Tips by Thread

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The latest tips from our stylists

One small change: Choose better shorts

Exactly why you should make an upgrade this summer

What exactly is: A polo shirt?

The basics you should know, and the trick to wearing one well

The Thread Guide to: Shoes

From lace-ups to trainers, the six styles you need—plus how to wear every pair well

How to: Shop the summer sales strategically

Thread's five tips to shopping the sales. (First up: don't go in with an idea of what you want)

How to: Wear socks with shorts

Athletic? Ankle? Invisible? Read on to find the best option for you

What exactly is: A henley?

The basics you should know, and the trick to wearing one well

How to: Wear desert shoes, five ways

The ways to wear them in five (very) different circumstances

How to: Wear a long-sleeved t-shirt, five ways

How to wear one favourite tee to five (very) different occasions. Advice from Thread's Luke McDonald

What exactly is: An unstructured blazer?

The basics you should know, and the trick to wearing one well

Q&A: When should I wear a belt (and when should I skip it)?

Lots of guys reach for a belt without thinking, but it's sometimes better to give it a skip. Here's why

Can I pull off: Double denim?

The answer's (usually) yes. Just follow our three-step plan

How to: Get every stain out of a white t-shirt

We smeared three white t-shirts with ketchup, olive oil and red wine—and then managed to get each of them out. Here's how ...

How to: Wear a polo shirt, five ways

How to wear one polo shirt to five (very) different events. Advice from Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett

How to: Wear chino shorts, five ways

How to wear one pair of shorts in five (very) different ways. Advice from Thread's Alice Watt

How to: Wear boat shoes

Four tips to wearing boat shoes well from Thread stylist Luke McDonald

What exactly are: Selvedge jeans?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

Can I pull off: Pink?

You can, we promise. Just follow these four steps

Q&A: Trunks, briefs or woven boxers?

Don't want to ask your stylist? Here's Millie's advice

How to: Wear a graphic t-shirt (the right way)

Three tips to keeping yours looking adult

The Thread Guide to: Check shirts

From Madras to tartan, our five favourite styles—plus advice on how to wear every shirt well

Can I pull off: Trainers with a suit?

Four steps to making this risky look work

How to: Wear a grey sweatshirt, four ways

The sweatshirt you can wear to (almost) every occasion

One small change: Try new trousers

Exactly why it might be time to trade up your usual casual trousers

Making the case for: A patterned pocket square

Thread's Millie Rich backs her preference for patterned pocket squares

How to: Wear one white t-shirt, five ways

How to wear the humble white tee to five (very) different occasions

One small change: Add a blazer

The blazer for guys who hate blazers—plus three tips to wearing it well

How to: Dress for every wedding

With wedding season approaching, here's how to decipher tricky dress codes or go casual (not careless)

Q&A: What do I need to know about collars?

Thread's Kasia Katner shares all the essential details on our five favourite collars

Q&A: When should I skip socks?

To sock or not to sock? Thread's Luke McDonald shares a definitive guide

What exactly is: Salt and pepper knit?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing it well

One small change: Smarten up with a jumper

The two reasons why changing your jumper can make an outfit twice as smart

How to: Wear formal trousers, five ways

The trousers you can wear to (almost) every occasion. Advice from Thread stylist Alice Watt

Q&A: Why can't I wear my suit jacket with jeans?

The four key differences that make a blazer better with jeans

What exactly is: A button-down shirt?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing one well

How much should I pay for: Minimal trainers?

Should you make an investment? Go for a cheaper pair? Here's exactly what to expect at three different prices

Q&A: Is folding or rolling the better way to pack?

In time for the summer bank holiday, we packed two identical bags to determine whether rolling or folding is the superior strategy

One small change: Wear a crew-neck t-shirt

Exactly why, when it comes to t-shirts, crew necks are a smarter choice than v-necks

How to: Wear a denim jacket, five ways

How to wear one jacket to five (very) different occasions. Advice from Thread's Alice Watt

Making the case for: Pastels

Thread's Millie Rich backs her preference for pastels as the seasons turn

What exactly are: Chukka boots?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

Q&A: What should I wear to a kids' birthday party?

Too specific? Perhaps. But if you've ever wondered about this, we've got the answer

What exactly are: Breton stripes?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

What exactly is: Waffle knit?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing it well

Can I pull off: A denim jacket?

Four steps to wearing one without looking remotely tweenaged

The Thread Guide to: Classic trainers

Are they even up your street? And if so, which style is right for you? Here, our classic trainer advice and all-time favourite styles, from minimal to always-age-appropriate

Q&A: How can I show I've put a bit of effort into my outfit?

We share five easy ideas

How much should I pay for: Jeans?

Should you make an investment? Go for a cheaper pair? Here's exactly what to expect at three different prices

Q&A: Why is everyone wearing Stan Smiths?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

What exactly is: A Harrington jacket?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing one well

How much should I pay for: Brogues?

Should you make an investment? Go for a cheaper pair? Here's exactly what to expect at three different prices

Q&A: How many blazer buttons should I do up?

One? Two? None? Here's the definitive guide from our own Millie Rich

How to: Wear coloured trousers

Want to wear them without looking laddish? Here's how

Q&A: My office is semi-formal. What does that even mean?

Whether you're partial to a suit or happiest in a t-shirt, here's what to wear to a semi-formal workplace

What exactly is: Chambray?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing it well

The Thread Guide to: Shirts

From chambray to striped, the eight styles you need in your wardrobe—plus advice on how to wear every shirt well

Q&A: I’m a pragmatist. What should I wear on the weekends?

If you care as much about function as form, here's the middle ground from Thread's Millie Rich

What exactly is: Camo?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing it well

Q&A: What should I wear on a warm-weather holiday?

Off somewhere warm? Here are the four essential things to pack

How to: Wear navy chinos, five ways

How to wear one favourite pair to five (very) different occasions. Advice from Thread's Millie Rich

What exactly are: Brogue boots?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

The Thread Guide to: Minimalist dressing

Why it's the most egalitarian way of dressing, and four ways to try it. Advice from Thread's Millie Rich

Making the case for: Coloured trainers

Thread's Tahmid Akthar backs up his preference for coloured trainers—and explains why they're not as out-there as you might think

How to: Make leather shoes last longer

Now your shoes have weathered this week's combo of rain, sleet and snow, they might need a little attention. Here's how to dry them out properly, and the most effective polishing technique

The Thread Guide to: Backpacks

From smart to waterproof, our four favourite styles. Plus why backpacks are particularly useful in winter, what to look for, and how to wear every bag well

What exactly is: A cable-knit jumper?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing one well

The Thread Guide to: Winter hats

From beanies to baseball caps, the six options for keeping you insulated all winter. Plus advice on what to look for, what's best avoided, and how to wear every hat well

Making the case for: The colour green

Thread's Alice Watt backs her preference for green clothes over other colours

Making the case for: The colour purple

Stylist Tahmid Akthar on wearing it without going too 80s pop star

Q&A: How long should my tie be?

Trump’s are too long—but too short’s not flattering, either. Here's how to find the ideal length

Q&A: Why do you guys love navy and grey so much?

Exactly why these two colours feature prominently on Thread. Spoiler: they don't have to look boring

Q&A: How (and when) should I wear a pocket square?

Just in time for Christmas! Advice, tips and gifs on wearing the one thing you need to look more festive

What exactly is: A granddad collar?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

The List: The best jeans tailors in the UK

Where denim experts take jeans to get hemmed or repaired

The List: The best suit tailors in Birmingham

How to make your suit much sharper ... for as little as £12

How to: Wear a blazer with jeans

Befuddled by blazers' blend of smart and casual? Here are the five things to bear in mind when wearing one with jeans

How to: Pack for Christmas break

Before you throw your entire wardrobe into your bag—or try to wear your travel outfit for four days—here are the 11 things that'll serve you well over Christmas break

The List: The best cobblers in London

How to sharpen up knackered shoes ... for as little as £15

How to: Wear one navy jumper, four ways

How to wear one navy jumper in four (very) different scenarios. Advice from Thread's Alexander McCalla

Q&A: How do I match my suit, shirt and tie?

The question we're asked all the time, and a chart that provides an answer

How to: Wear one textured blazer, five ways

The most versatile blazer, bar none. Here's how to wear the same jacket to five (very) different occasions

Q&A: What’s the deal with fastening the top button on a shirt?

Because the smallest details can make a big difference. Advice from Thread senior stylist Alice Watt

Making the case for: A long-sleeved polo shirt

The reasons it's a sleeper favourite among Thread's stylists

How to: Wear Converse, four ways

How an all-time favourite trainer works for (almost) every occasion. Advice from Thread's associate stylist Alexander McCalla

Making the case for: Mustard socks

Thread's Alice Watt backs her preference for mustard socks over others

Q&A: I'm sick of t-shirts. What else can I wear to the pub?

Four easy ideas from Thread stylist Freddie Kemp

How to: Wear a waistcoat without a suit

A risky manoeuvre no longer, thanks to our four-step plan

Q&A: Should I buy work boots?

Are they worth the investment for you? Figure it out with our illustrated guide

Q&A: What shoes should I wear with black jeans?

Black? White? Trainers or lace-ups? Thread's Kasia Katner shares the shoes that work best

How to: Wear one hoodie, four ways

Think it's only for the gym? Think again. Here's how to wear the same hoodie to four (very) different occasions

How to: Do casual Friday, no matter your office

The trick to looking relaxed but work-appropriate, plus four outfit ideas for offices from smart to casual. Advice from Thread's lead stylist, Kasia Katner

One small change: Don't match your tie and pocket square

Surprising but true: not matching's better than matching. The four reasons why, from Thread's lead stylist Kasia Katner

Making the case for: A check suit

The reasons why it's a sleeper favourite among Thread's stylists

Q&A: What colour suit should I wear?

Can you wear a black suit to a wedding? A grey suit to a funeral? Thread's Alice Watt shares the answers at last, with the help of a handy chart

How to: Not look boring

Thread's Alice Watt shares three ideas to break you out of a rut

The Thread Guide to: Boots

Advice on finding the best boots for you, and how to wear them all autumn, from Thread's Alice Watt

Q&A: What boots should I wear?

Our quiz addresses every uncertainty you've had about boots, from when brogue boots might suit to whether suits are boot-appropriate to the right styles if you love (or hate) turning up your trousers

One small change: Upgrade your sunglasses

Exactly why classic sunglasses work better than anything sporty

Q&A: Should I buy a leather jacket?

Is it worth the investment—and if so, what's the best style for you? Figure it out with our illustrated guide

One small change: Tie your own bow tie

Exactly why self-tied looks better than pre-tied

How to: Wear light-wash jeans

Four tips to getting casual jeans right from Thread stylist Millie Rich

Q&A: I like wearing suits. What should I wear on weekends?

How to dress down without losing that sharp-suit feeling

What exactly are: Fine-gauge knits?

The basics you should know, and the trick to wearing them well

What to look for in: A good belt

Advice on finding the best belt for you, and making it look its best

How to: Wear one check shirt, four ways

Check shirts are much more versatile than you'd think. How to wear one in four (very) different circumstances

The three reasons to care about: Jigsaw

Some specific reasons to rate it from Thread Senior Stylist Sam Monaghan

What exactly are: Welted soles?

The basic things to know, and the tricks to wearing them well, from Thread's Shaunie Brett

One small change: Downsize your wallet

Exactly why a whole outfit will look better if you choose your wallet wisely

Can I pull off: A bracelet?

Despite being niche, this question comes up fairly often. Answers from Thread's Alice Watt

The Thread Guide to: Shorts

Advice on finding the best shorts for you—and tips to wearing them well, from Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett

Q&A: What should I wear to work on a really hot day?

It’s (finally) boiling. No matter whether your work is smart or casual, here’s how to dress for our long-awaited heat wave

One small change: Keep from wearing all one colour

Exactly why you could add a colour to an all-navy outfit

Can I pull off: Red trousers?

Four tricks to wearing red trousers without looking over the top

One small change: Go from blue to grey jeans

The two reasons why grey jeans are smarter than faded blue

Q&A: Are almost-white trousers a style staple or best avoided?

Stylist Freddie Kemp shares tasteful upgrades to your usual beige chinos

Can I pull off: Black and blue together?

“Black and blue never do.” Is the old adage actually true? Thread's Millie Rich has the answer, and some key colour-matching tips

What exactly is: A shacket?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing one well

How to: Iron a shirt in three minutes

Thread stylist Alice Watt shows you how to make a wrinkled shirt creaseless in three minutes or less. (Hot tip: freeze the shirt first)

Q&A: What's the secret to wearing shorts at work?

What you should know before wearing shorts to the office

Q&A: What should I wear when it’s both rainy and hot?

With the weather this week, we're overheating. Four ideas of what to wear to keep cool

What exactly are: New Balance trainers?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

How to: Clean trainers in five minutes—or five seconds

Thread senior stylist Sam Monaghan makes mud-covered suede trainers look like new, and quickly spruces up a slightly dirty pair

Q&A: Should I ever wear a t-shirt under a shirt?

Simple advice on when to wear one, and when to skip it

Q&A: Why would I ever need a suede brush?

A guide to smartening up suede

Q&A: Can I wear my smart shoes with jeans?

An answer at last, with the help of our handy chart

Q&A: I’m wary of colour. Where do I start?

Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett, shares three easy ways to wear colour without looking over the top

How to: Wear loafers

Shaunie shares her top tips to wearing the two types of loafers

How to: Wear one chambray shirt, four ways

How to make one chambray shirt work for (almost) every occasion. Advice from Thread's lead stylist, Kasia Katner

One small change: Tuck in your collar

Exactly why a tucked-in collar looks better under a jumper

Q&A: When should I turn up my trousers?

To turn up or not to turn up? Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett, shares a definitive guide

The four reasons to care about: YMC

Some specific reasons to rate it from Thread Senior Stylist Sam Monaghan

What exactly is: An Oxford shirt?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

How to: Wear black jeans, 5 ways

The black jeans you can wear to (almost) every occasion. Advice from Thread style director Shaunie Brett

Q&A: How can I wear my work suit when I'm not at work?

The trick we call "tonal tailoring"

One small change: Go from bootcut to slim jeans

Exactly why slim jeans look better than bootcut

What exactly are: Derbies?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

What exactly are: Tuxedo shoes?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

One small change: Wear a patterned shirt

Exactly why you could go for patterned over plain

Q&A: What's the best watch for me?

Never worn a watch? All the advice you need from Thread's Millie Rich

One small change: Graduate from the graphic t-shirt

Exactly why you should trade your graphic t-shirts for something more simple

Q&A: Do I actually need a shoehorn?

Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett, on whether (and when) shoehorns are worth their salt

How to: Wear white trainers, five ways

The white trainers you can wear to (almost) every occasion. Advice from Thread senior stylist Sophie Bailey-Hine

What exactly are: Slip-on Vans?

The basics you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

Q&A: What should I wear to a job interview?

It takes three seconds to make a first impression. Advice on nailing it from Thread's style director, Shaunie Brett

What exactly are: Brogues?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

Q&A: Do I have to tuck in my shirt?

The definitive guide to when you should tuck your shirt in, and when it's just as good untucked

Q&A: I'm sick of my shirts. What else goes with a blazer or suit?

Thread stylist Millie Rich shares two spring alternatives to your usual shirts

What exactly are: Bomber jackets?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing one well

The List: The best suit tailors in Manchester

The latest in a series on the best tailors in every UK city

Q&A: How do I dress for weird spring weather?

Three pieces you can wear five different ways ... when it's warm, cold, and somewhere in between

Q&A: What’s the best way to wash jeans?

Can freezing jeans really kill bacteria? Does machine-washing shrink them? We tested four techniques to find the best way to get jeans clean. The surprising results ...

One small change: Trade your backpack for a bag

Exactly why you should opt for a holdall or tote instead of a backpack

What exactly are: Shawl cardigans?

The basic things to know, and the tricks to wearing them well

How to: Wear a slim-fit suit

Stylist Millie Rich shares five things that make a slim suit look its best

How to: Wear one blazer, four ways

The one blazer that looks right at (almost) every occasion

The List: The best suit tailors in London

How to make your suit much sharper ... for as little as £12 (updated with more locations)

What exactly are: Men's Chelsea boots?

The basic things you should know, plus tips to wearing them well

What exactly are: Tuxedos?

The basics you need to know, and the tricks to wearing a tuxedo well

Q&A: How do I make a grey or navy suit not look boring?

Three easy ideas from Thread stylist Millie Rich

What exactly are: Formal trousers?

The basic things you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

How to: Wear a men's military-style jacket

Three tips to wearing a military-style jacket well

One small change: Wear round-toe smart shoes

Exactly why you should opt for a rounded toe over anything pointy

Q&A: What does smart casual mean for men?

Thread senior stylist Alice Watt offers advice for guys at different points in the smart-to-casual spectrum

What exactly are: Chinos?

The basic things you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

One small change: Wear simple trainers

Exactly why minimal trainers make every outfit more versatile

What exactly are: Corduroy trousers?

The basic things you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

Q&A: I got a job in tech! What do I wear?

Think beyond the hoodie—or at least make it look more adult

What exactly are: Driving shoes?

The basic things you should know, and the tricks to wearing them well

How to: Wear a cardigan

Three cardigans to wear to every occasion, from an afternoon at the pub to a cold-weather wedding

What exactly are: Cargo pants?

The basic things you should know and the tricks to wearing them well

Q&A: I'm on a budget. What smart shoes should I buy?

The most versatile options, and what to look for in a quality pair

One small change: Upgrade your raincoat

Function and smartness don't need to be mutually exclusive

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I want help with...

Categories

Issues

The latest tips from our stylists

One small change: Choose better shorts

What exactly is: A polo shirt?

The Thread Guide to: Shoes

How to: Shop the summer sales strategically

How to: Wear socks with shorts

What exactly is: A henley?

How to: Wear desert shoes, five ways

How to: Wear a long-sleeved t-shirt, five ways

What exactly is: An unstructured blazer?

Q&A: When should I wear a belt (and when should I skip it)?

Can I pull off: Double denim?

How to: Get every stain out of a white t-shirt

How to: Wear a polo shirt, five ways

How to: Wear chino shorts, five ways

How to: Wear boat shoes

What exactly are: Selvedge jeans?

Can I pull off: Pink?

Q&A: Trunks, briefs or woven boxers?

How to: Wear a graphic t-shirt (the right way)

The Thread Guide to: Check shirts

Can I pull off: Trainers with a suit?

How to: Wear a grey sweatshirt, four ways

One small change: Try new trousers

Making the case for: A patterned pocket square

How to: Wear one white t-shirt, five ways

One small change: Add a blazer

How to: Dress for every wedding

Q&A: What do I need to know about collars?

Q&A: When should I skip socks?

What exactly is: Salt and pepper knit?

One small change: Smarten up with a jumper

How to: Wear formal trousers, five ways

Q&A: Why can't I wear my suit jacket with jeans?

What exactly is: A button-down shirt?

How much should I pay for: Minimal trainers?

Q&A: Is folding or rolling the better way to pack?

One small change: Wear a crew-neck t-shirt

How to: Wear a denim jacket, five ways

Making the case for: Pastels

What exactly are: Chukka boots?

Q&A: What should I wear to a kids' birthday party?

What exactly are: Breton stripes?

What exactly is: Waffle knit?

Can I pull off: A denim jacket?

The Thread Guide to: Classic trainers

Q&A: How can I show I've put a bit of effort into my outfit?

How much should I pay for: Jeans?

Q&A: Why is everyone wearing Stan Smiths?

What exactly is: A Harrington jacket?

How much should I pay for: Brogues?

Q&A: How many blazer buttons should I do up?

How to: Wear coloured trousers

Q&A: My office is semi-formal. What does that even mean?

What exactly is: Chambray?

The Thread Guide to: Shirts

Q&A: I’m a pragmatist. What should I wear on the weekends?

What exactly is: Camo?

Q&A: What should I wear on a warm-weather holiday?

How to: Wear navy chinos, five ways

What exactly are: Brogue boots?

The Thread Guide to: Minimalist dressing

Making the case for: Coloured trainers

How to: Make leather shoes last longer

The Thread Guide to: Backpacks

What exactly is: A cable-knit jumper?

The Thread Guide to: Winter hats

Making the case for: The colour green

Making the case for: The colour purple

Q&A: How long should my tie be?

Q&A: Why do you guys love navy and grey so much?

Q&A: How (and when) should I wear a pocket square?

What exactly is: A granddad collar?

The List: The best jeans tailors in the UK

The List: The best suit tailors in Birmingham