That Dapper Chap: Winter

Thursday 1 June 2017

British adventure brand Shackleton launches its Autumn/Winter 2017 Polar Collection

Craig of That Dapper Chap meets the gents behind British adventure brand Shackleton and shares details of their new AW17 Polar Collection

It's a bit warm right now to be thinking of kitting ones self out in heat retaining winter wear but if you're planning an expedition to the Arctic or even a city break to Iceland for the end of the year, Shackleton is one brand that you must consider.

Ex Royal Marine Aldo Kane is Shackleton's brand ambassador and models the latest collection

With ex Royal Marine Aldo Kane as the face of the AW17 collection, they have a great ambassador as he is a guy who knows just how the right clothing can make a difference, particularly in freezing temperatures. If he approves of the range I'm in no position to question the performance or integrity of their products!

Product Review - Jacamo Christmas Jumpers

That Dapper Chap shows us two Christmas Jumpers available from Jacamo in his latest product review.

Product

Jacamo. What do you know about them?

They sell clothing for guys that are tall, wide and generally the size of a solidly built rugby player right? Well, in short, yes.

They do cater for the larger guy and they do this very well, but that's not all they do as they also offer clothing for a more regular sized bloke like me.

As with all good mens brands, jacamo have stocked up on Christmas sweaters, so I took the opportunity to grab a couple and test drive them for quality and service.

As well at these two beauties Jacamo have at least ten more to choose from. Some at the more 'tacky' end of the Christmas jumper spectrum (but hey it is Christmas) and others at the more 'sedate' end. I opted for a more classy offering and something that can be worn during the entire month of December rather than just while you're stuffing your face with turkey on Christmas day.

The snow capped mountains on this blue sweater

The first sweater is a blue and white scene of snow capped mountains with good old Santa whizzing by in his trusty sleigh, zooming off to drop those much wished for gifts to children of all ages. I chose this one as it cannot be argued that it isnt a 'christmas sweater' but also because it's not covered with jingling bells and baubles like some I've seen.

The second is a burgundy sweater with a stags head on it. Okay it doesn't scream 'Christmas' but with stags heads appearing on a lot of Christmas clothing and homeware it's an on trend, and more than acceptable choice.

The burgundy sweater with traditional stags head

Price

At £30 a pop, they aren't the cheapest Christmas sweaters out there. The price is pretty average, and won't break the bank. They have no wool content however and I would have expected some wool at this cost.

Postage and Packaging

The standard delivery cost within the UK is £3.99 and if you're in a hurry you can order before 8pm and get your items delivered to an address of your choice. Order before 12pm on Saturday for Sunday Delivery! They also offer a service where you can get your parcel delivered to a nominated address on a specific day in addition to the 'click and collect in store' option. So, whatever happens it won't be dumped on your doorstep with the risk of it being stolen!

The packing is functional and is simply there to protect the garments in transit. The sweaters arrived in a plastic postal bag, each sealed in its own clear plastic bag inside.

Performance

I was forewarned that Jacamo sizes may be larger than those that I could expect to buy at other stores. For this reason I chose a size small rather than the usual Medium I would buy. Size wise, its a perfect fit showing that Jacamo sizes are set as a size above standard.

The quality is fair for the cost. I wouldn't say they are a high quality knit, particularly as they are both 100% acrylic and have no wool content at all. This has its benefits however in that they can both be thrown into the washing machine at 40 degrees and even tumble dried. No laying flat for days on end while they drip dry and make your home stink like wet dog!

Harry chose a size Medium, as like a lot of teens he likes his sweaters on the larger side. I would suggest this would be a standard size large.

The stag sweater is a very nice design, however due to the way it is knitted it has a line across the top of the garment in the knit itself, this is where the colours are reversed on the inside of the sweater. I did try to iron it out but it's there to stay as you can see clearly from the image below.

Pertinency

If you're in the market for a Christmas sweater check them out, they have a good range from truly tacky to sensibly sedate. There will be a design that you like. Be aware of the sizing though and choose the size below that which you would usually order.

Other sweaters available from Jacamo

Pro’s & Con’s

The sweaters arrived quickly and were well packed. They fit well and look good, aside from the odd line across the top of Harry's sweater ,which isn't great.

The colours are strong as are the designs.

People

The team thought they were both good designs and immediately commented on the sizing. They said the sweaters were soft to the touch and they liked the colours.

It has to be said that none of them noticed or mentioned the line across the top of the stag sweater.

Précis

Overall these are a solid example of a good traditional Christmas sweater. Slightly more expensive that some I've seen and not as expensive as others.

I shall happily wear mine during the month of December but Harry will be sure to wear his from Autumn to Spring due to the acceptability of the design as one that could be worn outside of the season for which it is intended.

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THANKS FOR READING!

Five Cool Coats by Next

That Dapper Chap shows us his top five favourite coats for this winter by Next

With the days getting colder and wetter its a good time to make that one seasonal purchase that we all do and invest in a new coat. Keeping it at the more dapper end of the range here are my top five coats from Next.

Looking like I own it. Image by PhotoByIan

Number 5 - The Pea Coat

With its large collar that can be turned up against the elements, the pea coat has stood the test of time as a classic coat. Double breasted and unbelted is gives a clean silhouette.

With its design firmly rooted in naval history it has stood the test of time, so if it's been a solid wearable coat since its origin in the 1700's it's good enough for me.

Mine is a green colour but other colours such as black, navy and grey are available too. Next also offers one with a cosy Borg collar.

I love mine but I would love it more if it were longer and I find the wrist straps somewhat fussy, hence it sits at number five.

The classic double breasted Pea Coat by Next
Image by PhotoByIan

The Next pea coat with Borg collar £85

The basic black pea coat available at Next for £85

Number 4 - The Double Breasted Trench

Again with its roots in military design, I love this classic trench coat, with its collar slightly smaller than the pea coat it's still big enough to provide you with protection from the wind when turned up.

It's also slightly longer than the pea coat too, so it'll keep the tops of your legs warmer than the pea coat would.

Again, its the fussiness that keeps it at the lower end of my list as belts on coats can irritate me and I wear my own trench coat less than I should as the belt has a habit of twisting at the back which is most annoying.

Me wearing my own Trench Coat, Belt untwisted!

Trench coat available at Next £110

Also available in brown

Tie the belt on your trench coat for a different look

Number 3 - The Fur Collared Coat

At number three we have a single breasted coat with a cosy fur collar. Perfect for wintry walks and long enough to keep out the chills this example is made from 59% wool and 33% polyester. The lining and collar are 100% polyester. It's a great buy at just £99

Turn up the fur collar against the snow

A closer look at the detail

Number 2 - The Covert Coat

It was the colour that drew me to this piece. It's a little unusual to find a burgundy coloured coat so I jumped at the chance to get my hands one one. At just £99 it is available in grey, brown and of course burgundy. Made from 50% wool, 20% polyester, 15% nylon and 10% acrylic it has a 100% polyester lining.

Worn just as easily over a suit as it would be jeans and a sweater the only thing that stops it being at number one is the contrast collar. I dont know why it troubles me, it just does.

That Dapper Chap sporting the burgundy Covert coat
Image by PhotoByIan

Number 1 - The Epsom Coat

Made from 70% wool and at a good length the Epsom coat wins on the warm stakes. Classic in its design there is nothing fussy about this coat, no belt or epaulettes and with three simple pockets it has a super clean silhouette.

I bought mine a couple of years ago and it still wears like new and looks great. yes I've had it dry cleaned and stored over the summer but even so, it still looks fresh.

Priced at just £95 you get a lot of class for the cost.

I love my Epsom coat and my Instagram account is testament to that

The classic navy coloured Epsom coat from next £95

A close up look at the details of this classic coat

Also available in Khaki

Well, I hope that this article has whet your appetite and opened your wallet and that you are now waiting for your new coat to arrive. Once it has, be sure to post a picture to Instagram and tag that_dapper_chap or leave a comment on here! All the best.

THANKS FOR READING!

The Brushed Cotton Check Shirt

Keep warm this season in an Autumn Winter staple: The brushed cotton shirt

If you're going to keep out the chills this season you'll need to layer up. Trapping air in between layers of clothing is the most effective way of keeping warm. Wearing a brushed cotton shirt makes heat retention more effecting, not only that but you'll look stylish and on trend too!

A brushed cotton shirt styled with a waistcoat for warmth and dapperness. Image courtesy of GQ

One staple layer for most of us gents is of course the shirt. Wear a T-Shirt under it, add a waistcoat, cardigan or sweater over that, then a blazer before an overcoat and scarf and okay, you may not be able to move but you won't freeze either!

A brushed cotton shirt can be dapper too. Image via Pinterest

Woodhouse Clothing are offering a great range of brushed cotton shirts this season from some pretty cool designers. Throw one on with a pair of jeans or go more dapper and add a waistcoat and a bow tie.

Don't just consign them to the weekend, wear then to work with some chinos and smart boots and wool tie and blazer.