Reader profile: Andy
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This is Andy. A long-time reader and customer, Andy had led, shall we say, an interesting life. Currently a hydrographic surveyor, he has also been a pilot, a mountaineer, and dabbles as a model (fashion and life).
He is passionate about clothing, with an understandable penchant for more rugged menswear. He’s the kind of person who buys a Soundman cagoule from Clutch, but then actually hikes in it round the hills near where he lives in Leicestershire.
These are some of the clothes he wears, and why.
Outfit 1: Smart casual
What are you wearing in this first outfit?
I’m wearing a Crombie sports jacket over a PS chambray shirt, paired with some Hugo Boss denim and Loake suede chukkas.
This is my interpretation of an outfit I saw on a very dapper guy on a flight back from Scandinavia once. Smart casual I guess you’d call it. Actually, I realise that with lockdowns etc I don’t wear this sports jacket as often as I used to. This is the typical way I wear it, although I have been known to pair it with a thin black or navy polo sweater.
I do really love the PS chambray shirt. Quite possibly my favourite shirt. So soft and so much character to it, and the PS-designed collar is just wonderful. I could have easily picked my Blackhorse Lane jeans to go with this outfit but I think the lighter wash and slimmer legs of these works better here.
Suede chukkas continue the relaxed vibe. The colour is lovely, although sometimes I wish they were a little less ‘pointy’.
Where do you live and what do you do for a living? How does that affect what you wear?
I currently live in Hinckley, Leicestershire. It’s a small town and a very different vibe to a big city. You’ll go days without seeing anyone in a suit, and although I’ve not considered this in depth, I think my environment must inform how I dress.
I’m currently a hydrographic surveyor and this means that when I’m working, I’m based on a survey ship and seabed mapping in various parts of the world. This is typically in support of the oil and gas industry, although it’s increasingly common to work on renewables such as offshore wind farms.
I work in an air-conditioned office onboard and basically wear the oldest jeans and t-shirts I own for fear of getting anything decent destroyed in the laundry. My life is unusual as it’s split between being at sea for a few weeks and then at home for a few.
At home I don’t have to consider wearing anything appropriate for the workplace, but I think the combination of plentiful time away from work and a reasonable income makes investing in quality clothing a realistic possibility, as well as meaning I tend toward the casual end of the spectrum.
What have you done in the past? How does that influence your style?
Now this is probably worth a book in its own right. I’ll try and be brief for the benefit of readers.
My surveying work has taken me all over the world. I’ve also trained as a pilot and was a bush pilot in Tanzania flying people to safari camps back in the early ‘00s. I’ve been an airline pilot (very briefly), flying long haul out of Heathrow. I emigrated to the States at one point and was living and working in Alaska.
How has this influenced me? Very good question. I think it must have drawn me towards more rugged clothing, and yes I do own a safari jacket!
Outfit 2: Casual
Tell us about the second outfit, and what you think of the various pieces
The second outfit comprises a PS Donegal coat over a Blank Expression sweatshirt and a PS blue oxford shirt. Worn here with Nudie jeans and a pair of Viberg Service boots. Topped off with PS cashmere watch cap.
I think PS readers might recognise how this outfit is influenced by Simon’s ‘Weekend Capsule wardrobe’ article. At heart it’s very casual but dressed up by the Donegal coat.
The Donegal is really flexible and works with so many other things. Popping the collar and fastening the second button frames the face so well, and lets the rest of the coat flow in a satisfying way as you walk. It’s so interesting to see it in photography as it can look like a textured grey, but I can assure you that the black and cream, with lovely coloured flecks, are very dominant and it doesn’t ‘feel’ grey at all.
I find a plain grey sweatshirt is a really flexible basic and sits nicely in the background, allowing other parts of the outfit to do the talking. The mid-blue wash of the jeans adds to the casual nature of this outfit, and I bought these Nudie jeans to pair with the many navy tops I have, from shetland sweaters to hoodies.
I have several PS watch caps and over the winter it’s rare to have a day when they don’t get an outing. Rugged yet refined, they a have very strong appeal to me and my wardrobe.
How have you found the Vibergs?
I was Inspired by Simon’s article featuring them, and it was quite an investment as they are easily the most expensive footwear I own. I really do like them though and they have got a lot of wear over this last winter. I believe they are inspired by officers’ boots and you can see this in that they manage to look somewhat low profile and ‘refined’ - for work boots.
One thing to note is that I originally ordered my usual size, UK8. These were long enough, but I found their low profile meant that the top was pressing too much on my forefoot. I sized up to a UK9 and they are now spot on.
What brands do you buy from that aren't typical PS ones? What do you like about them?
I have plenty of clothes that aren’t typical PS ones. Brands such as Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Reiss and Nudie for example. It’s good to be able get the look you’re after without going all out financially every time.
Outfit 3: Most casual
What’s the final outfit?
My third outfit features a Soundman Brush Jacket (from Clutch Cafe) over a Real McCoy’s 8HU chambray serviceman shirt. Paired with Blackhorse Lane chinos, the Vibergs again and finished with an obligatory PS watch cap.
It’s my most relaxed outfit, the urban Ernest Shackleton.. I saw the Soundman brush jacket (mountain-smock style) on the lookbook of the Clutch website and pretty quicky decided I had to buy it. It’s based on a Royal Air Force mountain-rescue smock from the ‘60s. My father was in an RAF mountain-rescue team in Cyprus back then and so its heritage has a lot of appeal to me.
I used to do a lot of hill walking in the past and this piece combines my interest in the outdoors and seeing clothing in terms of functionality and protection, with my more recent interest in the sartorial.
The Real McCoy’s 8HU shirt continues the functional theme. Pure workwear-inspired reproduction and something the Japanese brand does so very well.
I really enjoy my Blackhorse Lane chinos and it’s great to be temped out of jeans and get some variety in my wardrobe. It’s entirely accidental but this outfit owes a lot to Japan. The jacket and shirt are made in Japan and the chino cloth is woven in Japan.
What other hobbies do you have?
Thinking about it now, this has a clear influence on what I wear. I’ve dabbled with rock climbing and mountaineering as well as hill walking. I think this has fuelled my fascination with outerwear. Seeing clothing as protection from the elements - and if it’s stylish too then so much the better.
Totally by accident I’ve ended up modelling too: I’ve now got agency representation in the UK and Germany. Obviously, this has me thinking about clothing and exposes me to new clothing. It also makes me a little more adventurous than I ordinarily would be, as I know the more flamboyant items I buy will generally be photoshoot friendly, which can help me get comfortable with them before using them in everyday life.
As a counterpoint, I also do some life modelling and so wear nothing at all. This is incredible for confidence. I always tell myself that if I can do this then what on earth can stop me in life? It’s interesting to think that being the one naked person in a room full of clothed people gives me all the power, whereas in other situations we use clothes to boost our confidence and standing in society.
How did you first get into quality clothing?
I clearly remember the first time I came across PermanentStyle.com. I was looking to buy a double-breasted greatcoat as my first foray into quality clothing.
Simon’s ‘Tips on buying an overcoat’ article was very influential and although I had no idea about brands at the time, I ended up buying a Crombie greatcoat for what I considered to be an eye watering amount of money. I opted for navy blue on the article’s advice rather than the black I was considering, and am very glad I did so.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d have for readers, after a few years of buying better clothes?
It’s almost inevitable that you’ll make mistakes along the way, and buy things you don’t end up wearing. Don’t be too hard on yourself when this happens - it’s all part of the game. And there are plenty of avenues nowadays to sell unwanted clothes.
With clothes as in life it’s good to push the boundaries sometimes. Try some things you like the look of but may take time to get used to. Otherwise, your boundaries slowly close in and it becomes increasingly difficult to escape.
Lastly, if you’ve decided that you’re going to start building a wardrobe or refreshing one, you might want to consider starting off with an initial say three items (funds allowing) rather than just one. I’ve found that looking for just one piece can place too much pressure on that purchase, and you end up not buying anything at all. Buying a small selection takes the pressure off. After that you can take your time and enjoy building your wardrobe bit by bit.
I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the interview and being featured, and shooting with Alex and Simon. Keep up the great work with Permanent Style, and all the very best for your future endeavours.
Andy is @andrew__sinclair on Instagram
Photography: Alex Natt @adnatt
Really enjoyed this feature. I thought the closing paragraph was extremely telling – I’d also add that as one builds a wardrobe buying a piece in isolation does not provide an outfit.
Buy an outfit then over time tweak the trousers, change out the jacket etc. Exactly as you’ve shown many times Simon with plays on formality.
Hi CJ
I can only agree with you, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. It was a lot of fun
Andy
This was a great read, Simon – Andy’s rich and storied career path makes for a refreshing change of pace. He wears the Donegal really well; I’m sorely regretting having to send back mine (it was simply too large for me).
Hi Alex
Thank you so much. I ordered a Donegal from PS which was too big myself. Luckily PWVC still had stock of the next size down which proved to be spot on
Andy
Splendid stuff….I like (and wear) the style a lot, although I dont have the outstanding facial hair! Excellent.
Hi Gary
Cheers, it’s easy to go about your life in clothes like this isn’t it?
The beard has literally changed my life in so many ways
Andy
Its the comfort value that wins in the end. Cool is cool but its not worth a thing if its not comfortable. I spend most of my time in SE Africa so overcoats are a rare treat. I miss the cold. Epic beard but mine would be white I fear and Im not ready to be santa clause just yet.
Keep on carrying on shipmate.
Thanks for the lovely article. How has the beard changed your life Andy? Interested as I’m new to it since lockdown
Hi Rik
I started growing my beard out back in around 2015. Within a few months I had people coming up to me in the street and complimenting me. Even shouting things like ‘Great beard man’ across the street. It’s normally so rare to get pubic compliments from complete strangers and this does your self confidence and self esteem no harm at all.
Directly as a result of having a decent beard, I was invited to do a photoshoot in Norway in 2017. I absolutely loved the experience and I have not looked back. I regally do photoshoots and have agency representation now here in the UK and in Germany
I think it may well be starting to do photoshoots which made me thinking more about my style and started me down my sartorial journey
It is a magnificent beard! Thanks Andy
Andy pops up just as Shackleton’s ship is discovered…Must be more than coincidence.
Of the outfits, smart casual is closest to my daywear and It’s easily relatable to my regular clothing, most days I switch in my PWVC Harrington, but the stylish jacket really works. The Vibergs really work, the sleekness lifts up the outfit.
kudos to Andy(especially for owning orange).
That PWVC ventile Harrington is excellent eh… had one a few years now and it leaves all other Harrington’s in its wake.
Quite agree. Mine is the first version (cinnamon ,I think it called).It’s a little shabby now,but has aged in all the right places. I’m so glad I bought a natural fabric.
Love the cloth, love the pockets, but the winner is that it slips on so easy
Hi Peter
Thank you for your kind comments. Hehe can’t be a coincidence that the Endurance was found recently. Incidentally they used similar technology to discover the wreck to the stuff I’m involved with.
Had my eye on a PWVC Harrington for ages
Andy
Great stuff – and thoughtful, insightful reflections and advice. The workwear/retro-hiker/sartorial vibe is pronounced and very much of-the-moment, but Andy clearly makes it his own. In particular I like the second outfit mixing a PS donegal, sweatshirt and work boots: what we might call a PS signature look in some ways.
Hi SAO
Thank you so much, yes the second outfit had to feature as it is so PS
I am very much inspired by Simons articles and I think it really shows
Andy
I really like Andy’s style. It all seems very wearable yet still elevated. And thank you for the tip on the Viberg boots. I have had the same issue with my size 8’s which has limited their use, so I will explore going up a size.
Thank you very much Michael
Yes it’s essential that my outfits are very wearable and flexible so they don’t just look good hanging up in the wardrobe and never worn.
Interesting that you had a similar experience with the Vibergs. The retailer told me that the leather would ‘give’ in time but there was no way I was going to take a chance on that. I know Vibergs come in half sizes and so I would have tried an 8.5 if I could have found anyone with stock at the time. The size 9 I changed the size 8 for are spot on
Andy
Great style, amazing life. And I like the advice to buy in clusters, to take the pressure off individual items.
Thank you very much PB, much appreciated.
Yes buying in little groups is something I discovered helped me a great deal
Andy
Inspired by the Permanent Style Donegal coat I bought a vintage Burberry piece in herringbone tweed which is quite similar. I’ve been getting lots of wear out of it here in Edinburgh but it is always nice to see how others are wearing similar pieces for inspiration.
Fantastic article as always, I really like these reader profiles.
Hi Angus
Thank you so much. I’m really glad you enjoyed the article. It was a lot of fun to do and an absolute honour to be asked to take part by Simon.
You may see me in Edinburgh soon…
Andy
The clothes and the man are ‘one’.
The personality of the man and the clothes can’t be separated.
I think we’ve all seen an Andy around town ….whose caught our eye due to his flamboyant look but then on a second glance we’ve envied the man and the look .
I can’t quite put my finger on it but the dress sense is very normal but very unique at the same time .
Each piece is a quality item which when worn elevates the quality aspect but negates the expense.
Just one question…. As we sit enjoying this glorious spring weather how does Andy dress in the summer ?
Great article , Simon .
You are to be congratulated on these style pieces / personalities .
P.S. And that beard …..Whoah !!
Cheers Robin. And yeah, we shot this about a month ago when it was a lot colder!
Hi Robin
Thank you so much for your very kind comments.
Oh yes summer. Well I must admit that I enjoy dressing for winter much more satisfying as I’m very much into my outerwear and coats. Playing around with layers for the cooler months is wonderful fun.
I can show you some summer outfits if Simon wants to feature me again.
What I have been gravitating towards is overshirts for the summer. PS do excellent ones and I have a jungle jacket from Buzz Rickson’s which is very lightweight and does a similar job to an overshirt. These can do a great job over a t-shirt, polo shirt or shirt.
Got a couple of pairs of linen trousers from Luca Faloni. These are great when its warm but you don’t want to be in shorts
Canvas sneakers such as my Doek ones are wonderful in the summer and I bought these after Simon wrote about them on PS
Hope this helps
Andy
Good morning …every reader who has been profiled is different but interesting…simon keep up the great work…everyone enjoy your weekend..peace
Hi, An interesting change to recent reader profiles. In as much as it’s predominantly at the casual end of the style spectrum and that Andy mixes it up with some brands one wouldn’t see on PS. It’s basically what I do. Eg – I defy anyone to tell the difference between different cashmere roll necks worn up a jacket. Nice to also see how Andy mixes up the styling it up a bit as well.
Great stuff.
I have to have that donegal coat now. good lord.
(great interview, btw)
I have the feeling, with one or two exceptions, this guy has stolen my wardrobe.
It’s interesting how much PS he wears – it’s the same for me.
Without blowing smoke up Simon’s proverbial – there’s plenty of stuff he writes about I wouldn’t be seen stiff in – I invariably find myself wearing something from PS.
From memory I have the following from PS: The Trench (v1.0), The Donegal Overcoat (V 1.0), The Dartmoor Sweater, The Cashmere Rugby,The Finest Polo, The PS Overshirt, Everyday Denim etc..etc..
He is taking over my wardrobe by stealth and it’s because like Mini and the Porsche 911 he doesn’t reinvent the wheel – he just refines and refines, adding value as he goes. The result is fabulous pieces with quality that is off the Richter scale.
Hi David
Great minds think alike.
I have the v1 Trench, Bridge, Donegal, plenty of shirts, watch caps, scarves etc all from PS
Very hard to go wrong with PS products
I love these profiles of real people using Permanent Style wisdom in down to earth but thoughtful ways. I may have gone the high priced bespoke route had I not been downsized out of an office job a few years back. So now Andy’s look is more my day to day style too. I also studied fine art in New York at night for several years — life modeling is hard work! And so is drawing and painting. It’s hard to over-emphasize how much appreciation struggling art students have for the life models who pose silently in a b-day suit without moving for a few hours. And I loved the last Q&A. I’ve gotten too frustrated with my buying mistakes and found it hard to let them go without self recrimination. Nice to see I’m not too alone!
Thanks for your very kind comments Mark
You are dead right, life modelling is hard work! I do get so very much out of it though
It’s easy to want to kick yourself when you make a buying mistake isn’t it?
This was a fantastic read; a very enjoyable and relatable piece. Andy has a practical, rugged style – and he wears it well!
As a hill walker and fly fisherman, I’ve often found that there is a discordance between outdoor clothing that is fashionable and outdoor clothing that is fit for purpose. That Soundman Brush Jacket is majestic, and it looks like a quality piece of clothing. I can truly see myself wearing it in variety of settings.
Great Article, thanks Simon and Andy. I was very pleasantly surprised to see Andy’s face on the cover of the latest PS article this morning. I stumbled on Andy’s Instagram a while ago now, noticing his incorporation of PS products into his arsenal over time.
Love Andy’s style, it’s the perfect demonstration of how PS principles can be applied even when there’s no call for a sports jacket and trousers (much of the time these days for many of us). I also love how Andy incorporates items which might not ever be covered on PS, demonstrating there are gems to be found among more mainstream brands, assisted by applying PS principles to all purchases (quality, cut etc.). Outfit 2 speaks for itself, I could wear this everyday (probably for eternity at this point). Swap the Viberg’s for sneakers when the mood takes me, the overcoat for a bomber jacket, the jeans for chinos, you get the picture, lots of possibilities. It’s an elevated casual, with PS products providing that ‘can’t quite put my finger on it but it looks epic’ vibe.
It’s amazing to see how PS products can add that certain indescribable something to everyday menswear outfits, be it a drapey Donegal raglan or a refined PS watch cap. As another reader mentioned, PS attacks by stealth and before you know it, every outfit has a PS piece involved and I have absolutely no problem with that to be honest.
Thanks very much Chris.
I think Simon invited me as a result of my instagram. A wonderful surprise to be featured here on PS
You never know what might happen if you are open to new possibilities
Great fits here. Are we still getting pre-orders of the Donegal overcoat this month?
Not this month – mid next month. But yes, that’s all getting ready to go
Great article! In my previous corporate life, I had maybe 12 suits and all the usual accessories. Now, I’m teaching college and headed towards retirement and definitely have a more rugged, casual style. This article is an inspiration to continue to refresh my wardrobe and buy simple, high quality, but timeless items. Well done.
Is the Donegal ever to return?
Hi Bob,
Yes, the donegal will be back in the Autumn. But also, we are running a pre-order on the donegal in all three colours we’ve done in the past three years (charcoal, dark brown, mid-grey herringbone) so people can reserve one. This will launch in April, delivery in Spetember. Email the support team to get on the waiting list for that – [email protected]
Great outfits. A pipe would look really cool with the brush jacket.
Hi Kevin
Hehe, actually I do have an e-pipe which I use on some photoshoots. Normally with tweed but I agree – it would look cool with the brush jacket
O dear, where to start?!
I came very close to buying that exact jacket from Crombie, but didn’t because I have shortish arms and shortening the sleeves would have messed up the alignment with the check. I’m sad to see Crombie go. I had some good things from them over the years.
The Viberg boots have been on my “to do” list since the original PS review.
The brush jacket is just superb. I have loved the look of these since I was a teenager, but always shied away from buying one because I thought that it might look a little too much like costume. Seeing it worn so well here has reignited my interest. I’m afraid that I feel a Google search coming on this afternoon…
Interesting Loake suede boots. I’ve had Loake shoes in the past, but moved away in favour of buying Church and Cheaney, and then Crockett & Jones (still a big fan) and, more recently, Edward Green. However, I bought some Loake suede boots and shoes in a sale recently and have been really impressed by the quality and comfort. I’m not sure if they’ve consciously improved design and quality in recent years, but I have to say that in terms of both design and quality, I’ve been really impressed with the ones I’ve bought.
Re the facial hair – not my style, but I confess to a degree of envy. Anything more than one day without shaving and I look utterly ridiculous. Can’t quite put my finger on why, but it’s commonly agreed that facial hair doesn’t suit me. Such a pain!
Life modeling indeed, cheers mate : )
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lN-4lX0QyZc
Great to see the navy cap combined with the donegal coat, the choice of champions!
Lots of great inspiration here for those of us who live at the casual end of the Permanent Style spectrum.
This is a great read and I love hearing other people’s interpretation of what fashion meant to them.
For which temperatures is the brush jacket ?
Not coated and suited…this is the exact dress sense i was trying to achieve…very relaxed look and very comfortable in it…great choice of cloths and colors Andy
Hi Georgios
The brush jacket is like a shell so it just protects you from wind and weather.
It’s warm considering its just 2 layers of cotton but if it was properly cold you’d have to wear layers providing insulation beneath.
I wear it autumn winter and spring here in the UK. In warmer weather it would be too warm mainly because the ventilation options are limited
Hi Simon & Andy,
Another interesting reader profile much of which I would or have worn in my wardrobe variation. One item I have not had in my wardrobe since the 60’s was the’ Ernest Shackleton’ jacket, mine was a khaki which served me well when skiing in Australia as a teenager. That orange & Andy’s words regarding pushing out the boundaries has encouraged me to consider looking for such a casual utilitarian rugged look, a nice alternative to Goretex which while practical on the fells isn’t too good aesthetically elsewhere.Thank you.
Hi Steve
I’m glad you feel inspired!
I’d love to do some old school hillwalking in the Lake District or Scotland wearing what people used to wear in such environments. Ventile, tweed etc.
Would be interesting to see how it compares to modern kit. Irving and Mallory here we come
Hobnail boots, sea boot socks, thornproof tweed breeches, wool shirt and a cagoule. I can see you now,Andy.
Dont forget your bobble hat and thermos.
Hi Andy,
Yes it would be good to compare kit & proformance, although tweed on a continuously wet day might be challenging without some waterproof like Ventile,Grenfell cloth or your Ernest Shackleton jacket.That said on the cold Thursday just gone I wore my Harris tweed jacket in the short snow flurry & it just layered on the surface of the tweed making me look like a snowman at the station, once in London the tweed was perfectly dry.
Enjoy that Bush jacket
Having work with Andy and been a friend for quite a few years…not going to say, his style onshore is just him….. always enjoy reading and seeing what he is wearing…the bugger looks good in nearly everything he seems to put on these days..
Really nice article…
Hi James
Thank you so very much buddy. I must admit I’m really moved by your comments mate. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment.
See you out on the big blue wobbly thing sometime 🙂
What a wonderful, very likeable interview, Andy really has a great style and his life story is extremely interesting… I also like his beard very much :-)))
Thank you so very much dear Bea, really glad you enjoyed it 😉
Andy is a work mate and I’m always interested to see what he is getting up to. I admit that I’m not one for wearing top threads but seeing some of the photo shoots he has appeared in due to his unique look, kind of inspires me. Personally I think he would really dig the Steam Punk look with a top hat and googles. Ha ha. Cheers Andy.
Thanks Willie my man. Appreciate your comments mate, I’ll have to give you a big hug as you are sitting only about 10 feet away from me in the offline room just now. Top hat and goggles – Its the way to go and of course, I wouldn’t feel at all uncomfortable walking down any high street in the land sporting such excellent accessories. Cheers dude