Chris Andrews
The British Dapper Company
Our Mission
Our Values
The British Dapper's mission is to provide education about men's shoes and clothing and offer advice, support and encouragement to all who wish to wear sophisticated apparel and confidently own their style.
We aim to provide ideas about how to replicate specific looks in a cost-effective way that can suit most pockets and consider the expert craftsmanship and timeless design in men’s attire.
The British Dapper upholds old fashioned values which we apply just as much to ourselves as we do to anyone else. We believe in treating others in the way we wish to be treated and supporting people to be the best they can be.
We stand by the values of
Respect, Encouragement, Inclusion, Courtesy, Empowerment, Humour, Integrity, Support and Commitment.
The Story of The British Dapper Company
Wearing suits and dressing well speak to me of taking pride in oneself, and of making an effort to the end of giving credit and paying homage to what's important to you.
This was instilled in me by my father and grandfather, who both served in the British Army.
My grandfather fought on the Somme in the Machine Gun Corps during World War I. Later, in World War II, he was proud to serve again as a Sergeant in the local Home Guard. Not surprisingly, when my father came of age, he served in the Parachute Regiment.
Both men were understandably proud of their military background, and this was reflected in the way they dressed and carried themselves. I remember them both being strong, hard-working men.
As a nipper growing up in the early 1960s, I was heavily influenced by how these two prominent male role models in my life took the time to dress well and present themselves.
They always dressed smartly and looked sharp at social functions.
I remember my grandfather wearing his suit and best shoes to take my grandmother into town to buy their weekly groceries.
And every Friday night, my father would get dressed up in his regimental blazer and tie to go to the local pub for a drink with his friends.
Another influential figure in my youth regarding clothing and style was my uncle, who, after being discharged from the Navy, worked in London as a Master Tailor in the 1960s and 70s, making garments for the very elite of people in Britain.
Even when he'd retired, he still enjoyed making suits from his home as a hobby.
I was very fortunate to have several handmade bespoke suits made for me by him. Savile Row craftsmanship for the price of only the fabric, which of course he was still able to get at cost price! Amazing craftsmanship!
From my father and grandfather, I learned how to wear suits, sports jackets, blazers and all other variations of men's attire.
What button to leave undone and why, what pocket square to wear with what tie, what shirt to wear with what tie, what shoes to wear... you name it!
And I learned how to take care of these items, how to press, pack and polish them so they'd not only look their best but last for the longest time...
And of course, I enjoyed many discussions on the finer points of men's clothing with my uncle.
Naturally enough, I followed my father and grandfather into the British Army, where I served for 14 years, leaving at the rank of Sergeant.
Serving in the Army demanded that I maintained an immaculate image at all times, and that I taught others how to do the same, including of course, bulling boots to parade standard.
Following on from active service, I got to spend the final few years of my military career enjoying myself as an Adventure Training Instructor. I continued to travel the world; mountaineering, caving, climbing, skiing and kayaking to name but a few pursuits.
Having been able to indulge my passion for motorbikes whilst in the Army, I still enjoy riding today and own a couple of iconic machines.
Needless to say, they are my pride and joy.
I've enjoyed wearing what could be considered a more formal attire all my life and I still relish dressing well today.
Of course, this level of elegance isn't required to the same degree today as it was in my youth.
Nowadays the only times the majority of people might wear a suit is for a wedding, funeral or a special event. Many people don’t own a suit or haven't even worn a suit.
The only recollection of wearing anything formal would be wearing a school uniform, which may not have been a pleasurable experience!
Wearing real shoes rather than trainers has also become less familiar to people.
Yet in recent times, I have been watching with interest a resurgence in men dressing well, and I've had the pleasure to once again enjoy conversations regarding men's attire with friends and family.
Such knowledge, and experience in dressing this way, once commonplace, is becoming obsolete.
My goal is to communicate what I know about men's attire and dressing well to anyone who might like to, or even need to dress in a more sophisticated style.
