It occurred to me recently that the point of, and policy on PS comments hasn't been talked about for a long time. It is usually hinted at, and only then when people skirt the edges of it.
So here’s a summary, which will also become a static page on the site to refer people to, but today can serve as a place for anyone to leave their views.
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The objective of the comments section on Permanent Style is to be interesting and useful - much like the article it comments upon.
It’s wonderful when readers add their experiences, or expand the scope by asking questions. Often they’ll know a little shop that stocks the same product, or have experience with sizing. The comments have always been one of the best things about PS - and something that others admire. As a fellow writer put it to me, “I love how the comments on your articles actually go somewhere”.
It’s like that because of the quality contributions, and because I take time to answer everyone’s queries, no matter how old the article. It feels like some pieces never get old - they just broaden, update and mature.
But the section is also like that because it has been closely curated over the years. Contrary opinions are welcome, but any form of abuse isn’t tolerated and - more than that - we actively discourage comments from becoming personal. There is a natural tendency to do this when people disagree, but it immediately stops the discussion from being productive. It’s neither interesting nor useful.
For similar reasons, I discourage discussions from getting off track. There’s no harm in pointing out that we should consider China’s human rights record when we buy products from there, but a menswear site is simply not a good platform for an informed political discussion. These are not the best people to discuss it and it’s not what anyone came here to read.
I endeavour to be polite when making these points, and ask that readers do the same. An unmoderated comments section becomes uncivil, angry and dull surprisingly quickly. The internet has a tendency to reduce us all to a lowest common denominator: I think we should all make a conscious effort to push against it.
None of this could happen without you, lovely readers, and I thank you all for your consistent, wonderful contributions. The tiny minority that insist on trying to spoil it find themselves marked as spam, and their comments never appear. Fortunately, at that point I don’t even have to mark them as such - they just drop automatically into a big black hole.
Keep in mind that I see all comments, no matter what the post, and never mind responding - they’re interesting and useful to me too. And please try to leave comments on the site, rather than through emails or Instagram. It’s easier for me to answer (as I can link to articles) and, being public, it means tends of thousands of people benefit from the exchange, rather than just one.
Comments on this, as ever, welcome.
Policy in summary:
- PS comments are an integral part of the website, and have a specific policy
- All must be moderated in order to appear on the site
- To be approved, they must add to the article - be similarly interesting and/or useful
- Not only is abuse not tolerated, but any personal comments will not be published
- The same goes for topics unrelated to menswear
- Be civil. Talk to everyone as you would if you met them in person
- Which includes leaving a name. It’s just nice. Emails however are not required
- Repeat offenders are marked as spam and never appear
- No article is too old to be commented upon. We see all, and will respond
- Leave all questions here, please, rather than on social media or on email
- There is no right to be published. This is, in the end, a benevolent dictatorship
Remember, there is a central page where all comment threads are listed, here. That can be a nice way to track ongoing conversations.
Apologies to George, Patrik and everyone else for re-using these old Symposium pics. You guys just look so engaged and so interested, the perfect contributor.
Thank you for all the effort you put into moderating comments and for always responding. While I come to PS for the articles, I find the comments and your patient responses an invaluable addition. I sometimes go through hundreds of comments when looking for additional perspectives, particularly if I am buying something based on one of your articles. Most recently I re-read your guide to high twist cloths for the umpteenth time for example, and found the comments just as useful as they provide lots of other people’s experiences with particular fabrics.
Thanks Alan. Do continue to leave your own thoughts and comments too – I’m sure others would be interested to hear what you concluded with your high-twist research as well for example, what you went with and how you found it
Your management if the comments section has always impressed me. The tone that’s expected is always clear, and it makes it a much more interesting space to engage. Thanks so much!!
Cheers Aaron
Thank you. You are quite right in my view, the comments are such a big part of what makes PS engaging.
Thanks Fred, and thanks for contributing as well
I really love how you curate your comment section. I guess that there is some gray areas. Like union-busting factories, human-rights abuses and waste/pollution in general. I think it is okay to sometimes mention such things and other unethical abuses, but the debate about that should be in other forums. I remember once asking about the impact of Brexit on online shopping. But realized that this is not the place for something that can lead to a debate about that.
This a very polite site and I really like it. It how good people behave when they meet at a common friends house. I guess that many of your followers sometimes can be strongly opiniated, I certainly a, but this is not the area for that kinds of discussion.
More places on the Internet, and in general, should be like the PS comment section.
Nice analogy Carl
I find the comments immensely useful Simon. Not only do I get to ask questions I might have but I also get to read the contributions of others. On certain articles (usually the ones about how to wear X or a product review’ I tend to wait a while and go back to read all the wonderful ideas other readers come up with.
Huh, I hadn’t thought of that. Great to hear
I think one of the best things about PS is how you moderate the comments and have grown a safe space for us.
So much of the fashion/style world ruined by pointless and often personal attacks. Hopefully,the good manners of the readership set a good example.
I agree with Peter’s points.
Simon: I sometimes read a comment and wonder if you counted to 10 or 110 before replying. Your patience and politeness in the Comments section is an integral part of the Permanent Style experience.
Ethan Newton’s brown flannel & grey herringbone tweed combination is smashing!
Yes, nice to be reminded of all the great outfits that have been on here over the years….
I second the endorsement of Ethan’s herringbone tweed – got to get myself one of those!
Good morning..to Simon and the fans of Permanent Style..HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!! Gentlemen let us enjoy our special day..peace and much cheers….
Thank you for moderating and fostering the community of commenters, I know I’m echoing but it really does add a lot, after reading the articles in the morning I will often check back on my lunch break to read the comments.
I also very much appreciate you welcoming comments on old articles – sometimes if it’s such an old article I feel strange commenting but it’s definitely good having the topical ones together. There’s also an ease to it versus having to email a question for other sites that either have no comments or lock the comment section after a month or so that makes it more engaging.
Good to know Aaron, I really like it when people comment on old posts because I feel like the information there is still so useful, and it’s not like I’m going to write the same thing ever again.
Pleased to hear it’s easy – I am always surprised when people email a question rather than just leave something under the article they’ve just read.
I try to gently suggest it would be good to leave a comment instead, as that way everyone benefits from the interaction
I’ve certainly made my fair share of comments on PS .
It’s literally the only site I make comments on .
Through my comments I’ve exposed my own thoughts, ignorance and naivety. I’ve had the odd misunderstanding with yourself but most of all I’ve learnt alot from others comments. Particularly when others mention other brands, tailors etc . It’s the PS community aspect that’s priceless.
I’ve noted Simon that you’ve got a lot better at accepting criticism. I’d sensed in earlier days you’d get a touch sensitive. So we’ve all grown.
Keep up the great work !
Thank you Robin, I hope we all grow as we age, it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of it
I don’t think I have ever read a comment by Simon that reads like he gets sensitive, maybe I wasn’t around at that time yet. But now that you mention it, some of the newest contributors don’t seem to take criticism the same way as Simon does.
Maybe one effectively grows a thicker skin after so many years and comments?
In the spirit of comments seeking to be helpful, I think there’s a word missing from the quote early in the article – the text reads “I love how the comments on your actually go somewhere”.
I presume the word “blog/page/articles” is missing after “your”?
I hope that’s helpful, forgive me if I’ve somehow misunderstood something!
As others have said, the comments have always been central to my enjoyment of PS – both for the contributions from outside figures, and for the further insight your replies often add. I frequently find myself trawling back over certain comment threads as much as I do with regular articles when I want to go back and check on something that’s popped up in my memory!
It was missing, thank you, all fixed now
Any plans for a series on Ashes commentators style? Kumar Sangakkara is currently winning on my scorecard.
Oo, no but thanks for the idea. Unfortunately I only listen to TMS so I never see them!
The comments section definitely creates a sense of community, as well as being often very useful.
Simon,
A very timely reminder to everyone about what makes us come back regularly and get involved, as another reader said, this is the only site I actually comment upon as (for me) it is the only one that wants to know what I think.
Also, the concept of ‘utility/usefulness’ as a core deliverable of the posts singles the site out from much of the promotional dross that we fall over day to day on the WWW and adds to the blogs ‘return value’ -balancing an educational/understanding element with perspectives on style, craft, colour etc and pointing out new sources just adds to that.
One thing I think might be useful (and I don’t think the issue has been covered in quite this way although there are elements in the archive) is when major changes happen – buying bespoke for the first time (I know this has been covered but given what can go wrong, the expense, the difficulty in deciding who to choose always makes it worth talking about), getting married, surviving children, moving to the C suite, retirement all have a major impact on how we dress and not everyone finds these transitions easy.
Thanks again for the reminder of why we all come back to the blog regularly.
John
Thank you to you John, and for the good suggestion
I’d echo the point made in the other comments about the tone and quality of debate on PS. As someone who works in academia (where we supposedly prize the ability to disagree forcefully but politely) you would be astonished at how rare this level of civility has become!
One thing I’m interested in is the observation you make regarding ‘off track’ discussions. I’m wondering whether – in some cases – they crop up in comments because readers feel they are important, but that there isn’t space elsewhere to address them under a more on-topic piece?
The social aspects of consumption – the rabbit hole on China’s human rights record (or similar) – are surely something PS could speak to? As anecdotal evidence suggests that consumers are now much more aware of the ethics around their purchasing decisions, the lack of a fuller article onthis feels unusual (particularly given how in depth your coverage is in other areas). I know you indirectly touched on it in your 2021 piece on sustainability, but as it expressly excluded discussion of “social sustainability” factors it feels like there’s a real gap here.
I can’t speak for other readers, but It’d certainly be something I’d be interested to see.
Thank you Mark. I think it’s the kind of thing I might commission someone else to write, but I do feel it’s a little off topic still. I guess it’s hard, there are lots of different directions that kind of better coverage could expand into.
I would also say that if anyone has links to good articles on a subject that comes up, do always share those as it’s pushing that conversation somewhere else good
I echo this sentiment. Ethics in purchasing decisions ranks high for me. This IS something that has been discussed here as pointed out (also, article on consumerism vs materialism). It is also deeply embedded in buying clothing that can be used for many years, repairs, and problems with fast fashion. I also appreciate that this is not the place to debate trade policy.
Given all that, I don’t think this is something that can be avoided— and making the ground rules around it more explicit may be useful. For example, the ethical discussion needs to closely tie to the article itself, rather than general pronouncements.
Just a thought.
Thanks for it Justin, nicely put
Hi Simon,
I am an avid reader of your blog. Your articles are one of the reasons I decided to purchase a jacket from Rifugio.
I received the jacket and it is immaculate. However, it is a little big in the stomach and needs to be altered so it fits more snugly when buttoned. I have been in touch with Alfonso, and he has suggested that I return it. However, it was such a hassle getting it through customs that I would prefer a stateside solution.
Can you recommend any tailors in Los Angeles in New York that you would entrust a jacket of this caliber to for alterations?
Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated,
Best,
Joseph Robinson
Hi Joseph,
Nice to hear from you, and I’m pleased the article stimulated that decision.
Presuming the jacket is a blouson style, can I suggest you wear the jacket a few times first? I think they’re more elegant with space and drape in the body, but that can take a little getting used to.
If you do have it altered, I would suggest trying to find a leather specialist. Look up leathers alterations places or ask in a shop that sells leather jackets (there will likely be someone they use). A regular tailor might not want to take on the alteration, or be able to, depending on how thick the leather is.
S
Although I don’t often comment, I think the knowledge of the PS community is an amazing resource and one that couldn’t exist without the leadership setting the right tone for communications. One of things I really like about the site is the way the results from a key word search identify if the search term appears in the comment section of a particular post. It’s a great way to access additional information, opinions and insights from the community beyond the content of the original article. And I think it may be one of the functions that helps keep older posts alive and relevant. Cheers all and have a great weekend! John
Nice to hear that’s useful John, it certainly is for me when I’m looking back and trying to find something a reader said that was helpful
Very fair. I really applaud your policy on the comments, especially your willingness to publish comments that are less complementary. It is very admirable.
Dear Simon,
My full agreement with this approach. I have become a regular visitor and perhaps too frequent commentator on your website over the last two years. The comments, and your responses to them, are almost as important as the articles themselves.
But the only reason for that is that the comment section is moderated to broaden and deepen the topic of the article, and this by you as well as knowledgeable commentators.
If you want a shallow or aggressive political forum where you can vehemently expose your opinion on anything, you have dozens of options anyway.
My only input is: It would be good to have more articles by/including or comments in the comment section of women discussing their perspective on menswear. After all, impressing the other sex is at least one of the reasons for many of us to dress well, and for some probably the main reason.
Thanks Markus
I like how people post a range of views and experiences here – it’s not just the delighted (although there’s plenty of that and rightly so) and the dissatisfied, but plenty in-between too. I’ve also frequently been impressed by how you’ve taken (sometimes rather harsh) criticism of outfits you’ve featured; with a willingness to engage and good humour where needed. So thanks, Simon.
No worries, and nice to hear Jim
A little gatekeeping goes a long way. I’ve seen many fine websites felled by a poor if nobly conceived notion to air every voice and opinion. As you note, Permanent Style is not a democracy!
Hear hear!
Simon, thank you for the effort that must go into maintaining and replying to the comments. No doubt, your articles are incredibly informative, thorough, and insightful, but it’s the comments section where the article becomes alive. It’s almost like the articles are spinach and paneer, and the comments are the spices that make it saag paneer.
Personally, my sartorial journey began during the pandemic (when I had lots of free time), and that’s when I found your site. I read through as many articles as I could and began by purchasing two made to measure suits remotely. But, being a scientist, I obsessed about every detail. Your articles got me 80% of the way there, but then it was in the comments section where the remainder of my knowledge was completed. You patiently answered questions. I’ve since purchased two more from a traveling tailor, since the online MTM ones fit, at best, fine.
And good thing I purchased those suits when the world assumed tailored clothing will be no more. I am soon to switch careers to one where I’ll have to wear a suit to work everyday! Thank you for this site and for the journey.
Nice to hear someone’s going the other way Felix! And very pleased it’s been so helpful.
It’s funny, as i reached the end of the comments on this post I came to the section that showed the three most recently published comments on other articles. One of them was on an article about Sagan loafers that I’m considering. These old posts can be a treasure trove 🙂
Ha! Amazing
Moderation a key feature in maintains quality here, in terms of comments.
Rare to see such high quality content and discussion.
There is another blog I can no longer read as every so called high quality article includes the lazy meaningless word “stylish”.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen that here in an article or comment.
I think it reflects well on you to be so willing to engage with comments on old articles. It displays your commitment to be deeper and not just commercially motivated. From time-value standpoint it would be easy to just focus on comments on new articles and few would ever question you for it.
I’ve personally tried to avoid posting under older articles on PS because I’m used to the forum culture that frowns upon resurrecting old threads but I’ve always disagreed with that principle and I’m glad to see that the opposite is encouraged here.
I’d also like to see discussions to be kept as open as you think is tolerable while still maintaining a level of civility. It’s a fine line to balance but I feel you’ve done reasonably well thus far by not always outright censoring. Have there been more comments that cross the line recently to warrant this article?
Absolutely m, please always comment on old posts.
There were a few comments, yes. Not many, but I wanted to point people towards a page on the policy, and realised there wasn’t one, so that was a motivation for creating it.
Cheers to benevolent dictatorships! While history does not provide many successful examples, this is indeed one in my opinion. Heavy is the head that wears the crown Simon and, as moderator, I cannot imagine the effort you put forth to create the atmosphere we all enjoy as readers. A sincere thank you for that!
I echo many of the sentiments expressed already and will weigh in with my two cents. As a long time reader and relatively new, low volume commenter, I too have benefited greatly from the posts and also the comments. The decorum you have established, Simon, has made it a pleasure to consume and participate in. The tone and tenor approximates what we might experience if we were all in a room together and that is no small feat, especially in the current context of social media. PS ranks as the only site I participate in at that level and I never comment on other sites. As stated, I am a relatively new commenter and I hope others benefit in some small way from my contributions as I have theirs.
Long live the King…err Dictator!
I totally agree. We should keep and follow a permanent style also in the way we communicate and comment.
I really appreciate that you are always willing to answer questions, Simon. It’s a big part of what keeps me coming back to the site. That’s something that not a lot of other big menswear writers do and it really gives your website a more personal touch and helps it feel more like a little community.
I hadn’t thought about it from that angle, thanks Magnus
The comment section really is unique on this site and quite refreshing. I tend to skip comments on other websites as fast as I can since it’s usually just very negative and as a result frustrating and disappointing. On the topic of old articles which are mentioned quite a bit in this thread… Do you sometimes do revisions or updates to some old articles or do you plan to, Simon? I was recently going through some rather old ones and they’re a great source of information but they quite often lack pictures and surely your views on some of the topics themselves change and I feel quite often that your outfits (or someone else’s that you use as an exapmle) are ones that you wouldn’t wear today (not that they’re bad, but it feels like your style has evolved quite a bit). Sorry for this probably my longest ever comment, but it might actually be interesting if you revisited some of the old ones and updated them. What’s your view? M
I think that’s a nice idea Michal. I’d be more likely to sort of rewrite them and publish them anew, but it would be close to the same thing. Which ones do you think would be most interesting?
Love the comments feature. More than anything else, an advice from you Simon is always very highly appreciated and, advanced discussion, which sometimes, by people who love menswear dearly is so useful. It’s a great place to be to delve into any topic. Thanks for your kind attention to what we need and can appreciate.
Thanks for acknowledging us as readers.
It’s a pleasure Cormac
Such a lovely way to sum up Simon’s respect for PS readers and dedication to PS comments: “Thanks for acknowledging us as readers.” One of the few mediums where I leave my opinions and go through what other readers have to say. Definitely one of the best things about Permanent Style.
I think one thing that helps the comment section be one of those rare places of refuge on the internet is that anyone coming to this endeavor has done enough livin’ to where they know how to treat others and how they would like to be treated themselves.
I don’t know if you have data on what the average age of the Permanent Style reader is, or how much education they have, or how many countries they have lived in etc., but there is a certain demographic/species/archetype that finds themselves here.
Another way to look at it is, how many Permanent Style readers regularly leave YouTube comments? I bet it isn’t many.
Of course, I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am.
Once again, thank you Simon for everything you do.
No worries Kevin. We did do a survey here on the average age and other things, though not education. The average age is 42, which coincidentally is the age I am now.
On education, I do think there’s a parallel between taste and education – much less so with style, but with taste and elegance certainly. People who think about things.
Simon and all readers of PS , I could not agree more than with your comment on why we are attracted to your site and the sorts of issues we don’t want to discuss anyway
A little surprised by the “To be approved, they must add to the article – be similarly interesting and/or useful”… I’ve always found the moderation much more lenient than that so is this a new direction?
The one thing I’ve never been sure about… I’m going to buy some new X trousers and want people’s (your) input, do I add it to the most recent article or am I supposed to find the appropriate article to add It to? If it’s the wrong article will you guys publish it on another article or just delete it? It certainly used to be the case that comments were more wide ranging on an article but now seem more aligned.
Do you keep stats on those that fail moderation beyond a simple 80% pass mark?
I’m afraid I don’t, no, though it’s certainly more than 80%. More like 95%
It’s a good question on where to leave a comment like that. I’d say do so on a relevant article if you find one after doing some research on the subject on PS. If you haven’t, then feel free to leave it on the most recent post
The comment section is a valuable part of every post. Your replies to questions are what I mainly look for, but I am always curious to see how others interpret the topics. I wonder if others are thinking what I’m thinking. If someone has a contrary opinion to yours, I like reading about it and knowing why. Your responses to those comments are often the most valuable as you always have something intelligent to say.
Good to talk about this, especially since there was some cause apparently. I come here for your thoughts but the comments add value and as you say interest. I enjoy the ones where people share their personal experiences and choices and the reasons for them. As to the tone you set I think it’s the same as when you observe someone really listening to someone in a conversation and then offering their opinion.
Simon, your comments have been a great help to me and many interesting replies to my many questions which I hope others have found beneficial also.
The comment sections deffinitely ads a lot to the ps experience. Sometimes people express their opinion about a product or suggest something similar that makes me think more about a purchase. After 2,5 years i read permanentstyle i asked many qustions, i read many articles, many opinions and i experimented a lot with clothing to a level i now have determined my personal style and move slowly to that direction. Sometimes some comments are not so nice i agree with that but to be realistic they are always good comments since they argument about something that to an extent exists. The last example i can recal is, after a workwear review a guy commented that he is leaving the ps community cause not so many tailoring clothes are presented anymore. That made me think about the new men trends and how casual chic style is the new clasic, that doesnt change much with time and makes often the suits on someones wardrobe collect dust. I like that you support this direction, knowing that not all of us are bankers, lawyers etc to need a suit all the time. To me personaly a ps reader is surely more thoughtful about his clothes-style than someone who doesnt invest the time-money on it. But the general rule youth-body structure-fitness will always be better than anything else. Someone young can wear clothes a 40 years old would look like a teenager on them, someone fat should also consider some sport before buying a 6000 suit cause 10kg less make a greater difference than the suit itself compared to a 1000 euro one and someone tall has always a natural advantage in clothing and most importantly girls impressions.
Nicely put Georgios. If I may, I’d only add that I think men can often look better as they get older – it’s one thing men really benefit from. From confidence and self-knowledge as much as how their bodies change. It does help to stay in shape though
“This is, in the end, a benevolent dictatorship”. An excellent finish to (another) excellent post. Much of my change of style, like my new Barena lightweight unstructured jacket, is as a result of reading you on Permanent Style. I’ve always noticed how you take the trouble to reply thoughtfully to each comment too.
I haven’t read the other comments (ironically), so, if my comment is redundant then please don’t post it. If it’s useful, please do:
I can’t imagine the work you do as a gatekeeper (that’s a compliment, not an accusation) of the comment section, the work you do as the writer, the traveler, the wearer, the logistics guy, the follower-upper, etc.
But – the hardest and least enjoyable part – must be the curator/gatekeeper of this comment section. There are minefields, accusations, and pettiness (at its worst) that you must balance and consider and (sometimes) thwart.
There must be a great deal of toxicity (again – at its worst).
I know that I can be petty – even unintentionally – and judgey, and I think it might be a case of “familiarity breeds comfort rather than contempt.”
It’s not exactly a para-social-relationship us readers have with you — but it kind of is. I’ve never met you, but I feel I know you. I’ve never met any of your readers, but I do feel like I “know” some of them. That cuts both ways.
When we post (perhaps) we feel that our egos are on the line — but they’re decidedly not. It’s just a place I come to read (or not read), to look at some beautiful (or not so beautiful) clothes. But I come back. And I like to share things with you and your readers.
Maybe I want to impress you. I’m not sure, and I’m not certain that I even could, or what it would mean if I did, but I also find that I can speak freely here, express my ignorance, and not be afraid of that ignorance.
Thanks for the opportunity Simon.
Wes
A pleasure Wes, and what an interesting and self-aware comment
Sounds like common sense
Sadly moderation seems to be the only way to enforce it! Thankfully here it is done sensitively and not over-zealously.
Hi Simon,
I think that both your cosmopolitan mindset and the comments section have contributed to make reading PS a unique experience!
Personally, I still can’t believe that after so many years, I would keep reading this blog! What a great feat, Simon!
John
PS without the Comments section would lose a lot of what has made it over time (and by far) my preferred site regarding Menswear.
Thanks Eric
Excellent Simon! I have never commented on any previous articles, though I often read this section and find it helpful and even thought provoking at times. This “OK Boomer” applauds your standards and appreciates the civil discourse. BTW, I chucked with the “benevolent dictatorship” line. Good on you!
Eric
Thanks Eric
Hi Geoffrey,
Thank you, pleased you’ve found it so useful. It’s also great questions like this, as I know other readers will be thinking about topics like this, but it’s hard to write complete articles on each brand’s new offering.
I have tried the long-sleeve nonpareil polos and I really like them. I took a medium and that was the right size. A little short as you’d expect, but great with a mid- to high-rise trouser, and a collar that is a little unusual in its size but is surprisingly subtle on.
Do shout if you have any other questions.
Cheers
Thank you.
I’m always curious about “the thing” aside from brand name, design and small production, why rubato is so expensive. last year’s nonpareil was ply? this year’s is high twist cotton?
what does it give?
as for me, I’m not ready to pay 300£ for a polo, so I’ve been sticking to spier Mackay for my knitted polos. last year got cotton one. not a fan. cotton-silk. absolutely love. this year I have another one cotton silk and another cotton linen in my shopping basket for a while hoping for discounts but I’m on the brink of ordering…
Hi Martins,
Given we’ve talked about this in person more than once, I think I can say that you seem always quite cynical about price, and I think you need to get over that. Rubato are not overcharging. Last year and this year they are offering that knitwear, made to pretty much the highest quality there is, in a merino or a cotton. At a designer brand (eg Brioni or Purple Label) it would 2-3 times the price.
Mackay are great, but it’s not the same quality of product. If you don’t want to pay for that, that’s absolutely fine, and might be a better choice for you. But both are offering good value for what the product is.
S
Before i did mean it as i just dont understand it how can they be so expensive, but lately i do. Its just im not ready to pay that price for a polo! And after trying jumper in person, its on my list! Chinos, im not sure, i didnt see pleated chino in person, but for officers chino, high waisted and flat front is just not my thing!
My question was, if i sort of understood what difference the ply made last year, what about high twist cotton?
What do you mean by the ‘ply’ Martins? That doesn’t mean anything in terms of the yarn or fibre used? I think they were both cotton or cotton/silk mixes, and there’s very little difference between them
I could have sworn i was reading it was a higher ply cotton last year? So a thicker yarn but more loosely woven? Im talking about the brown striped and navy striped models they had last year.
By the way, is blackhorse lane in pop up today?
Hey Martins,
Ah yes, they did do that model. It was a thicker yarn though, saying it was ply doesn’t really mean anything. Again, it’s just as good as the ones this year – if anything, finer yarn is usually more expensive.
Yes, they open today
Thank you. Ill try my best to pop by!
This exchange made me chuckle!
Thank you.
Simon, For me it is a process of elimination. My wife has zero interest in my wardrobe other than to sarcastically remark that I have too many clothes. And my two Westies look longingly at me for treats and walks.
Love the site, we appreciate the clarity and keep it up!
on a side note, is the PS overshirt the same as you are wearing in the article for it? It looks so much better on you and more like a blazer than when I tried it on the other day.
kind regards,
Yes it’s the same Az – what did you not like about it as much?
I have followed the site and read many articles and the comments section over a number of years. Until recently, I never offered any comments of my own quite simply because I did not have any relevant experience or insight to add, plenty of others did and it was more interesting to me to read their informed opinions. I did add some thoughts to a recent piece on Indie menswear shops in the UK as this was a topic I have a fair bit of experience with and it felt like I could add something to the discussion.
As others have said, the moderation and responsiveness to the PS comments section really adds value to the site. As most of the articles and the subjects at stake are down to Simon, having other opinions and experiences also fleshes out the conversation, as he can only cover so much as one person.
I have never really understood people on any Forum or Comment section who are there to offer negative critique or be counterproductive. The whole point is to interact with people who hold common interests, enjoy discussing them and sharing ideas.
Hi Simon,
Really enjoy your articles through the years, especially the “How great things age” series.
Inspired by the series, I’ve decided to MTM few casual jackets by a local tailor, that hopefully, ages nicely.
After consulting the tailor, Holland Sherry Cotton Classics deep olive in 460g seems a good option, also Green Gabardine from Drapers Cotton Deluxe looks nice as well. Wondering what’s your opinion on these fabrics/colors, or anything else that will age nicely for a M65?
Thanks,
Han
Hi,
Nice to hear, thank you.
I think that green looks good – you want a fairly muted shade of olive, and not too warm. That does look a good shade, if possibly a little strong in colour. Hopefully that would fade with washing. I would check that the jacket can be washed in a machine, to get some nice fading over time.
I would only worry a little about the weight, as with the various pockets etc, that could be quite thick.
Much appreciated Simon, any other fabrics you would recommend? Thanks
Not really, I’ve never tried a process like that. I’d confess to being a bit nervous for you though – my projects of trying to make bespoke versions of casual jackets haven’t often gone well. It’s so hard to get all the design points and the material right
Yeah agree, bit risky. Just ordered a McCoys m65 instead. I also chose a Loro storm system for another m65 to be made by the tailor.