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The Guardian
28-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
From packing cubes to multi-strap bras: the holiday hacks you swear by
It's high holiday season, and whether you're heading to the coast, a city or the hills, a bit of pre-trip prep can go a long way. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. To help you pack more thoughtfully, make the most of the beach, and stay sane on long journeys with small people, we've asked for your best holiday tips – and rounded up the best of our own, too. If you want to take more manageable luggage, two- (or even three-) in-one products are a godsend. Reader Carina suggests 'a decent multi-strap bra to cover all eventualities', such as this M&S Flexifit bra that can be worn three ways. Fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley loves this swimsuit from John Lewis (now reduced to £27.50). 'The shoulder detailing and sturdy, non-transparent fabric make it perfect for wearing as a top, so it does double duty on holiday,' she suggested in her June style essentials. Fashion writer Peter Bevan selected these tailored swim shorts that could also pass as daywear for his 50 men's summer wardrobe updates. Shoes are tricky: you want something for every occasion, but don't want to bring seven pairs with you. So, you need a pair of catch-all shoes that are comfortable for walking but won't look out of place at dinner. Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley found just that for her roundup of the best summer shoes: these women's Keen sandals and these men's Chaco sandals. If you're in need of holiday outfit inspo, check out Jess's capsule holiday wardrobe. When it comes to beauty, travel minis will save suitcase space. Beauty writer Anita Bhagwandas picked her favourite Clinique travel moisturiser (currently on sale for £10) and two-in-one Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo and styling powder for her guide to the best travel toiletries. However, decanting your own products is far kinder to the planet (and cheaper, as you can use products you already own): she recommended these travel pots. Choose a lightweight, quick-drying hammam-style towel instead of a bulky beach towel, says Melanie Wilkinson in our summer style updates (she also found this cute coin purse key chain to carry loose change for emergency ice-creams). While reader Annie Jackson suggests packing baby powder: 'It works a treat for getting sand off your feet and hands.' Reader Shona recommends packing cubes: 'I organise my clothing by category in each cube so it's easy to find what I want without rummaging,' she says. She also advises noting what you did and didn't wear to inform your packing next time. If you're in need of some new luggage, look no further than Pete Wise's favourite budget pick from his test of the best suitcases and this genius Antler carry-on bag that Jess says has strangers stopping her in the street. Always check visa requirements before travelling: people from Europe heading to the UK now need to pay £16 for an ETA. Similarly, the US requires you to have an Esta even just for a layover. If you're planning on driving from the UK to Europe, here's everything you need to know. Learn a few basic words in the language – please, thank you, hello at least. Duolingo is a great free app to help you learn. Plus, make a list of everyone's must-do activities to ensure you don't miss anything. Never over-plan though – always leave space for spontaneity and rest (holidays are always more tiring than you think). Reader Jess Rogers has a tip for distracting kids on long journeys: 'Wrap up little inexpensive gifts from the charity shop and stagger them throughout the journey – or as a distraction to avoid a meltdown.' She also has a staycation hack: 'Find a new theme for every outing … how many birds/butterflies can you spot? Can you find a rainbow of flowers?' For more tips and tricks, check out our guide to surviving long journeys with kids. 'The only thing that gets me out of my tent': the camping essentials you need (and what you don't) The best kettles to save energy and speed up your cuppa, tested The best short shorts for men – and how to pull them off 'Astonishingly good value': the best supermarket tofu, tasted and rated Summer drinking should be just as special for the sober. Wine writer Sophia Longhi has been testing red, white, rose, bubbles and sparkling tea to bring you this selection of 28 genuinely delicious no- and low-alcohol wines. Her favourites include a French white that tastes like the real thing, a blanc de blancs fit for a celebration – and even a few decent red wines. Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter Keen to get out for a walk or bike ride but held back by a reluctant child? Parent of a toddler and lover of the outdoors Paddy Maddison gathered all the best tips from parents on how they manage to get outside with their little ones. Have you made an eco-friendly swap that's stuck? Maybe you found a microfibre cloth that transformed your skincare routine, plastic-free cleaning products that actually work, or a shopping tote that finally broke your addiction to plastic bags. Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
The Guardian
04-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Say hello to spring! 22 simple ways to refresh your home, wardrobe and routine
Can you feel it? A warmth to the air, brighter days, and smiles on people's faces. Spring is almost upon us: toes that haven't seen the light of day for months need a polish, seeds need to be sown, and there's an urge to spring clean (windows look particularly filthy when sunlight pours through them). The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Emerging from winter is the perfect time for a reboot. So from signing up for a marathon to splashing out on a new perfume, revamping your bedding to vowing to do more hiking, here's our guide to celebrating the arrival of spring. Inov8 Parkclaw G 280 trail running shoes £160 at Inov8£79.99 at Sports Shoes Duro LT men's running vest £65 at Osprey£58.49 at Sports Shoes Whether you're simply a summer-months runner or you've signed up for a 10k or more, you'll need some good shoes. If your pair has seen better days, try Inov8's Parclaw G 280s, which were rated the best running shoe for all-rounders in our guide to the best running shoes. Osprey's running vest is great for distance runners who need to store water and energy gels. Jo Malone Beach Blossom cologne From £86 for 50ml at Jo MaloneFrom £86 for 50ml at John Lewis Some like to stick to the same perfume, but for others, the arrival of spring means it's time to switch to a fresh new scent. Welcome the warmer weather with Jo Malone's new Beach Blossom cologne, which has notes of coconut, lime, mint and tonka bean. Kärcher WV 2 window vac £45 at Wickes£48.99 at Amazon Rid your windows of streaks before the spring sunshine exposes them. Kärcher's WV 2 window vac was rated the best overall by our expert and is sure to leave your windows sparkling. Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX £150 at Go Outdoors£150 at Merrell Keen Terradora II waterproof boots £39.99 at Sports Shoes£62.50 at Keen Because it's cooler than summer, there's no better time than spring to get hiking. These Merrell boots were rated the best budget buy in our guide to the best men's hiking boots. And the Terradora IIs from Keen were named the best for summer hikes in our review of women's hiking boots. Seasalt Janelle waterproof raincoat £170 at Seasalt£170 at Next The weather may be milder, but there's no avoiding spring showers. Make sure you're prepared for all the unpredictable weather the season has in store with a trusty raincoat. Readers loved this offering from Seasalt that featured in our test of the best women's waterproof jackets. Uniqlo lamb's wool crew neck jumper £34.90 at Uniqlo With unpredictable weather in mind, don't retire your jumpers to the attic just yet. This lamb's wool crew neck from Uniqlo will keep you warm on colder days but isn't so bulky that it will ruin your spring outfit. Peter Bevan highlighted it as the best high-street lamb's wool option in his roundup of men's jumpers. Lakeland fermentation jar £9.99 at Lakeland£12.99 at Amazon Get stuck into a new hobby with a healthy end product – fermenting. Enjoy kimchi and pickles without the price tag by making them yourself at home. To help you get started check out our guide to all the gear you do – and don't – need. The Inkey List glycolic acid exfoliating body stick £15 at Look Fantastic£15 at Boots If your limbs aren't ready to see the light of day, try the Inkey List's exfoliating body stick. Formulated with skincare heroes glycolic and salicylic acid to help tackle ingrown hairs, KP (keratosis pilaris), body breakouts and rough skin, this deodorant-style stick will help your body feel smooth and spring-ready. For more ways to regain your glow, check out our best buys to restore hair, skin and nails. Piglet in Bed dusk blue linen duvet cover From £199 for a double at Piglet in BedPiglet in Bed pillowcase From £55 a pair at Piglet in Bed La Redoute Linot washed linen fitted sheet From £74.99 for a double at La Redoute Toast organic cotton pyjama stripe duvet cover From £109 for a double at ToastToast fitted sheet From £70 for a double at ToastToast Oxford pillowcase £23 each at Toast Refresh your bedroom with new bedding suitable for the warmer months. Linen is hailed for its breathable qualities: this La Redoute fitted sheet and Piglet in Bed linen bedding set were highlighted in our roundup of the best bedding brands picked by interior designers. Or if you're a cotton purist, this set from Toast was chosen for its soft stripe pattern that's more forgiving of stains than pure white bedding. For a full rundown of what to look for when buying bedding, check out our guide. Muc-Off pressure washer starter kit £120 at Muc-Off£130 at Amazon If you ditched your bike during winter, we can't say we blame you, but that may mean it's in need of a clean before you hop back on. This pressure washer from Muc-Off is the perfect tool for getting your bike looking as good as new. Decathlon double pannier rack backpack £69.99 at Decathlon Make the cycle to work that bit easier with a reliable bike bag that suits your needs. This two-in-one pannier bag and rucksack is perfect for transitioning from bike to office. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Le Specs Broski sunglasses £70 at Coggles£69 at End Buying a new pair of sunglasses may feel optimistic, but you don't want to be caught out by an early spring sunny spell. Invest in a better quality pair for longevity and go for a classic style that goes with everything, like this Jess Cartner-Morley-approved pair from Le Specs. The Ultimate Sweet Pea Collection £19.95 at Sarah Raven Mini milk bottle glass vase £2.80 at Etsy Sow some sweet pea seeds now, and reap the benefits come summer. Then put them in a mini vase (eBay, Oxfam and Vinted are also great hunting grounds for vintage vases). Warley Fall watering can From £115 at Haws£115 at Farrar & Tanner Make gardening a pleasure with a beautiful watering can, as chosen by Alys Fowler in our round-up of gardeners' best tools. 'Even when it's full to the brim it won't spill when you walk with it,' Fowler wrote. 'And the long spout means it is easy to reach pots at the back of a cluster. It's not cheap, she said, but it should last a lifetime and more. Yeti Rambler 8oz (236ml) stackable cup £20 at Yeti£20 at John Lewis There's no greater pairing than a coffee and a walk. Invest in a reusable cup when grabbing a drink from your favourite cafe, or save money by using it to have a homemade coffee to go. This design comes in lots of fun colours for an extra dopamine hit. Uniqlo trenchcoat £39.90 at Uniqlo Put away the puffer jackets and opt for something more lightweight and appropriate for the transition to spring. This trenchcoat from Uniqlo is perfect for those annoying in-between days when it's too hot for a big coat but too cold for a denim jacket. Who Gives a Crap Dream cloths £8 for three at Who Gives a Crap Make spring cleaning more fun with these cheery washcloths. And if the pattern alone isn't enough to put a smile on your face, they're plastic free (70% cellulose and 30% repurposed cotton) and reusable, making them the perfect planet-friendly choice. Nails Inc Plant Power vegan polish £8 at John Lewis£9 at Superdrug Treat yourself to a fresh spring-inspired nail colour for the new season. The Plant Power range from Nails Inc is vegan and 73% plant based with a 100% FSC ash wooden cap to reduce plastic. Nilfisk 140 Bar high-pressure washer £190 at Argos£187.91 at Amazon Spring cleaning isn't just for indoors – get your patio looking spick and span with a pressure washer. You can adjust the pressure of this Nilfisk model, making it suitable for cleaning everything from cars, BBQs and driveways. Cheesecloth blouse £75 at Me+Em A blouse that works with or without a jumper will be your best friend throughout the wavering temperatures of early spring. Jess Cartner-Morley featured this cheesecloth blouse in her March style edit and says is great for layering, thanks to its elevated neckline. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 £150 at Onitsuka Tiger Pack away heavy winter boots and get out your trainers. If you need a new pair, our comprehensive guide to finding the right trainers is a great place to start. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s are a great shout for spring – they're lightweight, super comfy and cooler than Adidas Sambas. Happy Socks Violet ankle sock £7 at Happy Socks Socks have become a fully fledged accessory, but make sure you ditch no-show socks and opt instead for the crew style. This adorable pair are the perfect accompaniment to a spring outfit. Download the Met Office app Being prepared for all weather eventualities can feel impossible. Always check the Met Office app before you leave home to know whether you should pack your raincoat or swap out your ballet flats.
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
9 best men's watches for style and substance, according to a fashion writer
Choosing the best watches for men isn't easy. First and foremost, there are just so many options. There are casual everyday watches and designs more appropriate for an evening soirée. Some cost £50 while others can go upwards of £100,000. With such a vast selection available, it's hard to narrow it down to just a handful of designs that cover everything from haute horology to traditional timepieces. Like with most good, solid menswear, it's best to forgo trends in favour of timelessness. Whether that's a classic dress watch with a leather strap or a sportier stainless steel take, stick to those you'd be as happy wearing in five years time as you are now. As a general rule, we'd recommend going for a watch you can see yourself wearing time and time again (pun intended). Then, even if you're putting down some serious cash, you're getting more value for your money, if you look at it from a cost-per-wear perspective. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a quality piece, either. While the top Swiss experts (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega) will set you back considerably, there are many affordable options that also hit the mark (design-wise and from a practical perspective). You could look at Casio, the purveyor of the retro 1980s aesthetic, or Swatch, with its range that spans fun collaborations and simple, minimal designs – either way, you'll be able to tell the time for much less than a house deposit. If you do want to splash out, our favourites are enduring designs with a certain cachet – think Cartier tank, Rolex datejust and Jaeger-LeCoultre reverso, and you'll be on the right track, even if your bank account might disagree. So, without further ado, it's time to find your next piece of wrist-candy. How we tested To test the designs featured in this list, our reviewer wore each watch to the office during the week, to the pub at the weekend, for smart evening dinners and for long weekends away. He then picked his favourites based on which he thought balanced versatility with wearability as well as his own personal taste. Why you can trust us Peter Bevan is a menswear expert with more than six years of experience in the fashion industry. His expertise spans styling and writing, from dressing guys on the red carpet to countless round-ups of the best brands to buy. The best men's watches for 2025 are:
