Christmas Gift Guide for Men
Clothing and accessories make superb gifts for men. That’s especially true if there’s a man in your life who is stubbornly attached to his existing wardrobe and refuses to experiment – and we all know a few of them.
We also understand that nobody wants to waste money on unwanted clothes that will hang forlornly in the wardrobe or end up at the charity shop. But fashion for men doesn’t have to have anything to do with the arm or the leg – let alone the cost. There are plenty of affordable gifts that might just spark a little sartorial flair in your style-shy man. Think belts, cufflinks, ties or hats, for example – or maybe even a nice new sweater.
With Christmas around the corner, we thought we’d share a few great shopping ideas that will help to bring a little style into the life of someone who needs it. And if you’re shopping for someone who’s already stylish – well, you’ve come to the right place.
Hats – £20–40
A hat is always a great way to introduce a new look for the gent in your life. With Christmas falling right in the middle of winter, you might instinctively plump for a beanie. That can be a great choice for the younger guy, who can pull it off as a fashion item, but if he’s older, he’ll probably only wear it when there’s blue on the weather report.
Something a little more stylish has a much wider array of possibilities, however. Case in point – a Harris tweed flat cap that can be worn all year round. It works just as well with semi-formal and business wear as with purely casual looks, and has a functional edge in the winter, especially if he’s not quite as lush up there as he used to be.
The duckbill hat is also a cool accompaniment to anything he has in his wardrobe. Whether he’s on the commute or examining veg at the farmer’s market, his overall look will be enhanced by this one modest touch. Corduroy duckbill hats make great inexpensive gifts, but Harris tweed takes the class up a notch.
Shop hats from out extensive collection
Belts and Braces – £15–20
A smart pair of trousers doesn’t quite look complete without a belt, even when they’re perfectly fitted. Those open belt loops just look like questions without answers. A beautiful leather belt will complete the circle and smarten up the border between trouser and shirt, and it’s a neat way of matching other accessories like watch straps.
Observe the kind of trousers he normally wears, and his accessories. A business suit works best with an understated, grained belt with a pin buckle. Black is best for a black or patterned suit, but brown works with blue, tan or green hints.
Belts don’t need to be plain, of course. There are some great options such as woven leather belts or those with a more conspicuous hide design, such as crocodile. And gift belts lend themselves to being reversible too – each side has different colour, texture or pattern, so the recipient can choose which side to show off.
Braces are a little more niche, but are making their first real comeback since they were ubiquitous over the shirts of 1980s city traders. They do of course have a function, and can be mostly hidden away under a suit, but as soon as the jacket comes off, braces can make quite a statement – especially if boldly patterned.
Affordable gift belts for the fashionable man
Neck Tie Sets – £15
We’re delighted to see the pocket square returning to the sartorial fold, worn unironically and proudly by those who understand refined taste. The problem is always finding squares that match ties, because there’s no such thing as “close enough” when it comes to this blend – it should either be a perfect match or a complete contrast.
So, why not buy them together? We love these gift sets that contain a matching tie and pocket square, with the addition of complementary cufflinks to finish off the theme admirably. There are colourful Paisley, muted black and delightful floral designs to choose from, so you’re bound to find the one that matches his style. And it all comes served in a neat, wrappable box for gifting perfection.
Ties and tie sets make fabulous gifts
Jumpers – £25–30
Finally, there’s that festive classic – the jumper. The trend for joke jumpers might be wearing a little thin nowadays, so why not treat him to a jumper he’ll actually enjoy wearing from autumn to spring? Cotton jumpers are breathable, easy to wash and light enough to layer over a T-shirt and under a jacket without rendering arms immovable. A smart roll-neck is a winter classic, and can be worn under a suit for a stunning look.
You can find cotton jumpers in any design or colour, but we like the zip neck feature, which acts as a temperature regulator and an overstretch protector, as well as a style statement. They can go over a T-shirt, a shirt or nothing at all, such is their softness against the skin. Best of all, cotton comes at a fraction of the price of wool, making them ideal for gifts.
Cotton on to a versatile jumper this Christmas
Chinos - £29.99 - 2 for £50
Mens Chinos are the epitome of classic and versatile fashion. They’re a must-have for men, loved by all ages. Chinos are incredibly easy to wear and style. You can pair them casually with a T-shirt or an open-buttoned shirt, or dress them up with a suit jacket for work or a fancy event. And the best part? They come in a wide range of colors to suit every taste.
