everything about the western suit is a triumph of form over function and the use of many, many small details as signifiers for one to show they “belong” among those of high status, or betray through ignorance that they are interlopers, others, poors.
the necktie, the length of the jacket, the lines, lapel notches, vent locations, how the fabric rests and the location of seams and cuffs in relation to anatomy.
it’s taken for granted that “it’s hard for women to find clothing that fits” but it is impossible for a man to find a suit (the definitive costume of high status) off any rack that fits his specific body. all require tailoring, even custom cut to length options. a bespoke item is a 10-50x increase over a decent off-the-rack item that has been adjusted, and the bespoke item will come with consultation by the tailor about notches, flaps, buttons, button hole stitching, and a dozen other weird details to ensure the item meets the criteria for the desired range of casual and formal events.
yeah it’s just another one of those things where we made up a bunch of bullshit rules so that rich people who have the time can memorize all those rules and then judge who does or does not belong in their social groups by how well they also memorized all the rules
everything about the western suit is a triumph of form over function and the use of many, many small details as signifiers for one to show they “belong” among those of high status, or betray through ignorance that they are interlopers, others, poors.
the necktie, the length of the jacket, the lines, lapel notches, vent locations, how the fabric rests and the location of seams and cuffs in relation to anatomy.
it’s taken for granted that “it’s hard for women to find clothing that fits” but it is impossible for a man to find a suit (the definitive costume of high status) off any rack that fits his specific body. all require tailoring, even custom cut to length options. a bespoke item is a 10-50x increase over a decent off-the-rack item that has been adjusted, and the bespoke item will come with consultation by the tailor about notches, flaps, buttons, button hole stitching, and a dozen other weird details to ensure the item meets the criteria for the desired range of casual and formal events.
it is the theater of western elitism.
yeah it’s just another one of those things where we made up a bunch of bullshit rules so that rich people who have the time can memorize all those rules and then judge who does or does not belong in their social groups by how well they also memorized all the rules
that’s what a lot of grammar rules are too
Meanwhile, if the bib overalls fit you, you’re all set. Do whatever you want with the buttons there’s no barons around to start squealing about it.