They're most often seen in cricket whites or a mud-splattered rugby kit, but away from the pitch they like a stylish look. Sarah Dunn met England cricketer Jimmy Anderson and rugby union's Mark Cueto, an international who also plays for Sale Sharks, to find out what floats their fashion boat.

In the sports world, looking good can come at a price.

Both winger Mark Cueto and fast bowler Jimmy Anderson admit you have to be prepared for a bit of a ribbing if you dare to make a bold fashion statement.
“It sounds a bit childish,” Mark laughs.

“But fashion is one of the main areas that you get the mick taken out of you for. There's a couple of the lads in the team who are quite cutting edge, and they get hammered all the time! Everyone else sticks to standard jeans, T-shirts, shirts and jumpers.

“Me, I like to be comfortable but still look smart.”

Jimmy, who was born in Burnley and now lives in Hale, says there's a similar attitude in the cricket world, adding: “In the team environment there's always some banter and you're bound to get a bit of ribbing – especially if you try too hard.

“I like to try and be a little bit cool and quirky, but without being too outrageous.”

It's for this reason All Saints is one of his favourite shops – where he can pick up items which are cut a bit differently, without the colours being 'too bright or the patterns too garish'.

Mark, who lives in Altrincham with fiancee Suzie Richards and their 15-month-old son Max, is a big fan of Reiss shirts – and recommends them to other stocky rugby types out there.

“When you're a rugby player you're quite a funny shape,” the 31-year-old says.

“I've got these big shoulders and neck so often when you pick a shirt off the shelf you find if it fits at the top, it's all ballooning out at the bottom. But I can pick up a Reiss shirt and it will fit nicely.”

Mark says trainers are his fashion weakness – admitting he owns 'too many pairs to mention'. His favourite brand is Nike, although he arrived for the shoot in a pair of grey Lyle and Scotts.

Jimmy meanwhile, who has two daughters – Lola Rose, two, and Ruby, who is nearly one – with wife Daniella, says a nice suit is what he would spend the most money on these days.

He did once fork out £600 on a leather jacket, but adds: “I think that was before I was married or had kids!”

Jimmy, 29, says he likes Paul Smith clothes for the style and the fit, and shows them off at England cricket dinners and functions.

“I like wearing a suit – it makes a nice change to your every day wear,” he says.

“But I keep them for more formal occasions, if me and Daniella are going out I'm more likely to wear some smart jeans and a nice shirt.”

Both lads say their other halves have an influence on their style, particularly Daniella who used to be a model and therefore has ' a good idea about fashion'.

Mark says he also gets teased – good naturedly of course - by Suzie for following his little boy's trends.

“She's been taking the mickey saying that whatever she dresses him in, I will start copying!”

And while she is busy making plans for the nuptials next June, Marks admits he's not yet sorted out what he will be wearing on the big day.

But he says: “I think it will be tails. I'd like something traditional.”

Both Jimmy and Mark are big fans of Selfridges, where they can pick up several different brands under one roof – something particularly important for Jimmy who does his shopping for the season in bulk, since he's often away playing cricket for up to four months at a time. He leaves for his next stint in January, heading first to Dubai and then onto Sri Lanka.

Selfridges' Trafford Centre store is also the location for our MEN fashion shoot, where the menswear department has recently undergone a £1m refurbishment.

Jimmy is a fan of the dapper grey wool suit stylist Gemma Harrison puts him in, although needs a bit of convincing to wear it with a polo shirt , while Mark's a fan of the navy Paul Smith knitted top – which shows off his buff body perfectly!

Jimmy's style tip:

Keep it simple and don't follow fashion too closely – wear something you feel and look good in, rather than what everyone else is wearing.

Mark's style tip:

When you find a brand that works with your body shape, stick with it. Be prepared to pay a bit more to invest in something that fits properly and if you find something you really like, buy a couple if you can!

Look 1 - Outdoor wear

Jimmy:
Moncler navy puffa jacket: £625
Paul Smith button up detail hoody: £95
Ben Sherman indigo jeans: £100
Paul Smith Jeans lace up brown boots: £205

Mark:
Burberry Brit hoody with duffel toggle detail: £300
Polo Ralph Lauren burgundy knitted cardigan: £300
Cheap Monday white T-shirt: £14
Boss Orange dark blue jeans: £139
Clae burgundy hi-top trainer: £74.99

Look 2 - Knitwear

Jimmy:
Diesel grey cowel neck knitted top: £130
Firetrap jeans: £77.50
Boots: Model's own

Mark:
Paul Smith long sleeve navy fine gauge knitted top: £139
Aubin & Wills charcoal wool trousers: £165
Kurt Geiger brown brogues: £195

Look 3 - Relaxed tailoring

Jimmy:
Aubin & Wills grey wool suit: Jacket: £325 and Trousers: £165
Ted Baker burgundy polo shirt: £55
Tod's brown brogues: £270

Mark:
Ben Sherman washed indigo button down collar shirt: £65
Paul Smith navy blue blazer: £309
Paul Smith indigo tapered jeans: £119
Aubin & Wills striped handkerchief: £9.50
H By Hudson navy lace up boots: £110

All items available from Selfridges.

Thanks to:
Gemma Harrison, freelance stylist: http://www.fashionstylist.me/.

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