Women and Mens Wear

[Guest]

Do they mix?

It' easy to say Hell No but, I tell you, there sure are alot of women shopping with their guys for mens wear. Barneys was crawling with this specimen couple recently.

Do they look at it as bonding? Or mothering? Or 'sharing', God forbid?

What is your philosophy and how do you handle the issue? It really can be quite a cold bath on the relationship if you ignore them when it comes to choosing your clothes....

Quite a vexing issue, really.

[Guest]

It is another example of the intrusion of women into the masculine sphere, in this case, a sphere that rightfully should remain masculine. Moreover, it also exemplifies the fecklessness, ignorance, and lack of assertiveness in so many men today. Nothing is more pathetic than a young man in a tuxedo rental shop, his bride-to-be picking out colors that will coordinate oh so nicely with the bride's maids' gowns.

My wife is uninvolved with my clothes buying except for me advising her when I am making a purchase. I use a couple of modest income streams separate from the main ones that are specifically for my purchases. All I do is advise her of a purchase and might consult with her if it is unusually costly. I also make a point of showing her what I've bought, which she seems to appreciate and enjoy. She has learned a lot about quality in clothing from our discussions.

[Guest]

Something I overheard one of my tailors asking a client who had brought his wife-to-be and who was sticking her oar in where it really wasn't needed, therefore needlessly dragging out the whole process.

T (in the fitting room): Excuse me sir, will you be going with your fiancee to her dressmaker for her fittings.

C: Oh no,certainly not - it's not allowed.

T: So why the f@*% did you bring her with you today?

C (to his credit):To be honest, I'm beginning to ask myself the same question.

[Guest]

The same tailor was heard to reply, when asked by a client if he could suggest anything that would go well with the rather garish shirt he had bought earlier during the day - "Paraffin, sir?"

[Guest]

A very complex issue, really.

There is so much subtext in deciding whether or not to allow a woman's involvement in our clothing choices as to make one first reach for a strong drink before even honestly contemplating the issue.

Reluctantly, I must conclude that yes one must allow a woman's involvement if she wants this.

It can be a question of who she wants you to be vs. who you want to be. A question of identities.

One recent blow below the belt delivered with excruciating understatement, from which I am still recovering, is that she would like me to 'dress younger'.

My God, if that is not fraught with innuendo and promotes self-doubt....

I don't know what I shall do but I don't want to alienate her further and I think that I would rather be with her in D&G than alone in A&S.

What a pickle women can put you in.

[Guest]

Something I overheard one of my tailors asking a client who had brought his wife-to-be and who was sticking her oar in where it really wasn't needed, therefore needlessly dragging out the whole process.

T (in the fitting room): Excuse me sir, will you be going with your fiancee to her dressmaker for her fittings.

C: Oh no,certainly not - it's not allowed.

T: So why the f@*% did you bring her with you today?

C (to his credit):To be honest, I'm beginning to ask myself the same question.

I have heard similar stories.

However, some women have a talent for picking excellent cuts, cloths, and color combinations. Such women can be very helpful. After all, don't most of us dress to be attractive to the ladies?

I know the owner of a high-end ladies resale shop, and I would be very comfortable shopping with her. Although she's not into hand stitching and full canvas coats, she has an excellent sense of color, cloth, and cut.

Although menswear is dominated by male sales help, there are a few terrific saleswomen whose taste I would trust. E.g., Frances at Bergdorf's Kiton department and the manger of Peter Elliot Blue (sorry, her name escapes me). Also, there is a lady, Lianna Lee, who is a custom mens clothier and has a very attractive store on Lexington and about 62nd St.

[Guest]

Something I overheard one of my tailors asking a client who had brought his wife-to-be and who was sticking her oar in where it really wasn't needed, therefore needlessly dragging out the whole process.

T (in the fitting room): Excuse me sir, will you be going with your fiancee to her dressmaker for her fittings.

C: Oh no,certainly not - it's not allowed.

T: So why the f@*% did you bring her with you today?

C (to his credit):To be honest, I'm beginning to ask myself the same question.

I have heard similar stories.

However, some women have a talent for picking excellent cuts, cloths, and color combinations. Such women can be very helpful. After all, don't most of us dress to be attractive to the ladies?

I know the owner of a high-end ladies resale shop, and I would be very comfortable shopping with her. Although she's not into hand stitching and full canvas coats, she has an excellent sense of color, cloth, and cut.

Although menswear is dominated by male sales help, there are a few terrific saleswomen whose taste I would trust. E.g., Frances at Bergdorf's Kiton department and the manger of Peter Elliot Blue (sorry, her name escapes me). Also, there is a lady, Lianna Lee, who is a custom mens clothier and has a very attractive store on Lexington and about 62nd St.