Business attire what happened?

[Gater]

Source: From Russia, With Love, by Ian Fleming.

I would suggest checking out the Pratt knot, as the Pratt is symmetrical.

Many, many years with the 4 in hand as the only tool in my toolbox, just because it was what I knew. The asymmetry was problematic in uniform and the small knot doesn't play well with some collars, but little did I know I was regally chic the whole time.

[Elwin]

I'm an avid Pratt Knot convert. I used full and half Windsors through college but never had great luck preventing them from slipping with silk ties. The Pratt is much better on that front, and gives the triangle and dimple I was always looking for from the other knots. It's also incredibly quick and easy.

[Totem Polar]

And, something to think about regarding the fancy hotel is relativity. To a regular joe, that fancy hotel might mean you should dress up just for being there. Relative to a regular joe, the hotel is fancy.

Do "you" (the regular joe reader) feel the need to dress up when you're having breakfast at the Tru by Hilton, or Holiday Inn Express? Probably not, because it's just a hotel. Not a fancy one.

To a rich person, that fancy hotel is also "just a hotel" when viewed relative to their wealth. So quite a few of them aren't going to feel the need to dress up just because they're at the hotel unless they're partaking in some sort of representation or engagement.

This, at least, has been my experience staying and or working in the finest hotels the world has to offer in over 20 countries, including hotels that are exclusive enough that they operate unlisted (i.e. most people don't realize it's a hotel, you can't just book a room using a Google search, and sometimes are invitational only).

That makes enormous sense. I’m dressing up for the same reason that all the old jazz giants did: to show respect for the art and gain legitimacy. That fully admitted upfront, there’s a line you don’t want to cross. And crocs and an old band t-shirt are beyond that line for me.

When I go to the same place as a guest, I’m at least in clean, newish jeans, a decent solid color t-shirt and Allen Edmonds. Casual, absolutely, but not a slob. Clearly, OMMV on that. I just like to look better than a day at the fishing hole when I’m in town.

[Clusterfrack]

I don’t enjoy formal attire, or the events that require them. I own a sport coat, a few nice shirts, and a pair of good shoes.

In my work, I had a rule about wearing ties: only if there was more than $1M on the table.

One time, at a meeting at DuPont a VP commented on my casual attire, and started to lecture me. I interrupted him with “I don’t work for you.” And explained my rule. “If you are proposing more than a $1M contract I’ll go back to my hotel and get a tie.” No tie.

[Totem Polar]

I’ve been mulling @TGS thoughts on this over. Here’s another interesting phenomenon, which will probably be no surprise: tipping the valets. I always tip those guys on the way out the door from the gig, since they have my car, and I’d like to stay in the good graces of the venue. It didn’t take long *at all* before they knew my name and started giving me the choice spot to load in, and access to the fastest level for parking; I never have to wait more than 60 seconds for my rig once I show up at the exit. They always seem genuinely appreciative for the tip.

Thing is, it’s just a ten. What, people can spend 350-550 a night for a single king room, but a ten spot is seen as a good tip for collecting the type of cars that park there? That’s hard to get my brain around.

[Paul D]

Well stated.

And, something to think about regarding the fancy hotel is relativity. To a regular joe, that fancy hotel might mean you should dress up just for being there. Relative to a regular joe, the hotel is fancy.

Do "you" (the regular joe reader) feel the need to dress up when you're having breakfast at the Tru by Hilton, or Holiday Inn Express? Probably not, because it's just a hotel. Not a fancy one.

To a rich person, that fancy hotel is also "just a hotel" when viewed relative to their wealth. So quite a few of them aren't going to feel the need to dress up just because they're at the hotel unless they're partaking in some sort of representation or engagement.

This, at least, has been my experience staying and or working in the finest hotels the world has to offer in over 20 countries, including hotels that are exclusive enough that they operate unlisted (i.e. most people don't realize it's a hotel, you can't just book a room using a Google search, and sometimes are invitational only).

This so true. I once stayed at the Ritz in London for a long layover. I showed up with my safari clothes on with a backpack and garment bag. No problem. The dining room policy was coat and tie. Fine. I sat with my buddy eating dinner when I saw a sheik like dude wearing an Adidas tracksuit being escorted to a private dining room. Soooooo jealous: Never have I had a burning desire to look like young LL Cool J while eating Beef Wellington.

[Tapatio]

I've read that WWII and Korea killed the market for hats.


Okie John

Perhaps you can explain?

Soldiers got tired of headgear because they had to wear helmets or something?

Inquiring minds would like to know more.

[okie john]

Perhaps you can explain?

Soldiers got tired of headgear because they had to wear helmets or something?

Inquiring minds would like to know more.

I read the article several years ago. I don't remember the source and I may have misunderstood the whole thing, but that's the gist of it. It's not just that you wear a helmet in the military, you wear a hat most of the time and sweet mother of Jesus it gets old. IIRC, several menswear firms were poised to cash in on the hat trade at the end of those wars but nothing came of it.

I did a quick Google search and found something that basically sums up the article that I read: https://theboar.org/2021/07/men-dont-wear-hats/

It's interesting that one of the sources cited is the "Hat Research Foundation (HRF)."


Okie John

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Hats - in 6th grade, we were lining up to go outside into the cold. The teacher told the girls that they could put their hats on. The boys could not until they got outside. I raised my hand and asked why? The answer: Because, be quiet.

Disrespectful, my parents said - To whom? The universe creator who made 13.8 billion years ago, a trillion galaxies, each with 100 billion stars - pauses to say: What, Glenn (a 11 year old) has his hat on inside?

Oh, well.

[jtcarm]

Hats - in 6th grade, we were lining up to go outside into the cold. The teacher told the girls that they could put their hats on. The boys could not until they got outside. I raised my hand and asked why? The answer: Because, be quiet.

Disrespectful, my parents said - To whom? The universe creator who made 13.8 billion years ago, a trillion galaxies, each with 100 billion stars - pauses to say: What, Glenn (a 11 year old) has his hat on inside?

Oh, well.

If wear one indoors, my dad will reach down from the Heavens and slap it off my head.

I can hear my mom sigh every time I leave a shirt tail out.