by John Craig | May 25, 2021 | John Craig Brands
Get the JC Look Series- Look #2 – “The Equipped Man”
Did you find our JC Look #1 – the “Casual Man” suited your style needs? If not, maybe Look #2 – the “Equipped Man” might do the trick for you. Oh, and in case you missed it, you can view Look #1“The Casual Man” here.
So, Look #2, the “Equipped Man”, focuses on a man that’s well-prepared. He has a confident demeaner, one that says to the onlooker ‘I-have-all-my-ducks-in-a-row’. This man rocks the smart casual look whether in a corporate or social event environment or in his day-to-day life.
The “Equipped Man” is well-dressed. He is not in the three-piece, custom-made designer suit with formal leathers (although it is always fun to wear a suit), but as a man who makes the effort and cares about his outward appearance. Making an effort is a sure way to build your confidence. Knowing you look good opens doors, invites glances and definitely gets respect – you are after all, delivering the best version of yourself. But hey, we all have bad days – ever heard the saying “fake it till you make it” if you put in the effort, you make it!
Let’s get started;
Firstly to be the “Equipped Man”, wardrobe preparation is key. Once you have discovered that look that leaves you feeling confident – make it your personal uniform, a look-book of sorts. Side note here… we don’t mean wear the same clothes every day, we mean emulate the look by varying it with different styles, brands and colours. You want to keep it fresh. Once you have determined your personal style look-book, it avoids decision fatigue and you saves time. The look would be your go-to outfit of choice, to make you a winner every time.
Now the second step to achieving the “Equipped Man” look would be to build key relationships, and no, we don’t mean your friends or significant others. Relationships with your barber and your tailor. Your barber and tailor add that extra flavour and finesse to your look. The more they know about you and what your preferences and style goals are, the more on-point your look will be.
And finally, the third step to being the “Equipped Man”, is take care of your clothing. It might sound obvious but the wardrobe of the “Equipped Man” is full of classic styles and ever-greens. He has invested in quality signature items and not mass produced fashion fads. These timeless garments are an investment to keep you looking good time after time. The “Equipped Man” doesn’t wear distorted, faded or worn out clothes.
So here is where John Craig comes in, we want to take the pressure off you having to do all the thinking, we have put together some tips on how to look your best all the time. To help you on your way, we have put together some items that we feel are that “Equipped Man” good-go-to; look-good; feel-good; outfit and a great start to developing the “Equipped Man” wardrobe.
by John Craig | May 14, 2021 | John Craig Brands
Get the JC Look
It’s common knowledge that most people judge a book by its cover. When you are wanting to make an impression, get that job or carry off a look that makes you stand out, it helps to have a little guidance. We hear you and will be sharing some ideas in how to crack that nut – right on the head!
This blog post is for those aiming for the casual look. One that is understated but achieves its goal – getting you noticed in your effortless look- welcome to your ultimate style guide to looking great, and a man about town. We’ll help you to coordinate your look to ensure you’re wearing the right clothes for the right occasion.
Look #1 – “The Casual Man”
The Casual Man is a relaxed look that seems effortless with just the right amount of elegance. It’s laid back and for everyday use. So whether it is doing your weekend errands, shopping or relaxing with the boys at your favourite hangout.
The casual dress code is perhaps your best chance to express your personal style as it’s an invitation to show your sense of style whilst wearing what you feel the most comfortable in. You don’t want to fade into the background but you do want to be noticed for your taste and style. You are in your second skin and are wearing what you love.
Whether you prefer something sleek, rugged, formal or down-to-earth, it is about you finding that perfect balance between comfort, style, individuality that is functional for the occasion.
The casual look is influenced by trends, and lifestyle environment but there are time-less pieces that never go out of fashion and every man should have. This would be a set of basic essentials that form the basis of your wardrobe. Items like a classic white tee or golfer, well-fitted jeans and neutral sneakers.
And this is where this look comes in.
First let’s start with the humble polo shirt. We have chosen the Levi’s Housemark polo in White. It’s easy to wear, subtly stylish and as versatile as it gets. It can literally be worn with anything, even a suit. You want the shirt to hug your body to keep you looking sleek but not that tight that it looks like a second skin. Essentially, well-fitted but not too tight is the most flattering.
Next are the jeans, for a more-laid back, off-duty daytime look, go for styles in a lighter shade. You can’t go wrong with a pair of 501’s in Stonewash. Levi’s jeans are a failsafe and should be a fixture in your wardrobe, no matter what cut or colour you prefer. It is a brand that never goes out of style and worth investing in a few pairs.
Layer your outfit up with a Muratti Peter Quilted jacket, it’s fashionable, and adds plenty of individuality to your relaxed look. Wear a size that is well-fitted but loose enough to add another layer like a lightweight jersey for those more chilly evenings.
We know it’s important to put your best foot forward when dressing for casual, and yes, we mean wearing sneakers to finish your look off. We like white Superga Club S Sneakers, they have a luxury yet active look that ties in perfectly to your casual-lux combo look. They are sleek, clean, super comfortable and practical.
Whether you choose to keep it simple or are feeling experimental, discover what works best for you. When it comes to casual, you can wear what you want, mix and match, create your unique look avoid the “ just got out of bed’ look, no-one will take you seriously and you are missing an opportunity to make an impression, after all, you’re not lounging on the couch now are you?.
Casual can be interpreted in different ways, dependant on the environment or occasion but when in doubt, stick with the ‘The Casual Man’ look, it’s that happy sweet spot between overdressed and underdressed, it’s your sunny side up.
Here’s your featured look product list, available at all John Craig stores countrywide:
Now, go be the Man At His Best!
by John Craig | Apr 28, 2021 | John Craig Brands
Your how-to guide to buying jerseys
When shopping for your Winter wardrobe, make sure to include a few jerseys. They’re one of the most versatile and stylish pieces to add to your wardrobe. They can finish off your outfit and are the answer to those chilly winter mornings when layering is a must.
Having the option of adding or subtracting a garment from your look is known as layering so when you want to top-up on those chilly mornings, add a jersey and as the day warms, you have the option to get more comfortable by taking that layer off.
Jerseys are multi-functional in that they go exceptionally well with jeans, chinos, trousers, collar shirts, bomber jackets, dressing-up, dressing-down, whatever the occasion might be.
But before you rush off to stock up on jerseys, consider the following pointers:
Types of Jersey’s
V-neckline jerseys are more complimentary to those with a fuller face, as the “V” tends to elongate your neck. V-neck jerseys are the most popular jerseys when layering it with a collar shirt. It has a modern aesthetic and is impressive in the work environment when you wear a collared shirt and tie. It can also be worn over a casual tee, paired with jeans or chinos, and for those in-between season days, even a pair of shorts. Either way, it’ll have you looking cool and staying warm for any occasion.
Crew neckline (round) jerseys are more complimentary to those who have an oval shaped face. The crew-neck jersey is your classic tee replacement in Winter. When layering up, crew-neck jerseys provide depth and detail with the textures and patterns. Crew-neck jerseys can be paired with well fitted jeans (read our blog on how to pick the right cut jeans), boots and if you need more layers, you can add a bomber jacket, denim jacket or a sports blazer. If it is a more formal look you are after, add a collared shirt or even a tie and voila… you have one well-dressed gentleman.
If you are going for a turtleneck jersey, there is no need to wear a collared shirt as it won’t be seen and it will just create unnecessary curves around your neck. Turtleneck jerseys go well with blazers.
Half-zip is a relatively new style of jersey, this modern style has a high collar with a short zipper and also pairs great with collar shirts and a tie for more corporate look.
Cardigan (button or zip up) are also a great addition to your wardrobe, the open front shows off your tee or shirt giving a little more exposure to your full outfit. Try go for cardigans with buttons instead of zips.
The Fit
Make sure that your jersey is well fitted. The hem of the jersey should overlap your waist or fall just below. Your shirt should not show underneath the hem. The shoulder seam of the jersey should align directly with the end of your shoulder bone. The body should fit comfortable but with a little breathing room to allow for a shirt or vest underneath.
If you do wear a jersey with a suit, make sure it is not too thick or you don’t have too many layers, you don’t want to look like an Oros man.
Do Take Care
Make sure to look after your jerseys, neatly fold them instead of hanging. Minimize the amount of times you wash your jersey. Don’t pull on loose threads, it might unwind and cause a hole, rather try thread it through the inside.
Jerseys are a casual wardrobe staple for all elegant men and it helps transition between season. When worn properly, well looked after and pair with the right garments, jersey will make you look refined and confident. Keep in mind the contrast in colours, if your jersey has patterns go for a plainer trouser, same goes for bright colours. Plain jerseys can be worn with more fashionable pants and accessorized with a scarf.
Now you can rush off to your nearest John Craig store to purchase the jerseys that suite your style, work and social life best this winter. Stay warm and stay safe.
by John Craig | Apr 7, 2021 | Competitions
Live Polo, Love Polo, Win Polo Competition
You feel the breeze, the sun gently caressing on your face and a smile forms. You know you look good. You’re out with friends and family, feeling relaxed and confident – today is going to be another great day. The fact is, over time, you’ve developed a style that is always on-point and effortless to achieve.
The one item in your closet that you have in every colour, are Polo shirts. You pair them with chino’s, shorts and denims. You dress them with a jersey, denim, formal or track jacket. The Polo shirt has been such a versatile addition to your wardrobe for years. Being quite a trendsetter, you’ve been in on the game for ages, your favourite cut and brand, non-other than Polo. Their menswear collection delivers season after season and is a legacy brand worth investing in.
John Craig wants to gift you, the POLO lover, he who lives, eats and breathes the brand.
You can win one of three R2500 shopping vouchers. All you have to do is post a photo of yourself wearing your much loved Polo shirt, in your post, tell us where you would wear your Polo, and make sure you use the hashtag #DestinationPolo and tag JohnCraigSA when you post. You might want to tag some of your friends to share the love!
Don’t wait too long, the competition starts 7 April and ends 20 April 2021. We will randomly select 3 stylish guys to enjoy the R2500 shopping voucher at any of our over 80 John Craig stores. Don’t miss out on the latest news and specials from John Craig, like and follow us on our social platforms: JohnCraigSA (Facebook); johncraig_sa (Instagram) or JohnCraigSA (Twitter).
Terms and Conditions
- The competition will start on Wednesday, 7 April 2021 and end on Tuesday, 20 April 2021.
- 3 Winners will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday, 21 April 2021.
- To qualify the entrant must be wearing a Polo shirt and tag #DestinationPolo and JohnCraigSA in their post.
- Only persons over the age of 18 may enter the competition.
- The vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash, no change is given.
- The person submitting the post utilizing the hashtag is deemed to be the entrant to the competition and is therefore deemed to be the winner of the prize should their entry be selected.
- Entrants must be resident in South Africa in order to redeem the voucher at a pre-determined John Craig store.
- Unlimited entries are permitted.
- By entering in this promotion, all participants accept and agree to abide by these rules and terms and conditions.
- The Winner will be contacted by direct message on the social platform entered on to finalize store preference collection details of their prize.
- Once the winner is announced, the decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into in this regard.
- The prize Winners are to present their ID, drivers’ license or passport when collecting their prize at the designated store.
- The competition is not open to any employees or their families of John Craig or the Studio 88 Group of Companies.
- John Craig and the Studio 88 Group of Companies reserves the right to terminate, alter or temporarily suspend this competition in the event of technical or other difficulties that might compromise its integrity.
- John Craig and the Studio 88 Group of Companies does not accept any responsibility for difficulties that may arise in the attempt to participate in this competition.
- The laws of the Republic of South Africa shall govern these Terms and Conditions and participants agree to be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.
- This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook and you agree that you are submitting your entry to the owner of the said business page on Facebook and not to Facebook itself.
by John Craig | Mar 24, 2021 | John Craig Brands
Do You Know Which Jeans are Best?
There is no doubt that the staple garment in every man’s wardrobe is jeans. They are the go-to for rainy days, active days and summer days. Just pull on a cool tee and you’re good to go for casual Fridays at the office, but to be real, they’re a fit for any and all occasions.
With denim being the flava and us wearing them as often as we do, you want to make sure you’re wearing them so that they complement your body and the look you’re going for. If we are dressing for comfort, the fit of the jeans needs to be flattering to your body type so to get the most out of your jeans, find the fit that shows your assets off best. Short, tall, narrow or broad, there’s a fit that will compliment your shape.
Breaking down some pros and cons of jean fits:
Baggy Jeans
Baggy jeans are usually worn for comfort, they give the perception of being the most comfortable fit of all jeans but that’s not necessarily true. They can be bulky and hard to move in. Generally a square or broad cut. You can wear them extra low or high with a broad belt. Be careful though, baggy jeans can emphasize if your size, narrow or broad, they can also make you look untidy and uninspired.
Super Skinny Jeans
Super skinny jeans are usually professed as a style for the young, they give a youthful impression – showing all you have got. And if this is what you are going for, then great! Spoiler alert – Super skinny jeans will also highlight your skinny legs and draw focus to your muffin top. This is a style that is age-appropriate, so don’t look like you are trying too hard. Dependent on the crotch, there could also be a plumber in town 😉.
Washed and/or Ripped Jeans
Super light, grey-white, dyed, destressed and ripped jeans can be difficult to style. These are definitely more casualwear and better suited for men of a young generation. Yes, ripped jeans have an attitude – if that’s what you’re going for, but don’t expect to impress at an event other than clubbing. If you’re a metalhead or hard rocker, you’ve got it going on!
Too long
We cannot emphasize this enough, when you are investing in a decent pair of jeans, have them tailored. Jeans that are too long and cause ruffles around your ankles are for cowboys, if you aren’t a cowboy, then they just make you look short and sloppy. The ideal length is one slight crease around the ankle. You can get away with rolling, this would be for casual and normally a day event.
Saggy Butt
When it comes to low-rise or mid-rise jeans, make the decision based on how it fits around your seat area. It should not be too tight, but definitely not baggy, it should define not decline. Need we say more?
What JC Recommends:
Most men go for slim-cut jeans, it offers the best balance between fit and comfort. They can be worn with slim tees, golfers, formal shirts or even a sports jacket for more formal occasions. This cut is very complimentary to most body types. Generally one would wear a black or dark blue evenings. Dependent on the occasion, tuck in, belt up and just enjoy your jeans.
Straight or regular fit are options to have in your closet. The best is to style them with a loose-fitting top to balance out your look, this style also goes very well with denim tops or jackets. Check out our Levi’s 501 original fit here. Let’s admit it, there is a reason why Levi’s have been the global leaders in jeans year after year.
by John Craig | Mar 11, 2021 | John Craig Brands
When it comes to our customers, we strive to offer only the best in men’s clothing, footwear and accessories. And that’s why we are introducing sought-after men’s brands to our established product offering at John Craig.
You can shop everything from classic corporate attire to casual athleisurewear. Our brands are known for their style, comfort and quality, always keeping you on point, looking sharp. Let’s face it, when you need to dress for an occasion, mixing style with luxury is a sure winner. We know you’ll love these top-class brands, they are the perfect balance between traditional and casual fashion chic. Dressing up always makes a man feel more confident, wear these every day for work or play. Why not get yourself some:
Like their 100% pure Venetian woolen trousers, the Brentwood brand exudes authenticity all the way. The premium quality clothing items are as established as the men who wear them. From sporty golf shirts to stylish formal wear, Brentwood is a name that has become synonymous with gentlemanly elegance. And just like its dedicated wearers, this 50-year-old heritage brand falls nothing short of “staying true” in every way.
Living life to the fullest takes imagination and determination. Tackling every challenge and showing it who’s boss. But accomplishing goals—at work and play— is easier with a little help. Caterpillar spent decades helping people who go the extra mile, who grab life by the laces and never let go. They champion those who are out in the world breaking down walls and building up cities. Giving their all— whether building skyscrapers with their crew or forts with their kids. That’s why they make shoes and boots that are tough, unyielding, ready for adventure—with innovation in every stitch and performance in every step.
Converse All Star sneakers have always been synonymous with authentic culture and unique street style. Featuring a legendary range of styles, Converse sneakers have been making waves and collecting fans through generations for well over a century. When you wear your Converse Sneakers, you’re defining lifestyle, street and creative culture – making a statement while staying on top of your comfort game. Whatever your style, there’s a Converse sneaker for you.
These are high-end, men’s formal Goodyear-welted, cement-lasted, leather-soled classic shoes. Part of Barker Footwear, established in 1933 when Ernest Barker from Earls Barton, England, brought a group of skilled craftsmen to Cape Town to set up a shoe factory. This successful venture was reinforced in 1952 when Barker acquired the rights to manufacture shoes and apparel in SA under the international Crockett & Jones brand whose products are sought-after by the discerning man. Barker Footwear is owned by the family-owned Bolton Footwear Group.
For over 125 years, Florsheim has been crafting timeless footwear. Florsheim shoes are more than just shoes. They’re a promise that what you wear on your feet isn’t a fleeting trend or flash in the pan. They’re an affirmation that you know who you are. Because when you’re wearing Florsheim shoes, you’re wearing a timeless classic. And they promise to look and feel as great in 20 years as they do today. The world is an ever-changing place. But well-crafted, classically styled footwear will always be in style.
A hard-won reputation for quality, comfort and durability is exactly what has kept Bass in business for almost a century and a half. Personifying the American spirit, bass shoes have been worn for generations, shaping them into an iconic symbol of discovery, perseverance and self-expression. Our customers are born from the backbone of American history. They represented our nation. They explored territories unknown. They defined pop culture. They saw the world from a new perspective. And Bass was with them every step of the way, making it the choice for adventurers and American heroes.
Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest apparel companies and a global leader in jeans. Worn by miners, cowboys, rebels, rock stars, presidents and everyday men and women, these functional pieces were the clothes people not only worked in—they lived their lives in, too. But Levi’s® are more than that. They’re the purest wearable form of authentic self-expression.
What began in the mountains of Utah, now roams the world. 20 years on and Merrell is still providing outdoor enthusiasts with quality performance footwear. As the needs of the outdoor enthusiast have changed, so too has Merrell’s approach to addressing those needs. Over time, the concept of “outdoor” has broadened to include all types of activities and environments – both natural and urban. Merrell is driven to keep pace with this evolution of “The New Outdoor,” and continues to evolve. It’s been written that what’s important is not the destination, but the journey.
One of the most sought after shirt brands, founded in 1976 by Gordon Joffe, ex-head of the shirt division at Monatic. Gordon’s passion for men’s shirts leads to him manufacturing the first Polo shirts with the trademark square button. The Polo shirt soon became synonymous with the best of quality. In 1998, the ‘Polo and Pony’ trademark was purchased by the LA Group (Pty) Ltd who continues to build on the legacy and development of the brand further into the SA Market.
Known to be one of the world’s leading sports brands for its design and development of footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion.
An aspirational lifestyle brand, Sergio Tacchini is rooted in Italian tennis heritage, connecting sport and culture through sportswear essentials for men, women and children. For generations, people have chosen Sergio Tacchini as a bold stroke in a wardrobe that they make their own. From the tennis obsessed to the football terrace wear-ers in the 70’s, and the hip hop culture of the 90’s, consumers have chosen Sergio Tacchini as a form of expression – the antithesis of the construct, just like Sergio Tacchini intended bringing the first colour uniforms to the all-white tennis courts.
Watch This Space
Also coming soon to John Craig are Dobbs, Enrico Covari, Falke, Jockey, Kaytex, KG, Strachen, Superga, Sebago and Gant. So stay tuned to our social media pages and visit our website for updates and announcements on new brand arrivals. We know you are going to love the new additions to our retail offering for you.
by John Craig | Mar 1, 2021 | Lay-bye
As of 20 February 2021, you might have noticed some really cool changes – more especially, that of our prices.
Well, the big reason is that John Craig has changed its method of transacting from accounts to cash or lay-bye. This change has huge benefits to you. Essentially, you are no longer financing the credit required to offer accounts to customers. Your fashion is now costing you an average of 30% less – what a WIN! Follow us on social media for more exciting news about top leisure brands you’ll be able to shop at our stores; Brentwood, Sebago, Caterpillar, Superga, Levi’s to namedrop a few! Don’t stress if you don’t have cash. You can lay-bye! When you lay-bye, you get 3 months to pay – interest free and should you need to cancel your lay-bye, we won’t charge any penalty fee’s for cancellation either. It’s quick and simple, all you need is your ID, Cell number and 10% deposit.
So why the big changes you might ask?
Well, essentially, the Studio 88 Group of Companies bought 79 John Craig stores from Pepkor, you can read more about it here on LinkedIn.
Should you still have an account with Pepkor and would like to enquire about it, please contact [email protected] or call Tel.: 0860 000 303 (SA), or visit your nearest Ackermans branch.
