The Oxford English Dictionary says the etymology is uncertain, but the 15th century origin of the word flannel likely was the Welsh gwlanen, from gwlan or wool. All of which has only a little to do with the role of the mid-gray flannel suit in the winter wardrobe, where it should have a place as soon as the wearer's life allows it to have the required two (three is better) days of rest between outings.
That rest is required because that same softer finish that makes it desirable in the first place leaves flannel prone to wrinkling somewhat easier than its worsted cousins. Though it should not be the first or second suit in a weekly rotation, the stuff functions perfectly when it is worn only once a week.
What makes the mid-gray flannel suit suit such a prize are its combination of the aforementioned softness, its warmth and its flexibility. Dressed up with a white shirt and dark four in hand, the gray flannel works in the boardroom, and is equally appropriate dressed down for suburbia with a checked shirt and wool challis necktie. Indeed, the only thing I would not recommend is wearing the gray gwlanen suit for travel as Mr. Bond is doing, at gunpoint or otherwise. That propensity to wrinkle you see.
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6 comments:
Bah, the weight of the stuff means that wrinkles don't last long, so it's perfect for those short hops across the Iron Curtain -- and nearly bulletproof. Perfect for nearly any odd jobs you may need to take care of, including putting the pussycat out.
"equally appropriate dressed down for suburbia"
Music to my ears, as that is where I am stuck. My first humble request for more suburbia type posts, please.
Great post! James Bond is the kind of dresser that I aspire to be. Simple, comfortable, with what appears to me to be a nice touch with regards to texture. There are no suits that I like more than my flannel suits. Any man that can kill an assassin underwater, in scuba gear, come ashore, take off the gear and brush of his tux for the party on the beach can certainly handle a few wrinkles!
Turling, Will has an entire page devoted to the suburban gentleman's suggested attire. Do a search for 'suburb'. You will find it enlightening. I certainly did.
Thank you oldsarj, I took your suggestion and found that post. I am, of course, a glutton though and am going to ask for more, more, more. Although, I do have my wife nearly convinced to move to San Francisco simply so I can wear a city wardrobe.
You're younger than I am. Having retired from two careers, both of which took place in the suburbs, and having grown up in them and still live in them, the 'burbs are my native habitat. Let there be glencheck!
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