In Defence of Double Monks

Hi,

Welcome to the Bunk Bed Monthly.

Growing up, Ollie and I shared a room. Not just to allow our sister a separate space to paint and listen to punk rock — we preferred it.

Part of the appeal was that we could talk (usually nonsense) to each other at all hours, from our bunk bed.

Hence the name: The Bunk Bed Monthly.

I’m kicking things off, so you’re getting the view from the Bottom Bunk — my musings on tailoring and the like.

Next month, you’ll get the view from the Top Bunk, a.k.a. Ollie’s perspective.

So, let’s get to it.

— 

I heard someone talking down double monks the other day. Just as I was thinking about getting some again. Funny how these things happen.

They had a revival in the 2010s. Then, for some reason, they fell out of fashion again. Let’s blame Brexit, the pandemic, seed oils, or something.

Anyway, like the Halley’s Comet, certain items tend to come back around when the sartorial cosmos sees fit.

They’re back in, baby.

Just be sure to follow these rules and you’ll look less New England Pilgrim and more “style pioneer”:

• A slimmer sole lends itself to a slightly tapered trouser.

• Wider legged trousers — as are currently the fashion — are better served up with a commando or slightly thicker, rubber-soled shoe.

• Full grain leather works with the slight lustre of a worsted wool suit — classic suiting cloths.

• Pebble grain or suede offer a rugged balance to flannels, corduroys, moleskins, tweeds, etc. The types of cloth your “no brown in town” too-corporate-for-his-own-good director might turn his nose up at.

• Nowadays, always wear your monks with dark socks. (My teenage self was guilty of going sockless. But let’s leave that where it belongs: in the past)
  
  

Trends come and go. Some never return — which is probably for the best. The principles of proper tailoring make sure you never look back at a photo from 10 years ago and cringe.

So, if you’re looking for a bit of direction, why not book in for an appointment?

Cheers,

Jon