The 'No Shave' Rave

That Dapper Chap looks at the current trend for beautiful beards and marvellous moustaches

Instagram men of facial hair: Messers Hall, Doyok, Millington and Huxley

November has become the hairest month for men with more and more gents taking part in the Movember challenge to raise money for great causes such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health. 

Funding 832 programmes across 21 countries the Movember event has become a significant global campaign and one that should not be sniffed at, albeit through a luxuriously manicured moustache.

There's no escaping it, beards are sexy and they are back in a big BIG way. It seems the bigger the beard the weaker the fairer sex become at the knees. Perhaps its the increased essence of masculinity that exudes from the follicles or perhaps it's that ladies have become bored with the super smooth Essex boy look, all coiffed and clean shaven and hanker for a rougher and tougher aesthetic.

Instagram thecollegechef9 sporting a wonderful example

The history of facial hair

But what goes around come around and beards are by no way a new invention. London based writer and Art Historian Lucinda Hawksley has recently released a book in conjunction with the National Portrait gallery which charts the history of facial furniture from caveman times to present day.  All cavemen had beards right? Maybe not! As she explores the possibility of their shaving routines! 

Moustaches Whiskers & Beards available
at Amazon for £10

Her book features many great images of men with beards and moustaches from gods and ancient Egyptian Pharaohs through Kings and actors to the modern day and the uniquely bearded Conchita Wurst. Along the way we hear of an Austrian man who was killed by his own beard and Henry VIII beard tax!

A taste of some of the hairy delights available in the book

Its an interesting read and it explores many avenues of this phenomenon and answers a lot of questions while providing many a fact and talking point for the pub!

One of my own ancestors Sidney Manning sporting a wonderful moustache

Five tips for caring for your facial hair

Due to the increasing abundance of well covered chins and top lips, mens grooming brands have met the demands of men looking for ways to trim, tame and temper their hairy offering. There are now numerous shampoos, oils and waxes on the market and here we look at some tips and products for good beard care:

• Keep clean - Keep your beard and moustache clean in the same way you would your hair and use a mild shampoo regularly.

Beardsley Ultra shampoo £18 from The Beard Emporium

• Keep trim - Unless you want to look like one of ZZ Top, invest in a good multi aspect trimmer or a pair of barbers scissors. Alternatively have your facial hair trimmed regularly by your barber.



The Remington Mens trimmer and grooming kit £68.99 at Amazon

• Keep it combed - Get yourself a wide tooth comb and use this every day to remove tangles and to assist with trimming



The GB Kent beard and moustache comb available from Amazon at £5.15

• Keep moisturised - After you have washed and trimmed, oil or moisturise your beard to keep it soft and pliable. Your partner will thank you for it. It will also prevent beard dandruff.

Penhaligons Beard Oil £45 House Of  Fraser

Murdock London Beard Moisturiser £24
House of Fraser

• Keep it tamed - Adding a tab of wax to your moustache and/or beard will enable you to give it shape in the same way as you may apply wax to and style your hair.

Captain Fawcets Moustache Wax
£9 at Carter & Bond London

THANKS FOR READING!

Product Review - The Burton Miliary Coat

That Dapper Chap reviews the Burton Menswear military style coat which came top of his recent blog on top five coats available from the current collection

We all know the Burton brand. Now owned by the Arcadia Group who also look after Topman, it's a well established British institution. With over 400 stores in the UK you're never far from a store. 

Product

For this product review I am focussing on the coat which came top of my recent blog on winter coats available from Burton menswear.

As we know, a lot of coats are inspired by military design, for example, the trench coat and the pea coat all have their roots deep in military soil. This coat however embraces this fact and doesn't pretend to be anything other than a Naval coat. With its wide ample collar, double breasted front and metal buttons embossed with Anchors, it's not a shy piece and is more of a statement coat compared to others we're seeing on the high street.

Price

The RRP is £99, and for a coat which is very 'now' it's well worth the cost, particularly as it is 65% pure wool.

Packaging & Presentation

This particular coat is a sample piece and was sent to me by the Arcadia group so didn't arrive in Burton packaging. from experience I know that items from Burton arrive on hangers and are sealed in clear cellophane bags before being sealed in plastic bags for posting. 

No, it isn't glamorous and opening the package isn't part of the buying experience as it is with more high end brands, where some of the packaging is as beautiful as the items itself.

Burton are a high street brand, their packaging is nothing but practical and functional, and is there simply to protect the garment during transport which it does very well.

Performance

As I mentioned above the coat is 65% wool and 26% polyester with 9% 'other'. It felt good to wear and was heavy enough for it to feel substantial but not too heavy that it felt cumbersome. I have a vintage Tweed coat by Dunne & Co and I really know I'm wearing it, it's very heavy. You can put this coat on and forget about it, knowing that you look good.

It fitted well, and gave a very slim silhouette. When done up it looks very sharp, it's a serious coat. It's a good length on me and finished well on the arm (if an inch long for me personally). I often find sleeves on coats a tad on the long side as I am slightly shorter than the average gent. Aside from having a bespoke coat made for my exact measurements I have no option but to live with it. Chaps taller than me (5'10-6'0) won't have a problem here.

The pockets were deep, and ample enough for a wallet and phone. The inside pockets were roomy too.

As it is a sample piece I didn't test it for it ability to shed water. It didn't rain during the shoot so I am unable to comment on its water resistancy, but with a significant wool content I would assume that it has a natural ability to keep the wearer dry in a shower.

Pertinency

If you're looking for a new, masculine style coat in a classic colour but with a distinct look, this is for you. It does stand out from other more simply designed coats, and you will get noticed in it. So, if you are a more sedate chap that likes to stay on the sidelines more, maybe a more basic style is for you.

Pro’s & Con’s

The coat fits well and looks great. It feels good on and is well made. While shooting however, one of the button did fall off and on checking the others it was clear that they could have been fastened better. I managed to reattach it for the shoot but we have to take into consideration the fact that this is a sample piece and has been to more shoots than I have, and maybe hasn't been cared for as much as yours will be.

It may be worth just adding a few more stitches to the buttons when you get yours however as they are quite distinctive and if you lost one it would be very difficult to replace it.

People

My team really liked the coat. There were no negative comments. "ooo, that's really nice" and "That's a lovely coat" were just a couple of the compliments that it received.

They thought the cost was very reasonable and that the quality was high for the price.

Précis

Overall it's a very good coat for the cost. It'll most definitely last you a few years and you won't be disappointed if you do decide to take the plunge and buy one.

Promotion

Find Burton Menswear in a town near you using their store finder here

  

  Burton on social media

    

Autumn leaves

At last! The summer has finally said it's fair well and allowed those chilly mornings and cold evenings to grace us with their prescience. I know! I shouldn't wish for cold weather but it gives me such a great opportunity to layer up and pull out those wool blazers that I've been wanting to wear, not to mention, hats, scarves and gloves!

Just because it's the weekend it doesn't automatically mean you need to dress down! Why wouldn't you wear a tweed blazer and a bow tie on a Saturday to pop into town to buy a new SIM card? That's what I did, yes some people looked at me as if I was off to a winter wedding while others gave admiring glances.

With the leather side zipped boots I added a pair of dark plum cordoury trousers and a blue chambray shirt. As the trousers are a little on the big side I opted for braces rather than a belt to continue that vintage heritage feel.

The brown herringbone blazer and bow tie are a good match and give a very autumn feel with the robust wool fabrics in brown tones. It was somewhat chilly when I left the comfort and warmth of my home so as I left I reached for my new burgundy scarf.

I accessories with one of my own range of lapel pins and a spotted pocket square. Nothing too much as I felt the outfit had enough going on without unwanted adornments that could make it look cluttered and more like I'd had fun in the dressing up box! 

Where is it all from?

Brown leather boots: River Island

Fairisle socks: ASOS

Cordoury trousers: Next

Chambray shirt: Primark

Brown herringbone blazer: Primark

Brown herringbone bow tie: Primark

Pocket square: EBay

Lapel pin: home made

Glasses: Specsavers

Scarf: Next

Braces: Next

THANKS FOR READING!

It's in the bag....

  That Dapper Chap meets the guys behind high end brand Antoni Manuel and talks about their range of leather bags and accessories where fashion meets functionality.

Read on for a 10% discount for That Dapper Chap Readers and top tips on caring for your leather bag.

The Vintage Leather Duffel Bag £360

A young company, based in London and trading for just 12 months, Antoni Manuel have already created a buzz with their range of high quality leather bags and accessories. The hugely sleek and stylish range is firmly aimed at the professional gentlemen, that busy guy who runs from meeting to meeting and needs to be thoroughly organised perfectly presented.

After chatting to Emmanuel online, who heads up the marketing side of the operation, we agreed to meet for a collaboration. After just a short time with Emmanuel in their office suite in the heart of London's financial district, it became acutely apparent that the Antoni Manuel team strives to produce the highest quality products that they can, meshing amazing style with impeccable attention to detail.

The Capsule Briefcase in Brown Croc effect leather 

Emmanuel's passion for their range of high-end gentleman's accessories is obvious. It is also heart-warmingly refreshing when in an age of mass production and a 'throw-away' mentality, these items are made to the highest standard and are intended to last.

Using only Grade A leather, their initial range was designed in house and created in a factory in Italy. When demand increased the factory was unable to offer what Antoni Manuel needed so they are busy building relationships with another manufacturer in Italy where they hope to make the entire range.

A different view of the Brown Croc effect Capsule Briefcase

The Capsule Briefcase

One of my absolute favourite pieces in the Antoni Manuel range is their capsule briefcase. Available in five finishes: black, tan or brown croc and tan or brown vintage leather. Its a beautiful and versatile item which will suit any busy gent. 

Perfect for holding everything you may need on your daily commute, phone, tablet, cards, paperwork, pen, notebook and a 16" laptop. lined in burgundy and finished with a two way antique gold zipper the case has hidden handles which can be slipped away easily allowing you to tuck the case under your arm or as a clutch or quickly pull out the handles and hold it in the usual way. Priced between £230-£250 it measures 30.5cm tall and 36.5cm wide so it's a nice size.

The Black Crock Briefcase with handles hidden

The brown Croc effect Briefcase with handles pulled out

Inside the roomy briefcase in antique brown

A truly versatile and functional but fashionable piece

The Capsule Duffle Bag

I asked Emmanuel what his favourite item is, he initially said it was the duffle bag but I could see him thinking and after a bit of probing he said that his favourite changes as they continue to make improvements and adjustments to their designs and also what he uses each piece for.

He did confirm that the duffle bag is very popular and gets a lot of interest. I'm not surprised by this as it is a very nice piece.

The Duffel Bag in Antique Tan Leather

Also available in black croc effect leather

A good size for an over night meeting or for the gym

Side view of the black croc duffle bag

With red lined interior and additional pockets its a versatile piece

Priced between £360 and £400, depending on finish, the bag measures 24cm by 54cm by 24cm and features  a one-way antique gold zipper and a Turkish cream linen lining. Inside you find two handy pockets which will hold everything you'll need it to.

Other Products

As well as the duffle bag and briefcase Antoni Manuel offers a great document holder and its smaller cousin the tablet holder. The document holder measures 26cm by 39cm and the tablet holder is the perfect size for your iPad and will cost £120

The stylish document holder in brow croc effect leather £200 and available in six finishes

The flip side of the document holder in brown croc effect £200

Inside the document holder

The messenger bag is available in black, brown and Tan and is a classy item and will look great with that new suit. Features include Top sliding handle, Antique Gold Locker and a burgundy interior lining. Its boasts 3 internal sleeve compartments and space for cards, pens, phone and even has a compartment for your iPad mini.  You can even get a 16” inch Laptop in it.  The hand grip and the shoulder strap give it added versatility. 

The Black crock effect messenger bag £300

Inside the messenger bag

The Packaging

As with any high end product half of the enjoyment of buying the piece is the packaging in which it arrived and again, you wont be disappointed here! Each piece arrives in its own heavyweight dust bag. Emmanuel explained his disappointment with the first set of dustbags that were ordered "they were like pillowcases" he said. Needless to say, it was back to the manufacturer for a reassessment of this important component!

The bag itself is then placed in a beautiful black box, perfect for a present or a treat for yourself. The box is sturdy and you can rest in the knowledge that your new purchase will arrive safely protected.

Embossed with the Antoni Manuel logo and tied with black ribbon the packaging is just as stunning at the bag itself.

What's next for Antoni Manuel

The Antoni Manuel range is currently only available online but they are currently looking to take their products to select number boutiques across the world where customers will be able to feel the quality before they buy. 

These boutiques may sell the existing range or have a product designed exclusively for them which is a very exciting prospect for the Antoni Manuel collector.

The black croc effect messenger bag

They continue to tweak and enhance their designs, thinking continuously about their customer and what he wants from an Antoni Manuel product. 

For example, the new briefcase, due to be launched soon, will have internal braces which will hold one half of the case in an upright position hereby giving the user some much needed privacy when he uses his laptop or tablet on trains and in cafes and restaurants. 

It's this attention to detail and the fact that their design team constantly strive for improvement and perfection, which is incredibly admirable.

Also on the horizon, and some breaking news for you, is a new iPad case and a case for the iPhone 6 which will be strengthened to stop it from bending, which has been an inherent flaw with this new phone. Look out for the iPhone 6 case around Christmas time.

There are no photographs of these items just yet but look out for the forthcoming That dapper Chap contest on Instagram when you will have a chance to win an iPad case.

Offer

Aside from free shipping in the UK, I am able to offer you two great offers from Antoni Manuel. If you buy the black croc effect briefcase you can have an iPad case free of charge.

In addition to his, That Dapper Chap readers can take advantage of a 10% discount by simply entering 'thatdaperchap10' at checkout.

Top tips on caring for your bag

HOW TO CLEAN

• The general principle is simple: remove dirt build-up by wiping down with a cleaner made specifically for the leather in question.
• Some of our bags have antique gold zips and chains, Antoni Manuel recommend that you wipe them down with a soft dry cloth every other day to once a week.

HOW TO STORE

• Antoni Manuel recommend that you store your bag in its original dust bag and fill it with stuffing such as newspaper when not in use as this will help to maintain the original shape to maintain its shape.
• Keep the dust bag and product inside the original box, along with packets of silica gel so the bag doesn't get damp. If you do not have a box any dry or relatively cool area such as on top of the cupboard will do.
• Air once every two weeks to halt the growth of mold.

THANKS FOR READING!