What makes a gentleman?
Is it his shoes? Is it his manners? Is it his physique? Is it his philanthropy? According to a study, it’s all of these and more.
Gent’s tailoring retailer Moss Bros. commissioned the research into what people think constitutes a gentleman, and the study came back with a whopping 50 points that apparently constitute a modern gent.
As well as the usual things like manners and politeness, over a third of people think that having a good sense of style is a crucial thing for a gentleman to possess. Hair matters too: the research suggests that long hair, top-knots and quiffs are quite un-gentlemanly.
It’s not all about looks, though: 28% of people think that cooking skills are an absolute must for a gentleman, while a third of Brits think a gentleman should keep a tidy home.
Here’s the full list of points that are essential to being a gentleman. Apparently.
1. Holds the door open for others
2. Listens when other people speak
3. Puts his phone away at the dinner table
4. Keeps good personal hygiene
5. Arrives punctually to social events and meetings
6. Keeps a tidy home
7. Lends his jacket to his partner on a cold night
8. Knows when to admit he is wrong
9. Polishes his shoes
10. Keeps himself in shape
11. Greets guests at the door
12. Tells the truth, even in difficult circumstances
13. Knows when to ask for help
14. Good at remembering names and faces
15. Up to date on current events
16. Never gets too drunk
17. Walks on the road-side of the pavement
18. Avoids gossip and gossiping
19. Keeps a tidy wardrobe
20. Wears a watch
21. Generous in the bedroom
22. Steps in to resolve disputes
23. Refrain from social media over-use
24. Tells witty anecdotes
25. Tech savvy, but not overly so
26. Brings his partner breakfast in bed
27. Gives money to charity
28. Knows how to set a table
29. Knows how to change a tyre
30. Can entertain your children
31. Has opinions on the political landscape
32. Knows how to give a toast at dinner
33. Cooks a few signature dishes
34. Knows how to host a mean BBQ
35. Knows how to put up a shelf
36. Good music taste
37. Knows how to carve at the dinner table
38. Knows how to tie a bow tie
39. Has never taken a selfie
40. Knows how to flirt
41. Handwrites letters
42. Reads a broadsheet newspaper
43. Knows their whisky
44. Reads the literary greats
45. Knows a second language
46. Has a signature drink
47. Knows about flowers
48. Knows the offside rule
49. Knows how to make a range of alcohol drinks
50. Knows how to camp/bushcraft
But, to be honest, if you’re nice to people and aren’t a total mess, you probably qualify as a gentleman just fine.
