So, You Want to Get Him Clothing For the Holidays? Here Are 27 Men's Gifts That Aren't Socks

So, You Want to Get Him Clothing For the Holidays? Here Are 27 Men's Gifts That Aren't Socks - Yahoo Lifestyle

So, You Want to Get Him Clothing For the Holidays? Here Are 27 Men's Gifts That Aren't Socks - Yahoo Lifestyle
Can antimicrobial masks, clothing protect against COVID-19? - Yahoo Sports
The Rotation review: I rented men's designer clothes for a month - Insider - INSIDER

So, You Want to Get Him Clothing For the Holidays? Here Are 27 Men's Gifts That Aren't Socks - Yahoo Lifestyle

Posted: 27 Oct 2020 11:00 AM PDT

Some men are born stylish, while others have good taste thrust upon them by loving gift-givers who know that ratty sneakers and shirts with missing buttons are never a good look. Whichever category your brother, father, grandpa, friend or partner falls into, he's sure to love—and, more importantly, actually wear—these 27 gift ideas. There are comfy sweaters, eco-friendly jeans, upgraded sweats, bold footwear and more than a few accessories to pull his whole ensemble together. (And, no, we won't judge if you end up buying items based on the likelihood that you'll end up stealing borrowing them for yourself.)

A man can never have too many button-down shirts, whether they feature classic checks, dainty blooms or solid hues. This trustworthy J.Crew version comes in 14 color options and four different fits, so there's bound to be one that matches his preferences.

Buy it ($80)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXXL, also Classic and Tall}

"This hoodie is one of my absolute favorite items of clothing," says Brian, 29. "It's comfy and warm but looks good enough to wear outside the gym. Plus it ages really well—mine only has minimal fraying on the sleeves after owning and wearing it for years." Indeed, American Giant pride itself on the durability of its products, meaning this one won't have to be replaced after just a few months (unlike cheaper styles). All the brand's wares are also made entirely in the U.S. in small, family-owned factories.

Buy it ($112)

^{Available in sizes S to XXL}

Hiking styles and exaggerated lug soles are both major trends this winter, but rather than gifting him the obvious choice (we're looking at you, classic Dr. Martens), spring for these '90s-inspired lace-ups from CAT instead. They're surprisingly lightweight and the breathable leather and nylon upper won't require as much breaking in.

Buy it ($125)

"My wife gave me this backpack a year or two ago to replace my old one, which was truly falling apart." Julian, 42, told us. "I'm not especially careful with my stuff so I'm super impressed this thing has stood up so well to everyday use. There are no holes, tears or loose threads yet!" In fact, Timbuk2 is so sure of the durability of its products, they all come with a lifetime warranty. This particular style also fits a 15-inch laptop and has seemingly infinite pockets for stowing all his daily needs.

Buy it ($139)

Turns out, that Knives Out sweater (you know, the one worn by Chris Evans) is still going strong this year. Realistically, a classic, cream cable knit sweater will never not be in style. Not to mention, it's a trusty wintertime staple that's much nicer on the eyes than a ratty crewneck sweatshirt.

Buy it ($99)

^{Available in sizes S to XXL}

This retro style combines the current shacket trend with a '70s-esque oversize plaid. Trust us when we say he'll want to wear it with both jeans and a tee or slacks and a turtleneck sweater.

Buy it ($140)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

"Stance sent me a few samples of its underwear to try out a while back, including men's styles and they have since become my boyfriend's most-loved undies," says one PureWow editor. They're ultra-soft and come in a wide variety of fun prints and patterns. (P.S., if your guy prefers a looser fit, try the boxer style, and if he wants additional support, go for the Wholester.)

Buy it ($25)

We love this sleek smartwatch in large part because it doesn't actually look like a typical smartwatch. However, its sleek silhouette does sync with Google's Wear OS and can track workouts, play music through Spotify, display emails and texts and make calls. He can also easily swap out the band, if he prefers a silicone material for working out or stainless steel for a more polished look.

$324 at Amazon

Reviewers love the relaxed fit of Everlane's super-soft waffle tee. So much so that it has racked up a 4.59-star rating with over 85 reviews. Says one successful gift-giver: "Bought this for my husband for his birthday, along with the navy crew neck version, and he loves them both. The quality of the material is palpably nicer than average, and it's soft, but not totally lacking in structure."

Buy it ($42)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

We love these cozy classics for two main reasons: the built-in arch support and the rubber sole. A more durable bottom means your dad can pop out to grab the paper without having to change out of his favorite new footwear. Plus, ample support in the footbed, means he can wear these all day without risk of developing foot pain or damaging his arches.

Buy it ($55)

When's the last time your brother updated his T-shirt collection? The pit stains on his white tees should give you a good idea…Luckily, this simple but soft tee from Carhartt comes in a range of solid hues and 12 different sizes, to ensure they have just the right fit.

Buy it ($17)

^{Available in sizes XS to 2XL, and Big & Tall L to 4XL}

An easy and practical stocking stuffer, face masks will likely be just as necessary come the holidays as they are now. Restock his collection with this set of four reusable, adjustable mask that also have a built-in filter pocket.

Buy it ($20)

Gift him a sweatshirt he'll be proud to show off over Zoom. This Nike style has all the fun nostalgic vibes of his old high school track hoodie, with none of the slubby holes or gross pizza grease stains.

Buy it ($75)

^{Available in sizes XS to 2XL}

If he loves the cut and fit of a classic jogger pant but wants something a more refined than fleece, we suggest introducing him to these beauties. They're made from a cotton-bend twill, giving them a professional look and feel while elastic ankle cuffs maintain the beloved silhouette of his sweats.

Buy it ($80)

^{Available in sizes 28 to 36}

He can never have too many winter beanies, but this one may quickly become his favorite. Canada Goose's wool-blend will keep his head warm in even the windiest, coldest conditions, plus it has a water-resistant finish to protect against rain, sleet and snow.

Buy it ($95)

This winter coat by Japanese designer brand Y-3 may be stuffed with down, but the outer layer is made entirely from recycled polyester. The hood is also removable so he doesn't need to deal with extra fabric when it's not raining or snowing.

Buy it ($508)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

A tie might not be the most original gift idea, but there's a reason it's a solid go-to: a fresh new tie can breathe new life into his suit collection. And you can trust he'll look sharp for everything from weddings to dinner dates and even presentations at work.

Buy it ($25)

Yes, these are sweatpants (and oh-so soft ones, at that), but they still look sleek enough for your partner to pop out to the grocery store while wearing them and not look like he forgot to change out of his pajamas.

Buy it ($72)

^{Available in sizes S to XL}

"I absolutely loved my Denali back in the day!" says Darnell, 33, "So of course I had to put the updated version on my list." The North Face recently rereleased this late '90s/early 2000's favorite with a few minor updates; it's now made from 100-percent recycled polyester and can be zipped into many of the brand's shell jackets. Yeah, that makes it even better than the one that your boyfriend remembers so fondly from his childhood.

Buy it ($179)

^{Available in sizes S to XXL}

These sleek, breathable kicks also come in black, gray, white and a gorgeous cognac brown hue so you can base your gifting on how well they'll go with the rest of his wardrobe.

Buy it ($150)

We love the combination of the preppy shawl collar and the southwestern striped pattern, resulting in a sweater that's all at once pulled together and totally relaxed. Don't be surprised if this becomes his go-to for date night and family dinners. Not to mention, the cozy cotton-cashmere blend fabric will encourage you to borrow it as often as possible.

Buy it ($298)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

The Blues Brothers, Billy Joel, Jack Nicholson, Elvis Costello and, now, Dad—all famous men who rock the OG Ray-Ban Wayfarer style with aplomb. Or at least pops will join that illustrious list once he receives a pair on Christmas morning.

Buy it ($154)

"I mean, my favorite gift of all time was probably a Nintendo 64 when I was, like, 7 years old. But as an adult, I'd probably say this shirt my wife gave me last year, " says Nolan, 32. "I wear it multiple days a week, every week." Marine Layer's incredibly soft cotton tees are well worth buying in multiples, so you don't have to do laundry quite as often as we assume Nolan does.

Buy it ($78)

^{Available in sizes S to 2XL}

These winter boots are entirely waterproof and even come with a memory foam footbed so his feet will be comfortable and dry even after a full day's wear. Plus, that shearling lining will keep his toes mighty warm.

Buy it ($425)

You can never go wrong when gifting a cashmere sweater—particularly if said sweater is sustainably made and comes in under $100. Naadam rates this knit as being "heavenly soft," the highest on its softness scale, but don't just take the brand's word for it—a quick look through the more than 360 reviews, 327 of which gave this sweater the full five stars, will make it clear just how cozy this piece really is.

Buy it ($75)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

These classic-cut jeans are made from 100-percent organic cotton and, per the brand's website, "are crafted to the highest possible ethical and environmental standards." They also come with a lifetime guarantee, so if they unravel or wear out, Outerknown will replace or repair them, free of charge.

Buy it ($168)

^{Available in sizes 28 to 38, inseams 30, 32 and 34}

Perfect for the guy who tends to, ahem, forget to do his laundry on a regular basis, this trio of T-shirts is made from sweat-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, anti-bacterial merino wool. That means his fave shirt won't start to smell even after a month-straight of use. (Although, really, you might want to throw in a bottle of detergent as a subtle hint to perhaps change his habits.)

Buy it ($190)

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.

Can antimicrobial masks, clothing protect against COVID-19? - Yahoo Sports

Posted: 27 Oct 2020 07:21 AM PDT

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, antimicrobial face masks seem to be popping up everywhere online. But do they really provide any extra protection against the virus?

Antimicrobial materials, such as silver, have been used in workout clothing and athleisure for years because of their odor-fighting properties. For example, Athleta and Lululemon use silver fibers from Noble Biomaterial, which are woven into the fabric of some of their workout clothing. According to Noble Biomaterial's website, "positively charged ions" in silver are released "in the presence of moisture," such as when you sweat. "This ionic action helps inhibit and eliminate microbes on the surface of the product, protecting it from microbial impacts," including odor. (Yahoo Life tried to contact Noble Biomaterials but did not receive a response.)

Are all cloth masks equal in their COVID-19-prevention powers? Some claim those with antimicrobial fabric work better, while others say they may be a waste of money. (Getty Images)

With the pandemic, antimicrobial treatments have extended to face masks and even clothing, with manufacturers on Amazon, Etsy and others jumping on the antimicrobial bandwagon. The men's clothing brand Buck Mason is one of several companies that sell antimicrobial face masks with a coating that "protects against both viruses and microbes," Jodi Marquez, Buck Mason's director of sourcing and production, tells Yahoo Life. "Buck Mason's antimicrobial masks are coated on the inside and outside, which blocks microorganism spread both from the inside and outside." The antimicrobial properties last for up to 30 washes, but the brand doesn't claim that the masks inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Some clothing companies are looking at ways that fabrics can help fight the virus. The jeans company Diesel has partnered with the Sweden-based fabric treatment company Polygiene to apply its antiviral textile treatment ViralOff to the brand's spring-summer 2021 denim line, according to a July press release. The technology, which lasts for the lifetime of the garment, "has the capacity to disable over 99 percent of viral activity within two hours of contact between pathogens and fabric," according to the release. "ViralOff has shown efficacy against a comprehensive range of viruses, including COVID-19. It works by interacting with key proteins, inhibiting the virus from attaching to textile fibers."

But while face masks with antimicrobial treatments may be more sanitary by preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause odors, that's not the same thing as being antiviral. In other words, just because a face mask has antimicrobial properties doesn't mean it can inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19 — or that it's any better at preventing the spread of the coronavirus than wearing a regular face mask.

Regarding antimicrobial clothing, Dr. Dean Winslow, an infectious disease physician at Stanford Health Care, tells Yahoo Life that "this is creating something where there really is no need" since the virus isn't spread in "a significant way in skin contact with inanimate objects."

Face masks, on the other hand, help slow the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But Winslow says that people don't need to "waste" their money on antimicrobial masks in particular and adds that they can "potentially give people a false sense of security" by thinking they have extra protection against the coronavirus.

"The way this virus spreads is 99 percent, if not more, by small-particle aerosols or large-particle droplets that are coughed or sneezed," says Winslow. "If you happen to be shedding the virus, [a face mask] prevents you from generating these aerosols that can infect other people. And more recently, it's been shown that wearing cloth face coverings also provides some degree of protection for the wearer."

Winslow explains that the coronavirus can become "inactive" just by using soap and water. "Throwing clothes in the washing machine with regular detergent or washing your face covering in the washing machine is more than adequate," he says. "It will kill all of the virus. So you don't need fancy things like silver" in face masks or clothing.

The Rotation review: I rented men's designer clothes for a month - Insider - INSIDER

Posted: 26 Oct 2020 03:16 PM PDT

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

The Rotation is a monthly subscription service for men that allows you to rent a rotating selection of luxury streetwear, starting at $89 per month.
The site stocks multiple black-led labels, as well as luxe loungewear and streetwear essentials from brands like Heron Preston and John Elliott.
I've gone through three shipments from The Rotation so far and I've found it to be a fun way to keep my closet feeling fresh. But, the shipping notification process needs some help.
Now until November 1, you can get $40 off new memberships with code SALE120.
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If you could have a rotating closet full of the latest luxury designers but pay just a fraction of retail value, would you buy in?

The Rotation, a subscription service that features streetwear ranging from Rhude to Gucci, is one of the few services out there with a "Rent the Runway" concept for men (and anyone who prefers masculine clothes). Looking to help guys extinguish spending guilt while also staying on top of the latest trends, founders Zach Podbela and Barron Roth honed in on the opportunity to fill a major gap in the market. After launching a beta test of The Rotation, the co-owners received seed investment, closing on their first round of funding right before the novel coronavirus made its mark.

Now, The Rotation is filling in the gap for today's online shopper by allowing us to test out the best designer names in luxury streetwear before committing to a hefty purchase. I tested out the service myself for the purpose of writing this review, and below, you'll find an honest take on what to expect, the kinks that still need to be worked out, and what the service was like to use overall.

How The Rotation works

The Rotation offers three subscription options. You can get two items at a time for $89, three items for $129, and four items for $159.

You'll get unlimited swaps throughout the month, and you don't have to send them all back at the same time. That means if you rent a coat and a T-shirt, you can send the T-shirt back after one wear and hold onto the coat for as long as you're signed up with the service.

Shipping costs are covered, so all you have to do is schedule a pickup or drop off the package to make returns. And, if you would like to keep an item, The Rotation provides a 5% discount towards your purchase each month you've had an item. Pretty sweet deal, right?

The Rotation also ensures that returns go through a wet or dry cleaning routine, finalized by a steaming process at temps over 248 degrees to prevent any traces of COVID-19 on its items (excluding leathers, faux leathers, and outerwear).

What kinds of clothes to expect

So far, I've gone through three shipments of clothes from The Rotation, so I've gotten to check out multiple seasons worth of styles.

The catalog of designers and products has gone from high summer options of shorts and tees to a more fall-centric stock of sweatshirts, trousers, and knits. I'm always able to find styles that fit the season and my interest in black designers such as Heron Preston and Fear of God. Other well-known designers and brands such as Carhartt, A.P.C, John Elliott, and Noah frequently catch my eye on the app as well.

I also love that I can filter based on my sizing and all of the newest additions (which are added every two weeks) are featured at the top of the page.

The shipments usually arrive quickly, usually within three business days, and the packaging is done neatly. Each item I've unpacked has appeared brand new, seemingly never worn, and always without odors or stains. There are barely even creases.