understandable. It’s the fear of the unknown vs. the numbness of everyday horrors. You eventually get inured to stuff. But whatever the case – it’s worth thinking harder about.The statement resonated with Instagram users around the world, with various providing their own experience of the same phenomenon.One commenter shared how her mother criticised her decisions to travel to countries like Cambodia and Tanzania in 2018/19 because they were supposedly “dangerous” but didn’t bat an eyelid when she travelled to the United States:

“The amount of people that feared for my life when I lived in Cambodia was unprecedented. I felt safer being alone there than I do in the States most of the time.”

Others weighed in with similar comments: “if I saw this happening in another country I’d be shook,” wrote one. Another put it more succinctly: “this is embarrassing for our ‘democracy.'”This also comes in a context where Americans are often warned not to travel to dangerous areas in their own country, like the La Perla neighbourhood in San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital.

 

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A post shared by Puerto Rico (@puertoricocompartetuisla)

Prior to today’s events, travel blogger Nomadic Matt had already been encouraging professional globetrotters to look at the bigger picture once international travel picks back up again – a sentiment Valerie Joy and many other bloggers have since retweeted.

When we can all widely travel again, I hope we treat destinations and cultures with the depth and specialness they deserve and not as merely random backdrops for Instagram photos.

— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) January 5, 2021

Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20th.

Read Next

• Controversial Bondi Beach Photo Depicts Scene That Could Never Happen In America 
• The Psychology Of Travel Shaming; Australia’s Latest Plague

The post 'I Felt Safer Being Alone There Than I Do In The States Most Of The Time' appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Drake is easily one of the most successful musicians of the 21st century.The Canadian hip-hop artist, actor and entrepreneur went from humble beginnings as part of the Degrassi reboot cast to becoming one of the biggest rappers in the world, selling literally millions of records and securing dozens of accolades including 4 Grammys, 2 VMAs and 27 Billboard Music Awards.Outside of music, Drake’s picked up endorsement deals; collaborated with alcohol and clothing brands; founded his own music label and production company; and become an ambassador for his favourite sports team, the Toronto Raptors. All of this and more has blessed the rapper with a net worth of over $150 million.Hell, Drake’s so valuable and so influential that he’s worth as much as 5% of Toronto’s almost $9 billion tourist economy, his hometown making bank on being associated with him, VICE News reports.The point we’re trying to make is that he’s very, very wealthy. And when you’ve got almost unparalleled economic and social capital, you’re able to do some ridiculous stuff – like buy a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch and then get it customised by celebrity fashion designer Virgil Abloh.‘The 6 God’ showed off his exorbitant timepiece on his Instagram Story last night, the first time many of his fans have had a good look at the priceless piece of wrist candy. Ignore the Jacob & Co. tag – Drake must have got confused. When you’ve got as many expensive watches as he does, it’s understandable. We guess.

The watch itself is a derivation of a ref. 5726, which features an annual calendar and moonphase complication. It’s hard to figure out what the watch’s base price is, but for comparison’s sake, a Nautilus ref. 5726/1A-014 – a stainless steel version of the reference with an accompanying steel bracelet – is worth around $130,000.But once you add the literally hundreds of emeralds and diamonds into the equation (not to mention the value of a Virgil Abloh cosign) this watch could easily be worth seven figures.RELATED: Decoding The Hidden Genius Behind Virgil Abloh’s Mercedes-Benz CollaborationDrake has a bit of a soft spot for outrageous custom watches. Last year he lavishly flaunted a similarly bedazzled Chrome Hearts x Rolex Day-Date that we estimate is worth over $280,000, and also showed off a 1017 ALYX 9SM x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak which would easily be worth a quarter of a million dollars in its own right.Chrome Hearts, Matthew M. Williams, Virgil Abloh… Imagine being able to get some of the world’s most in-demand brands and designers to make watches for you. It’s not just watches, either: Drake also enlisted Abloh on the design of his private jet, which features ‘AIR DRAKE’ and ‘ABLOH ENGINEERING’ decals.Drake’s not done flexing in 2021 either. His upcoming sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy, is set to come out sometime this month. That will no doubt go gangbusters and add a few extra million to the man’s bank account – so maybe we’ll see some even more lavish custom watches on his wrist in the near future.

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• Travis Scott Flaunts Rare ‘X-Rated’ $1 Million Richard Mille Watch
• Sergio Ramos Hints At ‘Alternative’ Post Football Career While Flexing Fresh Rolex

The post Drake Wears Virgil Abloh Designed Patek Philippe Watch appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Jared Leto. David Beckham. Zayn Malik. Harry Styles. Brad Pitt. Patrick Dempsey. Zac Efron. Simon Baker. Conan O’Brien. Steve from Stranger Things. These and other celebrity hair gods have given us major mane envy over the years. Whether it’s good genes or superstar stylists behind their strands, we yearn to follow in their impeccably groomed footsteps.So we clean, condition, blow dry, brush, comb, trim, dye, bleach, style, and pray for the perfect locks of our hair heroes… and in the process, we do more harm than good.Your grooming habits may be putting your hair through the ringer, causing problems ranging from split ends to dry scalp to uncontrollable frizz. It may even be accelarating the natural signs of aging. If your regular routine includes any of these 10 things, your cluelessness may be causing hair damage that could turn permanent with no intervention.

Overwashing

While clean hair is a plus in anyone’s book, washing too often strips your scalp of the natural oils that protect it and keep your hair shiny and healthy. Wet hair is also more prone to breakage, and if you dye it, frequent shampoos will fade your colour quickly. Experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days, rather than daily. Invest in dry shampoo to extend the time between washes, and if you regularly work up the kind of sweat that requires a rinse, try skipping shampoo on some days in favour of plain H20, a good scrub to the scalp, and a small dash of conditioner on the ends only.

Ultra Hot Showers

James Bond is a fan of cold showers and you should be too. There’s scientific evidence that turning down the heat leads to a number of physical and mental benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased energy. Also on that list is healthier skin and hair – because hot water is especially prone to stripping your body’s natural oils, it can cause dandruff and encourages your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate. Greaseball is no one’s best look.

Not Getting Necessary Nutrients

What you put in your body has a huge effect on what your body is able to put out. Deprive it of essential vitamins and nutrients and it’s impossible to feel, function, or look your best. Your hair is made of a protein called keratin, so make sure sufficient protein is part of your diet. Omega-3s, iron, zinc, biotin, and plenty of water are also vital for hair health. Nuts, fish, legumes, fruits, and greens should be on regular rotation in your kitchen.

Wet Styling

When you’re caught up in the morning rush, it’s tempting to hop out of the shower, run a comb and some product through your hair, and dart out the door at record speeds. Resist the temptation. Wet hair is weaker than dry hair, so when you assault your sopping strands with a brush or comb, you risk breakage or tearing them out altogether. If you must detangle, use a wide-toothed comb and work from the ends to your roots to minimise damage.

Smoking

The negative effects of smoking go far beyond your lungs. Smoking allows free radicals to accumulate in the body and damage cells, including the follicles that produce hair. Lighting up also constricts your blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow to the scalp and depriving your hair of the nourishment it needs. Studies have even linked smoking to premature thinning and greying. Toss the tobacco unless you like having dull, brittle tresses that are prone to breakage and smell like a stale ashtray.

Product Overload

Less is more when it comes to your mane. There’s no need to use an excessive amount of shampoo or conditioner, nor should you layer product upon product when you get out of the shower. Using too many at once only weighs down your hair, prevents moisture from reaching the hair shaft, and turns your scalp into a greasy, dirty mess. At most, choose one styling product and one finishing product. Use them sparingly, and only apply from the mid-shaft to the ends.

Vicious Towel Drying

There are better ways to take out your stress than to treat your head like Buddha’s belly. All that rubbing as you towel dry may feel like an effective way to soak up the wet, but in the process you’re roughing up the cuticle and causing frizz. Air drying or gently blotting with a towel is healthier for your hair. Some experts even recommend blotting with paper towels for maximum gentleness.

Infrequent Cuts

The only real way to remove damaged hair is to cut the section in question. Visiting your barber for regular trims keeps split ends at bay, and prevents any damage from spreading up your strands. Even if you’re growing your hair out, have it snipped about every six weeks (just tell your stylist that you only want the bare minimum removed).

Exposure To Environmental Hazards

Like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun to maintain optimal health. Ongoing exposure can damage or dry it out, so wear a hat or look for products with UV protection if you know you’ll be spending time outdoors. Chlorine can also wreak havoc on your locks, so try to limit pool time and when you do go swimming, shower first and leave your hair wet (or apply a leave-in conditioner) to prevent it from absorbing the offending chemicals.

Man Bun Addiction

The modern era’s most controversial hairstyle may be causing premature balding. A man bun – or a ponytail, or any other tight style – could trigger ‘traction alopecia’, a gradual hair loss caused by a continuous pulling force on the hairline. Hair ties can also irritate hair strands and cause breakage. An effortlessly cool loose look is safest if you want your locks to last.

The post Common Habits That Could Be Causing Irreversible Damage To Your Hair appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Australia is home to many tourist attractions. Some are well known to locals, but blow travellers’ minds (read: the snow). Then there are some that even people who have grown up Down Under are completely oblivious to.Enter: the following photo. Featuring @alanamcdonald_, one half of travel duo @laplivin, the image depicts a little known gem off the NSW coast (14 kilometres northeast of Port Stephens).

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A post shared by New South Wales (@visitnsw)

The image was reposted by @visitnsw on Sunday. As @visitnsw points out, at first glance you might think this is somewhere in Europe.

“You’d be forgiven if you thought this was a postcard from Greece!”

But the truth is: “These turquoise waters are brought to you by Broughton Island on the @barringtoncoast.”

“Broughton Island is part of Myall Lakes National Park off the southern boundary of the Barrington Coast, and is only accessible by boat.”

Even after reading this caption, various Instagram users struggled to believe what they were seeing.“First time in 60 years I’ve heard of the Barrington Coast, is this something new or something that’s been hidden forever?” one wrote.“I’m so glad to see this is in my own state, I just wish I knew about it last week when I was down the… coast…bummer!” another commented.

“There is an island off the Barrington coast?!”

“Great spot for camping but worst drop toilets I’ve ever seen,” indulged another.Speaking to DMARGE, @alanamcdonald_ said Broughton Island is “a beautiful spot that not many people know about.”

“A lot of people don’t realise how much Australia has to offer. Every state has something different. Everyone thinks you need to go overseas to see beautiful places but you don’t.”

It’s not just NSW hiding ‘far flung’ looking gems.National Geographic published & award-winning ocean photographer @jordan_robins also recently had one of his photos featured on @visitnsw. His photo depicts a cave in the Jervis Bay Marine Park.

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A post shared by New South Wales (@visitnsw)

“We hope you packed your scuba tank, because @visitshoalhaven will leave you breathless,” the image is captioned.

“Whether you’re an experienced diver or a keen learner, Jervis Bay Marine Park is a diver’s wonderland for all levels. Go on a tour with @divejervisbay to find the best sea caves in the area!”

The takeaway? You don’t need to head to Lagos or Thailand to explore Instagram worthy caves. They exist in abundance at home – if you know where to look. This was subtly reinforced with hashtags like “openforbusiness” and “exploringaustralia,” encouraging travellers to get out and support regional business (notably, the image was posted before Sydney’s latest Covid clusters came about).

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A post shared by Jordan Robins (@jordan_robins)

Jervis Bay is located a three and a half hour’s drive south from Sydney and makes for the perfect weekender – or longer – for anyone who likes swimming, hiking, eating seafood, lazing on the beach or surfing.RELATED: Epic Day Trips From Sydney Everyone Should Take In the comments beneath the above @visitnsw photo various followers expressed their appreciation. “WOW! This looks absolutely AMAZING,” one wrote.“Road trip,” another commented, tagging a friend.

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A post shared by Ant Williams (@freediveguy)

Freediver Ant Williams also recently posted a photo, which looks rather far-flung. Taken near Mount Gambier in South Australia, Williams can be seen diving in a “spooky” pond.

“This pond would have to be one of my favourites. Underneath me the cave sinks down further 25m filled with crystal clear spring water. After this was taken we explored a mystery sinkhole on a farmers land nearby. Trying to find the bottom was a spooky experience!”

Covid restrictions pending, maybe it’s time to go explore?

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• The Wilderness Skill Australians Think They Know But Really Don’t 

The post Broughton Island Will Blow Your Mind appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you’ve entered 2021 looking a little worse for wear, you will have undoubtedly set yourself the New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get into good shape. Of course, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome to achieve said goal is summoning the motivation and dedication to commit to a fitness regime and a new diet to go along with it.

Securing yourself a good personal trainer can help kickstart your new fitness journey, and you will be able to show them images of physiques you’ve seen on Instagram that you want to achieve. Naturally, Instagram should be taken with a grain of salt, as the people in the images could have manipulated them using Photoshop, or they’ve been working out since they could crawl.

One particular post that caught our eye recently, however, provides a much more honest approach to what can be achieved if you devote some serious time to the gym. Posted to the Tanksgoodnews account, one man has revealed his incredible transformation achieved over the course of 12 months.

 

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A post shared by Good News (@tanksgoodnews)

It must be said, achieving such results in what is realistically a short period of time, is nothing short of seriously impressive, especially when you consider super-ripped middle-aged Jason Parrish took a couple of decades to reach his staggeringly low levels of body fat. It would also be fair to assume that this man put himself through a serious fitness regime for the first time, which, as this Instagram post shows, is the prime time to achieve maximum muscle growth.

In your first year of training, you can expect to gain around 2 lbs/900g of muscle each month, but in subsequent years this figure will slowly decline. This is a known phenomenon within the fitness industry, referred to as a plateau. When you come from no major fitness background, your body will be shocked when you start putting it through its paces. Your body will react well to this and you’ll notice your fat mass drop and your muscle mass increase significantly.

Once you have some decent size and strength, it then becomes more difficult – or at least, more effort is required – to continue to make significant gains. In order to maximise your potential, you will need to make sure you’re eating in a calorie surplus, which, as you continue to grow in size, will need to increase too.

The number of calories you need to consume, as well as the amount of training you need to put your body through, will also be determined by your body type, whether it be ectomorph, endomorph or mesomorph. While endomorphs will find it easiest to gain muscle, they will also gain body fat if they don’t work out in the right ways. Ectomorphs, meanwhile, will struggle to gain mass of any kind, but Jaden Smith has previously proved that this body type can still achieve incredible results.

Ultimately, anyone can achieve the body transformation of their dreams, they just need to stick to a program and eat the right foods. While you may not see quite the same results in 12 months, don’t let this put you off. Maintaining a routine will not only result in a healthy body, but a healthy mind, too.

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• American Couple’s Incredible Fitness Transformation Proves The Power Of Simple Changes

The post 12 Month Transformation – One Man’s Incredible Journey appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In Australia it’s 18. In Belgium it’s 16. In Japan it’s 20. In America it’s 21. Legal drinking ages around the world vary. What doesn’t, is that the day you are able to purchase your first legal beer tends to be a special moment.

Matt Goodman wished his father could have been there with him when he turned 21. Physically he wasn’t – his dad had passed away from esophageal cancer six years earlier. But in spirit, he was celebrating.

How? Little did Matt know but his dad had already made plans to attend, leaving his mum and sister a $10 bill to give to him when he turned 21, with which to buy him his first legal beer.

On December 6, 2020, the Massachusetts man used the money to buy his first drink as a 21-year-old.

He shared the moment with a photo on Twitter, dedicating it to his dad. The post at the time of writing has received 541.8k likes, 27.7k retweets and 1.1k comments.

almost 6 years ago before my dad passed he gave my sister this 10$ bill to give to me on my 21st birthday so he could buy me my first beer, cheers pops havin this one for you! pic.twitter.com/oaIulpEJTc

— Matt Goodman (@mattg12699) December 6, 2020

“Knowing that he thought about a future big moment in my life meant everything, because even being gone he still did whatever he could to make my 21st birthday,” Goodman told CNN.

“It was probably the best present I’ve ever gotten.”

“Not having him around has obviously been the toughest thing in my life since he was my best friend,” Goodman told CNN. “He was a huge goofball that would do anything in the world to make me happy.”

RELATED: Beer Is The Unlikely Secret To A Stable Society, Study Suggests

CNN also reports that when he was alive, “John Goodman made sure to never miss a big moment in his son’s life. He was there for every game, every birthday and every heartbreak.”

“Buying his son his first beer only made sense.”

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The post Dad Leaves Son $10 To Buy His First Legal Beer… Ten Years After Death appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The early days of the pandemic saw airlines ramp up their air filtration. Medical grade filters were introduced and all sorts of extra hygiene measures came in too. Likewise, many gyms picked up their cleanliness, with some even installing eerie ultraviolet cleaning lights.

Not it’s hotels’ turn to join the revolution. The New York Times reports the newest hotel amenity is “virus scrubbed” air. Coming in on top of previously observed measures like electrostatic spraying and – as mentioned – UV light exposure, could “virus scrubbed” air give people’s travel confidence a much-needed boost?

“The best amenity that any hotel could provide under those circumstances is safety, especially in the air,” Carlos Sarmiento, the general manager of the Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso, Texas, told The New York Times. The 1912 vintage hotel Sarmiento works for recently reopened after a four-year renovation, which included the installation of a new air purification system.

It’s not alone in its renewed focus on hygiene.

Neil Jacobs, chief executive officer of Six Senses, whose 18-hotel portfolio has installed chemical-free ozone cleaning systems that use electrically-charged oxygen molecules to rid the air of bacteria, viruses, and odors, told Bloomberg in 2020, “Frankly, [such measures are] as much about keeping the employees safe as it is the guests safe.”

The Leela Palace New Delhi is also among the number of hotels now advertising their air filtration systems.

 

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A post shared by (@theleelapalacenewdelhi)

The air filtration system industry has seen something of a boom in the last twelve months with many hotels following airlines’ lead in buying hospital-grade, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters claim to be 99 percent effective in capturing tiny virus particles, including Covid 19.

How do the filters work? Bipolar ionization – they send charged ions out on air currents “that damage the surface of the virus and inactivate it,” (The New York Times). “They may also bind with the virus aerosols, causing them to fall or be more easily filtered out.”

Some experts remain skeptical. As The New York Times reports, “ASHRAE, a professional society of air-conditioning, heating and refrigerating engineers, notes that the technology is still ’emerging’ and lacks ‘scientifically-rigorous, peer-reviewed studies.'”

However, the claim “virus free air is the new travel essential” seems to be getting louder and louder. It’s almost an industry buzzword. And with the “99% effective” claims kicking around, we can see why.

Read Next

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• Intriguing ‘Silver Lining’ Imminent For Luxury Hotel Industry

The post Hotel Cleaning Standards They Will Be Judged By In 2021 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Nothing says opulence like a gold watch.Not only is real gold immediately recognisable and immediately eye-catching, but it’s also a clear sign of wealth: with gold currently fetching just under 81 AUD a gram (and continuing to enjoy a steady rise, ABC News reports), you can be carrying around several thousand dollars of value in raw materials alone.But gold has two big downsides when it comes to watchmaking. Firstly, gold is quite heavy compared to other common watch materials such as steel or titanium, so it’s arguably less comfortable. Secondly, gold is quite a soft material, so it’s scratched and damaged quite easily.It’s less shiny if it’s scratched, too – so many gold watch owners elect to get their watches polished after a few years of wear and tear. Polishing a gold watch is a painstaking process that requires a great deal of expertise and a steady hand. It’s a process that’s mesmerising to watch as well. Case in point: this video from YouTube’s CRM Jewelers.CRM Jewelers give us a glimpse inside the workshop of Miami-based watch repair studio Chrono Sky as they polish an 18ct yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master II (ref. 116688). The 44mm chronograph, which retails for 61,350 AUD (~ 47,580 USD) and contains over 192g of gold is a favourite of celebrities like Conor McGregor, David Beckham and Mark Wahlberg. Being a Rolex, you need to have Midas’ touch to be able to work on it (we’ll see ourselves out…)Chrono Sky’s experts effortlessly restore the scratched Yacht-Master II to its former glory – but as the video reveals, it comes at quite the cost.While the polishing process is incredibly satisfying to watch, CRM Jewelers relate that despite the lightness of Chrono Sky’s touch, the watch has lost a not-insignificant amount of value.The maths works out like this: polishing removed 0.85g of gold from the watch. Using this morning’s gold price of 81 AUD a gram, and remembering that 18ct gold is only about 75% pure gold, polishing has removed 51.64 AUD worth of gold. (The video’s figures are different, as they’re not only calculating in USD but also using an outdated, lower gold price.)RELATED: Finance Expert’s Warning For Australians Investing In GoldBut that $51.64 figure is somewhat misleading, as the raw material value of a watch is only a portion of its price. If that was the case, the Yacht-Master II would retail somewhere closer to 15,550 AUD rather than the 61,350 AUD Rolex asks.Many watch nerds consider polishing or aggressively restoring a watch, particularly a vintage watch, utterly sinful. Scratches tell a story: it’s almost impossible to re-create the natural wear and tear a watch accumulates over time from day-to-day usage; the battle scars of a well-loved watch.One YouTube commenter put it best: “it’s not about the grams that it loses, it’s about the original patina that in time [will make it] lose value.”It might be counter-intuitive, but a watch with more patina can sometimes fetch a higher price over one that’s not as worn. Take these two otherwise identical Rolex GMT-Master IIs (ref. 1675) that sold last year in Sydney: the more worn one sold for $7,000 more than the less worn one. The argument could be made that by polishing this Yacht-Master II, they’ve damaged its value in the long run.It’s a contentious debate, for sure. The other side of the debate would say that people should be able to do whatever they want with their watches. If they’d rather polish their watch and keep it looking flawless, by all means. But it won’t stay that way forever, and there’s a limit to how much you can (or should) polish a watch, especially a gold watch.

Read Next

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The post Polishing Your Watch – The Good, Bad & Ugly appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The gilet has garnered some rather unfashionable attention in recent years. The very functional garment was pumped up by unattractive outdoor wear brands in the early noughties and since then, ‘practical’ tourists and dad-ish men have been parading the hiking-appropriate, puffer vest as an acceptable fashion piece.

But the gilet, as an undergarment or top layer, will help combat frustrating trans-seasonal weather. Here’s how to befriend the sleeveless jacket for any type of wardrobe or shifty weather season.

How To Wear A Gilet Vest

Like most active, outdoor or sports pieces, the gilet has very much evolved over the last 15 years. While it’s still designed to keep you warm, the gilet is no longer just oversized and puffy – it’s slimmed down quite a bit. Add to that an increase in more fashionable gilet colours and patterns – and a shift for glossy quilting to matte shells – and the gilet is a go-to fashion piece for men as each winter season rolls around.

Evaluate Your Needs

Before you buy, evaluate your fashion needs. What type of gilet is both practical and aesthetically in tune with your style? Like a topcoat or blazer, gilets come in many forms today. From heritage matte styles (think woollen, tweed, cord or denim) to more technical shiny kinds (satiny nylons and water-resistant fibres), let the ‘style’ and ‘finish’ of the gilet be suited to your lifestyle. As well as pleasing to the eye.

Keep It Versatile

Having said that, fashion pieces should be interchangeable and serve a purpose in a few different outfit genres. This requires a gilet that is versatile. An easy way? Keep it neutral in tone, slim fit and not too puffy. Workable hues include black, grey, navy or forest sliding on over a casual polo shirt and chino combination or in between a topcoat and tailored suit; style that works.

Gilet Vest Layering

That last line flows in this next one: layers. The gilet has found itself to be a dab hand as a layering piece, whether it be in between, under or over other fashion pieces and to flesh-out a winter look. So, don’t be shy with experimentation, mixing together creative layering combinations for on and off-duty occasions.

Fashion-savvy men are looking to textured, quilted gilets and wearing them over blazers or in contrast coloured vests under neutral overcoats. Some are even working the gilet as a quasi-waistcoat, opting for ultra thin varieties under a blazer. Play around with combinations and take inspiration from fashion icons. The best way to know if the gilet works for you is to try.

Need more inspiration? Here are four foolproof ways for rock the gilet:

Gilet Vest With Shirt & Tie

As a waist coat, the gilet needs to be trim and slim; coming in a lighter quilting and with a focus on the cut. This way, the gilet is a stylish alternative to the waistcoat and some much needed warmth under a suit jacket in the winter months. In a streamline fit without sleeves, the gilet won’t bulk out your jacket (especially in the chest and arms) – a problem most men have when layering chunky knitwear under a blazer.

Style tip: Opt for a contrast coloured-gilet to add a splash of colour to an otherwise sombre two-piece suit. Or keep the colour on par and adopt a different material like cord, tweed or denim for a textural lift.

Gilet Vest With A Suit

Another way to wear the gilet with tailoring is to place the vest over the suit jacket. This look, despite the other tailored elements, is more smart-casual than formal, unless you remove the gilet once you’ve arrived at work. The gilet doesn’t need to be super trim, but keep the fabric a matte finish so it plays more a top coat role than a high-vis jacket – all glossy and bright. And keep the gilet open to refrain from stifling the suit.

Gilet Vest With Knitwear & Cardigans

The gilet over a shirt, cardigan or knit is one of the easiest ways to wear it. The rules are simple: keep the bottom layer in a neutral tone (black, grey, navy, maroon or green) and then place the gilet over the top for extra insulation.

Play around with fabrics and contrasting panels or collars on the gilet itself, letting the undergarment play the role of a blank canvas with the gilet bringing all the life and texture onto the space. Wear it open or closed – depending on the weather.

Gilet Vest With Checked Shirts

Leaving the most complex look to last, the winter cold is where the gilet vest really heats up. For a heritage look, select a plaid/checked shirt and neutral-toned tie – opting for a silk woven for the first burst of depth to feature around the neck.

Then, layer a slim cashmere cardigan, followed by a vibrant gilet piece, worn open to expose the under layers. A cropped topcoat should then be layered over the gilet, opting for something woollen or tweedy to cement the heritage feel. Now, you’re ready to face even English weather.

Read Next

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