Shopping for the male in your life is not usually a fun experience, especially at Christmas time. Save yourself days of wading through an ocean of merrily-packaged socks, slippers and cufflinks, and buy your man something a little bit more substantial and – hopefully – well received.
Here are our picks.
Teens
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What to look for:
Teens are fashion isolationists. They refine their personal sense of style themselves, and the opinions of older and (debatably) wiser generations is rarely welcome. ‘Big’ accessories like shoes are often a good bet – the right trainers are the foundations to any self-sufficient male wardrobe.
What to avoid:
Novelty Christmas jumpers are a no-no, unless the preferred teen has a finely tuned sense of irony. If you simply must get on the jumper bandwagon, pick a knit without snowmen and reindeers.
Sartorial suggestions:
Jumper with fairisle detail, €20, Penneys; Supra Atom suede trainers, €100, ASOS
Twenties
What to look for:
Jeans are the most versatile parts of a twentysomething’s wardrobe. This is even more so now as so many young people work in places with informal dress codes. Make them black and make them slim for all-occasion wear.
What to avoid:
Slogan T-shirts and sweaters proclaiming the wearer’s sexual prowess or inimitable sense of humour. What was once mildly funny will now provoke rolled eyes and rictus grins. If one must be obnoxious, say it with pictures, not words.
Sartorial suggestions:
Jeans, €180, Acne at Brown Thomas; Rottweiler Jumper, €690, Givenchy at Brown Thomas
Thirties
What to look for:
Polo shirts can still be chic, but they have to be just right – a slim white polo is a retrofit classic. Alternatively a long-sleeved polo that’s both smart and casual is a good bet.
What to avoid:
Novelty clothing needs to be firmly strapped in the back seat. Wise men tend to speak with their feet, and a good sense of humour can often be seen on the socks of males in their thirties.
Sartorial suggestions:
Geo Polo,€42, Next; Michelangelo’s David socks, $12 (approx €9.40), Joy of Socks
Forties
What to look for:
Solid jackets and coats that don’t give off the ‘Dad’ vibe; if you look hard enough you can find jackets that are and smart and current without being ‘try-hard’.
What to avoid:
The bland tie-and-sock combo; the pocket square is the new accessory for distant cousins, primary school teachers, office Secret Santas and fathers who deserve kids with more imagination.
Sartorial suggestions:
Navy PU Trim jacket €45, Penneys; Pocket Square, €40, Hugo Boss at Debenhams
Fifties plus
What to look for:
Men in their fifties (and beyond) know what they want, and they want it well-made. Search for quality, durable clothing.
What to avoid:
Anything too ‘old’ – a pipe and slippers may insult the modern male – or too forcefully ‘young’. However, men of this age look very distinguished arriving at an event in a smart hat and a good jacket.
Sartorial suggestions:
Osborne hat €44.25; Jeff Banks jacket, €223.50, both Debenhams
