How to dress casually: Reader question

Read MoreAug 15th 2012

Dear Simon,Many thanks for the invaluable resource of your blog when it comes to style. I started reading a month or so ago and am taking pleasure in devouring the wealth of information there is on classic sartorial menswear.However, the occasions on...

How to dress casually: Reader question

Dear Simon,Many thanks for the invaluable resource of your blog when it comes to style. I started reading a month or so ago and am taking pleasure in devouring the wealth of information there is on classic sartorial menswear.However, the occasions on...

Aug 15th 2012

Do I need black shoes (and if so, which?) - Reader question

Read MoreAug 6th 2015

  As with many reader questions, this one evolved over several email messages back and forth. I know Joel won’t mind if I restructure that exchange into a conversation, in order to put the inquiries in the right order. And add a little narrative....

Do I need black shoes (and if so, which?) - Reader question

  As with many reader questions, this one evolved over several email messages back and forth. I know Joel won’t mind if I restructure that exchange into a conversation, in order to put the inquiries in the right order. And add a little narrative....

Aug 6th 2015

How to pack a suit jacket: Reader question

Read MoreSep 27th 2012

Hi Simon,First of all let me say I'm a massive fan of your blog. In fact I've even cancelled my GQ subscription because of your blog. Doesn't mean you should start charging us though! I was wondering if you could do a post on how to carry your suit w...

How to pack a suit jacket: Reader question

Hi Simon,First of all let me say I'm a massive fan of your blog. In fact I've even cancelled my GQ subscription because of your blog. Doesn't mean you should start charging us though! I was wondering if you could do a post on how to carry your suit w...

Sep 27th 2012

Picking a tailor: Reader question

Read MoreNov 7th 2012

Dear Mr CromptonMy name is Francisco Gomez, from Colombia. I recently stumbled upon your blog and have become an avid reader of it, since I have always loved all things related to clothing, accessories etc.I am currently in the process of having my f...

Picking a tailor: Reader question

Dear Mr CromptonMy name is Francisco Gomez, from Colombia. I recently stumbled upon your blog and have become an avid reader of it, since I have always loved all things related to clothing, accessories etc.I am currently in the process of having my f...

Nov 7th 2012

Storing handkerchiefs: Reader question

Read MoreOct 29th 2012

Hello, I'm a new reader of your blog, and I must say I'm enjoying it thoroughly. As I read it, I realised that I had a question I haven't found a good answer to and it’s been bothering me no end: what is the best way to store one’s pocket square...

Storing handkerchiefs: Reader question

Hello, I'm a new reader of your blog, and I must say I'm enjoying it thoroughly. As I read it, I realised that I had a question I haven't found a good answer to and it’s been bothering me no end: what is the best way to store one’s pocket square...

Oct 29th 2012

Reader questions: Snow, shoes, soles

Read MoreDec 3rd 2010

Ed, London: I just bought a pair of boots and was considering putting rubber soles on top of the leather ones, to make them harder wearing and more suited to the rain and the snow. Is this a good idea?Pearse, London: With the weather being the way it...

Reader questions: Snow, shoes, soles

Ed, London: I just bought a pair of boots and was considering putting rubber soles on top of the leather ones, to make them harder wearing and more suited to the rain and the snow. Is this a good idea?Pearse, London: With the weather being the way it...

Dec 3rd 2010

How to wear socks with a suit: Reader question

Read MoreMay 17th 2013

Colours that go with tan Dear Simon, I'm getting stuck putting an outfit together, and what it comes down to is the socks.   I'm wearing a mid-grey worsted wool suit with a sky-blue shirt and regimental tie of burgundy and navy stripes...

How to wear socks with a suit: Reader question

Colours that go with tan Dear Simon, I'm getting stuck putting an outfit together, and what it comes down to is the socks.   I'm wearing a mid-grey worsted wool suit with a sky-blue shirt and regimental tie of burgundy and navy stripes...

May 17th 2013

How to buy my first bespoke suit - reader question

Read MoreFeb 3rd 2014

Dear Simon, In a couple of months time I will be 21. This is clearly an important time in one's life, in my case particularly as I will also be undertaking the purchase of my first bespoke suit. As a regular reader of your blog I'm seeking your advi...

How to buy my first bespoke suit - reader question

Dear Simon, In a couple of months time I will be 21. This is clearly an important time in one's life, in my case particularly as I will also be undertaking the purchase of my first bespoke suit. As a regular reader of your blog I'm seeking your advi...

Feb 3rd 2014

Reader questions: The menswear classics

Read MoreJan 25th 2011

Some questions are known as the menswear classics. These are the queries that columns like GQ’s Style Guy, and websites like Permanent Style, get every few weeks – no matter how many times they have been answered. What should I wear for my weddin...

Reader questions: The menswear classics

Some questions are known as the menswear classics. These are the queries that columns like GQ’s Style Guy, and websites like Permanent Style, get every few weeks – no matter how many times they have been answered. What should I wear for my weddin...

Jan 25th 2011

Reader question: Suit for work and play

Read MoreMay 20th 2009

Hsin Qin Tang: I have been following your blog for over two years now. I have learned many things and I would like to know your opinion on what to wear for an upcoming occasion. My eldest sister is getting married this August and the wedding dinner i...

Reader question: Suit for work and play

Hsin Qin Tang: I have been following your blog for over two years now. I have learned many things and I would like to know your opinion on what to wear for an upcoming occasion. My eldest sister is getting married this August and the wedding dinner i...

May 20th 2009

Staples for a hot climate - Reader question

Read MoreDec 28th 2016

Dear Simon, I recently read your 2014 article, 'The staples of a good wardrobe' and was wondering how you would modify it for warmer climes like Hong Kong and Singapore?Grey flannel isn’t a great option for most of the year here, cashmere is har...

Staples for a hot climate - Reader question

Dear Simon, I recently read your 2014 article, 'The staples of a good wardrobe' and was wondering how you would modify it for warmer climes like Hong Kong and Singapore?Grey flannel isn’t a great option for most of the year here, cashmere is har...

Dec 28th 2016

Me, outside the blog: Reader questions

Read MoreSep 27th 2017

In this next installment of posts responding to reader questions (see original list here), I will try to answer those about my life outside Permanent Style. Now, some readers have asked why I answer these questions, and indeed why readers put them....

Me, outside the blog: Reader questions

In this next installment of posts responding to reader questions (see original list here), I will try to answer those about my life outside Permanent Style. Now, some readers have asked why I answer these questions, and indeed why readers put them....

Sep 27th 2017

How to work with travelling tailors: Reader question

Read MoreSep 24th 2014

 Dear Simon,My name is Lukas. I've been an avid permanent style reader for several years and absolutely love your articles. For about four years, I have been altering RTW blazers, trousers and suits. On two occasions i've also had MTM suits made. Ha...

How to work with travelling tailors: Reader question

 Dear Simon,My name is Lukas. I've been an avid permanent style reader for several years and absolutely love your articles. For about four years, I have been altering RTW blazers, trousers and suits. On two occasions i've also had MTM suits made. Ha...

Sep 24th 2014

How to wear tan shoes - reader question

Read MoreOct 6th 2014

 Dear Simon,As with your other readers who write, let me say how much I enjoy your posts, columns, etc. They are fun to read and informative. All your posts on shoes, and brown shoes in particular, have been very useful, and I am slowly building a ...

How to wear tan shoes - reader question

 Dear Simon,As with your other readers who write, let me say how much I enjoy your posts, columns, etc. They are fun to read and informative. All your posts on shoes, and brown shoes in particular, have been very useful, and I am slowly building a ...

Oct 6th 2014

Double-breasted smoking jacket: Reader question

Read MoreNov 26th 2012

Simon,Firstly, please accept my apologies if this email address is not appropriate for you to receive and reply to individual questions.My apology offered, if you are still reading then I thank you and pose my question...I am a heavyset man that has ...

Double-breasted smoking jacket: Reader question

Simon,Firstly, please accept my apologies if this email address is not appropriate for you to receive and reply to individual questions.My apology offered, if you are still reading then I thank you and pose my question...I am a heavyset man that has ...

Nov 26th 2012

A suit at Thom Sweeney: Reader question

Read MoreOct 3rd 2012

Dear Simon,??I hope that you don't mind me emailing you, but I have a few questions regarding bespoke and made-to-measure suits that I need to ask someone who knows about style, and you seem to be one of the most knowledgeable on the subject.??...

A suit at Thom Sweeney: Reader question

Dear Simon,??I hope that you don't mind me emailing you, but I have a few questions regarding bespoke and made-to-measure suits that I need to ask someone who knows about style, and you seem to be one of the most knowledgeable on the subject.??...

Oct 3rd 2012

Buying a versatile black shoe: Reader question

Read MoreJun 29th 2012

The best of both worlds? An Alfred Sargent ArmfieldDear Simon,I have a quick question regarding black shoes that I thought you might be able to help with. I'm thinking of investing in a good pair of versatile black shoes that I can wear for business ...

Buying a versatile black shoe: Reader question

The best of both worlds? An Alfred Sargent ArmfieldDear Simon,I have a quick question regarding black shoes that I thought you might be able to help with. I'm thinking of investing in a good pair of versatile black shoes that I can wear for business ...

Jun 29th 2012

Reader question: Summer shoes

Read MoreMay 30th 2012

Edward Green Pimlico, unlinedHi Simon,I have been searching the internet but not really found anything thatreally helps, unless I have been asking Google the wrong questions.Anyway, with the weather finally being that of the south of France, going to...

Reader question: Summer shoes

Edward Green Pimlico, unlinedHi Simon,I have been searching the internet but not really found anything thatreally helps, unless I have been asking Google the wrong questions.Anyway, with the weather finally being that of the south of France, going to...

May 30th 2012

Reader question: Looking after ties

Read MoreApr 16th 2012

Dear Simon,Having read with great interest all your articles (over many, many hours – I am a late-comer to your site) I have been amassing information. Now that I have actually started to purchase clothes etc, the question I have of ties, which I i...

Reader question: Looking after ties

Dear Simon,Having read with great interest all your articles (over many, many hours – I am a late-comer to your site) I have been amassing information. Now that I have actually started to purchase clothes etc, the question I have of ties, which I i...

Apr 16th 2012

Reader question: first bespoke, in Hong Kong

Read MoreMar 28th 2012

WW Chan jacket, courtesy of The ArmouryHi Simon,As an expat Brit living in Hong Kong, I like to think have a keen eye for style and fashion but surprisingly had never thought about going bespoke until I got married last year. My first attempt was in ...

Reader question: first bespoke, in Hong Kong

WW Chan jacket, courtesy of The ArmouryHi Simon,As an expat Brit living in Hong Kong, I like to think have a keen eye for style and fashion but surprisingly had never thought about going bespoke until I got married last year. My first attempt was in ...

Mar 28th 2012

Reader question: Trouser waists

Read MoreDec 31st 2010

Anonymous: Do you prefer adjustable metal tabs or adjustable buttons on your suit pants? Is one more formal than the other? Also, I assume your suit pants do not have belt loops...correct?I’ve had a few such questions over the past few months, so l...

Reader question: Trouser waists

Anonymous: Do you prefer adjustable metal tabs or adjustable buttons on your suit pants? Is one more formal than the other? Also, I assume your suit pants do not have belt loops...correct?I’ve had a few such questions over the past few months, so l...

Dec 31st 2010

Reader question: Differences between bespoke tailors

Read MoreFeb 17th 2010

CS, Los Angeles: I have been reading PS for the last few months in an effort to educate myself on various matters of style. First and foremost, I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into your work in this area. I suspect that you have a...

Reader question: Differences between bespoke tailors

CS, Los Angeles: I have been reading PS for the last few months in an effort to educate myself on various matters of style. First and foremost, I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into your work in this area. I suspect that you have a...

Feb 17th 2010

Reader question: Wearing odd jackets

Read MoreOct 16th 2009

David: I very much enjoy your blog and find it to be a great source of inspiration in my desire to master the art of permanent style. I was hoping you could help me in the matter of choosing odd jackets. I am starting a new job where most people wear...

Reader question: Wearing odd jackets

David: I very much enjoy your blog and find it to be a great source of inspiration in my desire to master the art of permanent style. I was hoping you could help me in the matter of choosing odd jackets. I am starting a new job where most people wear...

Oct 16th 2009

Reader question: Suit brands

Read MoreJul 15th 2009

Will, Minnesota: Simon, I wrote to you before on a style matter. As I’ve sought suits and separates lately, I’ve learned that while I thought I was a 40, I am truly around a 38 long – sometimes a 36. In-turn, I’ve learned that some designers ...

Reader question: Suit brands

Will, Minnesota: Simon, I wrote to you before on a style matter. As I’ve sought suits and separates lately, I’ve learned that while I thought I was a 40, I am truly around a 38 long – sometimes a 36. In-turn, I’ve learned that some designers ...

Jul 15th 2009

Reader question: A suit for my wedding

Read MoreJul 11th 2009

Michael, Atlanta: I’m a long time reader and have greatly enjoyed your posts, and have even more enjoyed applying their message. I’m about a year away from my wedding and am looking to have a suit made for it. I am looking at either a black with...

Reader question: A suit for my wedding

Michael, Atlanta: I’m a long time reader and have greatly enjoyed your posts, and have even more enjoyed applying their message. I’m about a year away from my wedding and am looking to have a suit made for it. I am looking at either a black with...

Jul 11th 2009