Clothing for a man of "a certain age"

Go to trendier shops with good brands so you can't fall into trap of buying old man clothes but avoid anything that has been brought back into fashion if you wore it the first time around as you are too old for that.

I know it's practically a definition of you in these pages, but your refusal to consider 'jeans' closes so much off to you.

I agree, Clarkson in pale coloured denim with a tucked in shirt looks awful but you're in pretty good shape from the rare photos we see and could be well dressed in 'jeans' cut trousers. Maybe in very dark navy or deep black.

Polo shirts in plain colours - I have a Fred Perry and a Ben Sherman in my drawers are pretty timeless (surely as a 2-tone fan you have a Fred Perry somewhere!)

Swallow your price and book yourself in with a personal shopper and let them challenge your preconceptions. At worst you'll satisfy yourself you really don't like jeans but frankly, I think it's your refusal to back down and admit you're wrong about them that holds your position than any real justification.

John Lewis, Harvey Nix, or an independent, there must be loads in Edinburgh

^ agree with that. Slim, dark jeans and Fred Perry twin tipped polo can look good.

The tweed thing has been massively overdone, it looks a bit contrived now.

Yeah, the no jeans thing is nuts, but if you don't want to, fine.

I want to be stylish but cool!

There's an old saying - you can't buy style, you can only wear it. So the main thing is to buy clothes that you like, that are good quality and fit you well, n but, mainly, wear them like you mean it.

When I say jeans I mean blue serge denim.  if its not blue serge denim its not jeans!  🙂  Black cotton twill is not jeans!

I just think blue denim on an older man looks too much like trying to recapture lost youth and its a very lazy way of dressing.  also looks scruffy and like wearing joggers that yo have givenup 🙂  I have not owned any since my 20s when the quality available went to pot.  prior to that it was levi 501s red label only

I'm 60 and pretty much live in jeans t-shirts and hoodies. If I want to smarten up a bit a check shirt does it for me. OH is in her mid forties and very fashion concious, she wouldn't hesitate to say if I looked wrong.

Edit:

I just think blue denim on an older man looks too much like trying to recapture lost youth and its a very lazy way of dressing. also looks scruffy 🙂

Hah! You typed that while I was replying. Pretty much sums me up really.

but I think the problem is that many of us - men and women - don't really know / accept our body shapes, colouring, etc. and instead look at photos of clothes on models and think that's what we'd like to look like. That's where a personal shopper / stylist / even a critical friend (stereotype warning!! a woman or a gay friend) can help to analyse those things and put you into clothes that suit you far more.

My wife did it a while back at one of the Department stores, turned her nose up at some of the stuff the shopper brought to her to try on, but tried it on and 'loved it' - maybe not exactly those garments but the shape and cut to accentuate her shape rather than hide it as she tended to. It has revolutionised what she shops for now.

From the photos I see of TJ I reckon he could be made to be very stylish and elegant, if Gok Wan got hold of him 😉 Rather than someone who's fallen into the sale rail at Mountain Warehouse 😉

There are some dreadful middle aged men in denim looks and TJ doesn't want to be one of them. So refuses all jeans as a result and closes off potential. Try it out and then decide (he won't though - too stubborn)

And don't FFS end up in chinos instead...... if you won't do jeans out of principle and will do chinos there's no hope for you.

Wear what you want, how you wish to wear it.

In my experience (at a youth like 51), it is essential to feel comfortable over everything else. Any discomfort or self awareness causes a degree of stress and anxiety. However minor, these detract from ones overall demeaner and portrayal of confidence etc.

A bit deep for a clothes discussion admittedly but, whatever you choose make sure it makes you feel good above all.

Rather than someone who’s fallen into the sale rail at Mountain Warehouse

thats me right now!

I have not owned any since my 20s when the quality available went to pot.  prior to that it was levi 501s red label only

The words of a man who hasn't tried any decent jeans since 1980.

Dozens of quality brands of high quality selvedge denim out there. That's like riding an Apollo and declaring that all bikes are shit, you're never getting one

Jackets?  ( sports coat / tweeds type)  a good call or not?  Houndstooth?  I do have a few

Arcteryx
Veilance
Acronym

Your wallet will be crying

Don't forget the accessories. Cravats and monocle will save a lot of bad outfits, trust me.

I just think blue denim on an older man looks too much like trying to recapture lost youth and its a very lazy way of dressing.  also looks scruffy and like wearing joggers that yo have givenup

FFS, I've not heard such pretentious guff in a quite a while... Anyways as for a recommendation for smart casual type stuff (if that's the image you're trying to portray) then Spoke would be my choice for simple stuff that's decent quality and you can customise the sizing for a good fit.

You’re only 3 years or so older than my about to be new husband! He wears canvas Carhartts almost exclusively - as trousers or shorts, in a variety of colours. Dressing up smart is just a newer, cleaner pair! There’s a particular style that has a pocket in for reading glasses - useful for a man of a certain age?!

On top he generally wears a shirt, but not the sort that would take a tie. Maybe something from Pendleton. He did buy a shirt in Fat Face when we were in Edinburgh too.

If pushed into extreme smartness, he’d wear a jacket but not a suit. But he manages to work as an attorney (and get married) without resorting to such extremes most of the time.

If you like outdoors stuff and feel comfortable in it, I reckon start there. Carhartt, Finisterre, Pendleton (not sure what the UK equivalent would be), Howies - find just a few nice things in a quality natural fabric instead of technical fleece etc that you might take to the hills for lightweight needs. If you feel comfortable you’ll look like you suit what you’re wearing, almost regardless of what it is.

Don’t shop in Rohan unless you want to look like a geography teacher 🙂

I just think blue denim on an older man looks too much like trying to recapture lost youth and its a very lazy way of dressing. also looks scruffy and like wearing joggers that yo have givenup

There's blue jeans and there's blue jeans. You don't need to look like a reject from an AC/DC concert, you could actually buy some that fit properly.

Wear what you want, how you wish to wear it.

In my experience (at a youth like 51), it is essential to feel comfortable over everything else. Any discomfort or self awareness causes a degree of stress and anxiety. However minor, these detract from ones overall demeaner and portrayal of confidence etc.

A bit deep for a clothes discussion admittedly but, whatever you choose make sure it makes you feel good above all.

This. And by 'comfortable', I, and I assume Twonks, mean 'unselfconscious and confident' rather than 'elasticated waist'

I want to be stylish but cool!

Why? Mostly I want to be comfortable - physically and emotionally - without looking like a tramp / someone who's just escaped from K2 basecamp. 'Stylish' and 'cool' are all about how other people perceive you. Does that really matter to you? Rather than blowing a shedload of dosh on a whole new wardrobe and personal shopping, why not go quality secondhand shopping and just buy one or two things you just really like? The planet will thank you.

ps: the missus says: 'If he was a girl, I'd suggest he go shopping for clothes with a friend' - presumably one who's taste you trust/admire rather than some tramp in ripped jeans and a knackered fleece.

Good quality Selvedge dark denim - slim cut, certainly no boot cut or 70's flappy/flared shit. Single turn ups.

Muted Vans hi tops if I'm low key or quality brogue boots otherwise.

Long wool single breasted coat, nice colourful Barbour scarf.

Few nice wool jumpers

Quite a few Ted Baker shirts - their #5 sizing fits me perfectly so I can buy online whenever they have a sale.

I have a Tkmaxx nearby but shop online click and collect.

MrsRNP used to have a clothing/fashion business so that helps, buy good quality in the sale.

I was once described at a party as "looking like a post apocalyptic geography teacher" ! 🙂

Pretty much all the men I know will wear all dark colours and ether outdoor clothes or black casual trousers with a black t shirt with a metal band on it!  Identikit and boring!  One or two its the full on tweedy look

Do you have a fashion conscious female friend that could go shopping with you?

I did think you were going for the beige elasticated waist trousers IHN

why not go quality secondhand shopping and just buy one or two things you just really like? The planet will thank you.

That is a good call - we have some good vintage clothing shops in Edinburgh. I have a drapecoat from one that I bought for a 50s theme wedding / in place of a tux

In a stating the bleeding obvious stylee -

Stop overthinking it, asking for other people's clothing ideas of like asking for saddle recommendations. If you want to revamp your style:

1) Go to a shop with a decent range of decent quality clothes, like John Lewis. Pick some clothes you like the look of. Try them on. If they fit well, and you like how you look in them, buy them.

2) Go through your existing stuff and ask yourself "do I actually like this, or am I just wearing out of habit?" If it's the latter, get rid.

Kilt and hand knit jumper if it’s cold.
Kilt and t’shirt with political slogan if warm.

Done.

Do you have a fashion conscious female friend that could go shopping with you?

A good call.

Jackets? ( sports coat / tweeds type) a good call or not? Houndstooth? I do have a few

You're 60, not 80... tweed jackets... lol.

Are you trying to re-invent your wardrobe or be a completely different person ?

You can't make a person into a different one, only a facade.

Be happy with who you are, let your clothing be you... if that's Mountain Warehouse, that's cool.

Are you trying to re-invent your wardrobe or be a completely different person ?

Its about self care and a mood boost.  its just to please me.  I used to work quite hard to be stylish in my own way but that was 20+ years ago.  I've slumped into mediocrity since.   I don't want to look like I got stuck in the 80s / 90s tho

My counselor suggested I needed a bit of self care / self love ( no not that sort!)  I thought a new wardrobe might be a good way of doing this.

personal shopper and no preconceptions. Do it, and then post pics of the new gad about town.

Good luck. Self-love is always 3 minutes well spent.

Agree, it sounds like a good thing to do. A lot of older people have just given up and wear a mixture of beige stuff. It is good to take a bit of pride in how you look and you may feel the better for it.

With TKMaxx you can't wander in thinking 'im buying some new jeans/jumper/shirt' etc as it's guaranteed you won't find anything!
I search through looking for labels/brands - a lot is manufactured for TKMaxx nowadays but you can find the odd high end genuinely cheap/reduced item but it's only a slim chance of that happening. More often I come away empty handed. The bigger city centre stores are better than the out of town retail park ones.

Selfridge's have some decent consessions/brands. Push the limits a bit colour wise - but don't go full Timmy Mallet.

Surely you just need some ripped jeans and a leather bike jacket to go with your maroon electric buggy for going to the shops?

More seriously get some decent jeans (maybe talk to brant)

I'm about your age, but do wear jeans, nicely cut jeans.

The key to looking good is getting clothes that actually fit - my revelation was during the 90's working for a couple of weeks in Thailand and deciding to buy a $99 suits made-to-fit advertised in a tailors shop I passed.

He showed me what it'd look like by pinning up the (quality) suit I was actually wearing.

I didn't buy a $99 suit; I bought 3 quality suits (wool, cashmere and silk) and a dozen cotton shirts - all fitted to me. Also had to buy an extra bag to bring them all home 🙂

Mail-order I can recommend Charles Tyrwhitt as I can get clothes that actually fit me - over 6', long legged but very slim and with long arms vs my body. And you can actually try them on in your own time.

https://www.charlestyrwhitt.com

https://rivetandhide.com/

If too £££ use for inspiration and grab bits at Carhart / Uniqlo / TK.

Biggest problem I see with most people is not buying clothes that actually fit them properly.

What waist / leg size are you?

A mere 54 here.

I drifted away from jeans a few years back. Not a conscious decision, it just sort of happened.

Hebtroco canvas trousers and a hoodie seems to be my default state of dress now. Not sure if it is a good look, but I'm sticking with it.

If too £££

I've clearly lost touch with reality... £265 for jeans !!!!!

I might go £40 in Next for a pair... but even that is troubling me 😀

silly silly - I'm [pretty much a medium sized bloke!  5'9 3/4".  Not totally sure on trouser size but given I've put on a few pounds probably 34 waist, 32 leg?  cyclists legs and arse tho - slimfit trousers that fit my legs and arse are baggy at the waist

In this week's episode of Fashion Carnage TV, the denizens of an online cycling forum pool their ideas to spruce up TJ, a man 'of a certain age' who has recently emerged from the sale aisle of Mountain Warehouse, but is desperate for change.

TJ's longstanding aversion to denim jeans makes him a tough proposition for a bunch of middle-aged wannabe fashionistas who wear little else and suggestions range from off-the-peg, Springsteen-style workwear through to made-to-measure Thai silk pajama suits via classic black leather jackets teamed with second-hand tartan trews.

Will TJ soar high like a majestic moleskin butterfly or stagger from the fitting room in ripped jeans teamed with a tweed sports jacket? Will he come to regret his unfathomable decision to seek fashion advice from a bunch of middle-aged cycling tramps? One thing's certain, we can't wait for the big reveal!!

As above, Uniqlo are one of the better options.

Get a pair of these if they have your size in stock:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/uniqlo-u-selvedge-regular-fit-jeans-452533.html

And something like this to go with:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/hickory-denim-regular-fit-work-shirt-regular-collar-456633.html

Take your time, ie don’t rifle through a couple of shops and settle on something for the sake of it. It could take full days of weeks to get a few decent outfits. Also it may be quite expensive. If you can take a companion for a second opinion then that will help. Also a personal shopper may make suggestions that you’d never have thought of before.

Are there any images on Instagram of styles that you like? Could be helpful to get you started. Your closed mind to denim sounds like you’re closing off a lot of options, yet accept that your current look (which is as a result of your attitude to fashion / certain clothes), needs an overhaul. Therefore your attitude to clothing needs to change.

Fit is important, but also knowing what makes you look good, and feeling proud / happy about looking good or smart is important.

You can take a horse to water, but you can’t milk it.

John Lewis have an own label brand of clothing - Kin that my wife describes as "Swedish Architect". It's pretty plain, nicely cut office-casual-neutral, there's a whole range of jumpers shirts trousers jackets etc etc.The also have concessions in store for brands like Reiss, Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren John Lewis men's clothing ranges are directed at customers your age.

Gap are good for casual, as are Uniqlo, although the latter has stacks and stack of stuff, it is overwhelming, and you do need to go in with the thoughts that you are going to have to rummage and look past the "Young Persons" stuff that's always at the front of the store and is always pushed heavily to attract the folks who shop the most. You will need to do more than a casual browse. All Saints also have a good range of tee shirts and jerseys - they are all logo'd though, although it is subtle. Next is also OK, but pretty cheap looking iMO. Ted Baker is good for suits and loud fun shirts. Avoid Marks and Spencer, clothes cut badly for the folks who have nothing left to live for.

Finally JP Maxx can sometimes be a gold mine, although same as Uniqlo you need to be prepared to rummage and it can be a waste of time, Really is a lottery that one

Oh, Patagonia have some pretty good outdoor stuff that can be easily pressed into casual wear, a couple of my friends pretty much just shop there, and their ethical and environmental cred is pretty good, which honestly most of the high street brands aren't. Gird your lions; as a deep green this is going to be a horror show.

I just think blue denim on an older man looks too much like trying to recapture lost youth and its a very lazy way of dressing.

Guess there's a category Dianne Abbott forgot to include in her letter.

Looks down...

...Man at Sports Direct for the win! 🙂 😎

Lolz at badlywireddog!

my wife describes as “Swedish Architect”.

Oh - that might not be a bad look so long as it doesn't stray too far into black polo necks and heavy black framed glasses territory

Is the new you TJ Maxx?

If you want colour, visit your sister and shop there - the Dutch love colour so have lots of choice - sizing may be a problem but I guess there is the kid's section.

as are Uniqlo, although the latter has stacks and stack of stuff, it is overwhelming, and you do need to go in with the thoughts that you are going to have to rummage and look past the “Young Persons” stuff that’s always at the front of the store and is always pushed heavily to attract the folks who shop the most. You will need to do more than a casual browse.

Solid advice, but I don't think they have any branches in Scotland.

I've actually just ordered the shirt I linked to in my previous post, along with a couple of other sale items.

Damn you TJ, costing me money.

Cruel mefty. cruel 🙂

cyclists legs and arse tho – slimfit trousers that fit my legs and arse are baggy at the waist

Yep! all made for flat arse blokes

Toddle off to your nearest golf shop.

Don't listen to them tj. Unleash your inner peacock!

Oh, wanted to say about Gap, they may not have a high street store near you,I know they're getting rid of them. You may have to shop on line They have a really good selection of Chinos and Cargo trousers in all cuts and colours. They are generous waist, but shortish in the leg. their skinny cut is very skinny but regualr is OK for most normal shaped humans.

Also don't forget the likes of Howies, again on line, but their tee shirts are pretty nice and in lots of colours and they have pretty good ethical standards. Also HebTroCo have some really good well thought out pieces as well. Who knows; Brant might even give you a discount. 🙂

TJ - having followed your other recent thread, I think this sounds like a great idea. Maybe do some research on people you think look stylish at your age /shape and see what they wear?

As for jeans - if you’ve not worn them for decades, have you ever worn modern stretchy jeans? For cyclists they have been a game changer.

Maybe start with a really nice pair of shoes/boots? Hopefully you can have a really fun day out shopping.

Maybe do some research on people you think look stylish at your age /shape and see what they wear?

Good idea.

I don't usually go in for that GQ kind-of concept of "stylish men", but watching Stanley Tucci's Italy series might be a good start. He is quite the dapper chap.

but watching Stanley Tucci’s Italy series might be a good start.

This is great advice for pretty much everyone, not just TJ

Just get tha sen into Next or John Lewis, buy a few pairs of chinos, a few casual shirts and/or polos, and some brown boots. Maybe a jumper or two for when it's chilli, get one with an open collar. Casual jacket, harrington type or something. Sorted.

Nowt wrong with jeans though. And don;t discount trainers or untucked shirts. This guy look cool and has a white beard!

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Just swapping one uniform for another.

Try and channel your inner nine year old, who genuinely didn't care as long as he was having fun.

Good on you for doing it TJ, sounds like a really positive step 👍👏

If you're still considering a house move, think of what you'd want to wear in your new location. What's fitting for Leith isn't going to be so apt in, say, Fort William.

f you like outdoors stuff and feel comfortable in it, I reckon start there. Carhartt, Finisterre, Pendleton (not sure what the UK equivalent would be), Howies

+1.

I scrolled down to say Finisterre and Howies too for the same reasons.

What about something like this?

https://www.stitchfix.co.uk/

Might give you some ideas?

Never done it myself, but some department stores do a free personal shopper service.

Could be interesting/successful/fun. Lord knows you've earned the right to have a bit of fun in the last couple of years, just don't take it too seriously.

a stw threads thread does not disappoint

TJ’s longstanding aversion to denim jeans makes him a tough proposition for a bunch of middle-aged wannabe fashionistas who wear little else and suggestions range from off-the-peg, Springsteen-style workwear through to made-to-measure Thai silk pajama suits via classic black leather jackets teamed with second-hand tartan trews.

🙂

pretty plain, nicely cut office-casual-neutral,

the horror!

No denim in sight

I do like bright colours and have a collection of brightly coloured but logo free t shirts but the Portillo look may just be a step too far round the mean streets of leith

Have a look through here. They do have stores up and down but not sure where you are

https://www.brooktaverner.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZcOd0Ix0u8_QpAYphlSXM_ABuG1ULWu78k41ZWAjEvM33dX3jd_K6hoCCrQQAvD_BwE

At this time of year, these are very welcome:

https://www.tradeinn.com/snowinn/en/regatta-turnpike/136501265/p

There’s ventilation holes and extra toe protection (for those wayward paving slabs).

They’re actually discontinued by regatta in this form, but it’s a generic design, so they’re bound to resurface elsewhere.

I like the craghoppers nosilife adventure shirts. They go up to 4xl, and well-ventilated.
Funky colours too!
The cumin and burnt whisky colours complement most colours of trousers, even green.

A pair of George jeans, desert boots a poncho, beret on your heid and a man bag over the shoulder
You will blend into the Leith scene instantly

@tjagain

I have decided as a part of the reinvention of myself and for a bit of self care I shall buy a new wardrobe

Why bother? Wear your outdoor clothes. They last longer, are functional and not buying new stuff is better for the environment 🙂

Its a fair point Chevy and one I struggle with. But I need new clothes anyway - stuff does wear out

If you like outdoor stuff, it might be worth having a look at some Fjallraven's jackets. They're not cheap, but do a bit of outdoors/casual crossover, look good in an upmarket sort of Nordic outdoorsy way and are decent quality.

Someone mentioned the Arc'teryx Veilance stuff, but it's insanely expensive and a bit too knowingly 'stylish' for its own good if you ask me.

If it makes you feel any better, years ago I went out with a fashion journalist who told me she loved that I clearly didn't give a stuff about how my clothes looked. I think it was intended as a compliment...

but it’s insanely expensive and a bit too knowingly ‘stylish’ for its own good if you ask me.

Yeah, my thoughts. There are any number of these sorts of brands (Acre/Mission Workshop are another) just a bit too achingly hip for their own good.

I reckon TJ could pull off Graeme Hall. Er, so to speak.

Is he the one on the right?

years ago I went out with a fashion journalist who told me she loved that I clearly didn’t give a stuff about how my clothes looked.

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
— "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot" by Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

Who says STW ain't not highbrow or nuffink

Actually, a couple of really nice suits would louche you up a treat.

I'm thinking Bill Nighy here, rather than Big Ger Cafferty.