Thinking ahead to Autumn Already. . .

This lovely, and very heavy, Southwick 3/2 suit arrived today.

It pays to be foresighted when assembling an adult male wardrobe. While we haven't even had any hot weather (and only a few warm days) to speak of this spring in my neck of the woods, I already find myself thinking ahead to late fall and next winter. Why? This vintage Southwick beauty by arrived with the mail earlier today. A fairly reasonable 'Or Best Offer' Ebay purchase when you consider that it's a full suit with several quality features.

Made in the U.S. of A., the suit is sized as a 40 Long. The coat fits cleanly across my back, chest, and sides without being too snug or hanging on my still reasonably trim frame. The pants, while far too long currently, are fully lined to the ankles and have brace buttons already on the inside of the waistband, so I'll have the belt loops removed and wear the suit with braces. Best off all, it is very comfortable. Delightfully soft and HEAVY wool flannel with a gray, charcoal, rust, and teal houndstooth pattern. Gorgeous up close, yet still understated. Perfect for those chilly autumn or colder winter days when I want to dress up a bit more than the usual tweed sports jacket with odd flannel or corduroy pants.

Of course, a few minor alterations are necessary (a bit of sleeve shortening and adding cuffs/turn-ups to the pants), but that's not a problem. The coat already has a nice silhouette with a bit of waist suppression, but I might see about having a tiny bit more added later depending on what my tailor Mrs. V. has to say. Far too heavy for summer or early fall, but I can't wait to put it on when we have our first really chilly morning in about five or six months' time. I'm very pleased to add this suit to my wardrobe.

Fine, but so what? Well, the point to take away here is that you need to think long term when adding items to your wardrobe, and don't simply make purchases based on the current season or whatever the legions of menswear I-gent fashionistas out there might deem the current flavor of the month. Think farther afield than that and make your purchases, instead, with the aim of bucking trends. Go for timeless items that you'll break in and enjoy wearing for years.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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