Whether your skinted or minted Uncle Oi Polloi should have something for the sartorially inclined gent (read: fuss pot) this Christmas.
Let’s start with stuff £50 and under
Dodge any potential Boxing Day boredom with the latest issue of indepth menswear tome Inventory. A magazine that seems to get better with every issue, we’d say #5 was the best yet. Saddled up next to it is an Oi Polloi classic, the Fjallraven Kanken Bag looking lovely in Ox Red.
Ace accessories always make a good present. Here’s two handmade Italian examples, the Anderson’s / Woven Textile Belt and Il Bussetto / Small Zip Wallet. Very nice indeed.
First up in the winter warmers section is… the Penfield Dumont Beanie. Red or navy.
More winter warmers this time from Hestra — who produce gloves for Swedish lumberjacks. The result is a well made, classic design that’s fit for most folk, whether lumberjack or jack the lad. Barbour should need no intro, and neither should the check on their Classic Tartan Scarf.
We’d just like to straighten something out — socks are not a rubbish present… when they’re as good as these Fair Isle efforts from Scott Nichol.
When comes to small(s) presents, decent undergarments are also a winner. Especially Schiesser – ist qualitat! A German brand known for making the ‘Mercedes Benz of underwear’.
Finally, in the £50 and under section, footwear in the form of classic pumps from Vans and Spring Court .
£100 and under
If you’ve got a slightly bigger budget, here comes the £100 and under section…
Help a loved one live the Lo-Life with this double whammy of custom fit polos from Ralph Lauren. The Red is nice and festive isn’t it? It’s probably what Father Christmas plays Wii tennis in. And the Pepper Heather colour will add some spicy seasonal seasoning to your life. Because it’s Pepper you see.
Need something to keep your Dad’s digits from dropping off during his cold commute? Then the Scandinavian dream team of Norse Projects and Hestra should do the trick. Add to this an ever-reliable Tarras bag from Barbour (for his calculator / sandwiches / pencil case) and you’re set for the day.
These are both brands we associate with more vibrant, summery schmutter. Superga are famed for their lovely white pumps and Anderson’s make some mad multicoloured belts. But this is autumn/winter Daddio, get with the programme. Dark brown and coffee may sound like something you’d get in an Amsterdam corner cafe but they’re the colours we’ve chosen in the ace 2750 from Superga and the Anderson’s woven belt.
This guide wouldn’t be complete without a contribution from the land of the rising sun. That’s not a pub, by the way, we’re talking about Japan. Fil Melange and Sunny Sports are both based in that part of the world, though in the case of the latter, there’s clear links back to the American West Coast counter culture. Surfing and showing off is what inspires stuff like this mad Aztec muffler.
Trust Folk to make a bobble hat like this. Available in two colours, there’s the more seasonal Tawny colour, as well as the more racey ecru colour, complete with multi-coloured bobble. Either are great value and both would make a top present.
£100 and over
Feeling flush? Or fancy going the extra mile to impress a loved one? The £100 and over section is the one for you my friend…
If you’re looking to spend some Christmas money on yourself, why not be the coolest customer on the cross-trainer with these two rather sporty items from Folk and Reigning Champ. In the case of the Folk Peepin Crew, it’s actually made from extra fine merino wool so despite the sporty appearance it’ll go down equally well with your Gran at Christmas dinner. The Reigning Champ sweat pants are great quality and ideal for the post-festive calorie curb.
Goody! Two shoes. Well four to be precise, but two options, both of which are ideally suited to this time of year. You don’t need us to tell you much about either brand. Dr Martens have been around for ages, and the Wax Canvas Lester Shoes come in dark brown or the tan colour pictured. And in the rust Scarponcini boot from Fracap you’ve got a seasonal shoe in an equally seasonal colour. Great for kicking leaves in.
Xmas do coming up? Or perhaps an event where the invitation demands ‘smart casual attire’? Well, it doesn’t get more smart than this Beams Plus Oxford Shirt. And paired with these LVC 505 the casual box is ticked too.
Winter isn’t all about battleship grey skies and combating the harsh weather. The days of drizzle are punctuated by a fair share of crisp, dry mornings where it’s cold but not too cold. Those mornings where you go “Ooh, isn’t it fresh out today”. Or not. You get the idea though, yeah? And if you drop enough hints to the Mrs, it’s those days you’ll be reaching for the Ray Bans, donning your best scarf and road testing your new Brooks saddle as you seek to shift the paunch you’ve developed following all those turkey sandwiches you devoured watching Trading Places.
Perhaps the aforementioned bike ride is the kind of occasion where this Penfield Lakeville jacket would come into its own? Or maybe that Boxing Day football fixture where all your mates are sporting their best new clobber but doing their best not to notice it? Either way it’s typical Penfield, versatile and does the job without breaking the bank. If you’re a more practical type this is the kind of thing that should top your list to Santa.