This summer the legendary superhero, Captain America joins forces with fashion house Diesel to celebrate the dual release of the movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, and the launch of ‘Only The Brave’- the new powerful fragrance from Diesel.

The comic strip limited edition packaging introducing this masculine new Diesel fragrance is the work of world-famous illustrator Bryan Hitch, original creator of Captain America.   The vibrant and funky illustration unveils our superhero’s first encounter with the ‘Only The Brave’ fragrance as he stands in full action pose wielding the iconic Captain America shield – strong, fun, arty and above all HEROIC!.

The stylish and highly unique fragrance bottle is extremely eye-catching – a metallic blue (Diesel call this stratosphere blue) clenched fist adorned with the Captain America shield – this signature colour is said to represent courage, freedom and strength!   And as one might expect from a superhero, the packaging speaks of masculinity, power, and sexual energy to drive your partner wild!

A Brave New World

For me the first tones I experience are those of violet and leather – quite a sexy aroma it is too.  Other scents Diesel have incorporated here are Amber (smoky), Cedar (woody), Lemon (fresh and fruity), which one can also smell immediately, and Styrax (a highly fragrant balsamic resin harvested from Snowbell or Storax).  Let the fragrance calm down from the initial spray and you’ll enjoy a subtle fresh fragrance that’ll last the whole day.

Sweeter fragrances do not generally appeal to me but this is different, yes there is a sweet element to it, but also something quite different. Did it make me want to save the universe, well no!  However, it did add a feeling of a sense of power and put a spring in my step!

This limited edition Captain America / Diesel ‘Only The Brave’ fragrance is on sale now from your local Boots store or online at  Boots Online DIESEL

And don’t miss the U.K. release of Captain America: The First Avenger featuring Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Dominic Cooper and Samuel L Jackson on July 29, 2011. Check here for more details: http://captainamerica.marvel.com/intl/uk/

Buy Armani Code Sport

I’ve now been wearing the product several times a week for a couple of weeks.  On the very first spray my immediate thoughts were that the product was too heavy and overwhelming but as we all know when it comes to fragrances, one has to give it a moment to seep into the skin, mingle with ones’ own personal body oils and then the true aroma is released.

First the senses recognize the fruity freshness of the citrus of lemon and mandarin but if you linger a little longer you’ll notice the faint aroma of mint – Armani uses spearmint, peppermint and wild mint in this concoction – then perhaps you’ll grasp a hint of vetiver and ginger to round off this long lasting aromatic journey.

Generally I’d say that sports fragrances tend to be on the lighter side and that’s why I particularly enjoy this product.  I’m not one for over-powering colognes – for me there is nothing worse than standing in the elevator beside someone who has overdone it on the scent factor, completely insulting my olfactory system.  Armani Code Sport however has none of the above heaviness.   What it offers is a subtle, fresh and aromatic fragrance for every-day use.

The stylish, elegant yet masculine packaging theme Armani use continues throughout the Code fragrance range and I do have to admit I rather like the feel of matt black (rubberlike) coating they have chosen for their product bottle.

The Armani Code Sport product line includes:

• Eau de Toilette
• After Shave Lotion
• Shave Balm
• Deodorant Stick

Armani Francq Collaboration

To launch their new men’s product Armani have utilised the expertise of award winning Belgian comic book artist, Philippe Francq.   He has created a very cool and sexy interactive graphic campaign to reveal the ‘seductive power, mystery and elegance’ that is conjured up by the fresh new Code Sport fragrance.  Check out www.armanicode.com to view the seductive comic strip that features Megan Fox and Chris Folz as well as the sexy TV spot.

For me this is a fragrance that I’ll continue to wear on a regular basis.  It’s the perfect summertime scent – Light and airy, and according to my partner, appealing to women too!

Where to buy Armani Code for Men

To purchase the new Armani Code Sport go to: Armani Code Sport at House of Fraser online

Included in the Travel Kit are a cleanser, an exfoliation scrub and a moisturizer, all offered in airline approved sizes that fit neatly into a transparent re-usable Kyoku bag.

With ingredients that include peppermint leaf, camellia leaf and calendula, the Daily Facial Cleanser not only has a fresh and clean smell but also penetrates the pores for a deep and rejuvenating cleanse  – I love the way my skin feels following the cleanse, it feels alive and revitalized.

I exfoliate about once a week with the Exfoliating Facial Scrub from Kyoku.  Incorporating Volcanic Ash, excess oils and toxins are drawn from the skin.  The exfoliating scrub penetrates clogged pores and removes dead skin cells.  Rice bran softens the skin and Vitamins A & E promote elasticity and reduce the existence of fine lines and wrinkles.

And finally, I follow my exfoliation with the hydrating benefits of Kyoku’s Facial Moisturiser with SPF 15.  With anti-aging ingredients of bamboo, glucosamine and pea extract this moisturiser further helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while at the same time focusing on protecting my skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.  The sweet but subtle aroma of Avocado and the delicate smell of Green Tea further enhance this deeply hydrating moisturiser.

With the discovery of anti-aging and rejuvenating natural ingredients in a small village in Japan, the Kyoku for Men design team delved deeper into the daily lives of these Japanese people researching not only their skin care regimen but also their general health and well-being resulting from their diet.  Kyoku have certainly garnered much knowledge from their research and thus include the three rituals of Kirei (beauty in Japanese) in their skin care treatments, for according to legend, strength of the masculine core is said to be improved by performing these three rituals:

CLEANSE – SCRUB – FUEL

• CLEANSE to remove impurities

• SCRUB to remove dead skin cells

• FUEL to Rehydrate and regenerate the skin

The Kyoku for Men Skin Essential Travel Kit cam be purchased directly from http://www.kyokuformen.com/44-skin-travel-kit.html

LMS Spotlights have created a range of three compact and stylish battery operated Red Light Therapy devices for use directly onto the skin affected by the painful pimple for as little as 1 minute, 3 times per day.   Red Light Therapy is a low level light therapy that sits within the red or near infrared (NIR) spectrum and has been utilised to aid in skin and cell regeneration, as well as work as an anti-inflammatory since the 1950’s.

When a spot or pimple appears under the skin, the body produces a molecule known as Mitochondrial Nitric Oxide (NOMT).  This molecule deviously slows down the ability for the body to fight the infection and thus cannot heal itself as fast as we would like.  However, the Red Light Therapy emitted from the LMS Spotlight frees the harmful molecules (NOMT), naturally speeding up the body’s healing process and bringing ones’ skin back to a balanced state and glowing clear complexion.

After thoroughly researching the Red Light Therapy device, and feeling comfortable that there would be no harmful side-effects, I purchased two models, the LMS Spotlight 8 – to handle just a few pimples or blemishes, and the LMS Spotlight 24 – to handle tougher, larger area of inflammation.  Both devices can easily fit into a man’s wash-bag or women’s handbag and are light in weight, and stylish in appearance.

Operation is easy and straightforward; Simply cleanse skin prior to use then just place the LMS Spotlight (3, 8 or 24) onto the surface of the skin of the affected area – press and hold the on/off button for 2 seconds – once the unit starts beeping you know the treatment cycle has begun.   After 1 minute of red light therapy the device will automatically turn off.  LMS state that for best results one should take 3 treatments a day for no more than 1 minute per session.

Sensations and Side Effects from the LMS Spotlight

Apart from the beeping ( which I personally find a little annoying) there is no other physical stimulation to the skin, no pain whatsoever and only perhaps the very slight sensation of warmth from the red light of the device – certainly nothing that could be construed as harmful.

Results from the LMS Spotlight

So, at the end of the day, what you all want to know is, ‘does it work’?  Well, I have to give it a big ‘thumbs-up’ and say wholeheartedly that I believe it does.  I have been using the LMS Spotlight over the past few months and definitely do see an improvement in my skin.  Any pimple or spot that tries to raise its ugly head is rapidly reduced to a painless blemish and then completely disappears within a day or two.  The LMS Spotlight is medically certified so I feel it is a completely safe skincare treatment to add to my daily skincare regimen.  It’s easy to use and sensitive to time, something which we seem to have so little of these days.

Depending on the model, the LMS Spotlight can be purchased for as little as £29.99 from https://www.lmsspotlights.com/shop/spot-treatments

Treat your skin to a special delight and forever enjoy the absence of painful spots and pimples.

As regular readers to the site will know that I’m always on the look-out for a smooth, close shave, so I’ve been testing the Bluebeards Revenge Shave Cream over the past few weeks and like what I’m seeing.

Using a badger bristle shave brush is always the way to go if it’s within your budget but if not, Bluebeards Revenge offer a range of shave brushes.   Current prices begin at £6.99 for their Doubloon Bristle shaving brush (I’d suggest for a shaving novice) and on up to £44.99 for their beautiful ‘Corsair’ Super Badger shaving brush (for the shaving professional).    I create a fine lather directly onto my face with my shaving brush and keep working it in for maximum effect.  I’ve already prepared my skin taking a shower immediately beforehand so my skin is softened and ready for a great shave.  I’d describe the consistency of the product as creamy rather than a lather, this adds to the smooth glide I get when using my custom Princess Merkur razor.  Also, when shaving upwards from neck to chin there is no drag either.  My skin not only feels and smells clean and fresh to me but my partner also comments on how close the shave is and how good it feels on her skin – definitely a bonus!

What I also like about this shaving cream is that the Bluebeards Revenge research team worked with one of the principal cosmetics laboratories in the UK enabling them to craft a great shaving product that is free of the controversial chemical Paraben (rumoured to be a cause skin cancer), and instead incorporate natural ingredients such as Coconut acid, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract (Aloe Vera), and Caprylyl Glycol, and the piece de resistance is the addition of Decelerine – a translucent gel that inhibits hair growth, gently weakening new hair creation and decreasing hair density and length.  Other positive attributes to Decelerine are that it soothes, moisturizes and works as an anti-inflammatory during the shaving process.

When Bluebeards Revenge Shave Cream is used regularly one should notice a reduction in hair growth and density from 30 to 60 days – I have not yet reached this stage but once I do I’ll happily update this review with my thoughts on the results.  However, as far as the actual shave goes, I’d highly recommend this excellent shaving cream that not only gives a close shave but also helps maintain and soothe your skin on a daily basis.

A great product offered in totally recyclable packaging this shave cream can also be used by women and may be applied using not only a brush but also with the fingertips – mix into a lather in your hands with just a little water and then gently massage into the required area.

BlueBeards Revenge shave products are available from through Amazon Bluebeards Revenge Luxury Shaving Cream or directly from their website http://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk

During his travels he came across a small village just outside Tokyo, ‘Yazuri Hara’, whose name means ‘the village of long life’.  Here it is said that 10% of the community are over 80 years of age (that’s almost 10 times the

Kyoku Shave Cream

number in the U.K. and the U.S).  However, of more interest to Akhtar was the fact that these village elders had the most flawless skin.   After much research he determined this was due to a high level of hyaluronic acid present in the villagers.  (Hyaluronic acid is a natural protein that is created by the body but as we age production declines).  Akhtar further deduced that it was the daily diet and skincare routine of incorporating certain herbs, plants and vegetables that created such an accelerated amount of hyaluronic acid in the villagers’ bodies.  Thus, Akhtar began his work on developing a skincare range based on natural ingredients, testing on himself first to ensure that the customer would end up with a product that really works.  Key ingredients include volcanic ash, bamboo, rice bran and calendula leaves.

Kyoku for Men’s aim is to ‘change the appearance of male skin from the inside out, leading to deep, long lasting change in the collagen support structure’.  To be accomplished obviously one must choose from the following Kyoku for Men product lines:

• Body
• Eyes
• Face
• Shave
• Treatment / Masks

From the shave collection we decided to review the ‘Sake infused shave crème’ (sensitive skin) since it was winner of the ‘best new shaving gel or cream’ category at GQ’s Grooming Awards in 2011 and winner in the ‘shaving cream’ category at Esquire’s 2010 Grooming Awards .  I’d say Mr. Akhtar must be doing something right to receive such a buzz about his creation!

The ‘shave crème’ is of a smooth and silky ‘whipped’ consistency which spreads on easily but does not lather up like a foam or gel.

I use the Sake Infused Shave Crème every morning as I prefer to shave after a shower when my pores are open.  I’ve applied with my fingertips and with a brush, preferring the brush, but for expediency I’d say use the first method.    I then leave to rest for 2 minutes as instructed to do so on the packaging.

I’m testing the shave crème with two different razors, my Gillette Fusion Power, and my customised Merkur Princess wet razor.  Hands down I got the closest, smoothest shave with the Merkur Princess wet razor.  If one is unfamiliar or a novice with wet razor shaving then they’ll find it takes a little longer, but it’s well worth the extra effort to get such great results.      When using the Gillette Fusion Power razor I found I had to clean the razor more frequently to rinse off the crème. However, I still received a close clean shave.

Personally, I love the crème.  It is my favourite shaving product at the moment but think that a gel version would be a winner also!

Kyoku include what they call a ‘cellular anti-inflammatory’ ingredient which does seems to leave my skin feeling calm, with no tenderness or redness created following my shave.

In an article published by Web Japan, entitled, Cosmetics made from Food, I read that, ‘In Japan, it has long been said that the hands of sake brewers who handle rice bran every day are white and youthful’.  So, the beautifying effects of this part of a rice grain are common knowledge, hence Kyoku’s use of Sake in their shave crème, and the following statement on the packaging, ’Japanese Sake is an ancient skin softener and acts to intensely moisturise the skin’.

And whilst on subject of packaging, I also like the simple yet stylish and informative presentation of the product and packaging – everything has been covered – very straightforward.

All in all I’d say Mr. Akhtar has it all worked out.  He is creating a product made from natural ingredients that does what it says on the packaging, and makes my face feel moisturized as well as smooth to the touch after a therapeutic and close shave.

Kyoku shave cream for men can be purchased from the Mankind store here: http://tidd.ly/51ce08c5

Both skincare product companies offer natural ingredients which in my opinion is the only way to go. I’m against anything that’s too harsh or chemically on my skin, and certainly prefer the less perfumed potions and lotions on the market.

From the small beginnings of a New York City pharmacy to the global company we know today, Kiehls have been trading remedies as well as skin and hair care treatments for the past 160 years. Creating high quality formulas derived from natural ingredients they offer unique product ranges for both men and women, all simply enveloped in recyclable packaging.

Kiehl’s Face Wash

From the array of Kiehls men’s cleansing products I’m currently using the Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, a non-oily gel with a (bearable) light and fresh fragrance and ingredients that include: caffeine, menthol (to wake you right up), vitamin E, and lemon and orange peel extracts.   I wet my hands first, then add a small squirt of cleanser, working it into a lather directly on my face.   I find I get a really deep cleanse without my skin drying out and my face is left feeling energized, refreshed and alive!  This is a mainstay in my bathroom cabinet – I have re-ordered many times as I find the product really compliments and enhances the texture and feel of my skin – the price tag is reasonable for a facial cleansing product too.

MenScience Audroceuticals, based in Florida, USA, were established in 2004 and specialising in men’s grooming products.  They create simple ‘no frills’ packaging incorporating natural ingredients into the dermatological-grade products they design with a focus on offering men a skincare range that deals with issues such as anti-aging, acne, skin nutrition and sun protection.

Menscience Face Lotion

I’ve been using the Menscience Advanced Face Lotion for about a week now, moisturising with it day and night.  It’s a light-weight, oil-free lotion that incorporates the following natural ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerine, green tea, alpha hydroxyl acids, and vitamins A, C and E.  Just a small amount squeezed into the palm of your hand is enough to massage into the face and as it soaks in one can immediately feel the skin softening – it’s smooth to the touch and feels slightly more ‘plump’ due to the much needed hydration it’s receiving. There’s also no stickiness or residue as there can be with other products.  I imagine if one continued to use this lotion for a long period of time it would definitely improve the texture and look of their skin.  Do note however that the Advanced Face Lotion does not include SPF so you’ll have to invest in the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30, also created by MenScience which is slightly less in price, but also moisturises and softens.   I wholeheartedly recommend other men try this great face lotion – with its ultra-light formula, you don’t feel as though you are wearing a product at all.

I also kept in mind that I had already and still continue to use the Slendertone face for men with some very positive results. I was keen to try out the abs system too.

Once ordered I am impatient to receive what I hope will help get me back to my preferred physical shape and tone.  So, upon arrival the whole thing is out of the box within minutes.

Enclosed in the Slendertone System + box, I find the Quick Start Guide showing images of items included in the box:

• Belt (Male waist: 27”-47” / Female waist: 24”-44”)
• Control Unit with connector
• Adhesive pads (1 large / 2 small)
• Battery charger
• Instruction manual

And a step-by-step of how to:

• Charge controller device battery
• Affix adhesive pads onto belt
• Correctly position the belt around abs, and
• Use of the control unit

Slendertone Abs utilises EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) technology, basically the electrical pulses sent from the control unit cause the muscles of the abs to contract and relax, just as they would if you were physically exercising, as with crunches.   With continued sessions muscle tone is increased.

There are 8 standard toning programs and the device is set up to begin with program 1 and continue on automatically through to program 8.  The duration of each session varies from 20 minutes to 40 minutes and each program has a varying amount of sessions, i.e program 1 has only 2, but program 5 has 10. There are also two bonus ‘crunch’ programs.

Slendertone suggest that for best results one begins with a 30 day plan – 5 days per week for 4 weeks with 2 days of rest for the muscles to recuperate from all the stimulation.

The initial charge time for the control unit is between 2 – 3 hours, and once fully charged the system is ready for immediate use in the following manner:

• One takes the belt and control unit, clicking in place the two connection cables.
• Remove the adhesive pads from the main packaging.  The pads are sticky on both sides and at this time you just remove the side with the design on it.  The two smaller pads go on the left and right side of the belt, and the large square pad goes in the middle.  Place the appropriate pad over each silver stud, using the white solid lines as a guide.  Make sure the pads a firmly sticking to the belt before use.
• Remove the thick plastic backing from each pad but remember to keep these as you’ll replace them after each session.
• The belt is now positioned around the waist , the middle pad over your belly-button, and the two side pads positioned between your hip bones and ribs

Begin your treatments in the seated position until you get used to the strange sensation of the electrical pulses, once you are comfortable with it then you can carry on your daily life as normal, indoors, or outdoors since the belt can easily be covered by clothing and no-one will ever know that you are ‘working-out’ in their presence!

If used in combination with a regular fitness regimen and incorporating a healthy diet then certainly I feel I can obtain the 6-pack abs I’m hoping for.  I already feel and see a difference after only 5 weeks.  However, if you are just going to continue to eat junk food and take no exercise then it is doubtful the device can have any great effect.

This fitness device is so easy to use, light and easy to carry around in the Slendertone bag provided that you never need to leave on a trip without it!

For me, though I am healthy and fairly fit, Slendertone Abs gives me that extra bit of help I need to bring my body to where I really want it to be.  I definitely recommend using Slendertone Abs as part of your health and fitness program.   For the price you pay for a couple of months gym membership you get to keep this device your entire life – sounds like a bargain to me!

There are a million and one facial treatments on the market which include anti-aging, firming, lifting and toning facials, eye lift, vitamin enhanced and chemical peel treatments, as well as the invasive surgical procedures such as a face lift, neck lift, brow lift, facial liposuction, and of course the ever popular Botox, but none of these appeal to me.  It’s not that I am opposed to these surgical and non-surgical procedures but opposed to the recovery time – who has time these days to sit in bandages for a few weeks? So, my options are somewhat limited.

During my research I kept coming across Slendertone Face – an electronic toning device for your face – definitely not invasive – Electrical pulses are transmitted via face pads to stimulate and tone facial muscles.  This sounds like a therapy option that will suit me perfectly.  I am in control of when I have the treatments and can do so in the privacy of my own home…… And, if it’s good enough for the model Marie Helvin, it’s good enough for me.  When asked in an interview what she couldn’t live without, Marie says, “My Slendertone Face. I hate Botox, but a fabulous-looking friend of mine told me her secret was this gadget that uses electrical impulses to tone your facial muscles. It works”!

Slendertone – Give your facial muscles a workout!

The suggested program is a five week course for twenty minutes a day and five days a week, though I admit that I did forget a couple of treatments during the course, but still feel it has made a difference to the appearance of my skin.

It’s a weird sensation the first couple of times you use the face unit since the pulses cause facial muscle movement and ‘twitching’ – pretty funny to watch oneself in the mirror to see your face contorting whilst receiving this much needed ‘workout’ from your new ‘home gym’!  I sometimes do the treatments when cooking dinner, or sitting watching TV, either works fine though I think being stationery is preferable to me as I have knocked the head-set a couple of times and have had to re-correct the positioning of the unit on my face.

The program I have used is the ‘Lift’ option – 20 minutes of muscle stimulation that firms the muscles and tightens the skin.  The Slendertone manual also recommends a 12-week program to achieve full revitalisation results, so I’m building up to this as I type!

There are two other therapy options available on this device, which I have yet to enjoy, they are:

• ‘Radiance’ – a 10 minute program to is said to increase the blood flow creating a healthier complexion, and
• ‘Massage’ – a 15 minutes program suggested for the end of the day, soothing and relaxing the facial muscles – mmm…this sounds most appealing!

The face controller unit is easy to use and therefore alterations to the treatment program, i.e. intensity of the stimulation, can be made easily during treatment without any interruption.  The device is also extremely lightweight and compact so easy to transport if one of off on holiday, or business travel.

I am happy with my experience with the Slendertone Face and would recommend it to other men.   I do feel my skin is tightening up as the muscles continue to receive their daily workout, and I look forward to seeing the results after my 12 weeks are completed.

Slendertone indeed have created a handy little device that’s easy to use and clearly generates positive results.  Considering your face is the one body part that is bombarded by the elements throughout the year I’d say that treating yourself to this £300 anti-aging device is a realistic price to pay for maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin.

For more information Slendertone Face for men visit their website at www. Slendertone.com

The origins of men’s neckwear date back to ancient Rome where bands of cloth were wrapped around the neck to protect a man from the cold in winter and to absorb perspiration in

summer.  The most common historical account dates from the 1600s with Croatian troops wearing protective neckwear similar to that of the Roman, but it wasn’t until the 1830s that men’s ties evolved and became a fashion accessory rather than a functional necessity.

Worn daily by men of stature, men’s ties symbolize prominence and sophistication. The addition of a tie transforms a man’s ensemble from just a shirt and slacks to an outfit suitable for conducting business or attending events.

Actors such as Cary Grant – ‘North by Northwest’, Robert De Nero – ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, Al Pacino – ‘The Godfather’, and Brad Pitt – ‘Meet Joe Black’, have all worn ties to great effect. It is said that Cary Grant seldom left home without first donning a tie or cravat.

From whimsical to professional and distinguished, men’s ties come in a vast array styles, themes and colours. The one thing they all have in common however, is how they are worn. Tying neckties can be a frustrating process, especially for beginners. If you are puzzled on how to correctly tie neckties, take heart, you are not alone!  We have therefore created a few simple, ‘How to Tie a Tie’ instructions to aid in your on-going endeavour of looking dapper.

How To Tie A Tie

Before you begin, face the mirror and button your shirt all the way with the collar flipped towards your ears. Place the tie around your neck and follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to create the following tie knots:

Ø Four-in-Hand

Ø Double Windsor

Ø Half Windsor

Ø Pratt or Shelby

Ø St. Andrews

Ø Plattsburgh

Four-in-Hand Knot
This method is used by 80% of all men when tying neckties.

1. Start with the necktie’s wide end and position it a foot below the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end over the narrow end
3. Do this twice in order to make a loop.
4. Pass the wide end through the back of the loop.
5. Holding the knot loose with your index finger, pass the wide end down through the loop.
6. Slowly withdraw your finger and tighten the knot, sliding the knot up to the collar.

Double Windsor Knot (also known as the Full Windsor) – Courtesy of the Duke of Windsor, this is more practical for lighter fabrics like silk, and for wider collars such as in Italian collars. It has a larger knot than the four-in-hand method of tying neckties and also has more volume.

1. With wide end on right and about a foot longer than the narrow end on left
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end
3. Pass wide end up and down through gap between neck and tie
4. Pull wide end under narrow end to the right
5. Pass the wide end up and down again through the gap between neck and tie
6. Hold the wide end to the right again
7. Pass wide end across front, from right to left letting your hand forms bridge where the knot will be
8. Pass wide end through gap between neck and then down through loop at the front
9. Adjust tie and carefully squeezing the base of the knot, whilst holding narrow end at back, push knot up to collar

Half-Windsor Knot
Suitable for any occasion and best suited to lighter fabrics.

1. Pass wide end over narrow end, bringing wide end over to the right.
2. Pass wide end through gap between neck and tie on RHS
3. Cross wide end over narrow end and then up through gap between neck and tie on LHS
4. With long end now draping down in front.
5. Take wide end and pass through loop to form half Windsor knot
6. Holding onto knot push up to correct positioning on collar remembering to squeeze in the bottom of the knot to keep a perfect triangular shape to the knot, holding the narrow end whilst doing so.

Pratt Knot (alternatively known as Shelby Knot
Noted to be one of the most simple ties to tie

1. With tie inside-out pass wide end under narrow short end
2. Take long wide end of tie and pass through gap between neck and tie
   (the long wide end is now under the narrow short end)
3. Wrap the wide end over the front of the knot to the rhs
4. Pass wide end up through space between neck and tie
5. Pass long end down through the loop
6. Holding onto knot push up to correct position on the collar, holding narrow end whilst doing so.

St. Andrews Knot
This knot is large and narrow and typically includes a deep dimple.

1. With tie inside-out and wide end on your right, pass narrow end over wide end
2. Pass wide end across potential knot over to right hand side
3. Pass the wide end under to the left hand side
4. Pass wide end down between neck and tie
   (wide end is now draped down your chest and inside-out behind the narrow end)
5. Pass wide end under narrow end and to the to the right
6. Pass wide end over to the left
7. Finally, pass wide end down through loop, thus creating your knot
8. Pull up knot whilst holding on the narrow end and position comfortably at the collar.

Plattsburgh Knot
Almost identical to the Windsor knot, and created by Thomas Fink, co-author of ‘The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie’, the knot is named after Fink’s home town in Upstate New York.

1. With tie inside-out and wide end on your right, pass wide end under narrow end
2. Pass wide end up and down between neck and tie
   Wide end will now be inside-out and under narrow end, draped down chest
3. Pass wide end over to your right
4. Pass wide end up and down between neck and tie for a second time
5. Pass wide end under to left
6. Cross wide end over to the right
7. And finally, thread wide end down through loop creating your Plattsburgh knot

Silk ties like those created by Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Hugo Boss, and Versace may require more practice in tying since silk fabrics tend to be slick.

A Member of the Club

According to Wikipedia Encyclopaedia, a trend of wearing ties began to indicate membership in a military regiment, school or club of some sort.  Not only would specific colours be chosen to represent the groups, but each member, when tying neckties, would use a specific knot.

One of the earliest examples of this was with the Oxford rowers. This group chose their colours and opted to tie their neckties using the four-in-hand method to further distinguish them from other rowing clubs.

To some extent this trend continues today although most don’t specify the type of knot that one should use.

In the article, ‘It’s all ‘bout the light blue tie’, published by The Times Online it was reported that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of England (at the time), and David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party (at that time) had both taken to wearing light blue ties, possibly following George Bush who made the light blue tie fashionable for ‘men in power’.   According to the same Times Online article, “George Bush scored a lasting triumph with his neckwear. He has apparently pioneered the wearing of light blue ties, a trend copied by both Barak Obama and John McCain. It really lightens up a man’s face, and he comes across as more decisive.”

Fashion Outlook for Men’s Ties

Forbes Magazine state that the solid-shirt, solid-tie ensembles of a few years back have fallen to the wayside. The fashion outlook for men’s ties now includes vibrant and subdued colours, as well as patterns mixed with shirts of the same scheme.

Once you learn how to tie a necktie, go shopping and enjoy the variety of fabrics, styles and colours offered by menswear giants Hermes, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani and Versace – these will help to create your new look for success!

Hermes currently design silk neckties in three categories: Classic, Solid Colour and Contemporary with a wide array of colours and pricing that starts at £130.

For distinctive men’s ties Versace is the way to go. With unique patterns and creative designs you’ll be sure to stand out in the crowd.

Charity ties have also become popular since they draw attention to a worthy cause, project an image of social conscience and offer financial support (a portion of the sales proceeds is donated to charity).

Regardless of your position in life or your occupation, chances are you’ll be wearing a tie at some point.   That means you must learn to tie a necktie. While it may take some practice, your efforts will be rewarded with a handsome and professional appearance.