A Look Ahead At Spring 2010
There is a hint of warmth poking through the air here in New York and local retailers and magazines are starting their Springcentric lines as well.
I started my Spring arsenal with three simple pieces of really nice cloth from Lands’ End.
At this point, I am sure all of you are saying: “This guy must get paid by Indochino, Imparali, and Lands’ End to talk about their clothes” which, as much as I wish it were true, is simply not. I usually just find one or two places I love to shop at and stick with them for a while. I’m a long term relationship kind of guy.
The pocket square is a tricky piece and has to be taken farther than the boring flat white version especially when wearing a solid, light spring time suit.
One of my readers suggested the Lands’ End canvas label to me and I initially freaked out at the price of only $9,50 a piece. Since I bought them online, I thought the clothe would be cheap and thin but man, was I wrong. Lands’ End continues to prove that they are commited to making quality pieces for the financially challenged. So much so that in this month’s GQ magazine in between a bunch of $40-$80 pocket squares lies one magical $9.50 square.
Here are the three I chose for spring/summer:
Lands' End Pocket Square, $9.50 each
Are the edges of those rolled or flat-stitched?
If the latter, seriously consider trying Kent Wang. Rolled squares almost always look and fold better in the pocket, and are generally better made.
And imported or domestic on the LE squares?
Stitched and imported.
Dennis, on which occasions will you wear pocket squares? Do you wear them to work? or social events?
Stern,
I usually wear them most of the time now. My suits seem a bit naked without them.
Best,
Dennis
What good is a breast pocket if it’s naked?
Absolutely agree with you, Luft.
Maybe I need to learn more about pocket squares, but it seems you can find them all over the internet for less than $10.
Totally true, Brad.
I featured the LE squares because the fabric is so soft and the patterns are really great.
The biggest issue is quality – a high quality square will have rolled edges, whereas lower-quality squares are sewn flat. But this is only an issue if you’re an elitist dandy when it comes to square. Which unfortunately I am.
That’s ok if you are an elitist, Luft. I’m a cheapist.
-Dennis
Dennis,
Off topic – but still in relation to spring and summer…what do you think about the wearing of wool suits versus cotton suits versus polyester suits when the temperatures increase?
Adam
Polyester is a material sent from hell.
Tropical weight wool is cooler than cotton. Linen is cooler than cotton. Linen/cotton blend is cooler than cotton too.
Adam,
Are you looking to wear this suit in your office or is it for socializing?
Best,
Dennis
Dennis, to clarify, do you wear pocketsquares to an typical cubicle/office job?
What do you do for a living?
Hi Stern,
I work in a very casual office (Advertising) and my job does not require me to wear suits everyday, I just choose to wear them because I like to and want to. This being said, I can get away with the oversized glasses, billowing pocket squares, and tight suits.
Even with the most conservative of offices, though, I believe a nice crisp white pocket square works well with most suiting choices. If you are in such an office, try out something like the look below. It’s not too overwhelming and adds just the right touch:
http://individualism.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/pocket-square-3.jpg
Dennis -
Since you are up on everything, this is likely something you know about. Pocket squares from The Tie Bar for $8 – $12
Can’t say much more as I have only purchased ties from them (per GQ recommendation) but they are inexpensive and their $15 ties are great.
http://www.thetiebar.com/
btw – I went to Daminc Jewlers to get one of my vintage watches checked out (per your recommendation a while back) and they hooked me up. Thanks man!
Hey Kyle,
I actually have not come across this yet…thanks for the suggestion!!
The service at Daminc is great. They’re some good people there.
All the best,
Dennis
Regarding my previous question…
I was referring to pretty much ‘in general’ – the office, out in the evening, maybe a wedding or two…
The reason that I ask is that I am planning on purchasing a few additional suits in the coming weeks/months and was thinking that, due to the fact that we’re now approaching March, it might just be wise to look to cotton suits more for the time being. I was thinking that if I did go this route, that I would keep them just for the warmer months.
Are there any locations or situations where a non-wool suit shouldn’t be worn?
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Adam,
Luft is right about the materials. I would AVOID cheap linen all together (like H&M), which I am sure Luft was not suggesting. I don’t know what more money can get you in terms of good linen.
Linen and cottons tend to wrinkle a lot more so if you are in an office or at a wedding I suggest going with a tropical weight wool, especially if your office is most likely over air conditioned. Although a bit heavier, this will wrinkle a lot less. I’ve never had an experience with a cotton blend linen suit, though. Make sure the pants are tailored well since you’ll most likely be taking that jacket off a lot.
A very useful article on linen can be found here:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2010/02/little-about-linen.html
I recently purchased a half lined cotton suit at H&M that needs a slight bit of tailoring but will be featuring it on the blog this week. It’s very light weight and unlike most half lined suits does have nice shoulder structure. I can get away with it at my office but you may see it more as a “going out suit” depending on your vocation.
Hope this helps!
Dennis
Nice Blog! I checked out many of your posts and found them interesting. Keep up the good work!
Rick