New in menswear: What to expect from Burton

MANILA, Philippines – In fashion, there’s a constant tension between the evolution towards a signature style and the constant need to shake things up.  

The mass entry of several retail favorites to the Philippines in recent years has had the positive side effect of making it much easier for anyone, even the most fashion-phobic, to update his closet.

The landscape is especially exciting for menswear. To tick off a few: Uniqlo, American Eagle Outfitters, Cotton On, TM Lewin, and J Lindeberg are just some of the labels that have made it to the Philippines in recent years, offering everything from the most austere and basic of blazers to best of the spotted-and-striped variety.  

The arrival of British menswear brand Burton, side by side with the newest Dorothy Perkins store in the SM fashion hall, is the latest addition to the pool. It’s an apt pairing, though the brands are separate. If Dorothy Perkins is a tea-drinking lady who lunches, I imagine that Burton is her affable gentleman friend (though his last name completely escapes me). 

Trends like men’s skirts, mesh shirts, or migraine-inducing prints have their place – and it’s not at Burton. Instead, expect to pick up one or two pieces just to update or add to your existing outfit rotation. 

For those just finding their fashion feet, it’s good to take the experimentation forward with tiny steps – not leaps. For example, those wishing to spruce up their usual suit-and-tie combination might opt for a slim tie in a fresh color or pattern.

The images you see are from their Spring/Summer 2014 lookbook, but the actual merchandise in the store leans toward the safer, more accessible pieces. For the most part, the merchandise is restrained. If printed, the colors are subtle. If colorful, the cuts are simple. 

There are, however, a few exceptions, at least from the lookbook. There are pinkish short shorts; a floral polo in not one, but two shades of blue; a t-shirt collage of what appears to be Brazilian landmarks (if you wear this, a bikini-clad surfer will frolic on your chest).

Though these are options for guys who’d like to push the envelope, I think female shoppers may find one or two things to pick up for themselves right here. Men’s tanks, large sweaters, heavier belts, and dress shirts translate nicely to a woman’s wardrobe, in small doses. A beautiful blue sweater caught my eye, as did a navy polka-dotted shirt. 

 

Pay closer attention, instead, to some of the more sedate pieces, where the collection really shines. Chuck those 90s-inspired calf-length jean shorts and pick up a pair of nice knee-length ones, fitted without being constricting. And unless one’s frame can pull off the rather revealing, suspiciously legging-like nature of skinny jeans, it might be better to stick to the more traditional cuts – there are several on the rack.  

Burton has two things going for it: size availability and price. The suit jackets start at about P4,795 (about $107), dress pants at P1,595 (about $37) – and this is a great starting point, especially if purchasing one for the first time. Shirts start at P395 (about $9), and shorts start at around P1,595 (about $37), but dress shirts are at good value, starting at P1,395 (about $32). 

The brand carries up to size XXL. Sister brand Dorothy Perkins similarly carries up to size UK 20, making it a great resource for fuller-figured women. This is handy for those who find the smaller sizes in other brands a little too limiting. 

One might have a favorite go-to spot for basics, another for formal occasions – roles so staunchly occupied by favorites like Zara and Uniqlo – but Burton is a nice addition to the menswear round-up. The space it occupies is interesting, too – just between what is too plain, and what is often, for many men, terrifyingly trendy.  – Rappler.com

Fashion is something not limited to women. Men too can enjoy the looking good and feeling good through the clothes they wear. If you want to save up on your next shopping spree online, click here.