Friday Favourites - Tobias: ethically-made shirts, Distinctive: washing powder for men

Tobias - shirts made ethically in India

I love it when new clothes arrive well and carefully wrapped to show that the sellers value not only your custom, but also the product itself. So it was pleasure to receive my Tobias shirt in a nicely-made and lined i-Pad case.

Tobias was founded in 2011 by Daisy to make ethically-made shirts and to support The Akansha Foundation which helps to educate the poorest slum children in Mumbai. Ten percent of each sale goes to the Foundation.

The shirts are cotton or linen. The cotton is soft and comfortable, with very Indian floral print behind collar and cuffs; visible if you roll up your sleeves. The cut is regular to slim, but you can buy a smaller size if you like your shirt more fitted. This has already become a favourite shirt.

Prices £65 to £80, with some in the sale at the moment. Go to the Tobias website for more information or to buy.

Distinctive: Washing Powder for Men

And what better to wash your new Tobias shirt in than a rather special washing powder for men? Designed for use at 30/40 degrees, this enzyme washing powder doesn't contain any bleaches or optical brighteners, which can damage clothes.

It's pleasantly fragranced with a mixture of sandalwood and amber which clings subtly to the clothes. As a subtle and non-cloying backup to the deodorant or cologne, this British-made product works well; highly recommended. Just don't tell your wife, girlfriend or it'll disappear. 

Try it for yourself. For a sample pack go to the Distinctive Wash website.