23
Oct

Working outdoors

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Categories: Casual

Of all the people to feel most sorry for in the miserable English winter, those unfortunates whose job requires them to work outdoors must merit most sympathy (after the poor old pensioners, who even now would gladly garrotte former minister Edwina Currie with a ball of wool for her suggestion that they knit hats to keep warm; those old folk have long memories). So what can these freezing lollipop ladies, paper-sellers and street-sweepers do to keep warm?

Starting from the inside, thermal underwear may not be glamorous, but neither is having a bright red nose or shivering like a washing machine on spin cycle. Anyway, does someone who´s spending hours in what seems like sub-zero temperatures really care about that? Especially if they are wearing one of those council-issue, luminous jackets, which may be practical, but hardly scream ´catwalk style´. Ladies can always buy a thermal vest with a little lace edging if they really insist on feeling like they´ve made a bit of an effort.

While still on the inside, Damart thermal socks are no different in appearance from other socks, but boy, will your feet thank you for them. If you really suffer from cold extremities, try wearing more than one pair of socks. A good sturdy pair of boots is also essential when spending a great deal of time outside. Men can purchase workmen´s boots, women can opt for fur-lined boots which will keep their feet beautifully snug. Forget heels, though, and boots that are more for fashion than practicality. Suede is not likely to stand up to snow (or slush).

Granny also knew best when she told you to always wear a hat when you went outdoors. We do indeed lose a lot of body heat through the head, and hats are one way in which you can look stylish while keeping warm (sorry guys, none of you look good in a baseball cap, although its better than freezing, especially if you´re slightly lacking in the hair department). A pair of Damart thermal gloves is also essential. They may not always be practical, depending on your job, but even if you have to take them off, the moment when you put them on again will be one of sheer delight.

The final necessity is to have a good winter jacket that keeps out the cold and rain. Some have detachable linings, making them versatile according to the season, but in winter you will be glad of every last layer. Speaking of layers, wearing more than one t-shirt under your jumper really does help keep you warm, although it might take you hours to get dressed and undressed …

01
Oct

The guide to essential winter clothing

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Categories: Casual

Even though we don’t suffer such extreme freezing temperatures in this country as we did decades ago, there are still some items of clothing which are essential for the season. A good winter wardrobe is built up of several layers of basic clothing, starting from underwear to warm, weatherproof jackets and coats. Clothing needs to be flexible and adaptable to be serviceable whatever the weather that winter throws at us.

Serviceable, easily laundered and cared for, Damart thermal underwear is essential whatever the season. Choose modern, fashionable designs made of thermal materials or cotton. They will help to keep you warm in Winter, whatever the weather. Next, a supply of trousers and skirts made from smart, serviceable wool or jersey to replace lighter materials more suited to summer. Tweed is also becoming fashionable again and feels as warm as toast. Warm woollen long length cardigans and roll-neck jumpers are also essential for days out or cooler winter evenings.

When it comes to outerwear, warm, weatherproof outerwear is necessary. Many branded sports jackets made of modern, lightweight materials, with attachable hoods are available. These clothes are fashionable and will last for a couple of seasons. A branded name such as Nike or Adidas is more expensive than unbranded items, but it’s worth paying more for good quality, reliable sportswear.

If you want to avoid chilblains, I consider it essential to invest in a good, comfortable pair of boots. And you can’t beat a pair of Ugg’s for premium quality. Catwalk models have made Ugg’s a ‘fashion statement’, and retailing at around £80, they are certainly not cheap to buy. Made from luxurious sheepskin leather, if carefully looked after, they will last for several seasons, keeping your feet toasty warm on even the coldest day. They’re a good investment and worth their weight in gold.

To keep warm during winter, by wearing a layer of clothing, such as modern, fashionable Damart thermal underwear, topped by shirt and trousers, will keep you warm indoors. When going out, either to work or shopping, a sportswear jacket or warm woollen reefer jacket adds an extra layer to keep out the cold. On frosty days a pair of sheepskin gloves, warm woollen scarf and pair of boots will ensure you keep warm. These essentials should see everyone through winter.

24
Sep

Getting your layers right

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Categories: Outdoor Wear

Keen Shoes

In the winter if I am going for a hike I normally wear a number of different layers of clothing on my top half and perhaps a pair of tights under some waterproof bottoms. By wearing layers I am able to ensure my body will stay warm, dry and safe but that my clothing will not be really heavy. I need the layers to ensure I have flexibility and suppleness; also I can remove some layers when I move from outdoors to indoors.

On my top I tend to wear my normal sports bra, and then a sports vest. The vest keeps the heat in but doesn’t make me sweat too much, too much sweat can cause the body to become damp and then get cold quicker. I tend to go for manmade fabrics that are lightweight and stretchy. On top of my vest I usually wear a polo neck style top with long sleeves; again this is usually lightweight but warm. If it is very cold I would wear a fleecy style top. On top of this I would wear my waterproof and windproof jacket.

On my feet I wear a pair of good quality socks, not wool as these types of socks make my feet sweat and they do not dry out very well. I then wear my Keen shoes which are perfect for hiking. My boots are lightweight but waterproof, I always find it is very important to keep my feet dry because once wet they tend to get very cold. It is very difficult to dry out my socks and warm my feet without removing my boots and socks and this is not practical in the middle of a hike.

On my head I wear a good quality outdoor sports hat, fleecy but waterproof, again I find that when my head gets cold I get cold all over. I also wear waterproof, lightweight gloves.

20
Aug

Heavy Weather Gear

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Categories: Outdoor Wear

There are several different types of waterproof clothing. The best have a breathable outer and a wickable inner section. The outer section will not allow water from outside of the clothes to penetrate the material but still allows the damp of perspiration leave through the small weave of the material. Outer sections are treated with a waterproofing agent which can be a chemical formula or a wax compound. The compound or formula soaks into the material and renders it impermeable from outside but the molecules of perspiration can still penetrate from within. The inner wicking layer of waterproof trousers and jackets  is often a sort of fleece material which has good insulation but also draws away perspiration from the body leaving it just comfortably warm.

Some rainwear advertised as waterproof jackets is in fact just water resistant. Made of a light nylon and treated with a coating to keep out showers or of a PVC material which is 100% waterproof but also impermeable to sweat. That leads to overheating and becoming soaked from within. On removing the rainwear later, a fast cooling effect is felt and it is easy to become too cold. I have worn PVC rain wear for cycling and it is not worth the bother of putting it on.

Waxed Jackets are often favoured by horse riding enthusiasts. The jackets are made of a light cotton and saturated in a wax which has a rather Lanolin like smell. The smell wears off as the jacket ages but is a little overpowering on a new jacket. Inside, the jacket is lined with another layer of cotton, this time brushed to give it the wicking effect and some insulation. It is not as thick as fleece material but quite comfortable. Body jackets (sleeveless) and caps are also to be found made of waxed cotton and so it is quite a versatile style of clothing. Older jackets can be reproofed either by a dry cleaner that offers the service, some outdoor retailers also reproof waxed clothes, or you can buy the proofing yourself and treat the garment by spraying or immersing. There are even modern versions that can be used in a washing machine.

In the 1960’s Gabardine was popular as a rain material because the weave is very dense and it takes a long while to saturate a Gabardine coat. In the 1930’s, oil skins were favoured. These were oiled garments, usually heavy cotton and soaked in linseed oil to resist the water. Earlier they were made from sail cloth and coated in tar and were worn by sailors in bad weather. I believe the sailor’s wet weather garments are still referred to as oilies although they are now made of more modern materials, the name being all that survives of the tradition.

03
Jul

Suits Suit Me

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Categories: Officewear

Today tailored suits are just as popular for the office as they ever  were.  Whether male or female,if you want to project a cool, professional image the smart office suit is essential.  When meeting clients it is essential to dress appropriately, and a more casual image would sent out inappropriate messages.
These days women are choosing trouser suits rather than jackets and skirts.   Trousers are more comfortable and easily worn.  While in the office the jacket can be removed, just wearing a smart, crisp blouse or shirt.  A navy blue or black suit gives a polished, professional image, grey is considered conservative, while red is seen as aggressive.  Hot colours such as pink or purple or bold, busy patterns should be avoided as they are distracting.
If the office job doesn’t involve meeting clients a smart appearance is still essential.  Either a smart skirt or tailored trousers, well laundered shirt and polished shoes give a more professional appearance than casual clothes such as jeans or mini skirts.  These clothes are fine for evenings, shopping or social life, but definitely out of place in a work environment.
The pace of life in an office environment can be hectic these days, with deadlines to meet, schedules to fit in and targets to be met.  Some office workers are opting for more casual clothes, finding them more comfortable to wear in a stressful job.  However, the smart office suit can be adapted with fabrics such as polyester and easily washable materials, to fit today’s hectic office life.

01
Jul

Shirts

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Categories: Officewear

To decide on this we need to explore a couple of things, one being the actual environment of your office job, for instance are you in contact with clients of potential clients every day? If so then it is important to look smart, so it is worthwhile investing in a more expensive formal type of shirt. Not many people look at cufflinks however, they can be a nice added touch if you are in a high position and need to make a good impression.

If you work in an office job where you do not see many people or never meet clients or potential clients, then it is best to go for a more casual comfy short, they tend to be much looser and the material much more softer for movement in an office. Easier to clean and iron, where many of the more expensive shirts have to be cleaned and presses specially. Cufflinks are not needed in this situation.

29
Jun

The necessity of cuff links and shirts!

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Categories: Officewear

At this moment in time it would not seem that cufflinks and shirts hold a large section of the male populations hearts. In fact the popularity of the suit not being the absolute it once was,  it is not very likely that a man will wonder into the office with shirt and cufflinks as this was definitely something you wore as part of the suit ensemble.

If a man is given say, a set of diamond or solid gold cufflinks to add glamour to a shirt by maybe, a beloved female of his acquaintance, this may certainly encourage him to wear a  shirt,  it would certainly do wonders for his self worth and it is probable the gleam of envy in the eyes of his male colleagues would be worth the five minutes less spent in bed by having to put this outfit together.

But we are mostly talking every day here and therefore no, shirts and cufflinks are not what most men wear in the office today.

25
Jun

Smart Office Workers

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Categories: Officewear

Many office workers these days prefer to dress more casually than they used to.  Smart shirts and cuff links seem to have been replaced by more casually styled tops and jeans.  This type of gear feels more comfortable to wear and is more easily washed than traditional office wear.
Office wear is usually dependent on the office environment.  For both males and females, smart formal clothing is essential when meeting with Department Heads or clients, particularly the latter.  It gives a crisp, stylish and professional appearance, creating confidence and trust.  Casual wear fails to give the same level of authority.
Cuff links are rarely worn these days, either in the office or socially.  They are certainly not essential  wear for modern day office workers.  The main rule for office wear is to be tidy and smart.  In my opinion, males should always wear a shirt and tie and women definitely look more professional wearing a shirt.

23
Jun

Novelty cufflinks - just say no!

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Categories: Uncategorized

Novelty cufflinks are just a more expensive version of that other pathetic attempt to bring some humour to office life, the novelty tie. Cufflinks are about adding a touch of class and sophistication to an outfit. If they only come out on special occasions then that’s fine but if they’re in the shape of Santa or Bart Simpson, forget it, unless they were a present and you just intend to wear them once so that you don’t offend your Mum/Grannie/sister-in-law.

If you do wish to make a gift of cufflinks, splash out that little bit extra and get him some made of a precious metal with his initals engraved on them. This is the kind of personalised jewellery which could still be considered tasteful. Remember that cufflinks are worn with a dress shirt so if he doesn’t have one of those, perhaps you could splash out on one and throw it in as part of the present!

20
Jun

The links that bind

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Categories: Uncategorized

Cufflinks are first and foremost a way of keeping your shirt cuffs buttoned. Some shirts require cufflinks whilst others are optional. They are also an accessory and since you have a choice, why not get yourself a nice pair.

When it comes to looking sharp in a suit, everything has to compliment from the tie to the shoes. Anything out of place or too contrasting ruins the overall image. Novelty cufflinks are just that; a novelty. As amusing as they may be, they do not fit with the professional, formal image a suit portrays.

Simple designed studs are always appropriate in metal, silver or gold. Stone set pieces are also classy. Cufflinks are plentiful these days so have a few pairs to suit your mood, but a simple, stylish design will be suitable to all occasions and retain a timeless quality.

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