Since I've been old to enough to wear a suit, I've wanted one in Prince of Wales check. I think I saw a feature on PoW suits in an ancient edition of Vogue, in those far-off days when it had occasional Men in Vogue features. I had one made for me at Austin Reed some years ago, but it didn't hit the spot and I was disappointed with the quality of the tailoring. One day I'll try again.
Recently Patrick Malahide's appearance in Hunted revived my enthusiasm. What better suit for a strong-willed man wanting to make an impact?
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| Image IMBd photos |
What I like about it is that it strikes a good balance between formal and informal. It doesn't have the formality of pinstripes, but can be worn at a business meeting where a Harris tweed suit would be out of place. On the other hand it also has an informal side, and would not be out of place as 'smart casual in a room full of blazers or tweed suits.
The name originated from Edward VII, who adopted a plaid worn on the Seafield estate in Glen Urquhart when he was Prince of Wales, in the early 1900s. It was taken up later by other Princes of Wales, both Edward VIII, who was Prince of Wales before he became Duke of Windsor on his abdication, and the present Charles, Prince of Wales.
Recreating the look today.
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| Image Anderson and Sheppard Images below Richard James Prince of Wales check suit at Mr Porter    |
I was married in a beautiful P of W suit. As I have no need to wear a suit for work tend only to have a couple for weddings and as I get older increasingly funerals. I agree a fabric that is sufficently formal but ralax enough for all occasions when smart casual is the norm. I have recently aquire a second suit in birdseye another fabric that offers the flexibility of the P of W check. I was first attracted to the P of W when an older brother of a friend, who was a Mod, was to going out one Saturday night dressed in a blazer, button down shirt, loafers, and a pair of P of W trousers. I was 15 at the time and promised one day I would have a suit in the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael, a lovely comment, real style!
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