I’m a suit guy, one hundred percent. I feel most comfortable, most daring, and most myself in a spread collar Y-back braces, and notch lapels. Me in a suit is me in my skin.
Among other sartorial applications, I am a habitual follower of flying in a suit. But in my few years’ experience of the three-piece lifestyle, there’s always a time and place in which it belongs. Definitely not in a time of nineteen hours and a place of two planes, three airports, and one makeshift fort at a food court.
With an 08:30 departure from Hong Kong International Airport, my wife and I had to leave our apartment in Shenzhen at 21:30 to make it on time – international border gates that close at 23:30 and open at 06:30, go figure. With an overnight stay at even a world-class airport, there’d be no way in layover hell I’d be willing to nap, queue, and security check in any suit. Time and place.
Good thing I’ve really been a fan of relaxed fits lately. Billowing trousers, chunky cardigan, and a bomber jacket half a size too big, and my trusty flat cap were my blanket, jammies, eye mask, and everything comforting in an uncomfortable flight plan.
And finally, with the journey’s end at Tokyo Narita, Laura asks for a reassuring thumbs up.
My fingers say “Vacation, ahoy!”
My face: “Direct flights or die.”
The Outfit:
- Muji gingham shirt
- Uniqlo Airism undershirt
- Uniqlo lambswool cardigan
- Vintage Saks 5th Ave bomber (via Whiskey & Honey)
- Dockers K-1 Chinos
- Hand-me-down Timberland boots
