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The Manly Man Awards for 2024! The BEST 6 things that helped me to become a manly man

The Manly Man Awards for 2024! The BEST 6 things that helped me to become a manly man

What was your “best item for becoming a manly man” in the year 2024? We believe that everyone has their own best items, but OTOKOMAE has selected the most popular products in six categories related to fashion and beauty, based on a reader survey and product reviews by experts and our editorial staff.

The Manly Man Awards for 2024 have been decided!What has worked best this year to make you more manly?

We nominated products that received a particularly strong response from OTOKOMAE readers, and from among the nominees, 10 experts, including writers, stylists, hair and makeup artists, in addition to OTOKOMAE’s editorial staff, gave their honest evaluations. The product that received the highest score in each of the three fashion and three beauty categories was selected as the Grand Prize winner. The products in the six categories that won this year’s grand prize are introduced in order from the wear items!

Manly Man Awards, Wear and Tops Category BATONER SIGNATURE WASO CARDIGAN

Batoner has been gaining popularity with each passing year as a leading domestic knitwear brand. Although the flagship store in Jingumae is not located in an easy-to-access area, it attracts many fans, and the number of select stores and department stores that carry the brand has increased considerably this year. The SIGNATURE series cardigans representing Buttner, which received high scores this time, were well received by OTOKOMAE readers, and all colors and sizes were sold out at the flagship store at an early stage. In addition to its simple, easy-to-use practicality and overwhelmingly high quality, the one-button kimono-like design that gives the product its name, “WASO,” also shines with individuality, and was extremely well received by the discerning stylists involved with OTOKOMAE and the successful models who often wear many of the garments in a year. The “OTOKOMAE” brand was highly praised by the discerning stylists involved in OTOKOMAE and the successful models who wear the brand’s clothes many times a year.

Ms. Miyazaki, stylist
Butner’s SIGNATURE series is made of an original material called solid wool, which is not too heavy nor too light, and has a great soft and comfortable feel. The moment you touch it with your hand, you can feel that it is a “good knit. Another feature of this wool material is its resistance to furballs. It can be said that not having to worry about this difficulty, which is the biggest enemy of knitwear, is a major point that increases the desire to purchase. The simple yet different appearance of the knitting method and the raglan design give it a different level of luxury, which matches the current mood in which quiet luxury is attracting attention.

Manly Man Awards, Wear and Bottoms Category Carhartt WIP COLE CARGO PANT

In addition to the wide silhouettes that dominated the bottoms trend this year, cargo pants added a new element to the mix this year. men wearing wide cargo pants were also spotted at the Pitti Uomo in January and June, and OTOKOMAE’s editorial staff caught a snap of a man wearing a Car The snapshot of a man wearing a pair of wide cargo pants in hearts received a great response from our followers. In the reader survey results, Carhartt’s wide cargos received a large number of votes. 2024 saw many brands, from fast fashion brands to luxury brands, offering wide cargos, but Carhartt’s wide cargos are not only authentic in design and quality, but are also relatively easy to buy. In addition to its authentic design and quality, Carhartt’s relatively affordable price is considered one of the reasons for the high number of votes.

Writer Yasuoka-san
With the popularity of dado sneakers firmly established, boots once again gaining popularity, and even in dress shoes, almond toes are popular, volume is the key word in the footwear scene these days. With the popularity of wide pants continuing and the popularity of rugged American items, it is inevitable that cargo pants with a wide silhouette and large pockets will attract attention. Carhartt’s Cole Cargo Pants, a work brand from the U.S., are a perfect match. While inheriting the old-fashioned ruggedness of cargo pants, the pleated, loose-fitting silhouette expresses a modern look. Personally, I liked the fact that they are available in the standard duck green, as well as two colors, black and air force blue, that can be worn with a more mature look.
Editor Izumi
Carhartt itself has been getting a lot of attention recently, with staples like the Detroit jacket and double-knee pants having become trendy items in recent years. The wide cargo trend has taken over, and the Cole Cargo Pants have become a popular item. Considering the fact that there was an easy soil to attract attention in the first place, it may be said that this award is as close to inevitable as possible. Personally, I’m tickled by the classic detail of the layered structure with action pleats in the knees!

Manly Man Awards, Shoe CategorySalomon XT-6 GORE-TEX

These days The recent sneaker trend has been outdoor/sports-inspired, with volume-sole models being the focus of attention. Among them, Salomon’s XT-6 GORE-TEX was so often seen around town that it could be said to be the face of sneakers this year. At the peak of the season, the product was out of stock at both online and brick-and-mortar stores, making it difficult to buy even if you wanted it. In addition to the trendiness of the design, the slightly narrower foot shape, the fit and lightness of the shoes, which seem to hold the left and right sides of the foot and the footpads, are also attractive, and the comfort of the shoes, which seem to naturally follow your feet, is addictive. The standard design is this black with reflector tape, but new colors such as beige have also been introduced, further expanding their range as a fashion item this year.

Mr. Takashio, stylist
Salomon sneakers have quickly established themselves as a fashion item over the past few years. The XT-6 GORE-TEX, in particular, is a high point, not only for its functional appeal, but also for its trend-setting look that matches the times. They offer outstanding performance in a variety of environments and surfaces, including hiking and camping, not to mention their main use as street shoes. Between you and me, I may use my stylist’s privilege to put in a wreath to see the new collection…. Of particular note is the design with silver lines. By incorporating it into your coordinate, it will give you a seasonal impression. The silhouette is slender and smart, so it goes well with thick or tapered slacks.

Manly Man Award Shampoo & Conditioner CategorySUCCESS RESIL

Success has gained overwhelming recognition for its refreshingly masculine shampoos, but its new product, ” Success Resil,” launched in 2024, has created a stir with its completely new look. In addition to the sophisticated and modern bottle design, the shampoo has changed its direction from the soothing feel that has been synonymous with Success to a less harsh formulation containing plant-derived amino acid ingredients*1 to create a gentle shampoo that is less harsh on the hair and scalp. However, the shampoo still has the solid cleansing power to thoroughly remove styling products, which has been its main selling point. The conditioner is formulated so that it can be applied to the scalp, and when massaged into the scalp, the moisturizing ingredients penetrate the scalp, and the elastic coating ingredients*2 make hair bounce back from the roots. The shampoo was highly rated by experts for its cleansing power, design, fragrance, gentleness to scalp and hair, and bounce and body after washing, and received high scores for its high overall strength without any blind spots for men.
1 Arginine (moisturizing), *2 Sodium alginate derived from natural seaweed, Polyquaternium-52 (hair protection)

Hair make-up Ms. Katsuma
I often use amino acid-based shampoos because of my profession, but to be honest, many of them don’t lather well, and as a man, I find them lacking. Success Regil is also an amino acid shampoo, but it has a very good lather, and I can feel that each strand of hair is being washed thoroughly. Also, the fact that you can put conditioner on your scalp is a very nice factor! I personally care about my scalp, so I really appreciate not having the stress of worrying about not getting it on my scalp. I personally care about my scalp, so I don’t have to stress about not getting it on my scalp.
Editor Konno
When it comes to men’s shampoos, many items are very masculine, for better or worse, in terms of bottle design, fragrance, etc. I personally, frankly speaking, had an image of “men’s shampoo ≒ not so good-looking,” but I changed my mind when I came across this Success Regil. The edge design on the top of the bottle, the logo font, the coloring, and the texture are all finished in a way that is comparable to expensive salon-specialty products, so I think it is hard to get the feeling of living in a bathroom even if you leave it there. And the clean, delicate Water Lily & Bamboo scent is so good that I don’t think there is a woman who doesn’t like it!

Manly Man Award, Skin Care and Lotion CategoryKANEBO Skin Harmonizer

Black Kanebo” appeared like a comet as a new comer in skincare items. Among the series, Skin Harmonizer, a refreshing skin toner, was a particularly big hit, scoring high in the category. Unlike ordinary lotions that simply moisturize and condition the skin, this new-generation skincare item has created quite a stir with its innovative approach to preventing sebum, which can cause dryness and rough skin, from penetrating the skin. It has also won numerous best cosmetic awards in 2024 from @cosme and other sources, and is highly regarded by beauty experts. The liquid consists of a 98:2 ratio of water and oil layers, and is designed to blend well with the skin by adding oil ingredients. Even though it contains oil, it does not feel sticky, and its refreshing feel has been well received by men as well. In a reader survey, there were many who said that they have adopted it in their skincare routine as soon as this year.

Editor Nishijima
The Skin Harmonizer, which consists of a water layer and an oil layer, recommends shaking before use; shaking the two layers not only mixes the ingredients, but also incorporates air to make the product feel fluffy and mellow. What is also impressive is the superb bottle design. In fact, the bottle was designed to resemble the size of a can of coffee, and when you pick it up, you can’t help but want to shake it. A lotion designed to be shaken, and a design that makes you want to shake it. The consistent concept inside and out and the poop-like product features that make you want to tell someone about it will stick in men’s minds, don’t you think?

Manly Grand Prize in the skincare and serum categorySHISEIDO MEN Ultimune ™︎ Power Rising Concentrate

“Ultimune ™︎ Power Rising Concentrate” from SHISEIDO MEN, a pioneer in men’s cosmetics, won the Grand Prize. The product was featured in the article ” SHISEIDO MEN’s 4th Batter! Why is Black Al so popular? ” which featured the product, achieved 1.7 times the average number of page views and CTR of articles in the men’s beauty category, indicating the high interest of OTOKOMAE readers. The beauty essence is a time-consuming part of skincare, so its effectiveness and efficacy are of particular concern. What received particularly high marks from experts was its ability to retain moisture and its various efficacy designs tailored to the unique characteristics of men’s skin. The technology of the Triple Camellia GL Extract formula improves immunity, anti-oxidation, and damage recovery, reduces fine lines, roughness, and dryness, and provides long-lasting hydration for up to 32 hours.

Editor Mitsui
The high performance of the serum, which is comparable to the famous “SHISEIDO Ultimune™ Powerlifting Concentrate Ⅲn” in terms of efficacy expectations, was highly acclaimed, especially by experts. In addition, the product’s citrus and bamboo green fragrance and cool packaging design make it a perfect product to be placed in a convenient location.
Editor Tachibana
The commercials are still airing in 2024, and the brand will continue to be an ambassador for the brand. The commercials have been running for 2024 and have attracted a lot of attention because of the exposure in the media of the “representative of a good-looking man. The first men’s cosmetics that created a lot of buzz was this serum.

* OTOKOMAE Grand Prize Selection Summary

The nominated products will be those that have received a favorable response from OTOKOMAE readers. Nominated products will be selected based on the following criteria
The lineup was carefully selected based on reader response and purchasing behavior, as well as the results of a survey. Products with at least 10,000 impressions, a CTR of at least 8%, a purchase rate of at least 3%, and the top 10% of all page views of the article in which the product was introduced. In addition, the product with the highest number of responses in the readers’ survey to select “products I have purchased and liked” and “products I would like to use. (OTOKOMAE Grand Prize Readers’ Survey Period: December 21, 2024, 18:00 – December 26, 2024, 18:00; IMP and other data collection period: December 21, 2023 – December 20, 2024)
OTOKOMAE editorial staff and experts such as writers, stylists, hair and makeup artists The nominated products are evaluated by OTOKOMAE editorial staff and experts such as writers, stylists, and hair/make-up artists. The product with the highest total points is selected as the grand prize winner in each category. The allocation of points and an overview of each evaluation index are as follows

(1) Expected Effectiveness (35P)
How much the product’s design, function and characteristics can contribute to ” manliness. For example, for sneakers, the focus is on whether the design and performance emphasize masculinity and style, or whether the functionality supports daily life. Evaluate whether the product can be expected to “work” based on your knowledge and experience as a specialist.

(2) Practicality and Lifestyle Adaptability (25P)
How well the product matches daily life. Emphasis is placed on ease of use, ease of incorporation into coordination, and whether the functionality improves daily style and comfort. The evaluation point is whether the product is useful in real life for readers who aim for a manly look.

(3) Trendiness and topicality (20P)
Focuses on whether the product is in line with contemporary men’s fashion and beauty trends, and whether it is topical. For example, beauty products that incorporate the latest technology or sneakers with trendy designs. The experts evaluate whether or not the products are current in the rapidly changing waves of fashion and beauty trends.

The experts will be persuasive in recommending the product as ” the product of choice now.

(4) Design/Visual Appeal (15P)
Refinement of appearance, design, materials and details. Impression when seen by others is also subject to evaluation. Measure the ” coolness of appearance ” necessary for manliness.

(5) Innovation/uniqueness (5P)
Points of differentiation compared to other products, presence of new technologies or approaches, and how well the product reflects modern values (e.g. sustainability). The uniqueness of the item as an item that works for men is a factor to be scored.

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