The Lumbersexual is bringing the outdoor industry’s clothing and accessories into the mainstream. Whether the roots of the lumbersexual are a cultural shift toward environmentalism, rebellion against the grind of 9-5 office jobs, or simply recognition that outdoor gear is just more comfortable, functional and durable, the Lumbersexual is on the rise.

Now here to help you achieve this look is Julie Cross, educator and stylist for Eufora HERO for Men.

With the rise of the Metrosexual, we saw a strong divide between what was Metro and what was Macho. In the time since we have seen the line between those two factions blurred. More and more men have begun to care about their appearance and more aspects of male grooming have become a social norm. What we are seeing now may be the next take on the union of Macho and Metro, a blend of form and function. The Advanced Lumbersexual will completely look the part and in some ways be able to support the role it implies. This could mean he knows the best spot for a weekend hike or readily pulls out his handy pocket knife for the simplest of tasks. The other end of the spectrum would be the MetroJack. He loves the feel of flannel and his meticulously groomed beard but if you think those boots are going anywhere near a muddy trail, think again.

The appeal of the Lumbersexual is his over the top masculinity as well as the strength and resourcefulness implied with the stereotype. The sex appeal lies in the idea that he can provide for his mate and conquer any challenge. There is a delicate balance between the Brawny Man and Grizzly Adams. The Lumbersexual is rugged and strapping, not unkempt and haggard. The image is about trying hard to look like you aren’t trying. You want to look like you can wrestle a bear and hold down a job.

Whether you see lumbersexualism as style or lifestyle, here are some tips to help take this look from the woods to streets:

Step 1- Grow a beard

When growing a beard it is important to have a plan of attack. If this is your first attempt, be patient. Not every man will grow a thick full beard effortlessly. For those with beard envy it is important to keep things balanced while the hair fills in.

Trim areas that grow faster regularly. Overgrown dense patches can make slower growing thinner areas look even sparser.

Work with what nature gave you. As your beard grows you will see a natural shape start to develop. A proper beard should enhance your best features and hide the less favorable ones. Use your cheek bones, your jawline and where your chin meets your neck to determine where the beard should stop. Your barber or stylist should be able to help you groom the best beard for your face shape.

Step 2- Maintain your beard

When it comes to beards, bigger isn’t always better. Make sure you keep the details in check.
Your sideburns should always connect your beard to your haircut, no matter the length. Even a full beard into a Mr. Clean cut should be reverse faded to make the transition.

Keep your neck clean. Neck hair should be shaved or trimmed; it doesn’t add to the shape of your beard and can quickly take away from the overall look. The same thing goes for hair growing too high on the cheeks. Eufora’s Hero for Men line offers a 3-in-1 Exceptional Shave Balm to help, pre-shave oil, shave balm and aftershave all in one step. The translucent formula allows you to see where you’re shaving as you detail the edges.

Find the length that works for you. A beard trimmer with one setting isn’t going to do it. Your best beard will be longer in certain areas and shorter in others. Experiment on your own or seek the advice of a professional to find what will be best.

Keep yourself kissable. Moisturize both your face and your beard. Eufora’s Body Blends face and body moisturizer has pharmaceutical grade aloe vera to hydrate your skin without clogging pores. Hero Exceptional Shave and Revitalizing Treatment can help to keep the beard hair soft. No one wants to snuggle up with steel wool.

Remember your beard doesn’t have feelings. At least there are no nerve endings in the hair. That means that as you get used to wearing your beard, you should get used to making sure you aren’t wearing remnants of your last meal in there too. Brushing or combing is an essential practice for longer lengths.

Step 3- Make the Lumbersexual look work in real life

The Lumbersexual look can go from woods to workplace with the right wardrobe. Flannel, denim, chambray and work boots along with more relaxed fits are staples for this look. When heading to the office consider Urban Woodsman or MetroJack styles- less rugged, more tailored looks that combine these same elements. Functionality is a big appeal in this clothing style; don’t forget one of those functions may be looking professional.

Your hairstyle should complement your beard. As a general rule of thumb- the more grizzly the one, the less grizzly the other should be. You don’t want to look like you’ve spent the last six months lost in the Alaskan wilderness. A longer, full beard can be balanced by a style with short sides. Long hair pairs well with a more manicured, slightly longer than stubble beard.

As with any trend, don’t lose yourself. RedWing work boots and Cordura nylon pants won’t magically transform you into a lumberjack. If you need your smart phone to navigate the aisles of the grocery store, a survivalist weekend might not be for you. Bold patterns and strong textures can easily become overwhelming. You want to look ready for what nature throws your way, not ready for a costume party.

The Lumbersexual is on the rise. It is a trend that will survive the winter and carry through to the spring. Whether he is a true outdoorsman or just a flannel façade get used to seeing more of him.