Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 3rd December 2014

There was a time when male grooming was represented by a razor and a bar of soap. However, since David Beckham made it acceptable to have highlights, use a moisturiser and wear a sarong (apply the sarong at your own discretion), attitudes towards male grooming have been changing rapidly. 

'If you’ve ever wondered what your fellow men are doing to keep themselves looking good, here is where you can find out'

One of the most immediate ways of sprucing yourself up a bit is with some new clothes. Men are now following fashion more than ever, and the UK male clothing market is now worth around £12.9 billion.

Fashion shows are featuring more and more male models, and the range of clothing available is vast compared to what was on offer ten years ago. What’s popular? Well, printed t-shirts, sweatshirts and bomber jackets are still in – but, honestly, wear many classic essentials that you feel comfortable in. 

Once you’ve got the clothes, then you need the body to go with them. While men have always seemed to enjoy going to the gym, they are now going to sculpt their bodies as well as to keep fit. Well-muscled arms and toned waists are the ideal – avoid overdoing the shoulder’s though – looking like an action figure is best saved for action figures.

Men also seem to take sweating - and bad odour as a result of it – more seriously nowadays. There are now more products than ever that target men and claim to fight sweating and odour, from deodorants and shower gels to perfume. 

While these are all staples on a man’s boudoir, a surprising portion of men are now trying new techniques to fight sweating and odour, including laser treatments that target underarm sweat by deactivating the sweat glands.

Men are also buying more cosmetics – particularly regarding skin care. Washing with soap is actually quite bad for the skin on your face, which is more delicate. Cleansing, toning and moisturising should all be part of the daily routine, and you should aim to exfoliate once a week. 

Hair should also be treated with care – which means using a good conditioner that suits your hair type after washing is essential. If you have facial hair, keep it neatly trimmed, and show it some tender loving care with a dose of hair moisturiser.

*Champagne, Portrait, Gym, Sweat, Reflection images via Shutterstock

A look at 2014 male fashion, grooming and beauty trends, and how the Modern Stylish Man is Taking Care of Himself.