Making The Best of a Bad Time

Sartorially speaking, the 1970's are nearly universally regarded as a disaster best forgotten by any and all who experienced it. Just look at this recent post by our man Tin Tin. But in order to work the world of thrift stores to their fullest extent, one must develop a skill for spotting the gems among the junk, and nowhere is this truer than with men's clothing, much of which includes at least some percentage of (gasp!) polyester. Of course, I know there are those of you who will wail and gnash your teeth at the very thought of it, but remember that good old J. Press and Brooks Brothers carried plenty of blended cloth back in the days. (J. Press tropicals and "Brookscloth" come to mind, not to mention the now-classic poplin suit.) It's all about integration, proportion, and of course, style.

Take for instance this:

These pants, recently purchased for $5.49, the cloth is seersucker, but with really narrow stripes, almost like pincord. They're certainly not all cotton, which really is a shame with seersucker, my guess is maybe 60%cotton/40% polyester. But the cut of them is trim and sharp, no egregious wide legs. They have no label at all, which leads me to believe they're half of a suit.

This weird Lacoste tennis shirt, with a pocket and plain (i.e. not banded) sleeves, in the palest shade of yellow known to man...

...coton/poly blend. Made in U.S.A., which is good, except that Lacoste shirts are supposed to be made in France. Free from ebay.

Off topic tangent: I get asked from time to time about my thoughts on ebay shopping. I hate it. This is the only item of clothing I have ever acquired that way. After winning the bid for five bucks, I promptly mailed the check. After a week, when it hadn't arrived. I left a negative comment about the seller, who was so desperate to have said comment removed that he sent me the shirt and my check back. Lucky me. A hell of a lot of trouble for what really is kind of a crappy shirt. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Besides, as far as I'm concerned, a computer auction is a poor substitute for the thrill of the hunt, and the avaricious euphoria of finding something and paying near nothing for it on the spot. Must the almost the same rush that keeps the criminals going. But I digress...

Anyway, add these less than spectacular and somewhat "grandpa driving a golf cart in palm beach" threads to a year round hopsack J.Press 3/2 navy blazer, possibly also a blend, possibly also seventies vintage, and everything works out fine: finish barefoot with boat shoes

and, as always, bring the whole thing alive with accessories. Lately I've been very happy with this particular paisley pocket square (heisted from dear old Dad 15 years ago):

and ribbon belt ( Polo, $0.99)


My point is, while polyester may be less than desirable, it's presence in a a garment needn't necessarily be a deal breaker. True, that thick, double knit, rubbery stuff is an abomination, but some of those cotton or wool blends ain't half bad when used with a clever eye. Remember, Clint Eastwood didn't look half bad in all those "Dirty Harry" flicks.
Dressing well is all about having an understanding of style, pattern, color and proportion, as well as some dash and a good deal of disregard for what the chumps will invariably say about you. If you don't get that, than the greatest tailor in Naples won't be able to help you, but if you do get it, really get it, you can practically pick your clothes out of the trash and knock 'em dead every time...or at least shop at the thrift store. It's amazing the things that most people throw away.


Style doesn't care about money.

p.s. a million points to Michael Williams at A Continuous Lean for giving Jack McCoy the credit he deserves. I always thought that dude dressed well...he's got Mike Cutter beat by a mile.