I’m 29 and I’m still no closer to knowing what underpants are best for me: briefs, cotton boxers or those stretchy Calvin Klein ones? What’s best for this hot climate? I wear slim-cut chinos or suits to work, and lounge around in shorts on weekend. And please don’t suggest a G-String. I’m not a member of the Chippendales.
There is only one option when it comes to underwear and that is the cotton boxer. Briefs are a complete no no as they are just plain tacky while, I’d be worried about your mental health, if you proposed a G string as, there is no need for such items to exist, never mind wear. And, as for those stretchy Calvin’s, why have your crown jewels encased in a cloth that is part lycra, which means part nylon, which means darned uncomfortable when you can opt for a pair of roomy boxers in 100% Egyptian cotton? A word of warning though, some boxer shorts-even though they might say 100% cotton- still sport nylon elasticated waistbands which can play havoc. My favourite make is Sunspel who make a no nonsense cotton boxer.
As a regular cyclist I’ve got really beefy thighs and can’t get away with wearing slim jeans, but I want to look stylish. I’m 5 feet 11’’ and I want something I can team up with a blazer. What brand and cut are best for me?
Only those who are under 25 and skinny as an anorexic greyhound should wear slim jeans. To add, unless you are a 14 year old wanna be fashion designer, they are so so over. So opt for a generously cut pair of selvage such as Levi 501 XX or Lee 101 and look as if you know the score and don’t need to try. But as for wearing any jean, especially a tight pair, with any blazer is a sartorial crime- unless you want to look like David Cameron on his day off. Undeniably, this is especially tragic (the very thought has given me hives) if your blazer is a traditional number in a plain cloth with brass buttons (which is the definition of a proper blazer) as then you must wear a nice pair of slacks ironed to perfection (such as Dockers Never Iron essential Khaki-) as they verge on the formal. Of course, some consider the unstructured unlined jacket a blazer and, although I disagree (as to me they are sports jackets) they are undeniably more versatile and can be worn with a softer chino. I’d opt for the Dockers Field Khaki classic fit, The Bills Khaki Classic or the Calvin Klein soft wash Chino Dylan pant all of which come in a variety of colours.
I’ve just got my tailor to make me a few double/French-cuff shirts so that I can finally wear all the cufflinks my wife has been buying me every Christmas since 2009, however I read somewhere that they’re OK for weddings but too formal for the office (I work in the finance sector). What’s your take on this?
It depends on the link. A nice plain simple vintage cuff link is perfect for the office whereas a extravagant affair is certainly only just about only appropriate for nighttime. Indeed, anything that catches the eye is unsuitable for work in any sector -unless you’re a children’s entertainer -and that goes for ties waistcoats and shoes. Keep them simple and plain and, for Heaven’s sake, whatever you do, NEVER EVER, wear a novelty cuff link even if it is a present as, folk will laugh at you and not with you.