The London Lounge

How often do I need to get my linen suit pressed?

Never

Press it when it's cleaned. Every five to ten wearings.

Well, are we speaking about a bespoke suit? I would never dry clean it, then, if not for HEAVY problems on it.

Next, I would never make someone else that is not my tailor, press my coats. Trousers may be, periodically, but never a coat.

Someone suggested that my suit is "too much." Can the powder-blue suit be toned down by wearing the jacket with different trousers? Is so, what color?

Frankly, asking how often a suit should be cleaned or pressed is a bit like asking how long is a pice of string!!

Are you heavy on your clothes? Are you a sloppy eater? Do you like your suit looking pressed or rumpled? In other words, there are too many variables for anyone to answer this properly, other than you tailor. He knows your habits.

Leonard

Leonard, while I have your attention, can you suggest pants to go with a powder-blue linen jacket to "tone it down?"

The pictures I recall in the photojournal show a good looking suit that fits well. I do not have an issue with the shade of blue whatsoever. You once mentioned the intention to replace the dark buttons with either pale beige horn or white mother of pearl, both of which I think a good idea.

From my own experience (both my parents are doctors), hospitals are clothes hell. Not only do most of nurses lack any sense of style and elegance, the constant need for changing clothes (operating theatre, white coats, white shoes etc) and hygiene requirements (frequent laundering) kill most doctors' sartorial aspirations, too. You should be applauded for keeping standards up.

If you decide to use the jacket as an odd jacket, too, the trousers should not be of warmer material then the coat. This would leave linen and cotton in colours of sufficient contrast: off white and dark blue would be my choices. But as I said, the suit looks very good as it is.

Please don't go down the English route where you can spot a consultant a mile of because he is grey: clothes, shoes, skin, hair - all grey. There are a few exceptions in Harley Street and private practice, but the majority of NHS doctors I met subscribe to this drab uniform. Depressing.

That is hilarious. Thanks fo the encouragement!

This is all very interesting David, but not nearly as interesting as your nurses telling you that they make fun of you behind your back. It is like telling my wife I am hiding my purchases from her.

Mid to light grey slacks in either tropical wool or linen. Also tan or beige.