Wedding Must-haves for the Groom

With wedding season here and all the ladies running around.

Then amongst all the errands and planning, the groom is sometimes left to his own grace.

So here is just a short list of must-haves for your special day.

Grooms wedding day must haves
1: Ring
- Very important not to forget the ring!
- Usually the best man is in charge of keeping the ring/s but Mr Groom make it your duty to make sure the best man has the ring on the day of the wedding.

2: Suit/Tuxedo - signature piece
- Another important piece is the suit or tuxedo of the groom.
- Just as the bride has her showstopper dress,  the groom needs his and this is his signature piece.
- Whether it is a tailored suit or a hired suit or tuxedo,  make sure that it fits you well.
- Not too big as it will make you look untidy.
- Ensure that it fits you properly on the shoulders, around the waist, its not too long (unless its a vintage wedding) and make sure the sleeves are also not too long.

3: Shoes
- Make sure the shoes matches your belt.
- Ensure that the style of the shoes compliments the suits.
- Gents keep it shining whole day, keep a small piece of cloth in your jacket's pocket.
- Shoes says alot about a man.

4: Accessories
-  For your accessories you do not have to go overboard,  always keep it simple.
- If your shirt has cuffed sleeves, then put on a nice pair of cufflinks.
- Whether you are wearing a tie or a bowtie,  ensure that it fits your suit and shirt.
- Either let your pocketsquare match your tie or lapel.
- Depending on what colour your suit or suit jacket is, always go for a classic white  pocket square or a colour that compliments the tie and flower lapel or flower.

5: Hair/Grooming
- No bride will ever be happy with a nicely dressed groom but no grooming was done or no haircut...remember you have to take photos!
- So make sure you made an appointment with your barber or stylist  for the day before the wedding.
- Some barbers have grooming facilities available, so take a day and get everything done.

6: Fragrance
- Please ensure that you have a very attractive fragrance that you are using.
- One that last the whole day or you have a sample size to just have a spritz during the day.
- Make sure its something sexy,  you want your bride to stay close to you whole day.

Above everything  have fun,  enjoy it and know that it's your wedding as well so make the best of it and swoop her off her feet with the first dance.

All of the best
Camen Menswear

Summer Looks 2018/2019

Summer 2018/2019 is in the air and we need to look the part this season.

So if the weather is right, then so does your wardrobe and we have just what you need. 

This summer its all about being bold, bold colours,  bold prints and looking good.

For some of you guys it will be abit out of your comfort zone but thats what summer is for, fun and sun. 

So here we go guys:

1. For the beach, get your hands on those printed swim and beach shorts. 

Bold prints and bold colours is the order of the day. 

Available from all major retail stores. 

2. Get your hands on those colour shirts and vest, to compliment the shorts. 

3. Gone are the days of guys not having their sandals both comfortable and fashionable.

Guys get your feet in a pair of leather sandals, that can be worn casually and formal. 

Wear it boldly. 

4. For a more formal look,  when joining friends at that cocktail or yacht party get yourself a pair of baby pink or sky blue pants.

It's light colours and perfect for this season.

5. To take it one step further, look dapper and playful in a colourful skinny suit. 

Use the baby pink and sky blue colour palet when choosing the suit. 

6. To give the suit an extra bit of "pazaz" or "je ne sais quoi " then put on those bold print formal shirts this season.

See some of the pictures included for some guidelines.

Hope this bit of information will give you that look that says "Summer is here and so am I"

Enjoy the outfits, mix it up and just have fun.

From Camenmenswear 

Improve your look

Improve your look and it does not cost much!

So many times guys have had this opinion that changing my look or style will cost me an arm and a leg.
Well it depends in which era your cupboard is stuck in.

Some pieces and by pieces I mean clothing items, can just be altered and mixed with other more "modern"  pieces.
For instance, that corduroy jacket that has been hanging in your closet for the past 10-15 years, just needs to be taken for dry cleaning.
Depending on the colour of the jacket, all you need to do is pair it up with a nice crisp white shirt and skinny or straight leg jeans.
For those winter days go for the more 60s look with a soft wool black poloneck and a black jeans or pants.
Bring that vintage look back by pairing it with a more modern bottom.
Such classic and vintage items never go out of style.
This advice can even be used on a vintage or classic velvet jacket.

Another piece is the cardigan, for alot of the youngsters this may look like the old mans jersey but it has "preppy look" written all over it

So this Autumn and Winter go for vintage, classic and the preppy look.
Enjoy the look and make it your own!

"Elegance is not standing out but being remembered - Giorgio Armani"

Warming up this Autumn Winter with more than just clothes!

Warming up for winter with more than just clothes!

So I have had this question posed to me, "Is there Winter colours for men aswell?" My answer to this, YES!
Why must we as men always be left out to just wear the conservative and classic colours of black and grey.
Dont get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wearing these colours, they are timeless and always in style.
For those who want to step out of that box this Autumn/Winter, here are some guidelines on what colours and textures are big this season.

For those who are still very conservative, the grey and charcoal are 2 great colours to wear this season.
As I said previously, its timeless and classic.
Those who want something different,   maroon/burgundy are nice colours that gives that warmth in clothing piece.
Try a nice burgundy jacket and for the more daring, a burgundy chino also does the trick.
For a more softer feel, try a beige or light brown jersey (sweater) over your shirt or tshirt.
This can be worn casual or formal.

With regards to textures this season, I would suggest, leather, suede and  velvet.
So if you dont have that badboy leather jacket you always wanted, then now is the time.
They come in various styles to suit your individuality.
The suede gives abit softer feel then the leather bit it is very weather dependent.
The suede does give that more conservative look to a jacket.
Then moving on to one of the most luxurious textures for men, the velvet.
I would suggest adding a beautiful velvet tuxedo jacket to your collection of jackets and suits.
It just gives that elegant look to a jacket and outfit.
So not a velvet suit (no go area) but a nice black soft velvet jacket.

Recapping...maroon/burgundy, light brown and beige our colours for this AW18 season.
For textures its leather, suede and velvet.
So this season, go out there and look the part.
Be fashionable, be elegant but most importantly " BE YOU".

Remember "It's not what you wear, it's how you wear, what you wear" : Camen

4 Winter Essentials For Men

4 Winter Essentials for Men

With Autumn and Winter approaching, preparation is key.
Here are a few of the necessities that every gentlemen should have in their cupboard this season.
1. A very essential item this season is the HAT.
If you not 100% sure on what to buy,  then opt for the "Classic" hat.
They are usually stiff sided, made of felt material and circular shaped, just make sure its durable and of a nice quality for the intended purpose.
2. Then a pair of nice LEATHER GLOVES.
The winter months can be cold and very harsh on your hands.
So whether you just want to keep your hands warm or add it as an accessory, the leather gloves are an excellent add.
3. One of the most must-have pieces every guy should have in his closet this season is a TRENCH COAT.
Its a bit more refined and fitted then the other jackets but a very elegant add.
It can be found in various natural colours which makes it easy to add to any outfit.
You can wear it with a suit or a nice jeans.
4. Last but not least are the LEATHER BOOTS.
With this cold and wet weather approaching you certainly don't want your feet to be left in the cold.
So get yourself a nice pair of leather boots, whether its lace up or slip-in, just make sure its comfortable.
These can also be worn with a formal pants or a jeans and the come in a few standard colours, which I think is suitable for any occasion.
They are very versatile and very stylish.

Add all these 4 items with a nice shirt and jersey and you are ready for the Autumn/Winter '18 season.
So come rain or shine, always be dapper.

Remember "It's not what you wear, it's how you wear, what you wear" : Camen

What suits your body shape Part 2

What suits your body shape Part 2

This week we concentrate on another mens body shape, the "Oval". These are men who has a little bit of a larger tummy or weight at the torso area. But there are ways to disguise this and still look good.

No1 rule would be to not draw attention to this area. So avoid bomber jackets or big puffer jackets as it makes you look even bigger.

Rule No2, if you love stripes, try to stay away from horizontal stripes as this makes you look bigger. Wear vertical stripes as it makes your upper body area look longer and would ultimately take the attention off your abdomen area.

Rule No3, wear straight fit formal or casual jackets or single breasted jackets.

Wear longer straight fit jackets for those winter days.

Rule No4, try to focus the attention on other parts of your body or outfit.

Wear a belt with a nice buckle, wear a nice fitted pants or jeans or a nice pair of shoes. 

Try not to wear clothes thats also too big, black also gives the illusion that you are slimmer.

So dont let you body shape deter you from looking and feeling good.

Remember "It's not what you wear, it's how you wear what you wear"© Craig Mentor

Mens Health : A Healthy Lifestyle

Mens Health : A healthy lifestyle 

In this day and age, maintaing a healthy lifestyle is not easy. Especially since we have such busy lives. Between having to juggle family, work, and all social media driven activities that tend to distract us so easily. 

Did you know that by maintaining a healthy balanced diet and committing to regular exercise you can drastically change the way you deal with the day to day stresses of life. 

Living healthy starts with a desire to change. A decision to progressively change a "not so healthy" lifestyle and making adjustments towards a healthier life choice. 

Consistency is key in achieving your health and fitness goals. Be patient on your journey to achieving your goals. 

You can't undo years of unhealthy habits overnight. Realistically, you're more likely to stick to your health goals when you set realistic and more attainable markers. 

Remember, slow progress is more effective than no progress at all. Proper nutrition is the vital key to healthy living and sustaining your life. 

So you might be thinking "what about hitting the gym and training programs?" 

Well, high intensity training programs are great for fat loss and reaps greater cardiovascular benefits. Three key tips to get you started on your health and fitness journey.

 1.Set goals for yourself.

 2.Make short term goals that's attainable. Long term goals could become discouraging because it takes longer to achieve. 

 3.Make a conscious decision to stay consistent on your heath and fitness journey.

So here's my last few tips: 

1.Remember to stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 litres of water a day. Stay away from fizzy drinks and beverages that are high in sugar.

2. Vegetables and fruit are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but poorly prepared foods can reap havoc on a "seamingly" healthy diet.

3. Exercise at least 2-3 days a week.

You only have one body... Make sure you take proper care of it.

Remember : If you look good, you feel good...you do good!

What to wear, that suits your body shape...part 1

What to wear, that suits your body shape?

So yes not all men are created equal they say but does that really count?
I have always been of the opinion that yes, we are not all the same but that makes life interesting and exciting.
So the same goes for your body shape, no-one is built the same but it doesn't mean that we cant all look good.
Let's take it one shape at a time.
The Triangle Shaped Guy
These are guys with broad shoulders, big chest (athletic chest) and a thinner or smaller waist/torso.
What to avoid: Avoid any jacket with big or padded shoulder pads.
Also dont wear jackets with large lapels as all of these draws attention to your shoulders.
What to wear: Wear slim fit jackets with thin or skinny jacket lapels.
Wear jackets, tops and tshirts that draws attention to you waist, so to balance out the big shoulders and small waist.
Also try not to wear to much skinny jeans and pants as this makes your waist and the lower body look even smaller.
Try to wear straight leg pants and jeans.
Hope this helps, keep your eyes open for the next issue discussing a different body shape.
Remember "It's not what you wear, it's how you wear what you wear"© Craig Mentor

SA Menswear Week AW18

What will SA Menswear Week produce for the AW18 season?

In the past few seasons there hasn't been much of a change in the menswear designers at #SAMW. 

Every season 80% of the designers were the same as the previous seasons. 

Apart from a few menswear designers who had very functional and masculine pieces alot of the designers show cased their creativity  through different textures and designs that were very "unisex".

Some of the more prominent menswear designers like Mai Atafo who showcased his range in the previous Menswear week did not showcase last season...what a pity.

The more functional and Ready To Wear designers like Another_Label_SA had some very nice pieces in their range that caters for men who want more contemporary and RTW designer clothing. 

Fitting for men of all ages, who wants some uniqueness in their clothing.

For the more urban and streetwear youngster, Sol Sol, 2Bop and Unknown Union was right up their alley with their signature styles and pieces. 

Not much changed in their ranges except their colour palettes and one or two designs.

But besides everything else I am still looking forward to this years #SAMenswearWeekAW18 Showcase. 

They have included a few new designers this season so I am really looking forward to those designers. 

So lets keep on supporting local designers and bloggers and lets build this South African Fashion Industry to one that has to be reckoned with.

Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more info. @SAMenswearWeek

Also follow WearSouthAfrica on Twitter and Facebook

#SAMW #AW18 #WeArSouthafrica

Confident enough to pull it off?

Confident enough to pull it off?

So alot of the gents out there sometimes feel that wearing their tie, with tiepin, their pocket square and flower lapel can sometimes be abit too much. 
But is it or are you just not confident enough to pull it off? 
Alot may say that less is more but standing out in the crowd has never been a crime. 
The mistake we sometimes make it to think that the tiepin should be be a stand out piece but the tiepin should have one focus and that is to keep your tie in place, with a small but of flair of cause. 
The rule is to have one piece that brings everything together and one piece that stands out.
Most of the time, for me its the flowerlapel that is my stand out piece and my pocket square that just brings everything together. 
Always remember that you only have one chance once you step into a room to make your presence known.
There's a saying that says "If you look good, you feel good"
All this speaks about the confidence you project. 
Also remember that the occasion or event you are attending should give you some sort of guidance on how to dress and accessorize.
Attending a black tie event for example should look like this, black suit, crisp white shirt, black tie with tiepin, white pocket square and white flowerlapel.
Follow the dresscode of the event but still have your signature pieces that makes you stand out just abit from the crowd.
Then finally just some advise on your pocket square and flower lapel combination, always ensure that there is a hint of colour in your pocket square that matches your flower lapel. 
If your pocket square is your standout piece then make sure that your tie and flower lapel matches and your pocket square has a hint of colour of both the flower lapel and your tie bringing the whole ensemble together. 
Remember "Its not what you wear, its how you wear, what you wear" ©: Craig Mentor