Dandy & Dapper

In the past, you've recommended dry-cleaners, which I've used along with many others only to be repeatedly disappointed with the mediocre to ruined-garment results. In addition, one is forced to endure their favourite chorus, 'We cannot remove perspiration odour,' which is absurd as this is a standard part of dry-cleaning provided the cleaner is competent. My present method of mailing dry-cleaning to London does achieve first-rate results but is slightly expensive. Your thoughts please?

Mr Dapper: My thoughts? Well, you asked for it. My first thought is: haven't you heard of antiperspirant? My second thought is: you need to resign yourself to the fact that you live in a climate where you're bound to perspire and said perspiration will not emit pleasant smells. Understood? It is therefore imperative that you shower frequently and make a pre-emptive strike with the right antiperspirant. I'd be surprised (read: unimpressed) if you didn't find a suitable product in Mannings or Watsons. You could also go upmarket with fancy brands, too. My final thought is: stop dry-cleaning abroad. That's just ridiculous.

Mr Dandy: I'm sorry to say, I agree that dry-cleaning in Hong Kong isn't on par with other major cities, but I'm OK with the ones we've recommended in the past and don't have anyone new to suggest. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and guess you already use antiperspirant. One note: if you're only on deodorant, then it's time to switch. After that, try this cool product that was recommended by a reader: Odegon iron-on fabric tags. They supposedly battle body odour (without releasing any scent themselves), are long-lasting, non-allergenic and eco-friendly. You can order a pack of six for HK$144 through www.odegon.co.uk. As a post-stink-up solution, you could try Febreze Fabric Refresher (www.febreze.com), available in the extra-strength formula for HK$46.90/500ml at ParknShop. If you find you're sweating buckets more than the guy next to you, then see a doctor and inquire about the use of Botox to reduce perspiration.

I am short-sighted and need a waterproof case in which to put my spectacles in and hang around my neck when I take a shower in the gym, so they can be with me and will not be wet when I need to put them on immediately after a shower. Grateful to know where I can find such a case.

Mr Dandy: Yes! There is a wonderful brand that does exactly that; it makes containers that are waterproof, cheap and can be bought in bulk. The design is so versatile, it has a number of uses. It's called 'Ziploc', and a box of 50 glasses-sized, waterproof bags sells for HK$11.90 at your local supermarket. We're loving this brand for showers this season.

Mr Dapper: I don't get it. Don't you have a towel hanging right there to dry yourself off after each shower? You could just wipe off the glasses at the same time. What's the big deal? I do get, though, that buying gear is fun, so here are my top picks. You could try any of the camping supplies stores around town, which stock various waterproof cases designed for much more adventurous expeditions than a trip to the locker room. Never Second (Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2525 7881) carries Aquapac cases (HK$380 to HK$480), sealed by the brand's patented Aquaclip rustproof, injection-moulded plastic seal closure in lanyard (translation: to hang around your neck) or armband styles. Also check out others such as ProTrek (46 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2529 6988) and RC Outfitters (5/F, Oriental House, 24 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, tel: 2390 0980).