That Dapper Chap: suit

Sunday, 30 July 2017

A summer suited look

Craig shares a summer look with suiting by Primark in this what I wore today blog post

We all know that Primark offers us great fashion and low prices, and you'll know from previous posts that what they offer is bang on trend, and that they've added some great suiting to their range.

In this sponsored post I'd like to share my experience of Royal Ascot and what myself and other bloggers in our group wore to the event.

If you've never been to Royal Ascot, I'd certainly recommend it! It's a great day of Horse racing, great food and of course champagne.

Every one knows that attendees of Royal Ascot are all dressed up to the nines and we were no different, but myself and six other UK bloggers got suited and booted without paying a fortune, and all arrived looking the part in suiting by Primark Man.

Not only did we look the part but we arrived in style too in our own helicopter! Well, it would have been rude not to!

Alfa Romeo teams up with Hawes & Curtis

Craig of That Dapper Chap views the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and sees the suit designed by Hawes and Curtis to celebrate the launch

Since June 1910 Alfa Romeo, known then as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, have been making beautiful automobiles. Best known for it's significant contributions to racing driving, Alfa Romeo also offer less powerful cars for the likes of you and me. Still retaining the attention to detail, beautiful styling and performance.

The Giulietta is no different and I was really excited to get to know this particular model and get an insight into it's manufacture and the collaboration with Hawes and Curtis, who have created a suit showcase the design and detailing of the Giulietta.

Mini Me with Next Suiting

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us suiting by Next in this 'Mini Me' Fathers Day blog post

Fathers Day, that one day every year where you get to do nothing! breakfast in bed, coffee on demand and full control of the TV remote control (if you're lucky)

People tell me that my Son and I look alike, we have no real idea where his red hair comes from, maybe it's the Irish heritage, but in a lot of ways, especially our humour, our tendency to be a little grumpy in the mornings, and our style, we're very much alike. The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree.

Styling with Turner & Sanderson at House of Fraser

Craig of That Dapper Chap styles items from the latest range of menswear from Turner & Sanderson available at House of Fraser.

Enjoying a Scotch in Coast to Coast wearing my new Turner & Sanderson suit

Mr blue suit and bird print shirt ready to wear

House of Fraser are well known for the luxury brands that they stock and Turner & Sanderson, a new addition to their armoury, is no different. As with any sponsored post I'll give you my honest and unbiased opinion about the outfit that I chose from the range.

The Jeff Banks Bespoke Suit

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares his bespoke suit by Jeff Banks of Savile Row in the final post in this three part series.

If you're an avid follower of my blog or my social media accounts you'll have followed the story of my bespoke suit by Jeff Banks Savile Row. In the first post we shared the fitting experience and took you through what to expect when you get a bespoke suit.

The second post covered the first fitting when I got to try on my suit for the first time, before any necessary tweaks were made. In this final post I share the final suit!

You're invited to the Burton Party!

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares the latest official Burton menswear campaign video in which he appears

It's here!! A couple of weeks since the filming and I'm pleased to be able to show you the Burton Menswear party wear campaign video. If you want to read all about what happened on the day and get some exclusive behind the scenes images, just take a look at my last post about the campaign

You're Invited to The Party!

With party season well and truly upon us, it's time to get suited and booted, and Burton Menswear have a great range of smart party wear.

Burton have also shared some of Tom London's magic tricks for you to impress your friends with at that Christmas party. Learn the bottle trick, show off with the match trick or try out the olive trick!

The Jeff Banks Savile Row Bespoke Suit - The First Fitting

Craig of That Dapper Chap returns to Savile Row for the first fitting of his bespoke suit from Jeff Banks

My very first look at my new bespoke suit from Jeff Banks Savile Row

Just a few short weeks since my last visit to Jeff Banks Savile Row and my bespoke suit is back from north Africa and ready for me to try. If you missed the first part of this series, take a look at the first post where I document the measuring experience and also share some handy hints and tips on what you can expect when you visit.

Arriving at the store I was greeted by Alan and Steve and a glass of Prosecco, all of whom made my second visit a truly enjoyable experience.

I was super excited to see my suit for the first time. While I chose the fabric, the lining and the buttons as well as every other aspect of the suit, I didn't truly know what it would turn out like. I had a good picture of it in my head and I wasn't disappointed.

The Montague Burton Menswear Dinner

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the Burton Menswear Dinner to celebrate the launch of the new Montague Burton range

If you're here at ThatDapperChap.com you're no doubt a fan of menswear. If that's the case you're no doubt familiar with Burton menswear, but are you familiar with their Montague Burton range?

Montague Burton was the founder of the brand way back in 1904 and the guys at Burton have put his name to their collection of higher end products. With beautiful tailoring, crisp cotton shirting and great footwear, the range is a stylish addition to your wardrobes.

Some of the tailoring available in the new AW16 range from Montague Burton

What I Wore Today - The Burgundy Nep Suit From Next

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares what he wore today. This time showing off the burgundy nep textured three piece suit from Next

So, the heat of the summer has finally waved it's warm goodbye and in it's place we have chilly mornings and darker evenings. so with the promise of those beautiful Autumnal hues and falling leaves I grabbed myself a new three piece suit from Next in one of my favourite colours

Buying with the new GT Shopping site

Craig of That Dapper Chap brings us a new shopping platform from Gay Times

It's been statistically proven that guys like to shop online more than they do in store. For me I like to see a garment, feel the fabric and try the item on before I buy so when I was contacted by Octer, the company that powers the new Gay Times Shopping site I thought I'd give it a go and share my experience with you.

The Gay Times Shopping site carries a huge range of clothing, grooming products, footwear and accessories from a wealth of top brands such as ASOS, Mr Porter, River Island and House of Fraser, to name just a few.

Searching is super easy and you're able to select clothing by type of item or by brand. I needed a new black suit so I set about getting one from this platform.

The Jeff Banks Bespoke Suit - Part 1: Measuring

Craig of That Dapper Chap goes to Savile Row to be measured for a bespoke suit at the new Jeff Banks store

On my way to Jeff Banks Savile Row to be measured and to choose my suit

If you've seen the teaser video on Instagram and my other social media you'll know that I made a recent pilgrimage to Savile Row to meet the guys from Jeff Banks to be measured for a bespoke suit.

This is the first part of a series of posts in which I'll take you through the measuring process, the options available to you, the fitting, and the final suit. I'll let you know all about my experience and also dispel some myths along the way.

Steve and I discuss the various options for my suit

Next Menswear in Marrakech

Craig of That Dapper Chap wears Next menswear in Marrakesh and gives us his top five things to do when you visit

In the last post featuring my trip to Marrakech I wore clothing by Burton Menswear, this time around the look is by Next and offers a more traditional British approach. Think 'An Englishman abroad'

The flat lay of my Moroccan outfit, all from Next

This look is all about the 100% cotton light stone suit. Slim fit and breathable it works well in the Moroccan heat. What's more you don't need to just stop at the jacket and trousers as the suit is a mix and match suit and also comes with matching waistcoat and shorts!

A very #SmartOccasion with Burton Menswear

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the 2016 Cheltenham races as a guest of high street giant Burton Menswear and celebrity Calum Best

Looking the part in my three piece suit

A VERY SMART OCCASION

Burton Menswear have been around for a good while and know a thing or two about suiting. Being a go to store for men of all shapes and sizes, they have a suit for everyone.

With the wedding season just around the corner Burton are currently offering you a huge 20% discount on suits, and they have a great range of two and three piece suits in stock.

I've never been to the races before, so I was super excited when I received an invitation from Burton Menswear to attend the Cheltenham Festival as part of their #SmartOccasion campaign.

Together with top bloggers: Ben from TwentyFirstCenturyGent, Joey from JoeyLondon, John from TheEveryDayMan, Peter from HumanResearchXYZ and of course the guys from Burton we made our way to the races suited and booted in Burton suits, shirts, ties and footwear.

That Dapper Chap X Topman - Great Britain, Great Suits

Craig of That Dapper Chap joins Topman for their Suit Style By City campaign which showcases different looks for different UK cities

Every guy needs a great suit, so I was pleased to be asked to be part of the Topman Suit Style By City Campaign, where the brand took seven top UK menswear bloggers and asked us each to represent a city based on what look is popular in that particular city.

Having relations in Brighton, that's the city I chose. A popular look for guys in this diverse and eclectic city is a roll neck sweater worn under a suit, and this is my take on it.

The suit grid flatlay as seem on Instagram

A good suit is a wardrobe staple and even if you work in a factory or have a uniform that you wear for your 9-5, you will have an event which calls for one at some point, be it a wedding, Christening, funeral, barmitzvah or whatever, you will have one! Yes, you can wear separates but why not really look the part in a sharp suit.

Topman have a great range of suits right now and there's something to suit all tastes, skinny fit, slim fit and a range of suits at just £100

The Ben Sherman Style Challenge Part 2 - Smart

Craig of That Dapper Chap styles three looks from the Ben Sherman AW15 range. This Suited and booted look is the second.

I was really pleased to be contacted by Ben Sherman as asked if I'd like to put together three looks from their Autumn Winter 2015 range. As a fan of the brand, of course I was going to jump at the chance!

I have gone for three distinctly different styles, one smart, one smart casual and the last one casual, just so I can show you the range of clothing that they offer.

This shoot by Ian Clark was shot in Waterloo train station,London,to keep in with the Ben Sherman 'London Calling' campaign.

Look 2 - Suited & Booted

This second look takes things up a notch and shows off some of the great tailoring offered by Ben Sherman. Not yet available online, this 2 piece suit has a distinct check pattern that sets it apart from the standard navy suit. Still predominantly blue, it does have a shades of green and heather grey which add some real interest.

The suit fits really well. Okay so I had to alter the length of the trousers but that's because I'm not one of the taller folk among us. The trousers fitted well on the waist in my size and the jacket felt like it was made for me. In a time when different brands offer varying sizes of a 40" chest it's comforting to know that Ben Sherman seem to stick to the correct measurements. There's nothing more frustrating than buying a jacket in your size only to find that it way too big or small for you. If your chest measures 40" that's the size jacket that should should rightly expect to fit you!

Keeping things tidy and business ready I opted for a clean, simple, white cotton shirt and a navy knitted neck tie. I think wearing a patterned shirt with this suit would prove difficult and the pattern would need to be very subtle. I personally wanted the suit to speak for itself and not distract the eye with other obvious elements.

To complete the look I opted for the classic Daniel Wellington watch but switched out the blue and green strap for a plain navy one, again to keep things elegant and simple. As for footwear I went for a houndstooth patterned sock and a classic black tassel loafer.

I hope you're enjoying this series. Check back soon for the final 'casual' installment and If you like the suit, just keep checking online or in store as it's going to be available any day.

Where It's All From

Check Suit - Ben Sherman

White Cotton Shirt - Ben Sherman

Navy Knitted Tie - Ben Sherman

Black Loafers - Ben Sherman

Watch - Daniel Wellington

Houndstooth Socks - Rock My Socks

THANKS FOR READING!

The Navy Wool Suit by Farrell at Primark

Craig from That Dapper Chap shows us his Farrell navy wool suit, available from Primark

Farrell At Primark

The Farrell brand, founded by international pop star Robbie Williams was named after Robbies Grandfather and the brands values and style, are based on this. Robbie explains "Jack Farrell was my granddad, he fought in the Second World War and he worked down the pit all of his life, after being a soldier. He had a tough life, but he always dressed well and his attire was always spiffy. That’s what I remember about him the most"

He goes on to say "This season for Farrell I wanted to explore good old British history and heritage…. tweed / wool suiting and checked shirts, like my grandfather would have worn. Then pieces like the Harrington Jacket to the Mod-inspired parka’ are more iconic shapes that, for me, define looks from the 60’s"

This seasons collection is very British, and the suits on offer are of great quality but still very affordable. Wool and tweed are used in the new range of suiting, and other great quality fabrics are utilised, such as suede and leather. Primark have turned a corner here and they are really not holding back this season, making their mark with this quality collection.

The Farrell Range is only available in selected Primark stores so check which ones stock the range HERE. If you do manage to get hold of some pieces just make sure you post a picture on Instagram and Twitter and #Farrell

Styling My Suit

This suit has a great slim fit. It is well cut and well made. The trousers were a little long for me so I had them tailored. There's nothing worse than bunching at the ankles. If you want to make yourself look shorter, that's one sure way to do it! I'm not a tall bloke so I make sure my trousers finish nicely at the shoe (or just above as is the trend right now)

This is a heavier weight winter suit and with the wool content at 41% it's guaranteed to keep you warm. There is also a matching waistcoat available at just £18 for an additional layer.

Going for a 'dapper' look (and why wouldn't I?) I kept the look clean with a slim fit white shirt which has a very subtle pattern. This adds some interest and depth.

The chambray diamond point bow tie adds that element of chic and the grey hopsack flower lapel adds some personality and an accent of fun. The black buttons on this shirt help keep this look very formal.