Since we opened our doors at Raoul of Brighton in 1953, we've noticed a common belief in menswear that simply isn't true: the idea that you must choose between looking good and feeling comfortable. This misconception has led many men to either put up with uncomfortable clothing for the sake of style or abandon looking sharp entirely in favour of comfort. Today, we want to show you how quality menswear can deliver both at once, with comfort actually serving as the foundation for genuine style.
How Style and Comfort Have Evolved
In the past, fashion and comfort often seemed like opposing forces. As one industry observer put it, "Once upon not such a long time ago, the words 'comfort' and 'fashion' couldn't be found in the same universe, let alone the same sentence". The old-school thinking equated sophistication with a willingness to tolerate discomfort, while comfortable clothing was considered strictly casual wear, not suitable for public appearances.
Thankfully, this artificial divide has gradually disappeared in recent years. Today's premium menswear from European brands like Canali, Eton and Paul & Shark proves that exceptional quality and comfort can absolutely go hand-in-hand. The modern understanding recognises that discomfort actually undermines style – a man constantly adjusting uncomfortable trousers or feeling restricted by a tight jacket isn't communicating refinement but rather a lack of sartorial wisdom.
The Foundation of Both: Getting the Fit Right
The journey to achieving both comfort and style starts with the most fundamental element: proper fit. When balancing comfort and style, we always recommend to start by considering how your clothes fit. Garments that either restrict movement through excessive tightness or create unnecessary bulk through excessive looseness compromise both comfort and appearance.
Many men mistakenly believe that comfortable clothing means oversized garments. While this approach might initially feel unrestricted, it ultimately creates practical problems with excess fabric bunching or catching during movement, not to mention the unpolished appearance of disproportionate silhouettes. Conversely, clothing that's too tight creates physical discomfort and visible tension that undermines the composed appearance essential to refined presentation.
The solution lies in what we might call "calibrated precision"—garments cut with enough room to allow natural movement without unnecessary excess. This approach requires understanding your particular build and how you move rather than simply following generic sizing. We believe proper fit is perhaps the single most important factor in achieving both comfort and style. Which is why we work with premium menswear from brands like Brax, HILTL, or Gardeur that actually move with you rather than against you.
Material Matters: The Feel of Quality Fabrics
Beyond fit, fabric selection plays a crucial role in achieving both comfort and refinement. Modern textiles have created remarkable options that provide sophisticated appearance without sacrificing physical ease. You have the option of wearing wools made specifically for Summer, and wool-blends that offer year-round comfort while maintaining excellent drape.
Many men wrongly assume that natural fibres like wool, cotton and linen must sacrifice comfort for appearance. In reality, fine merino wool from makers like Gran Sasso offers natural temperature regulation, breathability and resilience while maintaining a refined look suitable for professional settings. Similarly, quality cotton shirts from Eton or Seidensticker provide both comfort and structure through natural breathability and movement.
Technical developments have further enhanced these natural options, with performance elements now incorporated into refined designs. Stretch components added to traditional materials allow greater freedom of movement without compromising appearance, while moisture-wicking properties enhance comfort during extended wear. The sophisticated approach incorporates these innovations thoughtfully rather than dismissing them as compromises to tradition.
The Confidence Factor: How Comfort Enhances Style
Perhaps most importantly, genuine comfort directly contributes to style through its psychological impact. A man at ease in his clothing projects natural confidence that no amount of formal refinement can manufacture. This comfort translates into more fluid movement, better posture and more authentic expression—all elements that enhance rather than detract from a sophisticated appearance.
The relationship between comfort and confidence is clear when you look at wardrobe patterns. If you've ever looked at your wardrobe and thought "I have nothing to wear", it likely comes from a closet full of clothes you don't feel like wearing, resorting to a few "proven items". These "proven items" typically combine both physical comfort and visual appeal, creating positive associations that make you reach for them repeatedly.
And there's an important truth in this: discomfort actively undermines style by creating tension that inevitably shows in your physical expression. A man constantly aware of physical constraints cannot achieve the natural ease that defines genuine sophistication. Conversely, appropriate comfort creates the psychological foundation for confident self-presentation essential to refined style.
Practical Ways to Achieve Both
Achieving both comfort and style requires thoughtful approach rather than compromise. Start by investing in quality foundation pieces with natural fibres and appropriate construction for your particular physique. These core elements should fit precisely—neither restricting movement nor creating excess fabric—while accommodating your typical activities.
Layering provides another effective strategy for balancing comfort with refinement. Light, breathable base layers like premium cotton shirts from Eton allow for temperature regulation while outer layers from brands like Paul & Shark, Canali, or Gran Sasso create visual structure and refinement. This approach permits adjustment throughout the day as conditions change while maintaining consistent visual presentation.
Most importantly, recognise that true comfort doesn't mean abandoning structure entirely but selecting appropriate structure for your particular needs. It's unfortunate when our customers tell us they never realised stylish clothing can be so comfortable so they never really tried.
It's why we exist (queue not-so-subtle plug) and carefully curate our menswear collection, so we can provide options to our customers that simultaneously satisfy both objectives. It lies at the heart of what we do and it's to make men look and feel great. It's a misconception we're always working to change in guys.
As one menswear expert observes, "Most guys don't realise certain stylish clothing can indeed be comfortable, so they don't even try". This misconception prevents exploration of options that might satisfy both objectives simultaneously.
Conclusion
The supposed conflict between comfort and style represents not an inevitable truth but rather a failure of imagination and execution. By approaching dressing with attention to proper fit, quality materials from premium European brands, and your individual context, you can achieve both objectives without compromise. Indeed, the most sophisticated understanding recognises that genuine comfort enhances rather than detracts from refined style.
At Raoul of Brighton, we believe that your style emerges from this balanced integration—quality garments that respect the body's natural movement while enhancing its presentation. This perspective views comfort not as style's opponent but rather as its essential foundation. When you're at ease in refined clothing, you achieve an authenticity that no amount of superficial formality can replicate—embodying the genuine sophistication that has guided our approach to premium menswear for over 70 years.