Tag: Style Advice

Style advice, tips and inspiration from the red carpet, celebrities, and street style from guys just like you. We’ll help you style out for the fashion season ahead.

  • Motorcycle gear review

    Motorcycle gear review

    For my day to day riding, I’ve been wearing my old textile gear until recently. The old jacket and trousers have seen many, many miles in wind, rain and shine. To be honest, they were well past their best and not only did they leak, but I looked like a tramp in them.


    The final straw was when the seam on the arse of the textile trousers split.

    Design, trends and materials have moved on significantly since I bought my old gear.

    Most of the motorcycles I ride these days are naked bikes and I’m not the same guy I was then. I’m older and carry a few more kg’s.

    I don’t often ride for just pleasure these days either. I visit customers, so need to be reasonably presentable.

    Boots: Tucano Urbano Marty Boots

    This was easy. I saw a guy wearing some Tucano Urbano Marty Shoes while I was wearing my old, clumsy sports bike boots recently. Decision made.

    These look a bit like leather Converse, casual but smart enough to wear to customers I know.

    100% waterproof is a massive bonus and the ankle bone padding works well.
    Overall the Marty shoes are great. They look really good, they’re waterproof, strong and well built.

    They’re great to wear, not too heavy, although they are reinforced around the heel, ankle and across the front which adds some weight. Superb boots that I’ll wear until they fall off.

    CE Certified model – category 2 compliant with EN13634:2017 directive. £129.99

    Trousers: Richa Original Jeans

    Generally, I’ve always worn textile trousers which are usually bulky and sweaty. Mine were well past their best and the protection wasn’t up to current standards either.
    I’ve never tried motorcycle jeans so thought I’d try some Richa Original jeans in black.

    These are obviously not waterproof but tick all the other boxes. I’ll probably get some new textile trousers at some point too.

    Richa jeans are a mix of denim Cordura, cotton & polyester for the outer so are strong but soft, and have poly-cotton soft lining so are nice and warm too.

    Safety stitching is standard everywhere and importantly, they have D3O knee & hip protection should the worst happen.

    I actually found these came up a little small, so went for a size bigger than usual. They fit well, are really comfortable and I wish I bought some ages ago.

    They’re perfect for day to day riding. I can visit customers as they’re black, and they look great on stuff I’m riding at the moment; Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street scrambler and the like.

    CE certified. £149.99

    Jacket: Richa Infinity 2 Jacket

    This was a big decision. I ride in all weathers and technology and materials have improved so much since I last bought a jacket.
    I chose the Richa Infinity 2 Jacket.

    Richa says it’s a four-season jacket and to support that claim, it comes with 2 zip outliners. One is a thermal, quilted liner and the other is a waterproof liner.

    I took both out because I find the jacket is fine on its own for me. I have used the waterproof liner a couple of times, but haven’t needed the thermal liner yet. I’m sure I will though.

    We’ve been fortunate enough to have had some lovely weather this year. When it’s been hot, the air vent system has been a huge benefit. You can unzip vents to let the airflow through. They are excellent, well placed and really make a difference.

    It’s pretty waterproof too. It leaks after a while in continuous rain but it’s really not bad at all, and that’s what the waterproof liner is for.
    It’s not a long jacket, it’s more of a hip-length jacket, kind of an in-between sports jacket and touring jacket. That really works for me and looks great.

    The Infinity 2 jacket is a quality piece of clothing. Well made and comfortable, helped by the wide range of adjustability.

    Armour and protection is a particularly strong point of this jacket. D30 armour sits in the shoulders, back and elbow, extending down your forearm.

    As a jacket for all year use, it’s a great buy. Lots of pockets, very comfortable, great protection and it looks good too. £239.99

     

     

     

     

  • STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    It’s no secret that over the last few years London has had some pretty amazing summers.

    However, I’m also sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed, that Londoners don’t handle the heat well. Especially in the underground. The Central Line has become public enemy number one, and the once hated District Line is becoming a safe haven of air-conditioning bliss. With commuters turning into puddles on their morning commutes and meetings becoming awash with sweat-stained shirts. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow is here to guide you on how to take the heat, keep cool on your morning commute and breeze through that client meeting. You can thank him later!

    23:00 pm

    If you want to wake up feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to take on the day. The first thing we need to do is do a little prep the night before. I promise it isn’t complicated boys, just simply apply roll-on antiperspirant before bed to your pits and lower back.

    A little known fact is that antiperspirants are intended to be used in the evening, and this is when they are most effective. It’ll stop you waking up in a puddle and ensure you have a better night’s sleep. Getting you in the right frame of mind to start the day.

    07:00 am

    So we’ve had a dry and restful night’s sleep, and now it’s time to start the day. Grab your caffeinated beverage of choice, I recommend a double shot of espresso and head to the bathroom to get this show on the road. While our coffee is cooling, it’s time to jump in the shower. Get some lukewarm water running and scrub a dub dub. In the summer, I always use an acidic shower gel such as Bulldog’s Lemon & Bergamot, that helps to unclog my pores and keep my skin clear and fresh. Essential when applying the SPF boys, we don’t want spots!

    Once my body is squeaky clean, I then turn my attention to my face. Turning down the temperature slightly, I apply my facial cleanser (currently loving the Recipe for Men Facial Cleanser) and then follow this up with my facial scrub. It’s important to note here guys that you shouldn’t over-exfoliate your skin. Keep the facial scrubbing down to twice a week and your skin will be glowing.

    07:15 am

    Now we’ve jumped out of the shower, it’s time to drink our coffee and brush our teeth. We definitely don’t want morning coffee breath! On days when I need to look my best, this is the time I’ll pop on a clay mask to smooth out my skin and soak up any excess oils, the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is a personal favourite. Essential if you want to remain shine-free on the tube.

    While the mask drys, pop on some body moisturiser and apply some more antiperspirant. Better to be safe than sorry after all. About 10 mins later, it’s time to wash the mask off and move on to the next step.

    07:25 am

    Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive but like Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive, but like the clay mask, this is only on days I need to look my best. Pop on an Energising Sheet Mask from Bulldog and style your hair while it does its’ magic.

    A winning hair combo at the moment for me is the Sidekick Zero Pre-styler and Night Fiber Paste by Danish brand By Vilain. One of the only combos to keep my hair in place, all day long. Definitely an investment worth making.

    07:35 am

    It’s been about 10 minutes now, and the sheet mask has done its’ work. So pop that sucker off and drop your towel. It’s time to get dressed. Even though it’s summer, it’s still important to look ‘presentable’ at work. So down a crisp white linen shirt and pair it with some well-fitted trousers and black leather shoes. You’re dressed for success.

    07:45 am

    Now we’re all suited and booted, and the excess from our face mask has soaked in. It’s time to finish prepping our face. It’s time to moisturise, and I can’t recommend one more than the Recipe for Men Anti-Shine Moisturiser. This bad boy has kept my skin matte even through the hottest of summer days and is a definite essential for any city-dweller during summer.

    Mix a bit of their bronzing cream in for a subtle sun-kissed glow and follow up with their eye gel to reduce the appearance of any dark circles.

    07:50 am

    Now we’ve waited for 5 minutes to let all that goodness to soak in. It’s time for the final two steps of our morning skincare. Firstly, slap on the SPF! Sun damage is the number one cause of ageing to our skin, and so apart from the obvious health benefits, it’ll hold off the wrinkles. I’d personally recommend an oil-free option such as Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defence. It’ll keep you protected with an SPF of 50 but also won’t undo all the hard work we’ve just done and make you a shiny mess.

    Secondly, grab a powder bronzer and lightly dust your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. Not only will this give you a subtle glow and carve out your features, but it’ll also help keep you matte throughout the day. Powder absorbs oil after all.

     

    08:00 am

    The final step before we head out the door now boys. We are dressed for success, and our skin is summer-ready and sweat-proof. It’s time to accessorise. My go-to accessories at the moment are these sunnies by Banton Frameworks and this navy briefcase from Maverick & Co.

    A good pair of sunnies is definitely worth the investment. Not only are they a quintessential summer style staple, but unlike their cheaper counterparts, they actually protect our eyes from sun damage. This pair from Banton Frameworks fits the perfectly. High-quality, stylish and unique enough to make you stand out amongst the sea of Ray-Bans.

    Similarly to the sunnies, a good quality briefcase is always worth the investment. You’re not aiming for something to use for a season here guys but something that will stand the test of time. Aim of a stylish staple and not a ‘trendy’ throwaway. Maverick & Co. fit the bill here perfectly. Creating a range of contemporary briefcases, that are high-quality and will last you well into your next promotion. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve had on mine so far guys. They’re definitely worth checking out. See their entire range here.

    So there we have it guys, you are now ready to take on the day and beat that summer heat. Close that door behind you and show the Central Line who’s boss!

    Photo Credit: Matt Spike
    Instagram: @original_matt_spike
  • STYLE ADVICE | What are the best brow products for ginger guys?

    STYLE ADVICE | What are the best brow products for ginger guys?

    If you’re a blonde or ginger guys you’ve probably got questions about the right products for you, as well as what products will protect your skin. Worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help.

    What are the best brow products for gingers?

    Being a blond guy, I can totally relate to this problem. Unless you have brown/black hair, most brown products tend to be on the golden or warm side of the colour spectrum. So it’s so much harder to colour match a product to your brows if your hair is of a lighter hue.

    Ideally here you’re wanting to define your brows but not make them mismatched to the rest of your hair. For most gingers/redheads, I would recommend opting for an auburn shade. This isn’t going to be a perfect match every time but it will get you on the right track. So depending on your natural brows being either blondish, reddish or brown, you can see which product works best for you.

    My Recommendation:

    I would always opt for an eyebrow pencil or mascara/gel when filling in my brows. This will create the most natural effect possible, adding that bit of definition but not making it glaringly obvious, that they aren’t your natural brows.

    Alternatively, I would recommend eyebrow tinting. I recently went to get my brows and eyelashes tinted at Blink Brow Bar in London. By getting them tinted, you can add the definition you want and have the shade matched perfectly to your hair colour. If you’re interested in learning more about this, check out my article here.

    1) Anastasia Beverly Hills: Tinted Brow Gel: Auburn

    Available at: cultbeauty.co.uk or Amazon

     

    2) Charlotte Tilbury: Legendary Brows: Brigitte

    Available at: charlottetilbury.com or Amazon

     

    3) NYX: Micro Brow Pencil: Auburn

    Available at: boots.com or Amazon

     

    Have you got a question for our style expert? Send Thomas a message style@thegayuk.com

  • The top 5 grooming products you need for May 2019

    The top 5 grooming products you need for May 2019

    With Pride Month looming just around the corner, our grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help you look and feel your best. Whether you’re gonna be chilling on Hampstead Heath or living your very best life at pride. Here are our top grooming product picks for the month. Prepare for the compliments boys!

     

    1) By Vilain: RUSH Shampoo and Conditioner Duo (£33.30)

    First on our list this month, is Danish haircare brand By Vilain. Founded by twins (Rasmus and Emil), who have pretty great hair. Have to admit, I have a little bit of hair envy here!  I’ve recently been trying out quite a lot of their products and so far I can’t find one, that I don’t like. In particular, their RUSH Shampoo and Conditioner combo have become a quintessential part of my morning routine. Keeping my hair fresh and conditioned, whilst the menthol effect energises me for the day. My hair game has been on point lately guys, so definitely check this duo out.

    Available at: https://www.slikhaarshop.com/

    2) Recovery Room: Protein Body Moisturiser (£14.99)

    Next on the list, is the Protein Body Moisturiser by Recovery Room. Now if any of you follow me on social media (@urbanmaleuk if you don’t), then you’ll know over the last few months I’ve been putting my body through it in the gym. Completing my own personal fitness challenges and putting training methods to the test. So basically, my body has been pushed to its limits quite literally.

    One of the things I’ve noticed from this is my skin has been quite irritated from all the exercise and having eczema, I try to minimise any irritation to my skin. What this moisturiser did, is calm down my skin. Which if you’ve ever had a skin condition like eczema, is pretty phenomenal. More so, it is loaded with plant proteins and amino acids to aid recovery post-workout. So whilst my body was constantly being battered and my skin was quite literally telling me to do one, this moisturiser stepped up. Eczema or not, if you’re hitting the gym this summer definitely pack this into your gym bag. I promise you won’t regret it.

    Available at: https://www.recoveryroombodycare.com/

    3) PROVERB: Oil Balance Pro Moisturiser (£55.00)

    Third on the list this month, is the Oil Balance Pro Moisturiser from PROVERB Skincare. Although a more expensive moisturising option, this product definitely gives you bang for your buck. Having quite an oily T-Zone myself, especially after a journey on the Central Line or the Pits of Hell, as commuters will know it. My skin is often left on the wrong side of shiny and what I noticed when using this moisturiser, is that my skin didn’t get this shine. Don’t get me wrong it was all supple and dewy but it didn’t look oily. So if you suffer from a bit of an oily T-Zone or have oily skin in general, definitely give this one a go. Make the investment and I promise you, you’ll thank me for it.

    Available at: https://proverbskin.com

    4) Bulldog Skincare: Energising Sheet Masks (£12.00 for 8 masks)

    So next on the list, is a brand I hold dear to my heart. Bulldog is just one of those brands, that gets it right. No fuss, affordable male skincare, that’s high quality and these sheet masks are no exception. Like all sheet masks, they are intended to give a short term effect but with instant results. Unlike most sheet masks we see in the UK though, they are made from unbleached bamboo and are dehydrated. Yep that’s right, we add the serum ourselves. Which I personally love. The idea of a sheet mask sitting soaked in serum over a period of days, months or even years before we use it, is not the most comforting of thoughts.

    Simply add enough serum to coat the entire mask and then unfold, to reveal the mask. Leave it on for about 5-10 mins and you’re left with radiant looking skin. Great for those mornings when you’ve not had enough sleep or if you just have a special occasion to go to. The morning of pride for example… Another great addition for our bearded fellas is that the beard line is detachable. So no longer will that pesky face mask fall off your face.

    Available at: https://www.bulldogskincare.com

    5) MAN CAVE: Micellar Cleansing Water (£6.00)

    Last on our list this month, I think is a pretty special find. MAN CAVE has recently brought out a Micellar Cleansing Water targeted at men and I think it’s gonna save my skin during summer. If you don’t know what Micellar Water is, it’s essentially a no-fuss way of refreshing skin. You simply rub the product onto the skin and it helps break down any dirt or residue. No water or harsh scrubbing needed.

    Now although this isn’t a new concept, it is the first product of its kind that I’ve seen targeted to men. Imbued with the refreshing Woodsman scent from the brand, it’s by far the easiest way I’ve found of refreshing my skin on the go. Which during summer in London, will be a godsend. So for any city dwellers out there, pop this in your work bag and reap the benefits all summer long.

    Available at: https://mancaveinc.com/

  • STYLE ADVICE | What’s the best way to apply foundation if I have a beard?

    STYLE ADVICE | What’s the best way to apply foundation if I have a beard?

    Ever had a style or grooming question, that you’ve always wondered about but never had someone to ask? Then worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help. This month, he’s tackling the topic of Male Makeup.

    muratkalenderoglu / Pixabay

    What’s the best way to apply foundation, if I have facial hair? If I add foundation to it, it looks a mess and if I don’t I just get a line there.

    The best way to deal with facial hair when applying foundation or any other type of coverage product i.e. BB creams is to not avoid or apply the product directly to the area. What you want to do, is apply the product to the rest of your face/neck (please don’t forget the neck) and then just run the excess product through your facial hair. This way you avoid a harsh line but you don’t coat your hair in product and it just creates an overall even finish.

    My Recommendation:

    I personally would always opt for a BB/CC cream or a light to medium coverage foundation. If going for a more full coverage look though, try and opt for a powder foundation. Powder products will always look more natural than liquid products through facial hair.

    1) ALTR for Men: Blemish Balm

    Available at: altrformen.com

    2) LAB Series: BB Tinted Moisturiser SPF 35

    Available at: labseries.co.uk

    3) MONUSKIN: Perfecting Tint SPF 15

    Available at: monushop.co.uk

     

    Have you got a skin, beauty, grooming for fashion query for Thomas? Email: style@thegayuk.com or visit Thomas on Instagram @UrbanMaleUK

  • Brand Highlight: Pedal to the Kettle Activewear

    Brand Highlight: Pedal to the Kettle Activewear

    Here at THEGAYUK, our styling team love nothing more than scouting the globe to you the latest and best products.

    Whether that be grooming products, clothing or tech, we’ve got you covered. As part of our endeavour, we’ve decided to highlight one brand a month. To give you the low down and highlight some of our personal favourite products. This month is all about Aussie fitness brand Pedal to the Kettle Activewear.

    The name of the brand is inspired by the term “Pedal to the Metal”. They combined this term with their love of functional training and kettlebell training, to come up with the name “Pedal to the Kettle Activewear*. Their love of fitness is at the very forefront of this brand and its creation.

    Vanina and Maria’s (the founders) own personal struggles with fitness brought the brand into existence, following their move from Melbourne to Sydney. Both feeling overweight and miserable, they took to fitness to reinvigorate themselves and create a more positive outlook on life. Their brand took to representing this hard working and productive mentality, with the creation of stylish activewear with an edge. Just like Vanina and Maria.

    The result, functional and stylish activewear made to the highest attention to detail and quality. With the same quality control going into their products, as the nutrition and training regimen fuelling their bodies.

    There’s also a flat shipping rate of 20 AUSD for worldwide shipping, so no matter where you are. You can be part of the Pedal to the Kettle Activewear family.

    Follow Pedal to the Kettle Activewear on Instagram

    History:

    Fairly new to the fitness scene, Pedal to the Kettle Activewear was only a registered company since April 2018. Throughout the remainder of 2018, the duo behind the brand spent endless hours refining the logo, concept and sourcing the best quality fabrics for their new brand. Then in November last year, the day finally came for the brand to launch online and since then, they’ve been going from strength to strength.

    They launched the store with their Black & White collection, aptly named because who doesn’t love a bit of minimalist black & white. This collection marked the brand as a unisex fitness from the very start. As the duo said, they wanted everyone to train and feel empowered. No exceptions.

    Product Range:

    Following its initial collection, the brand has gone from strength to strength. Their male range now includes a variety of products from tanks to shorts and is constantly growing. Jazzi’s collection is a personal favourite of mine, bringing a hot pink into the men’s range, to represent the brand’s affiliation with breast cancer research.

    Hot off the press, they are currently working on a new collection. So make sure to keep an eye out on their socials. From what they’ve said, it’s very exciting! With possible collaborations between organisations, that use fitness to help LGBTQ and mental health causes.

    Ethos:

    Having been in an open discussion with the duo behind Pedal to the Kettle Activewear for a few months now, the phrase “Fitness saved us, fitness saves and changes lives.” has popped up a bit. What I took from this is how much of a driving force their personal passion for fitness, is behind their brand. Constantly being supportive of my fitness challenges (coming soon), Vanina and Maria really do believe in their brand as a way of empowering their customers through fitness. Having both faced emotional challenges growing up and accepting themselves, as being part of the LGBTQ community. The duo emphasises how much fitness has enabled them to feel accepted in a community and how it has helped act as a driving force behind their personal self-acceptance of themselves.

    As mentioned previously, the brand is also linked to breast cancer research through Jazzi’s collection. This collection was made in honour of the duo’s friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sep 2018. After a double mastectomy, their friend is well and truly beating cancer’s ass and from this inspirational battle, the brand now donates 2 AUD for every piece of the collection sold. So wear pink boys, it’s for a good cause!

    The brand also supports LGBTQ causes, they are focusing on creating links within the LGBTQ community. To promote acceptance and raise awareness and highlight the struggles, that people face. All in all, the ethics behind this brand strike a cord with our styling team. THEGAYUK is definitely behind this!

    Our Picks:

    1. Terry Cotton Shorts ($45.99 AUSD)

    2. Grey Tee ($39.99 AUSD)

    3. P2K Black Seamless Tank ($39.99 AUSD)

  • What to wear to look sexy at the gym: Locker Room 101

    What to wear to look sexy at the gym: Locker Room 101

    Deciding what to put in your gym bag is not an easy task.

    You want to look sexy in the gym but not too thirsty. You want to appear playful but not desperate. You want functionality but you don’t wanna be basic. Most importantly you wanna be ready for anything the gym and the locker room has in store for you. You never know, that dream about the hunky PT might come true one day. Rest assured though, THEGAYUK has you covered.

    Here is Locker Room 101, your one and only guide for everything you need in your gym bag!

    1. Pedal to the Kettle Activewear: Terry Cotton Shorts

    Remember when we said you wanted to be functional but not basic? Pedal to the Kettle Activewear sets the bar on this. The Aussie newcomer is known throughout Oz for its high-quality fabrics and functional, yet stylish activewear. These shorts are no exception to the rule. Made out of a blend of French Terry Cotton and polyester, they are both breathable and comfortable in and out of the gym. The minimalist design is subtle enough to cross over into everyday casual wear and you can instantly feel the high quality of the fabrics, as soon as you pick them up.

    They’re also the perfect length for showing off the leg day gains and the well-deserved bubble butt you’re now rocking. So they’re guaranteed to get you some attention too. Maybe even from your gym crush, if you’re lucky!

    Available at: pedaltothekettleactivewear.com

    2. JJ Malibu: Baewatch Bikini: Lucky Panda

    For those of you lucky enough to have a pool in your gym or maybe a cheeky hot tub, I present to you the perfect mixture of cute yet sexy swimwear. JJ Malibu has truly outdone themselves here on the cuteness factor. The panda emoji design is scattered across these slinky speedos and is guaranteed to make you the centre of attention. A sure fire way to make all men at the pool and even that cute lifeguard stand to attention. As the brand says, this lucky panda is intent on getting you lucky!

    Wearing these speedos really does bring out your fun and cheeky side and they’re definitely a conversation starter. It may be the fact that the flattering cut emphasised my package and bubble butt. However, I’ll try to keep it down to the cute panda on my crotch. My ass was slapped a few times though. Either way, they’re definitely a winner in our eyes!

    Available at: jjmalibu.com

    3. Bullseye Gear: Police Dept Navy Blue Swim Brief

    Carrying on with the fun and sexy swimwear, next on our list is Bullseye Gear’s Police Dept Navy Swim Brief. The flattering cut of these swim briefs helps emphasise you in all the right places and like our panda speedos, are a definite conversation starter. With police printed across your booty, feel free to make some arrests. Just be careful of withdrawing your pistol from its holster around the pool. Maybe save that part for the locker room!

    Available at: bullseyegear.net

    4. BOX Menswear: White Brief

    Definitely not your dad’s tighty whities, these classic briefs from BOX Menswear should be a definite staple in any man’s gym bag. With a flattering cut and premium quality fabrics, these briefs are perfect for gym workouts and everyday wear. We’ll be honest they look pretty great in locker room selfies too. Not that we’ve been paying close attention to their Instagram page or anything…

    Available at: boxmenswear.com

    5. Andrew Christian: VIBE Reaction Tank

    Whenever you hear the words, Andrew Christian, you know it’s gonna be something sexy. This tank is no different. From their VIBE range of sporty but sexy activewear, this tank is both breathable, functional and sexy AF when on. Showing just the right amount of skin, the breathable fabric allows you to workout to your heart’s content, without the dreaded sweat stains. Not a cute look boo!

    Trust us on this, we tested it through a HIT workout and it held its own. Making it the perfect tank to wear for the token gym selfie. Let’s face it if it isn’t on Insta, did you even workout?

    Available at: andrewchristian.com

     

    Have you got a style question you’d like to ask our expert Thomas? Send an email to style@thegayuk.com or reach out to him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/urbanmaleUK@UrbanMaleUK

  • 7 reasons why you should start wearing boxers again

    7 reasons why you should start wearing boxers again

    For a while, the traditional boxer reigned supreme. Then tighter, more restrictive undies began to flood the market.

    Reasons why you need to rediscover boxers
    Reasons why you need to rediscover boxers

    Surely restriction is the exact opposite of what is truly needed for that area of the body. So here are seven reasons why you should reconsider the humble boxer.

    1) Let the air circulate

    Letting the air get to your pecker can only be a good thing and the problem with briefs or boxers is that they are generally tight. Tight underwear means sweaty bits. Sweaty bits mean rashes, nasty smells and even crotch rot. It’s not pleasant. Boxers allow for a little extra room and a little extra breathing space.

    Don’t forget about your fertility. Sperm production is decreased when the balls are hot. It’s why they’re outside of your body and hang low when you’re warm and all but disappear when you’re cold. Keeping them unrestricted and slightly cooler especially if you’re planning to be a sperm donor or biological father could get you better sperm production outcomes.

    2) Let the creativity run free

    Briefs, trunks and boxer briefs are quite boring let’s face it. Generally, they come in two colours. Black or white. If you’re lucky you might get a grey. Life is a rainbow, your undies should reflect that. Underwear company, McAlson have created a vibrant set of boxers. From more conservative shades to splashes of colour to suit every wardrobe.

    3) You can still get cuppage

    How do you stop ball slippage when wearing boxers? One of the biggest moans about boxers is the lack of support for your joystick and the family jewels. When the coconuts make a break for freedom from your boxers what can you do? McAlson has an insider trick, quite literally and it’s going to revolutionise your boxer experience. They’ve included a 100 percent cotton invisible support. It combines the looks of a traditional boxer, but the supporting feeling of a brief. It’s actually ingenious.

    Reasons why you need to rediscover boxers
    Reasons why you need to rediscover boxers

    4) Just as sexy, maybe even more so

    Sometimes, more is best. With briefs or boxer briefs you see it all. The tight material can reveal the outline of your Lil Buddy when maybe what you want is a little more mystique. Let’s face it, there’s no great reveal with a brief. Because boxers are just that little bit baggier, the mystery continues until the full reveal.

    5) For all sizes

    It doesn’t matter if you have a Washington Monument or a bean sprout, boxers are incredibly accommodating. Boxers are for every size and every man.

    6) Muffin top be gone

    Thanks to an elasticized waistband you’re less likely to get the dreaded muffin top effect, you’re likely to get with briefs. A better fitting waistband means you’ll get a much more flattering silhouette leaving your bulges to exactly where they should be. Plus how great not to be marked by the clothes you wear.

    Boxers by McAlson

    7) Less of a fumble

    When it comes to toilet time, the less time you spend fumbling around at the urinal the better. Especially if you’re at a service station. Some briefs and boxer briefs are near on impossible to fish out the little guy. Some have horizontal openings, some have multiple layers of fabric to get through. With boxers, you have a simple centre opening, with buttons. It couldn’t really be simpler.

     

    This article was produced in-house by THEGAYUK.com editorial team for McAlson

  • Ever wondered how to keep your shirt tucked all day?

    You’re suited and booted, but there’s one problem, your shirt keeps riding up causing an unsightly muffin top situation – what can you do about it?

    how to keep your shirt tucked

    Luckily there are a few tricks to help keep your shirt tucked into your trousers.

    First of all, you should make sure you get a fitted or tailored shirt – these could be a little more expensive than off the rack options but you can’t put a price on being dressed to impress.

    RealMenRealStyle suggests also that you have a shirt that has at least 3 inches of extra fabric beyond your belt line.

    The Military Tuck

    RealMenRealStyle suggests that you create a “Military fold” when tucking your shirt into your trousers.

    Firstly you need to take the excess material at the sides of your shirt, just above the waistline and fold it in on itself, so the shirt becomes tighter around your waist. When you’ve gathered enough material you tuck the folds into your trousers.

    Then there’s the underwear tuck

    This isn’t tucking your shirt into your underwear, but an under top, like a vest, which you tuck into your underwear and your shirt sits on top. The fabric of the underwear or vest top should interact just enough with the shirt to keep it in place.

    Shirt Stays

    But the best – most ingenious way of keeping your shirt firmly tucked is the shirt stays. Think of braces – but made specifically to keep your shirt ends attached to your socks.

    Simply attach the double end to your shirt, one towards the front, the other towards the back and then attach the other, singular end to your socks. Ta Dah! Your shirt ends are going nowhere.

    We found this rather nifty pair from Amazon for just £5.99  or these guy suspenders will do the trick.

    Watch the video below!

  • Three things to remember if you’re going to wear flip flops

    We’re all sticking to our knickers, the sun has come out to play and your plates-of-meat want to follow suit. You’ve put away your brogues, Converse and winklepickers – it’s the season to let your tootsies see some light. Out come the Havie’s, Prada sandals and the good old faithfuls, Muji flip-flops.

    Three things to remember if you're going to wear flip flops

    Your extremities are on display for all to see – basic grooming is essential so as not to repulse or alarm friends or potential mates with your unkept talons.

    Here are three tips for you chaps:

    1) Pterodactyl toes are a big no-no

    If your toenails are longer than Caitlyn Jenner’s manicure, and you can not only scratch an itch on your chin, but clamber to the top of the Shard with said sharp appendages – get ya arse down to the reptile department at London Zoo. One of the keepers, shears in hand, will make light work of your prehistoric claws.

    2) Smooth away crusty heels and flaky paws

    If your feet look like you’ve been trekking up and down the Pyrenees barefoot for three months, and your heels have more cracks than Greece’s economy – not to mention the built-up dry skin that would make a rhinoceros’s feet seem velvety – book an emergency appointment at your local chiropodist. Failing that, nip down to B&Q and grab some heavy-duty sandpaper.

    3) Say goodbye to hairy hobbit hooves

    If you’re sporting more hair on your tootsies than your head, and you’d have breezed an audition for Lord of the Ring’s trilogy with ya plates-of-meat alone – it’s time to de-fuzz. Wax, shave or Veet: Middle-earth feet aren’t a look for any summer.

    Peddyliscious feet mean more toe sucking, tootsies rubs and dazzling plates-of-meat.

     

  • 6 ways to style out a British spring

    The weather is started to turn, but don’t be fooled. It’s not time yet to shed those layers just yet.

    Are you ready for a splash of colour this spring season? Here’s 6 things we think will totally brighten up your life this spring. We’re in love with the flamingo vibe, will you dare to wear?

    1. Debenhams | JRJ John Rocha | Bag | 75.00
    2. River Island | Menswear | Bright Pink Flamingo Jumper | 30.00
    3. Debenhams | Chino Shorts | 25.00
    4. The Great Gift Company |  Flamingo Umbrella | 18.00
    5. Debenhams | J by Jasper Conran | Jasper Conran Flatcap | 25.00
    6. River Island | Sunglasses