Category: Clothing

  • Updated My Travel Fit, Watch Out Portugal

    Updated My Travel Fit, Watch Out Portugal

    If you read my Portugal post, you know how this started. Jennifer had opinions about my travel wardrobe. The citizens of Lisbon had opinions about my travel wardrobe. I came home suitably chastened and with a list of things to replace. Well, I’ve replaced most of them. This is the follow-up I promised — what…

  • My Clothing Philosophy (Who Even Has One Of Those?)

    My Clothing Philosophy (Who Even Has One Of Those?)

    If you’ve been following my ongoing clothing saga — the chore coat search, the Red Wing chronicles, the light duty boot quest — you might have noticed that I have opinions. Strong ones. Possibly unreasonably strong ones for someone who spends a meaningful portion of his life mowing a lawn and cutting firewood. But here…

  • Dress to Impress (Who, Exactly? The Fine People of Portugal Obviously.)

    Dress to Impress (Who, Exactly? The Fine People of Portugal Obviously.)

    We just got back from Portugal and it was fantastic. Lisbon, Porto, the hills, the pastéis de nata, the Super Bock — loved all of it. I dress for the weather. I dress for the walking. I dress to stay dry and not have to check a bag. Apparently Portugal noticed. So did Jennifer. They…

  • The Quest for the Perfect Work/Chore/Casual Pants (Or: Why Can’t Someone Just Make What I Want?)

    The Quest for the Perfect Work/Chore/Casual Pants (Or: Why Can’t Someone Just Make What I Want?)

    So here’s what I’m looking for: 100% cotton blue/grey chinos that can handle actual work. Not asking for much, right? Wrong. What I like to wear and find the most practical are 100% cotton chinos in blue/grey. Banana Republic and Gap have a good grey color that’s close to what I want. The BR pants…

  • The Quest for the Perfect Hoodie (Spoiler: It’s Harder Than You Think)

    The Quest for the Perfect Hoodie (Spoiler: It’s Harder Than You Think)

    Look, I know what you’re thinking. “It’s just a hoodie. How complicated can this be?” Well, friend, let me tell you about my very specific requirements and the surprisingly difficult journey they’ve taken me on. Here’s what I need: heavy weight and 100% cotton. That’s it. Two things. But apparently, in the year 2025, finding…

  • Does the Perfect Raincoat Exist?

    Does the Perfect Raincoat Exist?

    Welcome to another installment of “things most people probably don’t overthink but I absolutely do.” Today’s obsession: staying dry when it’s raining out. Some of my most miserable times have been when I’ve gotten soaked and been extremely cold. The two combined are the worst for me—part of why I really dislike cold water swimming.…

  • The Perfect Chore Coat: A Personal Journey

    The Perfect Chore Coat: A Personal Journey

          The search for the perfect chore coat has taken me far and wide, all stemming from my love affair with my first Carhartt C01 Chore Coat purchased at Dave’s on 6th Avenue in NYC back in the mid-90s when I first moved to the city. Love at Second Sight I wasn’t immediately…