Sweating is completely natural. When we feel hot, our body sweats. When sweat evaporates, it cools the body down. However, despite it being normal, it can be completely annoying especially for those of us who find themselves excessively sweating. Suffering from excessive sweating can also impact your confidence when the sweating strikes, which in turn creates stress which increases sweating, it is a vicious circle.
The good thing is there is hope. While we can’t stop the body from sweating, there are ways to reduce and deal with it. Here are some tips on how to deal with sweating.
Skip eating spicy food
If you are fond of eating hot peppers and other spicy delicacies, then it may be time for you to minimize your consumption, especially during lunch meetings. Eating spicy food can affect the amount of sweat your body produces, due to Capsaicin which stimulates the nerve receptors in your mouth, tricking your nervous system into thinking you are hot. You body then acts like 30+ C sending signal to your brain to activate your sweat glands to cool you down. Sweat then reaches your skin evaporates and taking the heat from your body with it.
Other than spicy food, eating onion and garlic can also increase your body odour. In garlics case the chemical you smell on your breath and skin is Sulphur. Sulphur compounds produce an unpleasant odour that as humans we have a low tolerance too. Garlic alone is not making us smell, as it is close relative onion from the alliaceous family can also produce pungent sweat. Other foods high in Sulphur and notorious odour producers also include cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts. If you are scheduled to attend business lunches, you may want to try avoiding these foods.
Up your hydration
Hydration is the easiest way to reduce perspiration. When your body is hydrated, it is better equipped to control your body temperature. Allowing your body to stay cooler for longer. This means drinking 8 glasses of water a day. When you are dehydrated your body will continue to perspire to expel fatty acids and other unwanted substances. There are millions of sweat glands in your body. Located in your armpits, apocrine glands are the most active of these glands.
These glands produce sweat that is high in fatty acids and proteins. These fatty acids combine with bacteria on your skin to produce the unpleasant odours associated with underarm sweat. This is also what creates the yellow stains on your shirts. The sweat by itself is odourless. So keep that water bottle handy and opt for some fruity snacks like strawberries and cucumbers that are up to 90% water to keep you hydrated.
Improve your diet
Like a car, your body runs smoother when it’s been properly maintained. High quality fuel, motor oil, regular oil changes keep your car from overheating, overworking and eventually breaking. Fruits and vegetable rich food high in B-Vitamins have a similar effect on your body. They help your body carry out critical metabolic functions and inter-nerve communication that keeps things running smoothly. When you don’t get these essential Vitamins your body has to work harder which can cause you to sweat more. So, fill your plate with whole grains, proteins and vegetables to keep that body operating at optimal levels.
Wear breathable fabrics.
Sometimes staying sweat-free can simply comes down to wearing the right clothing. If you sweat excessively, it is best to stick to clothes that are made from light breathable fabrics as well as avoiding tight fitted clothing. In the warmer months you may want to invest in a breathable undershirt to absorb sweat before it reaches the outer layer of your clothing. In the cooler months try adding a jacket or cardigan in a breathable material that may also help keep sweat from coming into view. Just be sure your layers are thin or appropriate to the season — you don’t want to feel overheated and worsen the problem.
The colours you wear can also affect the amount you sweat. Dark colours like navy and black and very light colours like white tend to hide wet stains the most effectively. It is best to avoid grey’s, blues, and bright colours as they tend to be the worst options for hiding sweat and will definitely show the world that you can’t stand the heat.
Besides colour and the number of layers you wear, you might also want to think about the materials you’re wearing. Technology has come a long way with it come to the textiles. Many technical fabrics can now allow better moisture wicking than cotton. Moisture wicking will not stop sweat, but will draw the moisture away from the body faster, increasing the evaporation process which in turn keeps you feeling cooler, drier and more comfortable.
Apply antiperspirant at night.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to antiperspirants is the timing.
Antiperspirants blocks the sweat ducts, preventing sweat to reach the surface of our skin. For it to work effectively, it is advised to apply it at night before bed. Most people apply it during the day, believing it would protect them from excessive sweating and body odour. However, during the day our bodies actively produces sweat. Unfortunately, the active ingredients in the antiperspirant used to reduce perspiration is removed by your daytime sweat.
Antiperspirants needs time to absorb into our body to work effectively. During the night our body produces less sweat thus allowing the active ingredients from the antiperspirant to be absorbed. This in turn lessens sweat production during the day. If you shower in the morning it is not a problem as the active ingredient should have already soaked in overnight and will still be effective.
Deodorants are different. They don’t prevent sweat but rather mask the smell produced by the bacteria when the body sweats. Please note some antiperspirants also contain deodorants.
Stress Less
While advising someone to stop stressing, it is often easier said than done.
People suffering from excessive sweating tend to stress a lot especially with their constant concern relating to visible sweat patches and body odour. Unfortunately, the more you stress about it, the more you sweat, stress increases the level of adrenaline response thus causing the body to sweat more. Look for ways to minimize your stress especially when it comes to work, if possible think mindfulness, meditation, and life balance, and when you’ve figured that out, please let us know.
While not always pleasant sweating is very natural, by watching your diet, staying hydrated and wearing comfortable clothing hopefully you can stay a little cooler and more comfortable this Summer. Enjoy the Sunshine : )
Forget checking luggage; follow these 10 tips to become a carry on-packing superstar.
1. Have a “go-bag”
Prepare a bag with your regular requirements that needs minimal addition prior to travel. For example: Have a computer bag with a travel charger, HDMI cable, USB and phone charging cables prepacked and good to go. Add your laptop and walk out the door. For me, I keep a golf glove, a handful of tees and a few balls in a pocket of my suitcase to save buying new ones every time I get invited to play and am not prepared.
2. Toiletries – Double bag, prepack and downsize
Spills inside your suitcase can be a nightmare. To avoid, place all liquids and gels inside a plastic bag inside either another plastic bag or your toiletries bag. Opting for travel size toiletries will also save you loads of space. Keep a travel-only toiletry bag that has duplicates of everything you need including a spare toothbrush. If you are a spray deodorant kind of guy, consider a roll on for travel times only, saving valuable time at the security checkpoints.
3. Wrinkle-free fabrics do matter
Inevitably, your suitcase will get tossed about while travelling and the contents will move and get creased. Investing in the right shirt will ensure you can look sharp, straight out of the suitcase. John Miles shirt collection are designed specifically with travel in mind, pull them out, shake twice and put on. It is that simple.
4. Laundry Bags, keep a spare
Stash an empty, lightweight bag inside your suitcase for any dirty laundry and if you forget you will often find fabric drawstring laundry bags at most high-end hotel rooms or a plastic one at middle range hotels. Pack on top of suitcase for separation then squish down to close.
5. Place shoes foot-to-toe in the bottom of your suitcase
Heavy items, like shoes, should be placed at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels. This saves space and makes sure that your suitcase is properly balanced. Put softer items on top as they will squish down easier, meaning less broken zips! It also means your bag will have an easier time compressing into the overhead bins.
6. Pack your socks in their natural environment
Don’t waste the valuable space inside your shoes. Put rolled-up socks inside the dress shoes and sneakers you are most likely to wear them with, this will also help to preserve their shape inside your suitcase.
7. Bag your soles
Use a shoe bag / laundry bag / plastic bag to prevent the dirt on your shoes from touching the other items in your suitcase, keeping the inside of your bag nice and clean.
8. Organise your tech kit
Once you have your electronics all set, minimize the cables and chargers. Let’s face it, our life is merely walking between charging stations, so carry an external battery pack for phone and small electronics, an extra USB for a rental car. Chose a lightweight universal power board to avoid multiple plugs and adapters. Use a sunglasses case to store cords, earbuds, and chargers, and to prevent annoying tangles. Have your laptop easily accessible / removable for the security scanning point
9. Invest in noise cancelling headphones
A good set of earphones makes planes so much more comfortable. Keep your sanity and listen to something of your choice!
10. Wear Your Bulkiest Items
If you are heading somewhere chilly and will need a jacket or a sweater, don’t try squeezing it in your suitcase as it will take-up half your luggage, just wear it and save space.
Dark armpit patches, damp back circles from sitting, hot under the collar from having to present to the board….
Sweating completely natural and an essential way to keep our body temperature regulated and to keep us from overheating. But it isn’t pretty and there is no sugar coating it.
Every day, you face stress, heat and movement, you are going to sweat. While natural fibres are considered breathable, they also do a great job of retaining moisture and are unable to stand up to high pressure situations. In 2017 John Miles set out on a mission to create a professional looking, moisture wicking dress shirt. Cotton dress shirts are a thing of the past, the future of dress shirts is here!
Wicking Fabric, Who Invented It?
Wicking fabric was believed to have been first invented by Robert Kasdan (New York, N.Y.) and Stanley Kornblum (Monmouth Junction, N.J.) They found that a synthetic knit fabric made up of micro-fibre yarn that had wicking properties. The patent for this technology was filed on July 31, 1998. However in 1996, Kevin Plank who later founded Under Armour, is believed to have been the first person to mass market moisture wicking fabrics while he was at the University of Maryland. This fabric would not prevent you from sweating but was designed to minimise the impact of sweat and help athletes perform once sweating began.
How does it work?
Just like a candle draws wax up the wick to the flame, moisture wicking fabric pulls moisture from the body to the exterior of the shirt where the moisture can evaporate more easily. These specialised fabrics are made from polyester and or polyester blends and are quick drying and do not retain moisture like cotton or other natural fabrics.
Although these dress shirts are not going to stop you from sweating, they will defend you against the visible patches and damp, so you carry on with your day with supreme comfort and top performance.
If you are one of the millions of guys out there that are currently wearing a dress shirt that is not performing at the level you deserve, then it is time to upgrade your dress shirt game and check out John Miles dress shirts.
Accessories are a staple to many a male wardrobe. A collection of cravats, ties, pocket squares and cufflinks. Accessories like these can be conversation starters and add personality to your look. However, there are also accessories that work behind the scenes, like collar stays. Though not as visible as ties or pocket squares, they elevate your look by keeping your collar crisp and sharp. Usually made of plastic or metal, collar stays are small pieces of hardened material that can be either sewn or inserted into special pockets on the undersides of dress shirt collars. Collar stays give your collar just the right amount of weight so that it pops and sits right. Sharp collar points are a mark of sophistication, whether you’re a collar stay beginner or an expert at keeping your collar in place, everyone can appreciate these small accessories for their utility and their functionality.
History
Sharp collar points have been symbol of sophistication since the late eighteenth century. During this time, men used detachable collars to make their casual shirts more formal. These detachable collars would be starched to keep their shape, but eventually, starched collars were deemed a little too stiff, and the collar stay was born. Before the invention of plastic, collar stays were made of varying metals and rare woods. Today, you can find collar stays that are made of pretty much anything. It’s all about finding the material and shape that reflect you and your shirt wearing style.
Types
If you purchase your dress shirts from higher-end stores, collar stays should be included. Often you will buy shirts and collar stays separately, particularly when purchasing replacement sets. When choosing your collar stays, consider the shape and width of the collar of the shirt or shirts you plan to wear them with. If your shirt’s collar is pointed, you will want to choose a pointed collar stay, while if your shirt’s collar is rounded, you will want to choose a rounded collar stay.
You can find collar stays that are made out of a variety of materials. For most men, it’s a personal choice, so we suggest finding your own preference and style. The four most common materials for collar stays are plastic, stainless steel, brass, and gold, but if you looked hard enough, you could find collar stays made out of even rarer materials.
Plastic
Plastic collar stays are much lighter than their metal counterparts. However, they may not always work effectively because lightness can also mean floppiness. They are inexpensive and easy to find, though, so if you are a collar stay beginner, starting out with a plastic set may be a good, low-commitment option.
Stainless Steel
As far as metal collar stays go, stainless steel sets are the most popular choice. Stainless steel is sleek and heavy enough to keep your collar looking crisp without weighing you down. This option is elegant, but not too hard on your wallet. Also rust proof, non-corrosive and small enough to avoid setting of the metal detectors when travelling. Check out the link below to see our new range of metal collar stays –
Brass
Brass collar stays are also a popular, budget-friendly choice among men who prefer metal. Brass stays boast similar qualities to stainless steel stays, but look just a bit more classic, especially in a burnished or polished finish.
Gold
Collar stays made out of gold are the most expensive of the common varieties, they are also arguably the most sophisticated. These stays are definitely an investment, so be sure that collar stays fit your style before you add these to your shopping list.
Other Materials
This is for all the accessory pros who wish to include a unique collar stays in their collection. It might take a little searching, but you’ll be able to find stays made out of more rare materials. Stays created from animal products, precious metals, and heavy paper are all interesting choices that that add a little personal taste to your accessory arsenal.
Looking after your Collar Stays
It is recommended that you remove your Collar Stay before laundering your shirts This is important as wash cycles or dry-cleaning procedures can easily ruin collar stays, or damage your shirt so be sure to remove them before washing. If your shirt has stays sewn in, fear not. Those stays have been made to withstand the cleaning process.
Emergency Collar Stays
Need to look refined in a pinch but don’t have collar stays on hand? Make some! Just look for any sturdy material with rounded or pointed edges that can be folded or cut to fit inside the small collar pockets. Ideas include old credit cards, business cards or any heavy weight card.
Collar stays are small, but mighty. Simply sliding them into your dress shirt collar can take your look to the next level, giving your ensemble an extra element of refinement. With the sheer variety of sizes, shapes, and materials out there, it’s easy to find a set of stays that fits your style.
Travel Bloggers Rhonda & Jeff Albom recently cruised the waters of South America and took a John Miles Shirt along for the ride. A worthy additional to Jeff’s cruising attire he commented “loved the ease of care, comfort, and look of the shirt”Check out their article below –
Our South America Boutique Cruise on Azamara Pursuit
From the first moment I stepped onboard the Azamara Pursuit, I was home. A boutique cruise, the ship’s understated elegance is unmistakably welcoming, as is the crew. The Azamara Pursuit caters to fewer than 700 passengers, yet our worry that there might not be enough to do on this smaller ship melted away as we absorbed ourselves into daily life. Best of all, Azamara’s desire to provide immersive shore experiences translates to longer port times than any cruise we had taken in the past.
Azamara Pursuit
The newest of three ships in the Azamara fleet, we sailed during the inaugural season of the Azamara Pursuit over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Subtle festive signs were interweaved throughout the Azamara cruise ship, although there were no religious overtones.
The elegant staircase across from guest relations is decorated for the holiday season.
Azamara Shore Excursions
Azamara’s strength goes beyond her ability to visit ports that are too small for many larger ships. Their excursion program focusses on individuality and cultural immersion. It starts on-board with destination expert lectures that concentrate on daily life as much as on key sites.
Add to that longer shore time in each port, local guides, and shore excursion groups not to exceed 25 passengers, and the result is an intimate cultural experience in a fascinating community.
However, passengers do pay quite a bit for this advantage. We opted to do a mix of independent and Azamara excursions, taking full advantage of the longer port times, especially some of the evening and night options. After all, we picked the Azamara Pursuit for the ports.
• AzAmazing Evening
A nearly perfect name for this shore excursion, the AzAmazing evening distinguishes the Azamara group from its competitors. This complimentary evening of culture and fun went way beyond our expectations. We were taken to a magnificent historic theatre in Montevideo Uruguay where we were enchanted by a lively carnival-style show fromMuseo de Carnaval. After the stage performance, we followed rhythmic drummers outdoors, where our evening continued under the stars while we donned masks (provided) and enjoyed drinks and fireworks.
The vibrant entertainers took time to pose with us. A late night, it was perfect for my new shawl (purchased in Buenos Aires) and Jeff’s new easy to wear, super comfortable, and quick dry travel shirt fromJohn Miles of Australia.
Our South America Ports on the Azamara Pursuit
The addition of the Pursuit to the Azamara fleet allowed expansion to more destinations. While South America was relatively new on the Azamara itinerary, the staff seemed knowledgeable. If you are a frequent cruiser on other lines, be sure to notice how long we were at each port.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s vibrant capital city.
Our port of embarkation.
More coming soon.
2. Montevideo Uruguay
We were captivated by the European charm of Uruguay’s capital city, the destination of the AzAmazing event for this cruise.
An open-air trolley took us to over 20 beaches before we walked the streets of this former fishing village.
Port time: 10 hours.
More coming soon.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Standing at the base of Christ the Redeemer, we enjoyed the panorama of the city. The impressive sweeping view was only one of several high points in Rio de Janeiro.
Port time: 2 days and 2 nights including New Year’s Eve fireworks over Copacabana Beach.
Discover Rio, one of the most intense cities I have visited.
7. Itajai, Brazil (an added port due to bad weather ahead)
The captain added this port to the itinerary due to poor weather ahead at Punta del Este. It’s a walkable town with delicious seafood and a nice beach.
Port time: 10 hours.
More coming soon.
8. Punta del Este, Uruguay (rescheduled to one day to avoid the weather)
Its white sand beaches make this town hugely popular amongst Argentinean holidaymakers. We enjoyed a walking tour.
Scheduled for 1.5 days with an overnight, we lost a day due to bad weather. In the end, we had 9 hours in port.
More coming soon.
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Returning to one of my favourite cities was a thrill.
Port Time: 2 days, with an overnight stay and disembarkation.
Like all cruises we have been on, food is a central feature. However, the Azamara’s all-inclusive style means wine flows freely at dinner, specialty coffee is always available (at no extra cost), and we could even have frozen drinks out at the pool or spirits in the evening. The impeccable food presentation was matched by a combination of flavours reflecting the theme of the evening’s Azamara menu.
Lattes, espressos, and other specialty coffee drinks are included in the cost of an Azamara Cruise.
The Chef’s Table dinner (extra charge) was an impressive masterpiece. Like theChef’s Table we enjoyed on a prior Royal Carribean cruise, it was by far the best meal on the ship. We also enjoyed a meal at each of the speciality restaurants onboard.
The flavours are even better than the presentation.
•Azamara Dress Code
Cruise clothing, like street styles, range from overstated to underdressed. Azamara encourages a “friendly yet sophisticated onboard environment.” Therefore, the general daily dress is “resort casual”. The only “rule” I saw was no bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, or jeans allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. However, there is no formal night on an Azamara Club Cruise.
• Azamara White Night
A signature feature of the Azamara Club Cruises is a white night, with a candlelit poolside dinner. Passengers are normally encouraged to wear white, but on our New Year’s Eve cruise, they named it “black and white night.”
We are overlooking the White Night event as the guests begin to arrive.
• Azamara Spaces
The pool was a perfect way to cool off on a hot South American summer day or evening. In addition to traditional lounge chairs, there were random, relaxing options not usually seen at shipboard pools.
Have you ever seen anything this cool on a cruise ship before? In the first shot, we are facing the pool.
There are also plenty of quiet spaces onboard. The Living Room and Drawing Room are my two favourites. These and other spaces on the ship are also used for daily trivia games, art and dance lessons, enrichment lectures, exercise classes, social meetups, and weekly religious services. And, late at night, the Living Room converts to a disco.
Floor to ceiling windows at the front of the ship bring in light, but it is the espresso bar and afternoon tea sandwiches that lured me into the Living Room.
The Drawing Room offers fewer distractions and is a great place to find a book to read. On this particular occasion, a very talented guest played the piano. We spotted three pianos onboard.
The cabins are tastefully decorated in a modern minimalist fashion. While I think our Club Verandah stateroom might be smaller than other ships, it did an excellent job utilizing the space, providing plenty of storage, a decent size shower, a usable desk area, and an easy to access and relatively private deck with a table and two chairs. Once we turned the couch to face the sea, we felt like we had more space.
Our Club Verandah stateroom on the Azamara Pursuit.
• More Onboard the Azamara Pursuit
The smaller ship meant we never had to walk far for anything. Like other boutique cruise ships, it offered unique opportunities, yet many of thegeneral tips for cruisingstill applied.
Nightly entertainment in the cabaret lounge rotated from dedicated Azamara performers to guest entertainers including a hilarious comedian, beautiful dancers, and a Las Vegas singer.
Our cruise package included Azamara wifi for two devices.
Pro Tip: It works for two devices at a time. So as long as you log out of one, you can log into another using the same password. The downside is that the internet is a bit slower than what we have seen on some of the other ships.
The gym is a quick reminder that this a modern cruise ship, featuring the newest of everything.
Massage, facials, hair, and nails are amongst the standard services offered by the Azamara Spa.
Pro Tip: We found the spa prices to be very high, even for a cruise ship. However, there were near daily specials. Rather than scheduling in advance, twice I read a daily flyer, rang up, and had a fabulously relaxing treatment for nearly half price.
And if all this isn’t enough, there is a chocolate night.
This year at the Melbourne Retail Festival we had many exhibitors who are leading the way in fashion with their creative innovations. We would love to share with you five of the most inventive product developments from Australian designers that were showcased at the fair.
Meet Jane: the clever designer of the John Miles crease-proof, sweat-proof and daggy-proof shirts.
Jane’s husband regularly travels on flights for work, which presented a problem – his shirts would always come out creased! And so, her search begun to find the perfect shirt and that would withstand the annoyances of travel. When she could not find the one, she set out to design her own.
“We couldn’t find a shirt with flexible fabric that would both allow comfort and not require ironing.”
The result is a stylish non-iron, moisture wicking and classic fit dress shirt. Currently there are four classic colours available – white, pale blue, blue/white gingham and black/white gingham – with plans to add more to the range soon!
Sandals have a reputation for not always being the best for your feet, but the podiatrist-approved Aneara shoes are changing the game.
Andrea Selman, CEO and head Designer of Aneara, was looking for fashionable age-appropriate shoes with support for her daughters’ growing feet. After visiting the girls’ podiatrist to buy shoes for summer, the Podiatrist said “That’s it! We have nothing more after this size for them”. Andrea couldn’t believe at the age of 9 – the girls could now wear ladies orthotic shoes. Surely this wasn’t correct. But after much investigation this was the case.
In early 2016, Aneara was born. With a couple of shoemaking courses under Andrea’s belt and sketches under her arm, she was on a mission to create age appropriate and supportive shoes that are great for growing feet.
What makes an Aneara sandal unique is the footbed that gives support, with a deep heel cup, structured heel counter and adjustable ankle straps – no more aching legs and backs! Andrea continues to make her own prototypes in her own shoe studio, working extensively with podiatrists, physiotherapists and shoe manufacturers, to create shoes good for your feet. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Australia’s premium hosiery brand, Chusette have created a unique fabric that truly stands the test of time.
A carefully curated combination of cotton, bamboo and cashmere, Chusette socks are designed to keep you comfortable all year round. The socks have a comfortable elastic top, invisible seams and reinforced toe and heel.
We love not only that the Chusette socks are not only a great innovation with their unique blend, but that they are also a truly family brand with sizes catering to all ages.
Rebecca Formoso’s colourful intricate jewellery designs are truly one of a kind. Handcrafted from her studio in Seaford, Rebecca finds her inspiration in nature to achieve a feminine and bold statement. Her designs are made with a combination her favourite gems, crystals, pearls, feathers and findings – all in colours that she can’t resist. We totally agree with her philosophy that life is too short to wear boring jewellery!
One day a retailer asked Rebecca if the feather on one of her necklace could be clipped on and off so that the customer can choose depending on the occasion. This inspired Rebecca to create more jewellery with customisable elements so that customers can enjoy more versatility with her designs.
Rebecca has also worked with her retailers to create pieces that compliment new season clothing perfectly.
Printemps Ete is a wonderful example of how designers and retailers can collaborate together to create innovative pieces that their customers will love!
Cali Rae has created the world’s first scent infused swimwear range! This was inspired by their love of all whole foods.
Organic, vegan and delicious, Cali Rae take careful consideration into choosing the highest quality fabrics in the most desirable scents. The scent range includes apple spice, blackberry, chocolate, lychee, pina colada, pineapple, pomegranate and strawberry.
The swimwear is infused using a fabric spray that has been made with premium fragrance oils and essential oils. The spray is alcohol free and does not contain any harsh chemicals – completely vegan and cruelty free!
She’s created an incredible men’s shirt. It ticks off so many boxes. Solves so many Urgh! moments for guys.
It’s crease-proof. No more ironing.
It’s sweat-proof. No more horrific underarm pools.
But she can’t figure out what to tell people about the shirt. Other than lines like these.
What’s more, there are lots of stores selling shirts. Why would anyone buy from an unknown — even if the shirts are incredible…
When a shirt isn’t just a shirt
We draw it out.
Who would find these shirts helpful?
Doctors, physios, those in the medical profession because they move around a lot. The flexible fabric will make it more comfortable.
Self-employed. Because they don’t wear suits and ties to work, but still need that professional look…
We move onto what they do in the evenings. On the weekends. What they laugh at. Who they spend time with. What they drink. What they watch.
We paint a picture of the men who wear these shirts. Their lives. Their loves.
Meaning matters more than price.
The other day I needed peanut butter.
There was a great selection. The one that stood out to me looked home-made. It had personality. It had a story. It spoke to me like a friend. It oozed deliciousness, passion, and charm:
COME VISIT US! Own up… you’ve been promising yourself a visit to Nelson for ages. You can take a bike tour, kayak and hike Abel Tasman National Park and inspect a bunch of vineyards. These days thought the highlight of any visit to Nelson is The Peanut Butter Factory Tour… round up the family and book yourselves in…
AUSSIE’S LEGENDARY KINGAROY NUTS, FRESH ROASTED AND LOVINGLY SQUASHED IN SUNNY NELSON, NZ
It was almost double the price of other peanut butter brands.
I bought it.
Why do you buy?
Many of us are picky about what we buy. It helps if the product or service is good. But we’re not just buying a product or a service.
We naturally want to connect. To be understood. To relate. To be related to. To support local and small — because that could easily be us.
As much as we love them, Dad’s tend to be notoriously difficult to buy for. Ask them for gift ideas and they will invariably say, “Just a bit of peace and quiet”, or “There’s nothing I need, don’t waste your money”. Then he’ll duck back behind his newspaper or disappear into the shed. Infuriating, really.
Now Father’s Day is upon us and your old man is doubtless being as helpful as ever. Which is why most Father’s Day gifts are bought at the very last minute (in other words, today). So here are our suggestions for the things he wants – and the things he almost definitely doesn’t…
DO get the kids to make him something
From their creative “crafting” attempts in toddlerhood to amusing DIY cards or more impressive artworks when they’re older, anything made by his offspring will have him swelling with pride.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas – John Miles Blog Post
DON’T resort to novelty socks or ties
They might evoke a forced, hollow laugh upon unwrapping, but they will swiftly disappear to the back of a drawer until unearthed by baffled archaeologists centuries from now.
Photo by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash
DO get posh booze
What kind of father wouldn’t like a swishly packaged, lovingly selected tipple on his special day? A case of fine wine, a bottle of single malt whisky or artisanal gin, even a mini-cask of his favourite ale… Cheers, Dad. Hic.
Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash
DON’T go gizmo, go retro
Unless he’s a dedicated tech fiend, gadgetry can leave your average father befuddled and feeling a little lost. Instead, opt for nostalgia with a vinyl turntable, vintage books or a retro-styled DAB radio. Boys’ toys like Scalextric or Air Hockey will have him reminiscing back to the good old days, just as long as you let him win.
Retro Gifts
DO give him a lie-in
More of a Mothering Sunday tradition, but an extra hour or three in bed can be a rare delight for dads, too. So switch off his alarm, then have a slap-up breakfast and his favourite newspaper waiting when he does emerge. Don’t do breakfast-in-bed – it gets crumbs everywhere. Instead, ensure bacon and egg stacked with hollandaise is wafting delicious aromas through the house, driving any nearby vegetarians/ dogs insane.
Give Dad a Sleep In this Father’s Day
DON’T buy him spa treatments
Vouchers for some sort of “pampering” it might seem like the logical extension of a grooming gift, but beware. He’ll be deeply self-conscious. He’ll feel exposed in his towelling robe, like a spy about to be assassinated. He’ll secretly resent it. Especially if he has to wear those weird slippers or (even worse) paper pants.
Avoid Spa Treatments
DO consider grooming gifts
Don’t try to metrosexualize him if he’s resistant, but grooming treats are usually appreciated and precisely the kind of thing he’ll rarely buy for himself. It’s hard to go wrong with fragrances, skin care or hair products. He’ll be at his handsome best in no time.
Grooming Ideas
DON’T dismiss things as ‘too obvious’
If he’s dropped unsubtle hints about wanting something boringly practical – say, a power drill, garden shears or plain leather wallet – swallow your pride and buy it. Many a disappointed dad face has resulted from people mistakenly believing something is “too obvious” and trying to surprise him instead.
Photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash
DO give him a ring
Not the jewellery type (that would be weird). The phone call type, if you can’t see him in person. He’ll probably harrumph about “making a fuss” and say “I’ll get your mum” within two minutes, but he’ll love it really.
Give Dad a Call this Father’s Day
Don’t get him self-help books
Avoid self-help book that sends a passive-aggressive message of his parental shortcomings.
One to Avoid
DO tap into his hobbies
Men tend to be obsessive hobbyists, so indulge his latest fixation – whether it’s angling or archery, meat-smoking or golf. For runners, how about wireless earbuds or a foam roller? If he is golf mad try a new driver or putter, spends his weekends in the shed a hardware voucher. Your mother might roll her eyes, but his will light up.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas – John Miles Blog Post
Don’t resort to tacky novelty gifts
As tempting as it is it is best to avoid gimmicky gifts, you may get a little giggle out of him but inevitably they will end up at the back of his draw along with his novelty socks or pride of place at your next garage sale.
Avoid Novelty Gifts
DO go for a pub lunch
You can keep your Michelin stars and tiny portions. A hearty Sunday roast, washed down with a pint or two (let Mum drive), will ensure paternal contentment – especially if he doesn’t have to pick up the bill for once. Make a reservation, though. If there’s one thing dads find disappointing, it’s poor organisation. And queues. And hunger. OK, three things.
Photo by Sally Anscombe
DON’T buy him flowers
You might think it’s modern, but he’ll snort with contempt – and not just for hayfeverish reasons. Plus he will also suspect they’re really for Mum.
Avoid Flowers this Father’s Day
DO go foodie
Whether he fancies himself as a home chef or just enjoys eating, the way to his heart is through his stomach. Meat hampers, chilli sauces, coffee subscriptions, jars of posh pickles or pork scratchings… anything that makes him lick his lips, rather than sheepishly mumble, “That’s lovely, darling”.
Gourmet Goodies
DON’T get driving gloves
I am guessing he is not Jeremy Clarkson or Ryan Gosling on the streets of California in the movie Drive. Although if he actually is, perforated leather ones are best!
Photo by Hannes Egler on Unsplash
DO a photo montage or frame his favourite things
Frame something for him to stick on his study wall and gaze at adoringly. A montage of family photos, his favourite book cover or album sleeve, an old sports kit or military uniform, a cartoon or map that he likes. It might be too late for this year but bear it in mind for next time.
The summer is almost here, and it’s time to talk about something that could possibly change the way you think about dress shirts. For many men, wearing button-up shirts can be uncomfortable because the shirts often absorb sweat in the heat. In this post, I want to introduce John Miles – the ultimate shirt brand that sells performance dress shirts that are moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free and quick-drying. Their shirts would make great gifts for men this summer as they’re some of the most functional shirts that I’ve seen!
A bit about John Miles- the brand makes all their dress shirts in Australia, which means that the materials and manufacturing process is extremely high quality. The shirts are made with a 4-way stretch which means that their garnets give off a slimmer look. The most unique thing about their shirts is that they are totally wrinkle-free and hassel-free, which means that you can scrunch it in your bag and it will still look fresh after you take it out!
I recently got this lovely Non-Iron Classic Fit Pale Blue Dress Shirt – I chose this shirt because of it’s beautiful colour, as pale blue is an elegant, versatile and flexible colour that goes well with any outfit, be it casual or formal. The most important thing about a good shirt is that it can be worn in any occasion, and this one definitely fits the bill. John Miles also sells them in white, gingham and other cool colors.
In terms of the style, the shirt is beautifully designed and looks extremely stylish. I think the lovely blue pattern is beautiful because it is slightly textured, which makes it look unique and interesting. The knitted pattern of the shirt makes it stand out from regular plain shirts. The shirt also has removable collar stays, which makes the collar stand up well and suited for formal occasions. I love the shaped hem in the bottom, and the lovely white buttons which blends in with the shirt.
As for the comfort and fit, the shirt is made with a very stretchy material composed of Nylon, Lycra and Polyester. The combination of these materials means that the shirts are quick-drying and any sweat from the body is quickly evaporated in the air. I got a Size Small for my boyfriend, and it fits him just fine. You can probably get a size smaller because of the fit, but they have a useful size guide which you can use. The shirt is extremely soft and comfortable, which is really surprising as I never expected a synthetic material to feel so luxurious!
The quality of this John Miles shirt is absolutely top-notch. Since John Miles makes their shirts in Australia, their quality check is impeccable, and they even package their shirts in laundry bags that you can use to wash your shirt in! I really enjoyed this little touch, and washing the shirt in a bag will also extend the shirt’s life, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
Overall, John Miles really hits the sweet spot in creating functional, beautiful and hassel-free shirts for men. It’s hard to find shirts that can keep one cool during the heat, and these shirts pack and unpack easily without any wrinkles at all. They outperform any dress shirt that I’ve ever seen, and is my boyfriend’s new favourite shirt (which got him lots of compliments). I cannot recommend John Miles enough!
