Grooming: Gentlemen's club (+pix)

The stylish cast of Mad Men epitomise male cool. Photo / Supplied

Grooming touches make all the difference for men who know those little extras matter

Check out Viva's picks for men's grooming must-haves

A shoe kit, a manicure set, and, yes, a sewing kit are all items that any grown-up guy should have - and use.But beyond the basics, it's the details that mark out the truly discerning.

Caring for one's appearance is a sign of self-worth, not self- aggrandisement, so take pride in maintaining high standards. An interest in skincare, haircare and general good grooming is a mark of a man confident in himself, the sort who would surely invest in some of these tools of the trade.

Geo F Trumper comb - $39

Made from real horn and stocked in traditional barbers in London, the Trumper comb comes from a Royal Warranted company established in Mayfair in 1875. As well as this 7-inch comb, there's also a 5-inch one for $29.

Triumph & Disaster Old Fashioned Shave Cream - $33

Lather up with a New Zealand-made natural product that has a refreshing citrusy aroma. Triumph & Disaster reckons shaving is worth spending time on being "part ritual, part preparation, all man time". Unlike gel-type shaving products designed to make a slick barrier surface for disposable razors, this cream softens hair and allows the razor to cut close for an old-fashioned close shave.

Kent Moustache Comb - $20

There's no excuse for lingering toast crumbs with this conveniently curved grooming tool.

Mason Pearson brush (and brush cleaner) - $240

This military-style brush fits easily in the hand and comes from England's leading heritage brushmaker. Its natural bristles stimulate the scalp and work easily down the hair shaft, ensuring a healthier head of hair. For longer hair, brushes with handles may prove easier to wield.

Pre de Provence badger brush - $79

Well-cared-for natural bristle has the right degree of resilience to last for many years of shaving, and badger is considered the best for preparing the skin for blade shaving.

Stern Moustache Wax - $29 and Comb - $25

Stern is a German company, established in 1906, and dedicated to making items for the styling of facial hair. This beeswax is known for its strong hold and easy removal, allowing you to twiddle your lip-topper into the desired shape.

Kent Switchblade Comb - $35

This old-school comb folds up to fit easily in a jacket pocket, so you can keep that short back and sides slick at all times.

Cloud 9 Micro Iron - $135

Women are wedded to their hair stylers, so why not get one of your own, rather than scrounging? The Cloud 9 is one of the most technologically advanced and it comes in a handy micro size making it ideal for straightening fringes and shorter sections of hair.

Remington Ultimate Precision Grooming & Haircut Kit - $99.99

We reckon you're probably best to leave the hair-cutting to the professionals, but this multi-purpose device has a handy personal groomer with interchangeable heads, so you can sort other hairy bits with ease. Keep neck hair, sideburns and even nose-hair tamed with this kit, which comes with an array of accessories.

Stockists: Stern and Kent products from Crane Brothers, ph (09) 377 5333. Mason Pearson, Geo F Trumper and Pre de Provence brush from World beauty stores. Triumph and Disaster stockists, see triumphanddisaster.co.nz. Remington from major electrical and department store stockists. Cloud 9 from selected salons, ph 0800 252 530.

- VIVA