Category: Lifestyle

With winter starting to set in, it can be extremely tempting to batten down the hatches and hide away in hibernation until next spring – but this is not only one of the best times of the year to get out and about in the countryside, it is also hugely beneficial to your mind and body to go out and enjoy some fresh air in the countryside. Not to mention, you can treat yourself to some of this winters fashions such as Ralph Lauren menswear, and this will mean that you stay smart, cozy, and warm – so you really have no excuses to get out and about!

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One of the best places to go and enjoy the great outdoors is the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire – as well as having a wide range of wide-open spaces, and picturesque views, there is plenty for adults and kids alike, as well as places to explore when the weather is slightly damp…

For scenic views, you will be spoilt for choice. If you fancy a bit of a climb, then walk up to the summit of May Hill, where you will be able to see all around across Gloucestershire and beyond – on a clear day you can see as far as the Black Mountains in Wales.

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Get underground on a rainy day and explore the world beneath the surface at Clearwell caves – learn about the history of the mining in the Forest and see the stunning caves and maybe even the local bats that live in them!

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Whilst ties may be used for formal occasions, and many men (and women) despise wearing them, there’s no denying a well-chosen tie can make your entire outfit. What’s more, you can actually use your tie to show off a little bit of your personality through the design. Here are some of the more popular tie designs and what they say about the wearer.

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1. The classic striped tie

Nothing can beat a classic, and that’s your motto! You have deep-rooted gentlemanly values and place a huge focus on order and organization. Striped ties are most common for uniforms and can be linked back to the military where they would represent the wearer’s regiment. This may depict your role in the army as to whether you are infantry based or perhaps a tank driver. You may even enjoy some Tank Driving Days from companies such as  https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk in your spare time. Whilst some may consider you strict, you see it as being traditional and focused on your goal. Either that or you’re actually a rugby lad living your best life with the tie worn adamantly around your head.

2. The geometric pattern

Typically reserved for people who have a mind for IT or technology in general, the geometric pattern is often accompanied by bold colors. Quite often, the pattern itself is associated with being a ‘geek’ – although despite the seemingly negative connotations, the majority who are branded with this title wear it proudly! The reason being, those who favor this pattern are generally logical and forward-thinking, but with a love for innovation.

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Regardless of your choice in tie patterns, there will be a shirt to match it perfectly.

3. Paisley

This one is for those who stand out, both in terms of personality and fashion. This pattern originates in Persia and has become closely associated with the Boho scene, so you’ll often see it adorning the necks of those who love everything vintage and aesthetic.

Despite the tie being largely dropped and replaced with the more casual open buttoned shirt and blazer, many still feel that ties are essential to complete a suit. Indeed, it can’t be denied they bring a certain class to the outfit, and often make it much better!

4. Animal print

Simply put, you’re fun and light-hearted and don’t take anything too seriously. You exude positive vibes and are undoubtedly unique.

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The popularity of the sweatshirt spans all social backgrounds and generations, and it’s a staple in most people’s wardrobes. But how did this iconic design develop? Well, it all started in Alabama, in the 1920s, with someone called Benjamin Russell.

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Similar to its cousin the hoodie, the roots of the sweatshirt lie in American sports. Benjamin Russell owned a women’s and children’s undergarment factory, and one day his son, Bennie Russell, came to him with a problem. Bennie played American football and had become frustrated with how uncomfortable the wool jerseys worn by the players were. Using women’s underwear material as an alternative, Benjamin began developing a softer, more comfortable top.

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The popularity among the football team was immediate and the design was quickly adopted by both football and baseball players across America. The sweatshirt design shortly became intrinsically linked with American sport and comfort. If you’re wondering where the name came from, it was coined by factory workers who commented on the state of the garment post-game!

The triangle

Since their inception, sweatshirts have featured a triangle shape on the front collar. The technical name for this feature is the ‘V-insert’ or ‘V-stitch’ – this is a piece of the cotton jersey that’s ribbed or a piece of material that’s elasticized, as is often used in waistbands. Originally, the use of it in a sweatshirt was designed to collect sweat around the neckline and chest while exercising.

Aside from its practical use, the V-stitch also helped control the amount of stretch around the sweatshirt’s neckline when putting it on and taking it off. Nowadays, with modern improvements in fabric design, the triangle is more of a design feature than a technical one. Modern tops like the Farah sweatshirt https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/farah/sweatshirt are inspired by tradition but feature modern design techniques.

Loopback

Sweatshirts commonly contain a particular knit on the underside that features loops, known as “loopback”. The name derives from “loopwheel”, a machine that was traditionally used to knit the fabric. Early versions of the loopwheel reduced the knit’s tension, but modern methods now create the pattern from two yarns and ensure it’s tightly knitted. This means the tops are more resistant to getting bobbles (known as “piling”) as they age. The loop pattern was originally designed to ‘wick’ sweat away from the body and keep it cool.

 

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We all want to look our best when we leave the house, whether we’re going out to work, a party where we have carefully looked through the Maxi Dresses available and selected the one we like, from places like https://www.axparis.com/collections/maxi-dresses/ or just to the shops. However, it’s unrealistic for everyone to have a model figure that’s perfectly slim and toned. For the rest of us, we often need a little bit of help to enable us to look our best. This could be through simply wearing the right underwear, having a correctly fitted bra or undergoing a surgical procedure.

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Both women and men struggle with their body image, even if they don’t have any real reason to feel this way. Some 80% of men are negative about their body image, with 75% of women also feeling this way. This negativity can lead to feelings of anxiousness and prevent people from living their lives to the full. There are ways that you can alter your image, whether on a temporary or more permanent basis.

Using body shaping underwear

Having the right type of underwear can alter how an outfit looks and feels. If you choose the wrong pieces it can lead to lumpy sections or cause the outfit to not sit properly on you. Body shaping underwear can provide a smoother and more toned appearance. Depending on the type of underwear you choose, they work by slimming the thighs, lifting your bum and flattening the stomach, so that your clothes fit and hang better. These are ideal when you’ve got a special occasion and you just want a temporary lift to help you feel better about yourself.

Choose the right size lingerie

Wearing the wrong size bra can seriously affect a woman’s confidence. However, there are still thousands of women across the country who are opting to wear one that’s far too small or large for them. Research commissioned by Triumph found that 73% of women said that ill-fitting lingerie damaged their self-confidence, but 76% still wear an incorrectly sized bra. If you’re fitted properly for a bra, it will help to give you a better figure, without any bulgy bits, so that you can enhance what you already have.

Are you considering surgery?

If you’re looking for a more permanent option to help you look your best, then there are a range of cosmetic surgery options available. It’s important to consider these carefully, as the procedure produces a permanent effect and it’s not just as simple as taking off your underwear at the end of the day.

Vaser liposuction is growing in popularity, largely due to its benefits for patients. This is a procedure that removes stubborn fat pockets across the body, which you can’t alter by exercising alone, to give you a more sculptured look. The advantages are that there is a minimal inconvenience in terms of recovery and there is less discomfort when compared with other procedures.

Once you feel better about yourself, whether you’re wearing the latest underwear or you’ve had cosmetic surgery, you’ll gain in confidence. Body image is a large part of our belief in ourselves and if we know we look good we’re more likely to have a confident persona.

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