How to dress like a British Gentleman
By CORDINGS
https://www.cordings.co.uk/eu/news/how-to-dress-like-a-british-gentleman/
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
How to dress like a British Gentleman
Tweed and moleskin – two distinctively British
cloths
From the city gent in bowler hat and pinstripe to
the country squire in a tweed jacket and corduroy trousers, British style is
immediately recognisable the world over. What makes this look so distinct and
why is it still synonymous with good taste? And, more importantly, how do you
get it just right?
We’ve put together a item list for those asking
how to dress like a british gentleman, which includes:
A well fitting jacket in a classic British Cloth
A well fitted trouser, with a neat leg, also in a
classic British Cloth
A waistcoat in matching cloth or with a dash of
colour
Add detailing with accessories, like ties and
pocket squares.
The British Jacket: Ensure The Correct Fit
British jackets have a distinct, waisted
silhouette and are unashamedly more solidly constructed than their European
counterparts. With this in mind, it is essential you wear a jacket that fits.
They are not meant to drape or pull across the chest, the shoulder should sit
neatly on your own shoulder, and the sleeve length should sit about ½” above
your shirt cuff. Investing in a well-fitting jacket makes economic sense: get
it right and you will be able to wear it for decades. When wearing a three
button jacket, only ever button the middle button.
Two button and Three button jackets in tweed and
flannel respectively.
The Cloth:
British mills create distinct cloths that are
instantly recognisable. If you are looking to buy your first jacket, a timeless
Shetland will never look out of place.
Check the weight of the jacket suits the climate and the conditions it
will be worn in.
Harris and Yorkshire tweed, each have their own
distinct characteristics.
The Trouser: The Right Length
A higher waist and neat leg are synonymous with
British trousers. Side adjusters are particularly good at keeping the
silhouette clean around the waist. Many of Cordings trousers have brace
buttons. Although braces are often seen as a style statement, they are also the
best way of ensuring you never have the embarrassment of hitching up your
falling waistband, or your shirt billowing over the top of your trousers. It is
essential you make sure your trousers are taken up to the correct length.
Puddling around the hem, or Chaplin-esque half-mast trousers are a British
style no-no.
The Cloth:
Traditional cloths such as corduroy and moleskin
are eminently versatile, and flannel and cavalry twill are particularly good
teamed with tweed in a more urban environment.
The Waistcoat: Add Style and Warmth
Adding a layer of warmth, with the option of a
dash of colour, a waistcoat creates the tailored silhouette favoured by the
British gent. When wearing a waistcoat, never do up the last button, and avoid
trousers with a belt, as this creates an unsightly bulge around your midriff.
Tweed, corduroy or velvet waistcoats are the
perfect alternative to a sweater to add an extra layer.
The Cloth:
Corduroy, velvet and tweed are is a very British
cloth, with a long pedigree, it works beautifully well with tweed.
The Accessory
Nothing epitomises British style quite like the
small details. Accessories are a chance to add a touch of colour; investing in
well-made pieces in luxury fabrics doesn’t need to cost the earth, and will add
understated elegance to your outfit.
The Tie: Pair To The Shirt
Choosing the right tie will inject colour and
personality into your style without overshadowing the classic British style.
When matching a tie to your tattersall shirt, pick out one of the overcheck
colours.
Make sure your knot is right up to the collar of
your shirt; nothing looks sloppier than the top button of your shirt being
visible. When wearing a tie, avoid the temptation to undo your top button. If
you need to do this, the collar size is too small.
Ties – choose from woven and printed silk,
knitted and country wool merino.
Pocket squares and Scarves: Complement the Tie
Make your British gentleman look complete and
complement your tie rather than match it. Madder silk prints in subtle hues,
such as wine and navy, will work with most jackets.
Hanks in silk and wool are the perfect finish to
your outfit.
Belts: Pair With Your Shoes
A carefully chosen belt will bring your outfit
together whereas a mismatched belt will work against the sophisticated look you
are striving for. Avoid this pitfall by matching the colour and finish of your
belt to your shoes.
For the perfect fit, the belt should do up on the
middle hole. As mentioned, avoid wearing a belt with a waistcoat.
Braces: Style and Practicality
Using braces will prevent fabric bunching and
ensure a neat and comfortable appearance of trousers. A smart box cloth brace
is therefore both eminently practical and stylish. Navy and bottle green are
two popular colours at Cordings that are versatile and timeless.
Belt and braces – ensure your trousers stay in
place and add a touch of British style.
Socks: Add a Dash of Colour
Hosiery is a chance to add individuality to your
outfit. Give yourself a reason to hitch your trouser leg an extra ich when you
sit down with a pair of carefully coordinated British made socks.
How to Dress like a British Gent: In summary
Dressing like a British gent is not about wearing
the correct labels, following fashion or being ostentatious in your dress. It
is about paying attention to detail. We’ve summarised our top 5 tips for
achieving that quintessential British look:
1. Make sure your clothes fit correctly, and
check your sleeve and hem lengths.
2. British cloths will inherently make your
outfit look uniquely British.
3. Investing in quality accessories will pay
dividends.
4. Choose colours that complement rather than
match or clash.
5. And lastly, take the time to follow the care
instructions – preserving the quality of the garments for years to come.
