Researchers Reveal What It Takes To Be A Gentleman
Manners maketh the man, as well as a sharp suit and sharper hair-do, according to Brits.
A new study into the traits that define the modern gentleman has revealed being respectful, polite and kind are important above all else, and over a third think a good sense of style is vital to today’s sophisticated man of the world.
Holding the door open for others, listening when other people speak and putting away his mobile phone at the dinner table were among the highest ranking behaviours believed to signal a gentleman.
According to 58 per cent of those surveyed, a modern gentleman can most likely be spotted wearing a perfectly tailored suit, and 41 per cent reckon they can pick a true gent out of the crowd by the way he grooms his hair.
Sotos Georgalli, Brand and Creative Director at Moss Bros., the men’s tailoring retailer which commissioned the study to support Suit Up Britain, said: “It’s never been more important to make a fantastic impression, whether in the workplace, out on the town, or to a potential new romantic partner.
“With a few behavioural changes, a mindful attitude and a modern tailored look, the aspirational lifestyle of the modern gent is within British men’s grasp.
“We’ve seen a rise in dressed-down looks recently but most men still find it challenging to make a great impression in casual clothing. If anything, the trend towards sportswear worn as an everyday uniform has helped to elevate the status of the tailored suit.”
Over 63 per cent of men are most likely to turn to the smart attire of a suit when they want to present themselves at their best, and are willing to pay £600 on average to guarantee a great first impression.
And it seems a suit’s a good bet on the dating scene too, as 44 per cent of women think a man looks his most attractive when dressed to the nines in a fine suit, and 42 per think a tailored garment makes a man look more professional.
When it comes to the tailors, one in six men opt for the full fitting experience, while almost one in two blokes grab a regular fit off the rack, and a quarter opt for a slimmer profile.
As for hairstyles, the modern gentleman sports a short back and sides or generally short do, according to the research, while long hair, the top-knot and the quiff are considered ‘un-gentlemanly’.
And while a stylish appearance goes hand-in-hand with being gentlemanly, it’s not everything.
Over a quarter of Brits think the modern gentleman should keep themselves fit playing a sport, 28 per cent consider cooking skills a must, and a third of Brits expect a gentleman to keep a tidy home.
In a survey of our favourite suited celebs, Sir David Beckham was considered the sharpest dresser, with nods to Daniel Craig, George Clooney and Ryan Gosling.
Sotos Georgalli, Brand and Creative Director at Moss Bros., the men’s tailoring retailer that commissioned the study, continued: “From movie stars to entrepreneurs, wearing a fantastic suit remains a sartorial byword for ambition and success.”
“It comes as little surprise then that over a third of British men feel most professional and powerful in a tailored suit, while almost half feel their smartest when dressed in their best.
“Suit Up Britain is our rally cry to spur the men of Britain into dressing with style and taking pride in how they put themselves together.”
TOP BEHAVIOURS OF THE MODERN GENTLEMAN
- Holds the door open for others
- Listens when other people speak
- Puts his phone away at the dinner table
- Keeps good personal hygiene
- Arrives punctually to social events and meetings
- Keeps a tidy home
- Lends his jacket to his partner on a cold night
- Knows when to admit he is wrong
- Polishes his shoes
- Keeps himself in shape
- Greets guests at the door
- Tells the truth, even in difficult circumstances
- Knows when to ask for help
- Good at remembering names and faces
- Up to date on current events
- Never gets too drunk
- Walks on the road-side of the pavement
- Avoids gossip and gossiping
- Keeps a tidy wardrobe
- Wears a watch
- Generous in the bedroom
- Steps in to resolve disputes
- Refrain from social media over-use
- Tells witty anecdotes
- Tech savvy, but not overly so
- Brings his partner breakfast in bed
- Gives money to charity
- Knows how to set a table
- Knows how to change a tyre
- Can entertain your children
- Has opinions on the political landscape
- Knows how to give a toast at dinner
- Cooks a few signature dishes
- Knows how to host a mean BBQ
- Knows how to put up a shelf
- Good music taste
- Knows how to carve at the dinner table
- Knows how to tie a bow tie
- Has never taken a selfie
- Knows how to flirt
- Handwrites letters
- Reads a broadsheet newspaper
- Knows their whisky
- Reads the literary greats
- Knows a second language
- Has a signature drink
- Knows about flowers
- Knows the offside rule
- Knows how to make a range of alcohol drinks
- Knows how to camp/bushcraft
TOP TEN BEST SUITED CELEBS
- David Beckham
- Daniel Craig
- George Clooney
- Prince William
- Ryan Gosling
- George Clooney
- Colin Firth
- Idris Elba
- Ryan Reynolds
- Prince Harry
