Published in L'Officiel Hommes Italia No. 5

       A man needs a jacket. He should not leave the house without one. For the suit jacket is the man’s equivalent of a woman’s handbag. Notwithstanding the recent, unfortunate popularity of bags for men, whether they be of messenger type, lady-like purse looking affairs, “rugged” Filson models or whatever else, unless one is headed to the office with stacks of papers it is desirable to remain bag-less and unburdened.

       The front pockets of a suit jacket should never be used as any bulges will ruin the line and cause sagging. Cigarettes are the exception as they are light enough not to weigh down the pocket, which needs periodic turning inside out to clean it of tobacco shavings. One’s lighter can also go in front, though a small box of wooden matches are preferable. The striking of a match is far more elegant than flicking a Bic. And as the Italians say, Dammi uno svedese.

        One inside pocket carries the wallet and comb. Care is taken to empty the wallet, preventing it from mutating to an unmanageable thickness. The wallet never goes into the back pocket of one’s trousers; the handkerchief is to be found there. It is a milestone of maturity and wisdom to always carry one, as it serves so many functions. For example, to blow the nose, wipe the hands, clean the shoes, to mop the brow, as a napkin, around one’s neck in inclement weather, to cover the dirty bench before sitting, to offer to the girl you made cry, to wipe off the bicycle seat, to clean off the dick, for extra padding on the hand when carrying something heavy, to wrap up the leftover sandwich, &c. Of course, not in that order and one needs many, replacing the soiled one often.

         A small notebook and pen are found in the other inside jacket pocket. Written lists are made, inspiration captured and pages torn out to leave notes or instructions for others. In comparison, the iPhone’s 'notes' are not easily taped to a door or slid under a windshield wiper. The analog version wins. American made ‘Field Notes’ notebooks are the perfect size and are graph ruled. A Swiss-made Caran d’Ache pen accompanies it.

         The pocket on the left breast of the suit is exclusively for a pochette, also known as a pocket handkerchief or 'pocket square'. Sunglasses are not found in this pocket. Rather, they are perched on the forehead when not in use. A saying regarding handkerchiefs applies here: one for showin' and one for blowin'. Well then, into this pocket is the one for showin'.

         Additionally, magazines, smallish books, large envelopes, &c. that may have been picked up during the course of the day can be tucked into the back of the trousers, resting against the back. Held in place by the belt and hidden by the jacket, one can carry a surprisingly large amount there.

         We have not yet accounted for the modern ball and chain: the cell phone. This is a persistent problem, as it does not fit well into any available pocket. Here comes the overcoat to the rescue. Various weights are needed for each season and the changes of weather within. The issue is resolved when the dastardly thing is placed in one of the overcoat’s pockets. Thus equipped, one navigates the day carrying all necessities, yet remaining unencumbered and free, thanks to our friend the suit jacket.