Yet More J. Press Goodness. . .

Recently arrived, a cotton poplin number courtesy of J. Press! The usual two or three minor alterations are necessary, along with a pressing (pun unintended), but then we're all ready. I might even take it in a suit bag to my upcoming conference in New Orleans at the start of June, to wear during a planned presentation.

Full disclosure here. I do have a beige suit in the rotation already, and have worn it routinely in May-June and August-September, but I have never been quite happy with the fit. Somehow, the coat has always been a little off even after the usual alterations. It's either a Southwick or Samuelsohn oddly, and these usually fit well without too much effort from my tailor. It's puzzling to say the least.

I know. I know. First World problem. Time to donate it, and begin enjoying this one instead. Press items fit well without much attention from the tailor, which is what we're really after, right?

My late father, a stockbroker and corner office guy, in both Philadelphia and Manhattan, had and wore beige or tan suits during the summer months -- and seersucker -- among other warm weather professional attire, so I'm psychologically at ease wearing similar items myself. Even in slovenly 2024.

He was a confirmed Brooks Brothers man, unlike yours truly, while I prefer Press and Southwick although I certainly have a few of the former in the summer and winter rotations. Plus a few Italian- and Swiss-made things with more of a continental cut, or English drape depending on the garment in question.

Dressing presentably needn't be something to which we resign ourselves and avoid except for weddings, funerals, and, ahem, court appearances. I humbly suggest that, on the contrary, it can be an enjoyable pursuit that makes us simply feel good as we walk through the front door to the car and then from the car to the office door, or some version thereof.

As I remark now and then here, the occasional compliment from a passerby, while never necessary, is always delightful to hear and adds a spring to one's step. And that's not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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A Lazy Saturday at the End of June. . .

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