That Dapper Chap

Sunday, 15 March 2015

Product Review - Rock My Socks

That Dapper Chap takes us through a full review of some of the colourful and wondrous socks from the new range available from Rock My Socks

Product

While Rock My Socks was launched in 2013, it was just last year (2014) that I became aware of the brand. I'd seen their cool and funky styles on Instagram and after some mutual appreciation we chatted and soon after I was wearing their socks and posting my own Instagram pictures!

Me wearing my blue houndstooth socks £8.00

Based in Victoria, Australia, the guys at Rock My Socks say "Rocks My Socks is about great designs and quirky patterns, created to add a touch of colour to your life and brighten up the world...one foot at a time."

Airing my new Rock My Socks designs

They go on to say "Rock My Socks lets you express a shade of your individuality with a hint of colour peaking out from that subtle space between shoe and trouser. Or for the bolder and braver among us roll up your slacks, turn up your jeans, or pair off with your shorts and blast electric hues to the universe. "

But what inspires them to create such funky footwear? "We’re inspired by new ideas and new challenges, let us inspire your style. Join the fight against boring and add a little creativity to your wardrobe today with mens socks from Rock My Socks."

Make a statement in these purple and red stripe socks £8.00

While based in Australia, Rock My Socks opened a UK website in February 2015 and will no doubt look to expand on this later in the year. They tell me "This is the first step in our expansion into overseas markets, after a great response both locally and overseas to our Australian website over the first 12 months of the Rock My Socks brand’s launch. We have launched the UK and US sites so that we can tailor content, seasonal offerings and promotions (such as father’s day) to different countries at the relevant times of the year, and sell our product in the local currency and ship to these destinations faster."

You can buy your socks online now at uk.rockmysocks.com. They are currently still shipping from Australia but that will change in March/April 2015, as they will have local distributors in the US and UK so that customers receive their orders as quickly as possible.

Made in Korea, the socks have a high cotton content of up to 80% with the majority of pairs being 80% cotton and 20% nylon. Others have 70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane.

As for sizes, its a 'one size fits all' approach with all socks available in EUR 41 - 46, UK 7.5 - 11.5 and US 8 - 12.

Green and white spot £8.00

Price

The price is very reasonable and on a par with other brands offering funky designs like those offered by Rock My Socks. Each pair is £8.00 or $15.00 AUD

Aqua and white spot £8.00

Packaging & Presentation

My socks arrive quickly considering they are came from Australia and each pair were sealed in their own cellophane bag to protect them on their journey.

Each pair, neatly sealed in an individual bag

Each pair of socks is held together with a card tag which is held in place with a single stitch. On the tag, along with the brand name are the washing instructions and materials used along with details of where the product is made. You'll also find the website here too. Pretty much everything you need.

The packaging isn't flashy, it's functional. This isn't a high end product so the packaging doesn't need to be any more elaborate than it is.

The card tag with information on both sides

Paul Smith:cufflinks pocket square spring collection

Performance

Just as I expected they would, they socks fitted well and were very comfortable. With the brushed cotton for comfort and warmth, and the elastane for stretch and fit.

They washed well and didn't shrink at all.

Wearing my navy and pink spot socks

Pertinency

Every gentleman should have a couple of patterned socks in their collection. Rock My Socks offer a really good range of colours and styles. There will most definitely be a style that you like and can wear.

Pink Chevron Socks £8.00

The classic navy and white spot socks £8.00

Pro’s & Con’s

What do you need from a pair of socks? You want them to fit well. Check! You want them to look good. Check! And you want them to wash well and last for a decent amount of time. Check!

I've struggled to find an improvement that I might suggest to make the product better. I can honestly say that I have nothing to offer! They're a great product, at a good price, and they do exactly what you want from a pair of socks!

Another good thing is the free shipping to US and UK customers who buy three or more pairs! What are you waiting for?

People

The team liked the socks. I received three blue pairs, two of which were polka dot and one striped pair which do not show off the super designs that they also offer. So, when I showed them other designed available on line, they were really excited.

The three pairs of sock I received from Rock My Socks

They thought the quality was very good and that the packaging did what it was intended for. They would happily buy these socks. There were somewhat perturbed by the fact that they had to come all the way from Australia but when I explained that they will shortly be shipping directly within the UK, they were impressed.

Précis

Overall, I think that Rock My Socks do what they do very well. They offer a great range of styles and colours. You'll find something more sedate if that's what you're looking for, or something more eye catching if that's your thing.

Either way, there will be a pair that takes your fancy. Made well from good materials and well packaged. What more could you want?

Just remember that when you get your's make sure that you post a picture to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #RockMySocks.

Promotion

THANKS FOR READING!

Clothes Maketh The Pit Crew!

HACKETT LONDON STEPS ONTO THE F1 GRID AND BECOMES AN OFFICIAL PARTNER TO THE WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING TEAM

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, Hackett have added a dash of something special to the Williams Martini Racing pit crew, replacing their usual overalls with attire that’s a little more stylish.

Sartorial style briefly stepped onto the usually noisy and rubber tarnished pit lanes of F1 when Hackett London transformed the Williams Martini Racing Team into the sharpest dressed pit crew to ever grace the hallowed pit lanes of F1 motorsport.

17 members from Williams Martini Racing, all looking the part, went through practice completely decked out in Hackett suits, shirts, ties… and of course, white pocket handkerchiefs.

Replacing their usual ‘all in one’ overalls for something a lot more elegant the team must have been suitably inspired as they improved their times with every practice. The crew’s skill and dexterity was further illustrated with each member managing to keep their tie straight and true, just like their pit stops. Let’s not be too surprised if, in the heat of battle, the crew march into the pit lane in Monaco dressed as they are to suit the occasion.

The video of this dramatic occurrence was released yesterday and I have pleasure in sharing it with you right now.

Hackett London is the official clothing supplier to the Williams Martini Racing team from the 2015 season onwards and in celebration of the partnership, Hackett have produced a limited edition replica kit range featuring Hackett x Williams Martini Racing branded team shirts, t-shirts, polos and outerwear, as worn by the team themselves. As you would expect the renowned and recognized Martini racing stripe features strongly throughout. Check out the exciting new range right HERE

The Williams Martini Racing range will be available prior to the first race of the new Formula One season on WMR.com and appear in Hackett’s Regent St store in May, when the F1 calendar returns to Europe

…and the suits worn by the crew are also now available in most Hackett stores!

THANKS FOR READING!

T for Tall - The new collection from Ted Baker

That Dapper Chap introduces a new range of stylish clothing for the less height restricted among, us by leading menswear brand Ted Baker.

Being of a 'non tall' height I've never had to concern myself with the trials and tribulations that gentlemen of height face on a regular basis. Being ever so slightly vertically challenged (I blame my 5'3" Mother) I am able to walk into any man's clothing store and grab any item off the shelf knowing that it'll fit. Okay, sometimes I get my trousers taken up if my leg length isn't available, but generally I don't have a problem.

But what if I were a more lanky lad? Would I have to walk around in trousers that finish above my socks, baring an inch of hairy calf to all and sundry? Would my sleeves show a bit too much wrist, giving me an 'ape-like' appearance? And would my jackets show off a bit too much butt?

I know that a lot of taller guys have had this issue. Yes, you can go to stores that cater for taller guys but can you honestly say that the stuff they stock is stylish enough for you? I've seen some pretty basic stuff for the more heighty among us. Not nice! Every guy should be able to buy the same cool styles as us regular height guys. Take Ted Baker for example, we all know their beautiful suits and patterned shirts, but what a pain if you're too tall for their regular sizes! Worry no more, as Ted has sorted it for you!

This February saw the official launch for Ted Baker's unique collection tailored to the taller gentlemen of 6'3"- 6'6", 'T for Tall'. Ted Baker has teamed up with ambassador Mark Foster, Britain's most successful all-time swimmer, in a humourous video presenting the latest collection:

The LUBBOCK Textured Blazer £285

The stunning lining of the LUBBOCK Textured Blazer

The TACOMA Printed Floral Shirt £105

The Beautiful details of the TACOMA Printed Floral Shirt

The ATLANTA Merino V-Neck Sweater £95

The HIALEAH Herringbone Blazer £285

A close up of the details of the HIALEAH Herring Blazer

So if any of these styles have caught your eye and you're fed up of swanning around with a breeze around your uncovered ankles, take a look at the range. I've always been able to shop at Ted Baker but now the more lofty among us can too! It's the 'height of style'. Get it? See what I did there?

See the entire collection here

THANKS FOR READING!

What I Wore Today - Blue Wednesday

That Dapper Chap shares his favourite look from last week and chooses a blue outfit that he wore on Wednesday, teaming pinstripe wool trousers and skinny fit V-neck sweater.

After discovering the Hammond & Co range, designed by an idol of mine: Patrick Grant, I had to get my hands on these trousers. Fantastically tailored and made from pinstripe wool, they are a classic trouser with a modern fit.

A Close up of the pinstripe on the trousers and of todays watch

Keeping with the classic navy theme (that's the colour, not the military forces!) I chose a skinny fit sweater, again continuing with that slim silhouette that the trousers afford.

rest against the beautiful architecture

Under the sweater is a classic white cotton shirt, complete with collar bar. The tie is a blue and pink floral which gives a nod to the coming spring and lifts the look, giving some interest and depth.

A closer look at the patterns on the tie and pocket square

The location for this shoot is St Mary Le Tower, a local church which I have had an affinity with for huge number of years. It's a stunning example of a medieval church, and I'm pleased to tell you that I had the opportunity to visit the very top of its spire and look out over the townscape, which I'm sure not many people have had the chance to do.

The spire of St Mary Le Tower Church

So, back to the outfit. To keep the early morning chill off I wore a black wool blazer, to which I added a flower lapel, keeping with the floral accent, and also added a grey paisley pocket square.

With my trusty leather briefcase, a navy nato band on my watch, some bead bracelets and my tassel loafers I was ready for whatever the had in store for me.