Suits.
(It’s not that obvious, but I’m wearing a charcoal grey slim slim-cut suit here, with my favorite blue wool tie and black cap toe oxfords. YES. I know the sleeves are a bit long.)
I have an obsession with suits. Not the TV show that features lawyers, but the one you wear during your JS Prom or some other formal event.
For me and I mean specifically me, it's quite unfortunate that wearing a full two or three-piece suit here in the Philippines is impractical because of a myriad of reasons. But I think for the most part, the reason for that is because it’s quite hot in our country and rocking a full shirt, tie and a coat can be terribly uncomfortable.
HOWEVER, based on my personal observation, we are now experiencing a rising trend on wearing suits. I've noticed that more and more weddings today are ditching the traditional "Barong Tagalog" for a classy suit or a tuxedo.
Another thing I've noticed is that clothing shops like Topman, Zara and H&M are featuring a lot of business suits on their catalog here in the Philippines. In addition to that, there's also a growing industry of high-end tailoring shops like Tiño and Felipe & Sons that will craft you your own bespoke suit.
AND I AM ABSOLUTELY HAPPY ABOUT IT because wearing it is becoming more acceptable here. I don't know how to say this, but everytime there's a chance or an event that allows me to rock a full suit and tie, I do it with fervor. I am flat-out bringing my A-game to look my best whenever I wear the suit.
I’m not particularly brand conscious as far as suiting goes as I remember my first pair of jacket and trousers was just from the SM Department Store (It’s a black slim-cut Chancellor 9000,) which was rather cheap because it only cost 2,500 pesos.
Or maybe because I’m just broke. But nah, for me, when it comes to suiting, fit is more important than the label. A thousand bucks (pesos) jacket can look dashing if it fits perfectly. On the other hand, even if you’re wearing an Armani, but the fit is bad, it will look like you just rented it.
I respect the suit so much that it's bordering on pretentious. Funny thing is, I’ve never imagined what I will wear on my wedding, but rather...what kind of suit I will wear on my funeral.
I can see it now as I am laying on my casket. I want to wear a clean white dress shirt with French cuffs. My favorite blue wool slim tie. A black cap toe oxford. A simple blue pocket square that matches my tie. And of course, a black immaculate Italian-cut slim suit.
Even in hell I would look dapper enough. Man I wish I can wear suits more often because this is starting to get ridiculous.