November is a cold and slimey month. It drizzles but never quite rains, sleets but never quite snows. It’s as damp and sick as a Tuesday.
It’s a time for hot beverages spiked with brandy, warm fireplaces enjoyed with warm women and tweed suits with heavy ties.
I’ve put away my summer suits –the pink, the light and the spiritually gay– and pulled the heavy ones out of the closet. This year, fresh from my tailor, Don Fabien Lee, I have a new addition to the collection:
This one won’t get much play in the warmer months but for November to June, it’s invaluable. Heavy, warm and cut to perfection, it’s everything I want in a winter suit. I won’t bother describing the colours, as you can see them, but it’s a three piece, rolling three button made from –if I remember right– a 14 ounce Dormeuil Derby wool, with no pleats or break in the trousers, a button fly and a belt-loop.
I don’t usually get belt-loops on bespoke –they’re unnecessary– but since I plan on doing some bird watching in this one, I need a belt to hang my binoculars from. Now, strictly speaking, it’s incorrect to wear a belt with a three piece suit, but I doubt birdwatchers or birds much care about that rule. Trees, on the other hand . . .
But one of things I love about this suit is its lack of formality. Not many suits could look equally good at the theatre with dress shoes or in the field with a pair of rubber boots. This one could.
It almost makes me wish it was always November. Almost.
2 comments
Danielle
November 25, 2009 at 12:28 pm (UTC -5)
This may be my favourite suit of yours. Love the versatility, you look very comfortable in it.
Barima
December 4, 2009 at 8:16 pm (UTC -5)
This is the best suit I’ve seen in, oh, two months. Interestingly, I discussed your work and garments with the owner of those previous best suits in October. You both share a certain adventurousness
If I continue to delay my graduation to bespoke, the two of you will start to leave me behind in a very big way
B