Things men should never wear.

I have loved clothes since I was about five years old. I don’t know where it came from, but often we don’t know with these things; my parents certainly had no interest in fashion.

In those days it was considered weird for a boy to be into clothes, and there was a fair bit of (fun/harmless/funny) joshing at school.

I have always wanted to run a company that makes clothes that I truly love, for men and women. We are getting closer to consistently achieving this, and later this year we’ll launch a small new range inspired by our life at Glen Dye.

The idea is to make beautiful, functional clothes that last forever and are stylish without ever shouting.

For now though, we have a really fantastic range of jumpers. Of course, I am not suggesting that you wear one today, as I’m writing this in our garden where the temperature is 31 degrees. But we launched them during the summer in order to make a point about the ludicrous disposability of ‘seasonal’ clothing, and I am so gratified that several of you have recently bought one.

Anyway, back to my clothes. I have been wondering whether to take the pink or red version of our long sleeve polo. I don’t wear much bright colour these days, but I want to try one of these.

This morning I was thinking about this, and it led me to ponder on things I would never wear. So, here is a list. Please don’t take offence if you disagree, and please do send me your list.

1. A T-shirt with writing on it. I think this should stop when men are about 40. I get that you saw Bowie in 1980 or that you like Greenpeace or ran the Maidenhead 10k. But.(Possible exceptions apply for exercise).

2. Any clothing with visible branding. Come on gents! Stop that at 40 too.

3. Flip-flops. Disgusting.

4. Tight trousers. Esp with visible boxers.

5. Those trousers where the bottoms zip off to make shorts.

6. Bow ties that aren’t black.

7. Those formal shirts that have two buttons at the neck, or a contrast colour lining the collar.

8. Little trainers like Sambas. Again, a no-go for men over 40.

9. Invisible socks.

10. A tie that isn’t properly done up.

I think I’d better stop there, or I might carry on all day. Don’t take offence, give me a different opinion (or agree with me and we can start making a manifesto).

Big love.

Charlie X