Menswear, Shmenswear

I never realized the world of men's fashion was so complicated. When suits come as a two-piece (jacket and pants together), the waist size is customarily 6 inches smaller than the jacket size. If you aren't those specific measurements, you're out of luck because they won't let you switch. They make suit separates though, so problem solved, right? Wrong. Suits come in "regular" fit and various forms of the new "slim" fit. If you wear a 40R (regular) in "regular" fit, you may be surprised to know that the "slim" fit suits are not sized so that a 40R wears a 40R. No, your self-esteem goes down a notch or two because you're now a 42. If that isn't bad enough, pants these days are flat front and not cuffed. Sleeve length is shorter. These "modern" updates to the good old fashioned suit can be confusing to a guy who hasn't been in the suit buying game for almost a decade.

Thank goodness the man in question has a fabulous, patient daughter who studiously researched sizing, buying vs. having one made, tailoring, where one can buy inbetween sizes (because odd numbered sizes are rare), and where one can browse a decent selection and possibly have a salesperson who knows what they're talking about. This daughter also spent 4 days holding a coat and an assortment of pants and jackets. She ran for different sizes. She ran for more of the same size. She studied the quality and fit of every suit and gave her only marginally knowlegeable opinion when asked. She scrutinized shades of grey, tried to explain the difference between wool and Italian wool (the sheep speak italian?) and desperately attempted to get him to buy a plaid suit.

At last, the quest is over. Tonight, at approximately 7:45pm, two lucky suits were purchased. These suits had the privilege of being deemed worthy enough to go home with this gentleman. His daughter is grateful that it's over, but sad that there won't be anymore heavy artillery shopping with Dad in the near future. It reminded her of the days when he'd just randomly ask her if she wanted to go to the mall. That's music to a 15 year old's ears! So what if it's still musical when that girl is twice that age? Really, don't judge. She won't like it. Whatever.

Good times.