Long Sleeve Premium Waffle Shirt

£36.00

Right, so here we have the Long Sleeve Premium Waffle Shirt from Cotton Traders. Waffle. Like the breakfast treat, but for your torso. Intriguing. As a 36-year-old dad, my wardrobe needs to be versatile. I need something that can handle a trip to the park with the kids, a Sunday lunch at the pub, and maybe even a slightly more “grown-up” occasion where I don’t look like I’ve just wrestled a toddler (even if I have). Let’s see if this waffle wonder fits the bill.

What is it?

It's a long-sleeved shirt with a waffle texture (obviously). It boasts a "contemporary, tailored fit," which, in dad-speak, hopefully means it doesn't cling like a second skin but also doesn't look like I'm wearing a tent. Features include adjustable cuffs (useful for when I inevitably end up elbow-deep in nappy changes), French seams (posh!), and a slightly curved hem (ooh la la). It's made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, so it sounds comfy and has a bit of give. The website blurb suggests it’s stretchy and comfortable, perfect for “enjoying yourself.” Now, my definition of enjoying myself might involve less “working the crowd” and more “trying to stop my kids from using the sofa as a trampoline,” but I appreciate the sentiment.

Likes:

• Fabric: The cotton/elastane blend sounds like a winner – comfy and with a bit of stretch. Essential for the aforementioned sofa-trampoline wrangling.
• Features: The adjustable cuffs and French seams suggest a decent level of quality. I’m a sucker for details.
• Versatility: I can see this shirt working for a variety of occasions, from casual to slightly more dressed up. A chameleon of a shirt, if you will.
• Colour options: The sky blue I was looking at is quite nice, but it's good to have options.

Dislikes:

• The Waffle Thing: While I appreciate the texture, I'm slightly concerned about how it will look after a few washes. Will it still be waffley, or will it just look… bumpy?

Overall:

The Long Sleeve Premium Waffle Shirt sounds promising. The fabric and features are appealing, and it seems versatile enough for my dad lifestyle. However, the price is a bit of a sticking point. I'd need to see it in person and check the quality before making a decision. If it lives up to the hype (and the price tag), it could be a valuable addition to my wardrobe. If not, well, there are plenty of other shirts in the sea (or on the internet).

Flat Front Stretch Chino Trousers

£32.00

Right, trousers. The battlefield of menswear. Too tight, and you feel like you're wearing leggings. Too loose, and you look like you're auditioning for a pirate movie. As a 36-year-old dad, I need something in between – comfortable enough to chase after the kids, smart enough to wear to the pub (or, you know, a parent-teacher meeting). These Flat Front Stretch Chino Trousers from Cotton Traders promise a "modern, slim-fit style." Let's see if they deliver.

What are they?

They're chinos. Classic, versatile trousers. These ones are made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, so they should have a bit of give. The website mentions a "softly peached finish," which sounds rather luxurious, like I'm rubbing my legs with a peach (I'm not, I promise). They have front slant pockets, jet back pockets (fancy!), and back darts for a better fit. The key selling point seems to be the "modern, slim-fit," designed to be both stylish and comfortable. The website also says they're a "perfect base" for any outfit. Bold claim!

Likes:

• Fabric: The cotton/elastane blend is always a winner. Comfort and a bit of stretch are essential for a dad on the go. The "peached finish" also sounds nice.
• Fit: A "modern, slim-fit" is exactly what I'm looking for. Not skinny jeans, but not baggy either. Hopefully, they've nailed the balance.
• Versatility: Chinos are inherently versatile. They can be dressed up or down, making them a great all-rounder.
• Price: £32 seems reasonable for a decent pair of chinos. Not dirt cheap, but not extortionate either.

Dislikes

• Slim Fit Concern: Slim fit can be a bit of a gamble for me. I don't feel that these are slimiest of fits, but that could be my body shape and for sizing. 

Overall:

These Flat Front Stretch Chino Trousers sound promising. The fabric and fit description are appealing, and the price is reasonable. Chinos are a wardrobe staple for a reason, and if these live up to the hype, they could be a great addition to my collection. The "modern, slim-fit" is the key factor – if they're comfortable and stylish without being too tight, they'll be a winner. If not, well, back to the drawing board (or the trouser aisle).

Flat Front Stretch Chino Trousers - Chalk Grey

£32.00

As a 36-year-old dad, I'm always on the lookout for versatile trousers, and as discussed in my previous review of these chinos (in Airforce), they seem promising. The spec is exactly the same - 98% cotton, 2% elastane, "softly peached finish," "modern, slim-fit," all the bells and whistles.

Likes:

• Colour: Chalk Grey is a nice, neutral colour. A good alternative to the Airforce, expanding my trouser colour palette (exciting stuff, I know).
• Everything else: As these are essentially the same trousers as the Airforce pair, my likes are the same. The fabric, fit description, and price all still appeal to me.

Dislikes:

• Same as before: My dislikes remain the same too. The "effortlessly smart" claim is still subjective, and I still have the same concerns about the slim fit.

Overall:

These are the same trousers as the Airforce pair, just in a different colour. If I liked the sound of the Airforce ones (which I did), then I'll probably like these too. The Chalk Grey colour is a welcome addition, offering more variety. The key question remains the same: will the "modern, slim-fit" be comfortable and stylish, or will it be too tight? If the fit is right, these chinos (and their Airforce brethren) could be a winner.

The Dad's Eye View - the overall look toegther

The Long Sleeve Premium Waffle Shirt and the Flat Front Stretch Chino Trousers (in Airforce) offer a versatile and stylish combination. The waffle shirt, with its textured fabric and tailored fit, provides a comfortable yet smart option, though the price is a consideration. The chinos, in a classic Airforce colour and a modern, slim fit, offer both style and comfort thanks to the cotton/elastane blend.

Together, these pieces create a balanced look. The textured shirt adds interest, while the chinos maintain a smart-casual aesthetic. This outfit is suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to slightly more formal settings. The key to success lies in the fit: a comfortably tailored shirt paired with slim-fit chinos will create a polished yet practical ensemble.

Why Cotton Traders?

So for me these guys are offering something different to the world of TEMU and high street brands. Here are my 5 reasons you give Cotton Traders a chance this year:

1. Comfortable & Practical
2. Classic Styles with a Modern Twist
3. Versatile Wardrobe Builders
4. Great Value for Money
5. Easy & Convenient Shopping