“Why you should buy clothes to last (almost) forever,” writes Washington Post Climate Advice Columnist Michael J. Coren expressing a philosophy that never questioned at J. Press.
“To build a wardrobe that will last a decade,” he notes, “You have to look beyond how long a garment will stay in fashion or remain wearable. It’s about finding, or cultivating, pieces that are meaningful to you.”
My grandfather, the eponymous founder Jacobi Press, proffered three commandments that continue to hold fast by the company bearing his name:
The post pandemic retail surge in planned menswear obsolescence is running amok—@washingtonpost reports current trends of fast fashion “moving from design to retail rack in less than 15 days…the idea of using clothes beyond a single season, let alone a decade, can seem archaic.”
A Press family generational experience previously on this blog, Ben Press, pictured at a recent event next to a long ago shot of his late grandfather reinforces his grandfather’s always au courant wardrobe philosophy. My son, a former Hollywood talent agent, still dons the inherited formal wear tailored in 1968 for his late grandfather. The formal “trad” outfit got Ben named one of the evening’s best dressed at the 2012 Golden Globes according to the London Daily Mail.
It’s not just tuxedos that retain J. Press relevance. The famed Shaggy Dog Shetland sweaters get shaggier year to year. Suits, worn nowadays less in public than in previous times, still maintain their three-button dignity without appearing outdated. Necktie widths and shirt collars that always look appropriate.
Emotional wardrobe investments at J. Press remain an ongoing tribute to the better half of one’s self-esteem.
RICHARD PRESS
6 comments
Your son looks great, but those pre-made wing-collar shirts are never quite right. The collars are not high enough. Brooks used to sell a detachable wing-collar — the Low Hamilton — that was just the perfect height. I managed to find some on-line the other week.
Having shopped at the “old” 44th. Street location, I can say with great pride I have sport coats and blazers dating back over 25 years, a silk and wool muffler older than 30 years. J Press is timeless.
I finally tossed a Shaggy Dog of mine last after about 30 years of wear. Couldn’t agree more with the sentiment that clothes should last a decade!
My J. Press wardrobe is lasting more than two decades. Through “thick and thin.” and for some items (sport coats) the end is not in sight. Well done.
A few well made pieces of clothing is an investment that will give long term wear and satisfaction.