Tips by Thread

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The latest tips from our stylists

Four actually stylish Halloween outfits

Don’t be scared of dressing up. These 'costumes' will look good even after the party’s finished

How to organise your wardrobe

Keep your clothes looking good for longer with our guide to what to hang, roll or fold

What are Kickers boots?

The rock star’s favourites are an ideal off-duty shoe. Here’s how to wear them well

The perfect capsule wardrobe guide

These essential pieces all go together and make style so simple, you could get dressed in the dark and still look great

How to look after a leather bag

With the right attention, a leather bag could outlive you. Here’s how to protect your investment

What is an overcoat?

Our expert stylist reveals the military roots of the coat that goes with anything

The winter footwear guide

Wearing summer shoes in winter is a recipe for sodden feet. Here are the wet-weather styles to know

How to match patterns

Our expert reveals the three tricks that make looks more interesting, while avoiding headaches

Can I wear sunglasses in winter?

You not only can – you should. Here’s how to find a style that protect your eyes and enhance your look

Guide to midlayers

Learn how to wear the pieces that will keep you warm in style whenever the weather won’t behave

How to look after a blazer

The tools, tips and tricks that will keep your jackets in shape – literally

Should I wear a watch?

Your phone tells the time, but the right watch does more for your style than just keep you punctual

Four outfits for between seasons

The outfits that help you navigate unpredictable weather, so you can stay stylish come rain, shine or both

How to roll your sleeves up

Steal some Italian flair and learn the more stylish way to roll your sleeves

Can I wear a rollneck?

Worried you’ll look more Milk Tray man than James Bond? You shouldn’t. Because every man looks better in a rollneck

How much should I pay for: A casual outfit?

Invest right and one off-duty outfit will pay you back in thousands of wears. Here’s how to spend at two very different budgets

What is a tote bag?

More casual than a briefcase, but smarter than a backpack, a tote could be your new favourite bag

Five ways to wear: A textured blazer

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

Every part of a blazer explained

We break down everything from shoulders to hem to explain the most stylish way to wear yours

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

What is a waxed jacket?

The farmer’s favourite isn’t just for the country. A waxed jacket is still one of the most stylish ways to stay dry

How to dress for rain

You can stay stylish when the weather turns foul. You just need the right kit

What are 5-pocket trousers?

The halfway point between jeans and chinos, they could be the most smart-casual pair of trousers ever invented

The Thread Guide to: Boots

How to find a pair of boots that you can wear all autumn

How much should I pay for: A smart outfit

A blazer, shirt and tie seems simple, but the breadth of quality can be confusing. Let Thread stylist Freddie Kemp be your guide to investing wisely

What are Red Wing work boots?

The American brand made work boots a menswear icon. Here’s how to wear them today

Do I have to wear a suit to a wedding?

Our expert stylist decodes the dress code to provide an option that’s just as stylish, but much more comfortable

How to: Lace your shoes properly

It’s a little thing that can add a lot to your style

How much should I pay for: A smart-casual look?

It's confusing enough just decoding what a smart-casual dress code means. So make sure you spend your money wisely with our expert breakdown of one look at two different prices

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 much should I pay for: A wallet?

Choosing your simplest accessory is surprisingly complicated. Here’s how to make sure you still have some money left to put inside it

Five shoes to wear with chinos

How the most versatile trousers in your wardrobe can work with anything from trainers to boots

What exactly are: Cargo pants?

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

How much should I pay for a blazer?

The options for how to wear one are as varied as the price you can pay. Here's how to figure out what you should invest

The secret to stylish layering

Be prepared for any weather with an outfit that's endlessly adaptable

Four ways to wear: A check shirt

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

How to stop basics looking boring

The simplest way to make outfits look more interesting

Five ways to wear: Stone chinos

When you’re not sure which trousers to wear, stone chinos are probably the answer

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

What you should know before wearing shorts to the office

Five ways to wear: Minimal trainers

Clean, simple trainers can improve almost any outfit. Here's the expert-approved way to find your perfect pair, and five ways to style them.

The three reasons to care about: Jigsaw

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

What exactly are Superga trainers?

Discover who invented the classic Italian trainer, who they suit and how any guy can wear them

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

Four ways to wear: Converse

How an all-time favourite trainer works for (almost) every occasion

What to look for in: A good belt

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

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)

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: A blazer with shorts?

Four tricks to wearing this tricky combo without looking over the top

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 tricks 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: 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

Five ways to wear: Desert shoes

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

Five ways to wear: A long-sleeved t-shirt

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 ...

Five ways to wear: A polo shirt

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

Five ways to wear: Chino shorts

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

Four ways to wear: A grey sweatshirt

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

Five ways to wear: A white t-shirt

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

Five ways to wear: Formal trousers

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

Five ways to wear: A denim jacket

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

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

Five ways to wear: Navy chinos

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

One small change: Trade your backpack for a bag

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

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

Four ways to wear: A navy jumper

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

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

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

Four ways to wear: A hoodie

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

Four ways to wear: A chambray shirt

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

Five ways to wear: Black jeans

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

Five ways to wear: White trainers

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 ...

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

Four ways to wear: A blazer

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

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

Four actually stylish Halloween outfits

How to organise your wardrobe

What are Kickers boots?

The perfect capsule wardrobe guide

How to look after a leather bag

What is an overcoat?

The winter footwear guide

How to match patterns

Can I wear sunglasses in winter?

Guide to midlayers

How to look after a blazer

Should I wear a watch?

Four outfits for between seasons

How to roll your sleeves up

Can I wear a rollneck?

How much should I pay for: A casual outfit?

What is a tote bag?

Five ways to wear: A textured blazer

Every part of a blazer explained

How to: Do casual Friday, no matter your office

What is a waxed jacket?

How to dress for rain

What are 5-pocket trousers?

The Thread Guide to: Boots

How much should I pay for: A smart outfit

What are Red Wing work boots?

Do I have to wear a suit to a wedding?

How to: Lace your shoes properly

How much should I pay for: A smart-casual look?

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

How much should I pay for: A wallet?

Five shoes to wear with chinos

What exactly are: Cargo pants?

How much should I pay for a blazer?

The secret to stylish layering

Four ways to wear: A check shirt

How to stop basics looking boring

Five ways to wear: Stone chinos

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

Five ways to wear: Minimal trainers

The three reasons to care about: Jigsaw

What exactly are Superga trainers?

The Thread Guide to: Shorts

Four ways to wear: Converse

What to look for in: A good belt

How to: Shop the summer sales strategically

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

Can I pull off: A blazer with shorts?

One small change: Choose better shorts

What exactly is: A polo shirt?

The Thread Guide to: Shoes

How to: Wear socks with shorts

What exactly is: A henley?

Five ways to wear: Desert shoes

Five ways to wear: A long-sleeved t-shirt

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

Five ways to wear: A polo shirt

Five ways to wear: Chino shorts

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?

Four ways to wear: A grey sweatshirt

One small change: Try new trousers

Making the case for: A patterned pocket square

Five ways to wear: A white t-shirt

One small change: Add a blazer

How to: Dress for every wedding