Frahm Workshirts: Design at Work

I first reported in Frahm jackets two years ago, since which time I'm delighted to see that business has thrived. Under Nick Hussey's careful design and management he has identified gaps in the market for jackets that are stylish, weatherproof and slightly different.

Nick has now done the same with shirts. By making them slightly shorter than a normal shirt, with a squared bottom hem and side-pockets, he has created something equally at home as an over-shirt or as a traditional shirt (tucked in or not). I was sent a couple to try: the Stretch Denim Workshirt and the Lightweight Tartan Workshirt, pictured below.

Both shirts are nicely made in the EU from soft cottons. As usual, some thought has gone into the design and they make versatile and attractive light jackets, overshirts or shirts, as required.

See Frahm for more information and to buy.

The shirts were sent to me for review. All views are mine alone.

Fragrances for Autumn: A Sponsored Post

I like to wear fragrances that reflect the seasons; lighter citrus and pine when warm and smoky, woody accents for colder weather. Autumn brings with it the earthy smells of falling leaves and woodsmoke mingling with the sweeter scents of fallen fruit - all enhanced by fresher temperatures and evening chills which somehow sharpen the senses.

When buying men's grooming products for the chillier season I look not only for descriptions such as woody and smoky, but for elements such as amber, pine, vanilla, musk or sandalwood. Think of those warm complex scents that dominate the season as the weather turns cold and which we appreciate on country walks and at Christmas in our food or which warms us as fuel on the fire, giving out the comforting and glowing sensation of comforting mellowness.

Looking for fragrances I hadn't tried before I came across a few with these autumnal and wintery accents: Eisenberg J'OSE is essentially woody but cut with aromas of lemon and mint. From Parfums de Marly comes  their Oajan Royal Essence which is an oriental unisex fragrance combining honey and woody notes. And talking of colder weather, Roja Parfums' Royal Enigma is billed 'especially for colder weather'. The mellow notes of these products tend to last, lingering like the scent of smoke from a bonfire on the razor fresh air.

Others to try include Floris Santal, very British and with its sandalwood elements it makes a perfect autumnal scent. You may also like Montblanc Explorer which is aromatic and woody and at the more affordable end of the price scale. 

This is a paid collaboration with notino.co.uk

Barbour at Fenwicks

Last week saw the launch of an exclusive collection by Barbour for department store Fenwick which, since 1882, has sold quality goods to discerning customers in its stores throughout the country and online. Like Barbour, Fenwick is still family-owned and both brands mingle a modern outlook with a very British spirit that appreciates heritage presented in a contemporary way.

The two brands have worked together to produce a four-piece collection, two jackets, based on the classic Barbour 'Bedale', a gorgeous heavy brushed cotton shirt and wool scarf; all in an exclusive red/blue tartan. 

The jacket comes in navy blue and a new red waxed cotton colour, the first time this shade has been used on this jacket. After initial doubt, I quickly came to love the red which will soon acquire the usual Barbour patina, softening with age and the passage of time. Who wants their Barbours to look brand new?

The Bedale has been slightly remodelled and slimmed down for this collaboration and, while Barbour jackets are often sized generously, this one fits true to size. It feels well-made and fitted me perfectly (I'm a 38" chest and ordered that size). 

The Bedale, with its equestrian origins, is slightly shorter than some Barbours, which makes it ideal for both stylish town and country wear. I've worn a number of their jackets over the years (including a battered old Border bought 35 years ago). This example of the Bedale strikes me as one of the most adaptable Barbour jackets in terms of its uses. I wear mine over knitwear, a pair of cords or denims, but equally it would complement the new smart casual workwear styles that have developed as we turn from over-formal work clothing.

With this small but perfectly formed collection two great British brands have produced a truly robust outdoor jacket, combining style and practicality with shirt and scarf that match the tartan lining. Prices range from £28 to £249 and they are available from all Fenwick stores. For more information and to buy see Fenwick.

This feature is sponsored by Fenwick. I was sent the clothes to try and review. All views are mine.