[TomKnighton]

As you can see from my post count, I'm pretty new here. I should also warn you that as a professional writer, I can be kind of longwinded when I'm telling a story. Consider yourself warned.

I started posting in a thread about what our clothing budget for the year would be, and I mentioned that I'm transitioning away from the jeans-and-t-shirt "style" I've been wearing and trying to improve my wardrobe.

I don't think I mentioned why, and I'll get to that in a second.

What I did, and what seemed the most sane to me, was to look at what I already had and build from there. Well, I had some khakis and a few other pairs of slacks that were clearly not part of any suit I've ever owned, the aforementioned jeans, some polo-style shirts, and things of that sort.

Plus, a pile of stuff I inherited from my father. Again, I'll get to that in a second.

All in all, I had an OK start on a trad wardrobe. Nothing was particularly spectacular so far as brands that I can recall, but it was already here so it would be stupid not to use it.

You see, I lost my father on December 4, 2022. He was the last remaining family I had from my childhood other than some rarely-seen cousins. My mom, my grandparents, and even my uncle who was just 12 years older than me, all gone.

A few weeks ago, my stepmother asked me to come and take any of Dad's clothes that would work, so I did. He was a clothes horse and a half--I think a lot of you guys would have liked him--so there was a lot to pick from, and since our closets here are...modest, I didn't take everything I could have.

Still, I was looking at my stuff earlier today and was thinking about the stuff I got that was Dad's and the stuff I didn't take, particularly some shoes as we weren't the same size and it hit me.

Here I am, building a trad wardrobe, and my father was pretty trad in his own clothing choices.

Sure, he wore denim a lot of the time, but he also enjoyed a good pair of khakis. Penny loafers were generally his preferred footwear. Many an OCBD was represented in his closet, a handful now in mine despite being a smidge long in the sleeve.

For just a second, it was a connection with a man I've been missing something fierce over the last few months, and honestly, I'm posting it here because I didn't know where else I could that people might actually appreciate it.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

As you can see from my post count, I'm pretty new here. I should also warn you that as a professional writer, I can be kind of longwinded when I'm telling a story. Consider yourself warned.

I started posting in a thread about what our clothing budget for the year would be, and I mentioned that I'm transitioning away from the jeans-and-t-shirt "style" I've been wearing and trying to improve my wardrobe.

I don't think I mentioned why, and I'll get to that in a second.

What I did, and what seemed the most sane to me, was to look at what I already had and build from there. Well, I had some khakis and a few other pairs of slacks that were clearly not part of any suit I've ever owned, the aforementioned jeans, some polo-style shirts, and things of that sort.

Plus, a pile of stuff I inherited from my father. Again, I'll get to that in a second.

All in all, I had an OK start on a trad wardrobe. Nothing was particularly spectacular so far as brands that I can recall, but it was already here so it would be stupid not to use it.

You see, I lost my father on December 4, 2022. He was the last remaining family I had from my childhood other than some rarely-seen cousins. My mom, my grandparents, and even my uncle who was just 12 years older than me, all gone.

A few weeks ago, my stepmother asked me to come and take any of Dad's clothes that would work, so I did. He was a clothes horse and a half--I think a lot of you guys would have liked him--so there was a lot to pick from, and since our closets here are...modest, I didn't take everything I could have.

Still, I was looking at my stuff earlier today and was thinking about the stuff I got that was Dad's and the stuff I didn't take, particularly some shoes as we weren't the same size and it hit me.

Here I am, building a trad wardrobe, and my father was pretty trad in his own clothing choices.

Sure, he wore denim a lot of the time, but he also enjoyed a good pair of khakis. Penny loafers were generally his preferred footwear. Many an OCBD was represented in his closet, a handful now in mine despite being a smidge long in the sleeve.

For just a second, it was a connection with a man I've been missing something fierce over the last few months, and honestly, I'm posting it here because I didn't know where else I could that people might actually appreciate it.

What a lovely reminiscence. My family is long gone save my brother and cousins, all of whom are physically distant and rarely seen. When my brother and I cleared out my father's apartment, we hurried through things. He was an ultimate TNSIL, except when in uniform. I reflected that it was a shame our sizes were different enough that all I kept was a bowtie.

 

[TomKnighton]

What a lovely reminiscence. My family is long gone save my brother and cousins, all of whom are physically distant and rarely seen. When my brother and I cleared out my father's apartment, we hurried through things. He was an ultimate TNSIL, except when in uniform. I reflected that it was a shame our sizes were different enough that all I kept was a bowtie.

That is a shame, and Dad and I were different in a number of sizes, but not so much that I can't get any use out of his clothing.

Oddly enough, despite me being 5'8" and him being 6', we wore the same pant size. Then again, my 6'3" son does as well, so it's clearly genetic.

His shirts are a bit large, both in the neck and the sleeve, really, but I'm really fortunate to have so much of his stuff that I can wear and feel a little closer to him for a little bit.

It'll all wear out eventually--none of it seems to be particularly bomb-proof in quality, unfortunately--but until then, I'm glad to have them.

No bowties, though. Neither of us ever really went that particular route.

 

[Charles Dana]

Thank you for the interesting story. I offer my condolences on the loss of your father.

You briefly referred to some of the garments you took from your father’s closet. When you have a chance, could you be more specific? (This is a clothing forum after all. Details matter.) How many OCBDs did you garner? What colors? How many pairs of khakis? Any wool trousers? Suits? Sport coats? Outerwear? Any neckties? What brands?

By the way, those OCBDs that are “a smidge long in the sleeve” can be made to fit correctly if you move the cuff buttons over just a bit to tighten the cuffs.

If it looks as though I’m asking for a lot, that’s because I am—because in this forum, no clothing-related story is too long, especially when it treats us to specifics.

Thank you again, and welcome to the forum.

 

[TomKnighton]

Thank you for the interesting story. I offer my condolences on the loss of your father.

You briefly referred to some of the garments you took from your father’s closet. When you have a chance, could you be more specific? (This is a clothing forum after all. Details matter.)

Sure. Be happy to. Answered in order:

How many OCBDs did you garner? Four, plus a lot of short-sleeve button-up (but not button-down) shirts. Those had some wild prints that might not be very trad but were enough to make my wife's eyes roll, so that made it worth it.

What colors? Three were red, including one with a University of Georgia logo--Dad was a huge 'Dawgs fan--and a white one. One was Izod and another was Nautica, though I'm unsure on the other two.

How many pairs of khakis? Any wool trousers? Suits? Sport coats? Outerwear? Any neckties? I'm afraid I didn't come home with any of that. He was unlikely to have any wool trousers, though, as we live in Georgia and the weather often discourages us from too much wool in our wardrobes. I didn't see any of his suits or outerwear and as for ties, well, I had plenty already so I didn't even think to look at or for them.

What brands? On most stuff, I didn't even catch the brand, I'm afraid, other than those I posted above.

By the way, those OCBDs that are “a smidge long in the sleeve” can be made to fit correctly if you move the cuff buttons over just a bit to tighten the cuffs. That's all? That's not a big issue. I can probably talk my wife into doing it rather than taking them to the tailor for it.

If it looks as though I’m asking for a lot, that’s because I am—because in this forum, no clothing-related story is too long, especially when it treats us to specifics. No worries. I'm happy to answer them. For once, it feels like I have something to contribute.

Thank you again, and welcome to the forum. Thanks. I'm happy to be here.

 

[fishertw]

My mother once told me that my dad would rather buy a tie than eat when he was hungry. I take after him. When he died almost 30 years ago, he was substantially larger in the waist and shorter than me so few of his things fit me. I always envied his shoes and his jackets in particular and just today was recalling something about a pair of shoes that he had. Thanks for taking us down memory lane and I can assure you, your recollections will stay with you and be a treasure for years to come.

 

[TomKnighton]

My mother once told me that my dad would rather buy a tie than eat when he was hungry. I take after him. When he died almost 30 years ago, he was substantially larger in the waist and shorter than me so few of his things fit me. I always envied his shoes and his jackets in particular and just today was recalling something about a pair of shoes that he had. Thanks for taking us down memory lane and I can assure you, your recollections will stay with you and be a treasure for years to come.

Thank you.

 

[Charles Dana]

Sure. Be happy to. Answered in order:

How many OCBDs did you garner? Four, plus a lot of short-sleeve button-up (but not button-down) shirts. Those had some wild prints that might not be very trad but were enough to make my wife's eyes roll, so that made it worth it.

What colors? Three were red, including one with a University of Georgia logo--Dad was a huge 'Dawgs fan--and a white one. One was Izod and another was Nautica, though I'm unsure on the other two.

How many pairs of khakis? Any wool trousers? Suits? Sport coats? Outerwear? Any neckties? I'm afraid I didn't come home with any of that. He was unlikely to have any wool trousers, though, as we live in Georgia and the weather often discourages us from too much wool in our wardrobes. I didn't see any of his suits or outerwear and as for ties, well, I had plenty already so I didn't even think to look at or for them.

What brands? On most stuff, I didn't even catch the brand, I'm afraid, other than those I posted above.

By the way, those OCBDs that are “a smidge long in the sleeve” can be made to fit correctly if you move the cuff buttons over just a bit to tighten the cuffs. That's all? That's not a big issue. I can probably talk my wife into doing it rather than taking them to the tailor for it.

If it looks as though I’m asking for a lot, that’s because I am—because in this forum, no clothing-related story is too long, especially when it treats us to specifics. No worries. I'm happy to answer them. For once, it feels like I have something to contribute.

Thank you again, and welcome to the forum. Thanks. I'm happy to be here.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!

 

[TomKnighton]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!

Happy to do so.

 

[Theoden]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope having a few of his items lightens your load a bit and evokes some sweet memories.

 

[TomKnighton]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope having a few of his items lightens your load a bit and evokes some sweet memories.

They do.

And I think he'd enjoy watching me delve down into the rabbit hole we have here. I only wish we could discuss all this over a bite at one of our favorite places to meet up for lunch. I really think he would have liked it here.

 

[Theoden]

They do.

And I think he'd enjoy watching me delve down into the rabbit hole we have here. I only wish we could discuss all this over a bite at one of our favorite places to meet up for lunch. I really think he would have liked it here.

It's often in the bittersweet nostaglia and reflection on our lives that we touch the sublime. I hope this forum brings you some comraderie and joy.

 

[TomKnighton]

It's often in the bittersweet nostaglia and and reflection of our lives that we touch the sublime. I hope this forum brings you come comraderie and joy.

So far, it has.

While it has its own insufferable souls like anywhere else, the good far outweighs the ill, and what more can one reasonably hope for?

 

[Figuringitout]

If we’re sharing family stories: My family came over from Poland in the 1930s, it’s hard to get exact numbers but the rough estimate is about 1/4 of them made it to America, the rest died in camps and in the Warsaw uprising. My grandfather ended up as a steel foreman after the war, he and his brothers all worked in the steel plant and the docks, made good money. Growing up he stood out to me as an absolute giant of a man, tall, barrel chested, booming voice. He was blue collar but loved clothes, he had two closets of just sport coats. I remember the smell and the rough feel of the tweeds, the elbow patches, round leather buttons. The sport coats felt impossibly heavy when I was a kid, I couldn’t imagine ever being able to wear something like that. He passed many years ago, and I wasn’t into this style of clothing until I was much older, I’ve only been building my wardrobe in earnest for a couple of years now. When I go searching for clothes I often see fabric patterns or logos that jog a distant memory and it will hit me: My grandfather had this exact coat. Slightly different size of course, I’m the same height he was but thinner. It may sound silly but I buy the items as I find them and it feels like I’m reaching out and connecting with him in a way I never had the chance to, like I’m carrying on a family tradition.

 

[Theoden]

If we’re sharing family stories: My family came over from Poland in the 1930s, it’s hard to get exact numbers but the rough estimate is about 1/4 of them made it to America, the rest died in camps and in the Warsaw uprising. My grandfather ended up as a steel foreman after the war, he and his brothers all worked in the steel plant and the docks, made good money. Growing up he stood out to me as an absolute giant of a man, tall, barrel chested, booming voice. He was blue collar but loved clothes, he had two closets of just sport coats. I remember the smell and the rough feel of the tweeds, the elbow patches, round leather buttons. The sport coats felt impossibly heavy when I was a kid, I couldn’t imagine ever being able to wear something like that. He passed many years ago, and I wasn’t into this style of clothing until I was much older, I’ve only been building my wardrobe in earnest for a couple of years now. When I go searching for clothes I often see fabric patterns or logos that jog a distant memory and it will hit me: My grandfather had this exact coat. Slightly different size of course, I’m the same height he was but thinner. It may sound silly but I buy the items as I find them and it feels like I’m reaching out and connecting with him in a way I never had the chance to, like I’m carrying on a family tradition.

Thanks for sharing these stories. I think clothing, especially if passed down, is an amazing link to the past. I was a sloppy dresser for a long time, and have been paying attention more in the last 13 years. Funny my father (long since passed) wasn't much of a dresser, but he had a dark charcoal flannel suit if I recall. I now have one, too.
Funny isn't it? When I was 14, I used to look up to my uncle and I noticed he wore a certain cologne, Tabac, which isn't anything fancy, but it seemed rather sophisticated to me at the time. I look a liking to it and still wear it to this day.

 

[TomKnighton]

Thanks for sharing these stories. I think clothing, especially if passed down, is an amazing link to the past. I was a sloppy dresser for a long time, and have been paying attention more in the last 12-12 years. Funny my father (long since passed) wasn't much of a dresser, but he had a dark charcoal flannel suit if I recall. I now have one, too. Funny isn't it? When I was 14, used to look up to my uncle and I noticed he wore a certain cologne, Tabac, which isn't anything fancy, but it seemed rather sophisticated to me at the time. I look a liking to it and still wear it to this day.

A lot of time, we don't realize the ways people have impacted our lives.

Not until well after we have a chance to tell them, at least.

 

[William Kazak]

My dad wore some kind of poly blend blazers popular in the 70's, I guess it was. I never cared for them at all. His leather shoes were too big for me so I did not save any of his clothing. Sometimes, he wore loose blue jeans, another look that I did not like on him. I must admit that I appreciate him taking my brother and I to Robert Hall Clothing. We had suits and over coats and fedora hats. I always cared for my clothes growing up. We had to wear neck ties to high school. That was not a problem. I had a green sharkskin suit that I wore to me with grade graduation dance party. With a tie, of course. My favorite uncle wore pleated trousers and I liked that. I have always admired the movie stars who wore pleated, high rise trousers with cuffs.