Heavy Tweed Jacket's Magnum Opus on Striped Shirts

Heavy Tweed Jacket is one of my favorite blogs, he focuses on Trad - Classic Traditional American clothing, but curiously is a resident of Japan.  I suppose that is not all that curious, considering how many great trad pieces that I list on eBay end up being shipped to Japan!

Recently he posted an incredible article on the various striped shirts that are available.  I have to admit, this helped clarify the difference between some terms such as "pinstripe" "candy stripe" and "university stripe" although if there is one thing that this article taught me it is that we need not follow a prescription with labeling the type of stripes on these shirts.

Check out the article: HTJ Archives: Shirts of Every Stripe

Grenadine Ties

 

If I could only own one tie, it would definitely be a grenadine.  It goes with everything, since it is plain, but it has enough texture due to the way that it is made, that its not boring.  They are made by various makers, but I prefer mine to be about 3.5 inches in length, as with most of my other ties.  Plain colors match with everything and you can even keep a bright stripey Etro under control with one.  Looks great with suits or sportcoats. 

J.Press has some on sale in the skinny and normal length variety, a bargain at under $65.

Paul Stuart offers them for $98.60

Sam Hober offers them for $80

There are a number of other higher end retailers who offer this fine neckwear option such as Brioni, Drakes, (pictured above) Turnbull and Asser if you have more money to spend, then go one of those routes.

Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts

I recently came across a fine bargain for a Charles Tyrwhitt shirt.  The deal is a new Charles Tyrwhitt shirt, from a selection of several hundred patterns and colors as well as a free tie and free shipping for $39.50.  I am not affiliated with Charles Tyrwhitt in any way, but this is an awesome deal!  I have come across a number of Tyrwhitt shirts in my thrifting adventures, and I always grab them, because they are very popular and high quality.  I decided to take the plunge and ordered a white "oxford" shirt with standard button cuffs in their "slim" fit.  I also ordered a navy tie with small polka dots and grabbed a pair of silk knots for my Turnbull & Asser shirt.  The grand total: $45.50.

I patiently waited for the items to arrive, and after about 7 or 8 days, the package showed up.

The tie is a fine silk, and fairly slim.  I left the tags on, but plan on wearing it for my next formal obligation.

I prefer button cuffs, as they are more appropriate for my station in the business world (a grunt) and a white, business shirt one of those staples you will always need as many as you can get!

A nice Tyrwhitt touch, complementary bronze collar stays.

The fit is pretty good, although the shirt could definitely use a good pressing.  Here I am with my new Turnbull & Asser tie, and a pair of charcoal wool Zanellas.  Please excuse the douchebaggy face, caught myself mid blink!

Here are the silk knot cufflinks with the aforementioned T&A shirt, a Paul Stuart tie, and the same Zanellas, a little untucked, but I am pleased with the links

Received a catalog that is pretty tastefully done and highlights the collection.  I enjoy those farthing cufflinks in the bottom photo, definitely on my list.  The Ben Silver catalog arrived on the same day and is fantastic as well!