Grooming and styling are two habits that men tend to disregard, even forget. In a man's world, these manners are considered pushed aside as it may deem a bit embarrassing. But in reality, they are as important (if not more) as the hobbies they do or the sports they actively participate in.
We've taken into account basic rules for men's grooming and style. Look to your daily practices and see if this can be applied, especially this cruise season.
Words by Nana Valdueza and Mari Santos
It's always a matter of preference when a man values grooming. Sometimes, taking care of the skin has quite a low affinity for me, as for some, it may bring along a connotation of vanity. But gone are the days that it's all about the superficial—when it comes to grooming for men, more than just looking good, having a routine and thinking about your wardrobe stress the importance of taking care of yourself and leaving a good impression wherever you may be.
Our country's tropical climate has always been one of the things men factor in their daily grooming routines. The unusual humidity and the unexpected shifts from summer heat to moonsoon rains contribute to how your skin reacts. Personal vices and even environmental factors can contribute to the skin's condition. Men should understand taking care of their body, does not only mean the anatomical aspect but the outside as well.
1. Apply SPF everyday. There is no mercy with the sun. So rather than aging fast, protect your skin.
2. Take care of your beard. How fresh and clean would it feel if you care to manage on your beard.
3. Watch your oral hygiene. Brushing everyday is a given rule and so is gargling. But we do emphasize that a toothbrush is changed every three months.
5. Get a bottle of your signature scent.
6. Learn that conditioning your hair is a man's job. Daily shampooing removes hair oil which is important for your scalp.
7. Scalp care is important for men.
8. Work on a overnight skin-care regimen. Doing skincare in the day might be annoying for you, then why not schedule it at night. It's the most effective way to keep your skin healthy and take you away from the nuisance of extra steps in the day or the sticky feel of creams.
With South Korea spearheading the movement in men's beauty, Tony Medina, the Canadian CEO of Seoul Guide Medical mentions, "You don't have to be 250 pounds of rock-hard muscle to be macho [in Korea]. Macho can mean you take care of your skin." He added: "A youthful face can project energy and professionalism. Your skin, your appearance [are things that] can give you a leg up."
“Like women, men’s grooming habits have been changed by the pandemic,” says Clare Varga, head of beauty at forecasting agency, WGSN also adds.
Now and then, guys have looked at themselves in the mirror and see if the way they look still works or if there is a need to reinvent their style. Of course, figuring out what suits you best is a process that takes years of experimenting, getting to know yourself, and seeing where you feel most confident at. Expressing yourself through the clothes you wear—and not the other way around—is what every man (and everyone, for that matter) aspires to be.
Well-known celebrities can rely on stylists to dress them up from movie sets to film premieres and even up to catching their flights. But what about the "regular" people? Who can they turn to for style queries on everyday dressing? We give you the lowdown on how to keep up with the ever-changing menswear world.
This season, we saw the emergence of comfortable dressing for anything and everything. Because of this, we have grown to incorporate timeless pieces from workdays to weekends. TVs and movies also play a huge part in bringing back some well-loved staples, with varsity jackets making a huge comeback in our closets. A trendy yet practical piece in preparation for the coming rainy season.
“The varsity jacket—otherwise know as the letterman—is a staple in any man's closet. Similar in shape to the bomber, the preppy piece returns season after season from streetwear brands and high fashion alike. But you don't have to be an Ivy League jock to rock a varsity jacket. With the years, the piece became less elitist and filtered into casualwear, with all kinds of brands embracing the style and releasing their own versions of the varsity jacket.” says Feleg Tesema, Staff Writer of Highsnobiety.
Looking to upgrade your wardrobe or just figuring out where to start? Take notes from these professional style advisors on how a modern man should dress himself.
Faran Shiekh, Style Advisor of Wilkes Bashford, “I have to see the person, to see what size he is. If he’s a big guy, it’s one thing, and if he’s small, it’s different. I like to see the character of the man, what job he has. What is his social life like? I need to know what color his hair is, what color his eyes are, his skin tone. That’s how I pick the best colors for him. Everything is connected to the client’s personality.”
“Buy clothing that you’re not only physically comfortable in but mentally comfortable in as well. I don’t recommend wearing something that’s not a reflection of you or your personality just because someone else is wearing it.” says Bill Bolling, Sales Associate of Boyds.
Shopping to refresh your wardrobe shouldn't be a weekly thing. You could do this quarterly. The key to shopping smart is to purchase core pieces that you can work with anything in your closet. These items are essential to building your everyday looks.
Victoria Hitchock, Wardrobe and Lifestyle Consultant of Victoria Hitchcock Style, “Getting bedazzled by brand name or price tag; these measures do not necessarily equate to quality.”
Photographer: Joy Frances Ulit
Creative Directors and Producers: Nana Valdueza and Mari Santos
Art Director: Kevin Dexter Magno
Stylist: Nana Valdueza and Mari Santos
Makeup and Hair: Raymond Dy Adora
Model: Kenneth of Mercator
Production Stylists: Mica Carreon and Claudine Vizconde
Production Supervisor: Elaine Contreras
Shot on location at Pasig
