10 MENS STYLE ITEMS WORTH INVESTING IN - 10 TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY ON STYLE.

[@5ftDeep]

Love the intro where you walked through the gate when you didn’t have to, that’s a real gent’s touch there.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Its all about style - not function in that case.

[@TRI5T4N]

A good haircut! Where applicable 😉

[@vrdrew63]

Great video. Good advice, as always. The only exception I'd take is the briefcase. Unless your job requires carrying around large sheafs of paper documents, then the briefcase has become something of a victim of time and technology. A more functional, less formal, alternative would be the messenger bag. This handily holds a laptop or a tablet, a spare sweater, a couple of books, some hand sanitiser, maybe even a compact umbrella. The advantages of the (less formal) messenger bag over the briefcase are these: They have a strap, allowing them to be worn over the shoulder, keeping one's hands free for other tasks. And they look appropriate with every form of dress up to the formal dress suit. You'd look silly sitting on the Underground wearing denim and trainers carrying a leather briefcase. Not so much with a canvas messenger bag. Not saying the briefcase is wrong. If you're a barrister or an investment banker, then a good leather briefcase is essential. But if you're not: You'll get much better mileage out of a good messenger bag.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Good observation and sensible advice.

[@05Rudey]

Top of the list, A Watch (for example my favourite watch of all time, Rolex Explorer, one of those rare watches that is both elegant and tough, it's equally suited for the outdoors getting muddied Hiking, Wet while sailing, just a quick clean up and maybe a strap change it will look equally in place with a Suit or Dinner Jacket. Shoes (3 in mind, Dress Black Oxfords, Smart Casual Brown Brogues, Casual Boots), Jackets (Wax Barbour and a Blue Blazer/Sports Jacket), at least 1 expensive aftershave for special occasions, for example 100ml of Tom Ford or Creed Aventus. I was going to add a suit, but my last Tailored suit (from Hockerty) cost £200, I also had some minor adjustments on leg length and the shoulders (both half an inch too big ) I think an extra £35. I guess is more or less a Budget item.

[@jessebechtold2973]

Hats! Especially a good Akubra model, it’ll be great for any season, any climate, tough as nails and just a wonderful investment for not too much money!

[@neiljones2264]

Great video as always, as a bonus I would add, especially living in the UK, a black, full length wooden crooked handle umbrella, it makes a chap look stylish, and is guaranteed to be used..

[@TheChapsGuide]

You are very correct sir - in this country an umbrella is a good friend.

[@lenocman2]

@@TheChapsGuide As is a Tweed suit, being a fellow Englishman myself

[@verykeen2please]

Ash some good advise, My old friend's father in Dublin once told me to buy good shoes and a good bed, as you are either standing up or lying down. Went to Lock & Co on in-between lockdowns and it was a great retail experience as my love of hats has increased with direct collation with receding hair line

[@TheChapsGuide]

Same goes for me - would love to visit Lock & Co at some point.

[@verykeen2please]

@@TheChapsGuide well worth a visit and a wonder around the chap's paradise of Jermyn street, but paradise does come at a cost, after all

[@viclucyzia]

@@verykeen2please one can dream...

[@TheChapsGuide]

And also buy a lotto ticket!

[@Fanakapan222]

Blimey, checked out Lock's website, my eyes are still watering :D Stick with Cordings down the road, especially their monthly offers.

[@SturleyArt]

Thank you for taking the time to make and edit this video. Your hard work clearly pays off. I've made a note of a few of these items for further exploration. As a watchmaker I agree with the advice of getting a quality timepiece. May I add, it's better to spend more money on just one high end piece, than a comparable amount on multiple fashion brands. These will always look cheap and not last, but a decent, well chosen watch will always look smart and will last a lifetime too. I hope this helps.

[@verykeen2please]

I have swopped out the blazer for a tweed jacket too

[@TheChapsGuide]

Its that time of year for function over form!!

[@KelsaurusRex]

As a lady, I find your videos incredibly useful and applicable! Your comment rings true of fashion and style not being the same thing, which I find far more apparent in women's fashion.

[@jeffhreid]

Another cracking good video Ash. I’d add that as you say fragrance is a surprisingly poingient aspect of personal grooming. I’ve recently purchased Floris special no 127 and am impressed by how many people have commented on how clean the fragrance is. It’s not inexpensive but I’ve never had this response to a fragrance, take that for what you will. Perhaps Floris has been in business for three centuries for a reason…

[@williambelford9661]

You're not wrong about watches I've worn my Seiko Sub Aqua watch every day for over 35 years.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Another fine video my friend. I have an orient mako that I wear every day. But I must say I get the most complaments on my Fathers Bulova 23 jewels automatic from 1955. I too like a fadora and still wear my grandfathes Stetson that he purchased in the late 1940s. Keep up the good work. Cheers Ron

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks Ron, they sound like really classic watches and the sentimentality just adds to their appeal. Its definitely a hat time of year here in the UK - my favourite time of year by far.

[@wicked-witch-of-the-west]

Getting some comments here, i predict this channel to explode in 2021

[@TheChapsGuide]

The journey will continue.....

[@paulharrison7968]

Excellent advice Ash, following your advice to the letter …. I live in Bath and had a high class removals business called Moving Chaps …. So consider myself a bit of a chap .. love the channel

[@TheChapsGuide]

Fantastic!

[@financeguy4859]

Nice job as always. I wish there were more opportunities to wear a dressy hat in Southern California 😎

[@gabrielgallawa8205]

If you love Green Irish Tweed but it’s a bit spendy, you can find a very similar scent profile in Cool Water by Davidoff as well as an even closer duplication in Tres Nuit by Armaf.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I've not tried Cool water, but I have Tres Niit and I concur , it is very passable homage to GIT.

[@gabrielgallawa8205]

@@TheChapsGuide Tres Nuit is closer to my nose so Cool Water may not be worth a go except it is cheap as chips, especially at discounters like Notino or Fragrancenet.

[@alamore5084]

Personally I really like Davidoff Cool Water. Its got a nice confident and aquatic whiff to it!

[@timothythomas1626]

A good wallet as well can last years. Whilst allowing one to project a statement in personality and or status.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I've recently purchased a new wallet - from Aspinalls of London - I'll make a winter EDC video in the near future.

[@joakimstoppenbach]

Agree, a good wallet is an investment

[@j.burgess4459]

Loakes boots - you can‘t whack em! 💪

[@TheChapsGuide]

Amen to that sir!

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Good video. I have found that finding a versatile hat is such a conversation piece. People often ask to see them and so buying a Made in Europe (or USA) brand is definitely well worth the money spent.

[@owengreene382]

My dare boy, i have to express my thanks. You have help me enoirisly; showing how to dress us not down as we spring forward hopefully to long hot summer. And may I say, I so enjoy your podcast tremendously. How wonderful it is to see your school boy dashing charm to make our day brighter. Good haven's old chap. I'm awfully sorry, but i can't help myself from talking. As my late dare Irish mother would say, "my dare sweet child, do be careful how you speak." God bless her, i do miss her. Look, at the time, goodness graces me, must go old boy, my driver is outside beeping his horn. Can't miss my game of golf?

[@ardentdfender4116]

All excellent tips I wholeheartedly agree with. As well have just about everything on that list. Have brown leather shoes, several in fact, just no brogue ones quite as yet. But it’s in the works.

[@chrispnw2547]

Loving the channel

[@jazzman1626]

I’d love to invest in a three piece tweed suit. I’ve seen one in the old style wide lapels and pleated, wider legged trousers, much like the 1940s style. I’m in my 60s, so the style will suit me better than the half-mast skin-tight trousers with waistcoats that are too short etc. a good tweed overcoat too. They’re a bit pricey for me just now, but they are worth the cost as they last for a long time.

[@adamjones1982]

Great stuff.

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Also, i know sounds old school, but invest in double sided cufflinks they can last a lifetime, beside it is a really really good addition in your dressy style especially if it is small subtle with really small gemstone or not

[@iconsult4usolutions644]

How about a good pen? Agree on all your 10 tips, well done video

[@TeutonicIXXI]

Thanks for more great content Ash! Please keep it coming.

[@williambelford9661]

I'd go for a 3 piece suit, the waistcoat is, obviously, optional and straight, not sloping, pockets on the jacket. For my money the waistcoat has to be 4 pocket 6 button.

[@MrHammyHunter]

0:50. I hadn't noticed there was no fence.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

The shoes that appear at 4.55 are magnificent. What brand are they? I would gladly pay £500 for them (if I had them! 😁😁😁)

[@paulharrison7968]

Lovely space … being tempted by the Carl Freidrik brand

[@robo2606]

First time I hear someone on KZbin put hats in a list like this. The felt hats from Christy's Hats London are nice and affordable.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I'm in the market for a new titfer - maybe a potential video there when the world allows travel to London again.

[@Fanakapan222]

Best hats available today, Akubra out of the land down under. Will stand you in just over a ton, but fur felt so should last a lifetime. Back in the day when hats were de rigueur Akubra produced Stetson designs under licence, so today their Campdraft model is a clone of the old Stetson Open Road.

[@MrBlair-ft2li]

@@TheChapsGuide Ash I’m in Canada and I’ve purchased 4 hats from Christy’s in London’s website. Also Darcy’s Clothing in the UK.

[@Will67267]

You missed quality sunglasses.

[@JimWillShave]

Those Oxford shoes bring back old memories Ash. Eh, that was a sailors salute 😂

[@TheChapsGuide]

Indeed they do - now I polish them for fun. It is a Navy salute - nothing nautical intended, I just didn't want to make my sign off look too military - great spot though Jim!!

[@Fanakapan222]

@@TheChapsGuide The ghost of Trenchard will look down and frown ;)

[@johnbunton9177]

Brown wingtip brogues and a grey fur felt fedora are two of the workhorses in my wardrobe. -These items "bookend" your sartorial style, if you will, and although quality shoes and hats can be expensive, on a cost-per-wear basis, they can wind up being extraordinarily economical. (I wear that fedora, virtually every day that it's not pouring rain, for close to six months in a calendar year.) I've got a vintage camel's hair navy overcoat from Crombie which I've worn every winter for the last thirty years, and it's just as stylish and practical now as it was the day I found it in a second-hand clothing store. (I suspect it may have been twenty years old, or thereabouts, on the day that I purchased it, so we are talking about a coat that has already been in service for half a century.) Vintage overcoats can not only be bargains, if you are lucky enough to find one in good condition and in your size, but they are often made of thicker fabric which is more carefully sewn than current models. -As an added bonus, vintage overcoats almost always extend below the knee, providing additional protection from cold weather, while newer versions are almost invariably shorter, falling only to the mid-thigh. A single-breasted medium weight grey suit, and a navy blazer, are also two workhorses of my wardrobe. And as you say, except in the warmest months, they can be worn virtually year-round, and dressed up or down, depending on one's whim, or the occasion. Personally, I don't care much for plain white shirts, as I find they are difficult to keep impeccably clean, although I concede that they are the shirt of choice for some formal occasions. I make a light blue dress shirt perform the duties that most men would assign to a white shirt, and I also like light pink, and light lavender dress shirts as well. I bought a high-quality leather map case when I first started university, and it not only served me well throughout six years of post-secondary studies, but also throughout a thirty year teaching career. -Over time, it's accumulated a few scuffs, but it also has a wonderful worn patina that makes it more characterful than it was on the day I purchased it, almost forty years ago. I bought a Rolex Datejust in gold and steel with a black dial a little more than fifteen years ago, and I've worn it just about every day since that time. -It's elegant, reliable, can be dressed up or down, and definitely makes an impression on both men and women who know something about wristwatches and care about personal style. When it comes to fragrances, I enjoy Tom Ford's Grey Vetiver in the mornings, and his Black Orchid in the evenings. Often, when out and about on weekends, I will wear Burberry's Weekend. ;-)

[@johnbunton9177]

I don't know if I've overlooked it, Ash, but I think a great subject for a video on men's style would be the purchase of a quality umbrella. -I've got two, one in plain black, and one in a green and blue plaid, both with sturdy wooden handles, that have served me well in inclement weather for over twenty-five years. I'd consider a quality umbrella to be an essential accessory for a stylish chap.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I've been thinking about getting a nice brolly (umbrella) for my birthday in February. I was admiring some Fox umbrellas on my last trip to London. www.foxumbrellas.com/collections/gents-umbrellas

[@rainydayswithdogs]

Excellent sartorial advice, as always.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you kindly!

[@Lordrixson5489]

That's an impressive looking flying jacket you have there sir! Chocks away!

[@williambelford9661]

If you're Scottish a handmade heavyweight wool full 8 yard Kilt in a tartan which you are entitled to wear is, for me, well worth the £500+ price tag.

[@sureshpal670]

good one

[@pauljones2354]

Top Chap! Could listen to your voice all day. Some great advise. Thank you, keep them coming. 🎩

[@TheChapsGuide]

You are most kind sir - I will indeed keep them coming!!

[@sparrowhawk5485]

Excellent advice on all counts. Further considerations: French cuffed shirt; unique cufflinks; a decent leather belt (black and brown); silk tie(s); silk pocket square(s); black long umbrella; tweed jacket; waistcoat. As the old adage goes - dress up, as it is always easier to dress down. If you dress down, you have nowhere to go.

[@TheChapsGuide]

All excellent suggestions - the list could go on and on - limited just by the budget. Best regards

[@sparrowhawk5485]

@@TheChapsGuide Absolutely. The first step on a slippery slope - "oh and I really need one of those and a pair of those" 😂😁

[@yakub1695]

Very good chanel man! Glad I randomly subscribed

[@TheChapsGuide]

Welcome aboard!

[@owentate8832]

Not sure if it's style related but I have a couple of nice pens, one is a fountain pen that gets some lovely feedback from people. They get noticed more than my nice watches! 🤣

[@TheChapsGuide]

I think you are right - there is little better in life than a quality fountain pen. Being of an analogue era I love writing with a fountain pen and keep a journal for just that enjoyment - its one of my vices (if you can call it that). I use a rather modestly priced Lamy A1 pen, it performs outstandingly well for the price-point.

[@williambelford9661]

For leather repairs I'd use a saddler rather than a cobbler any day of the week.

[@bcreedland]

Thanks Buddy for all the videos and the work behind. What are your thoughts on black leather overcoat? (I do own one). It can easily provide the functionality and be worn under rainy condolitions since the material is robust.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Leather overcoats are very rarely seen these days - possibly due to their lack of practicality, they are neither well suited to very cold, or very wet weather. I personally prefer a cashmere/wool overcoat for cold and a gaberdine raincoat for wet.

[@bigdl8805]

Where would you recommend purchasing such shoes you mentioned?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Personally I favour the British brand Loake - these are well constructed and reasonably priced - up to about £250 - £300 (only buy from their 1880 collection - they are the best quality). Otherwise, I also like Cheaney as a higher priced brand (up to about £500). If funds are an issue - I buy most of my shoes from Ebay, either pre-owned or brand new. Remarkable bargain can be found everyday.

[@RoryPattonDreamerOfDunsidhe]

I don't entirely agree. Wristwatches are uncomfortable a good pocket watch is my preference. I would also add a decent pair of cufflinks for that white dress shirt. So many toiletries are fragranced, I'm not sure adding cologne on top is a great idea. However an effective deodorant preceded by a wash with lots of soap is essential.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Some excellent points there sir. I frequently wear cufflinks with about 50% of my shirts, but wristwatches and fragrances are very much part of my interpretation of style - its great to have a differing view though.

[@RoryPattonDreamerOfDunsidhe]

@@TheChapsGuide Perhaps you could do a post for chaps with hair and beards? 😎

[@TheChapsGuide]

Tough subject for me, as I sadly have no recent experience of either, but I am exploring future collaborations with other KZbinrs and that would be an ideal subject to start with. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@thousandaireradio3199]

I enjoyed this. You’re alright bub

[@joakimstoppenbach]

Thank you for another good video. Would like to learn more about hats. Is a video about hats in the making or have I perhaps missed it?

[@TheChapsGuide]

One of my first ever vids was hat related - it looks a bit poor quality now (as hopefully I have improved my style over the last year) - but I am definitely looking to add a new hat to the collection in the coming year - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHTOoIOsadejpLM

[@joakimstoppenbach]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for the link. Have yet to add a Trilby to my hats, the ones I have are Fedoras. If you are doing an follow up video on hats I would be very receptive to tips and hints on when and how to wear a hat as well as caring for a hat.

[@jking4444]

Thank you for the video Mr Jones, Interesting that your watch collection exceeds the value of your car. The watches are appreciating assets, the car isn't.

[@antigoogleman1135]

Very Alan partridge walk there sir.! Great channel .. Keep it up.!

[@decade10hl]

I am curious if grey shoes is a thing nowadays?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I would say not.

[@lynn5447]

Nice list. Keep those wonderful shoes polished! I neither use nor need a briefcase, but am tempted … I am sad that in the US leather shoes are disappearing. Men are wearing canvas shoes with everything, even suits. Ties are also rare and unusual.

[@lorettashumate446]

Support Allen Edmonds shoes. Made in America with all the attributes of fine English made shoes. They are beautiful and durable.

[@lynn5447]

I have three pairs of Allen Edmonds. Not only do they look mavelous, but they are also super comfortable!

[@JonathanHaughton]

Superb presentation. Thanks.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Great video! All excellent points! I feel the same way in regards to the scent of Creed GIT.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Tried some on yesterday in John Lewis - love it - but £250 is just criminal!

[@rottingrearcommunications7309]

Bin Laden has a lovely hat at 6:14

[@rovercoupe7104]

Here are some of my favourite brands: Crockett & Jones Floris Pantherella Fortnum & Mason Rover Daimler T&A A&S Chap’s Guide British Boxers Emma Willis Vogue Henley Business School Letts Accurist.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Some solid selections there sir.

[@rovercoupe7104]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for replying. M.

[@rovercoupe7104]

@@TheChapsGuide Some?

[@viclucyzia]

The one thing I must say where you didn't put emphasis on budget as you always do are your topics about costly watches like Rolex and the Tudor BBB. Those goodies exceed by a large margin my investment capabilities.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I always try and focus on achieving style within a tight budget, but I do occasionally go beyond budget when it comes to wristwatches (which are essentially my only vice). I apologise if this is alienating, but I only feature watches occasionally to cater for those with interest in that topic. Regards

[@viclucyzia]

@@TheChapsGuide Not at all. I learned a lot about them.

[@allan2098]

@@TheChapsGuide You can't fool me, I saw you review a Casio and a Fengeen...:-0

[@johnoliver8703]

very informative sir

[@TheChapsGuide]

So nice of you

[@lynn5447]

I just checked US Amazon for Creed Green Irish Tweed. They carry it. However a 1.7 ounce bottle is priced at US$345. Way out of my price range.

[@cosmicgirl2761]

We’re is that jacket from my friend it’s amazing

[@TheChapsGuide]

Its just a cheapie from GAP. Several years ago now.

[@verykeen2please]

@@TheChapsGuide what no Barbour today?

[@TheChapsGuide]

A rare day off for the waxed cotton wonder jacket!

[@Victor-by1um]

Fantastic 👏

[@techthatmatters141]

hey ash, can you tell us which shoe is it that has lasted for a decade, I would like to buy one too, or is it not a branded one

[@TheChapsGuide]

It was a Cheaney chukka boot I believe.

[@flipvanwaeyenberghe6155]

Another great video!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@daveporter6091]

Thanks for another great video, Ash. Question - what are your thoughts on the number of vents on a blue blazer. I have no vent, single and double vent blazers. Is a no vent blazer out of style?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Traditionally 2 vents are typical, but 1 central vent is also commonly observed. I would say an unvented jacket may have issues with movement and when sitting, but if it works for you - go for it. But if looking to buy new, I would opt for a traditional 2 vent route.

[@denniscannon3633]

What about double breasted suits and blazers? I am fairly tall and slim. Also, I like to walk and travel with my hands free, so favour a decent quality backpack over a briefcase Many quality shirts lack breast pockets, presumably to save spoiling the line. However, in the summer I go for a short sleeved shirt with a smart collar plus a breast pocket. Usually the pocket is empty, but it comes in very handy for instant access to things like tickets. Interested to hear your views on these matters. Dennis

[@michaelosullivan3529]

Good one Ash

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you 🙂

[@jeremyemilio9378]

Add a leather jacket to that list

[@rovercoupe7104]

I have a Cambridge satchel. I have had it for five or six years, but it ‘refuses’ to take on any patina. M.

[@TheChapsGuide]

They have a great reputation

[@rovercoupe7104]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for replying. M.

[@Stevenmulraney]

I see the BLUE suits sometimes, in Philadelphia. They really stick out in an odd way, and with the Philadelphia... non-masculinity... it just doesn't seem to be doing those guys any favors.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Stick to the classic colours - that's why they are called classics - they are tasteful and endure the passage of time with graceful ease!

[@patious7779]

You're mistaken. Philly man style is deplorable. Step up and raise the bar on fashion in Philadelphia.

[@g4okt]

Xeryus Rouge since 1996!

[@kennethjohnson4838]

Hi Ash -- which jacket are you wearing in this video?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Its a bomber jacket from The Gap. Purchased about 5-years ago for about £40. Its been a great coat.

[@kennethjohnson4838]

@@TheChapsGuide Looks great! The bomber jacket is a classic menswear piece!

[@richlander5874]

Top watch tip. NEVER have your watch lower than you're cuff. Just because you have a watch it does not need to be on display. After all you are not selling second hand cars.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sage advice sir!

[@richlander5874]

Hi there chap, I’m not familiar with the term sage. Maybe you could explain that one in a video. On a different note, have you got anywhere with the reference 124270?

[@arvstephenson1107]

Which is the better investment a single buttoned or double-breasted suit?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Whilst I own both and love both, the 2-button suit is undoubtedly the most versatile and will serve the wearer best in most daily situations. The DB suit is usually more formal and I wear mine in the most reserved situations in my life.

[@arvstephenson1107]

@@TheChapsGuide I concur although I see many Chaps move between the two styles without reservation.

[@brudweger]

Christ....who the hell wears brogues these days ( aside from old men and car salesmen)?

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

A briefcase isn't very practical. A messenger bag is way more useful.

[@iMANC1966]

Just bought a Timex Marlin with the green dial. A modern take on a classic watch. It's automatic with a Miyota movement. Comes with a real leather strap. £191 with their 10% off first buy code. What a bargain and it proves you don't have to spend a great deal to look good. Thanks Ash.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Good choice!

[@philclinton9430]

Well done Sir, In relation to the comment below, have stumbled upon what some might say a very good producer of finer quality leather items. That vendor is called Sagebrown, and they do make lovely leather masculine items you would be proud to call your own.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks for the tip - I'll check them out.