Gary Shteyngart's essay explores his complex relationship with clothing, particularly a meticulously crafted, expensive suit. He details the suit's creation and its impact on his self-perception, weaving this narrative with reflections on aging, social anxiety, and the desire for external validation. While the suit initially provides a sense of confidence and belonging, it ultimately fails to truly address his deeper insecurities. He grapples with the superficiality of material possessions and the fleeting nature of the satisfaction they provide, eventually concluding that true self-acceptance must come from within, not from a perfectly tailored garment.
Within the hallowed, sartorial halls of a bespoke tailor shop, Gary Shteyngart, the esteemed wordsmith, embarks upon a transformative odyssey, one stitch at a time. He chronicles, with characteristic wit and poignant self-reflection, the meticulous construction of a midnight-blue, six-ply, Italian-milled wool suit, an act that transcends mere acquisition of clothing and delves into the profound realm of self-discovery and acceptance.
Shteyngart's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of personal history, intermingled with the meticulous details of the suit's creation. He lays bare his long-standing discomfort with his physical form, a sentiment that has driven him to seek refuge in the ephemeral comfort of baggy, concealing garments. The decision to commission a bespoke suit represents a significant departure from this established pattern, a conscious choice to confront his insecurities and embrace, perhaps even celebrate, the reality of his body.
The narrative unfolds with the deliberate pace of a master tailor’s hand. Shteyngart vividly portrays the numerous fittings, the precise measurements, the careful selection of fabrics, and the intricate discussions of cut and style. Each step in the process becomes a symbolic shedding of the old, a peeling away of the layers of self-doubt to reveal the nascent confidence simmering beneath. The tailor, a figure of quiet wisdom and sartorial expertise, serves as both craftsman and confidante, guiding Shteyngart through this personal metamorphosis.
The midnight-blue hue of the suit, a color reminiscent of the night sky, carries its own symbolic weight, hinting at the unknown possibilities that lie ahead. The six-ply Italian-milled wool, a testament to quality and craftsmanship, becomes a metaphor for the strength and resilience Shteyngart seeks to cultivate within himself.
As the suit takes shape, so too does Shteyngart's sense of self. He begins to see his body not as an object of ridicule, but as a canvas upon which the artistry of the tailor can work its magic. The act of wearing the finished garment, a perfect fit in every sense of the word, becomes an act of self-affirmation, a declaration of acceptance and a celebration of the individual he has become. The midnight-blue suit, therefore, transcends its material form and transforms into a symbol of self-love, a tangible representation of Shteyngart’s journey towards embracing his authentic self. The essay, then, is not merely about a suit; it is about the transformative power of clothing, the pursuit of self-acceptance, and the enduring quest for a comfortable, well-fitting skin, both literally and metaphorically.
Summary of Comments ( 53 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42989062
HN commenters largely found Shteyngart's essay on bespoke suits self-indulgent and out of touch. Several criticized the focus on expensive clothing amidst widespread economic hardship, viewing it as tone-deaf and privileged. Some questioned the value proposition of bespoke tailoring, suggesting cheaper off-the-rack options suffice. Others, while acknowledging the potential artistry and personal satisfaction derived from bespoke suits, still found the essay's framing excessive and lacking self-awareness. A few commenters offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting the essay satirized consumerism and explored themes of identity and self-perception. However, this interpretation was a minority view, with most finding the piece shallow and disconnected from the realities of most people's lives.
The Hacker News post titled "The Man in the Midnight-Blue Six-Ply Italian-Milled Wool Suit" linking to an Atlantic article about Gary Shteyngart's experience with bespoke tailoring has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the perceived absurdity of the situation and the author's apparent self-absorption.
Several commenters express skepticism and mild mockery towards the author's quest for the perfect suit, viewing it as an extravagant and ultimately futile exercise in vanity. They question the value proposition of spending such a significant amount of money on clothing, especially when the described benefits seem superficial and driven by insecurity. One commenter sarcastically highlights the supposed transformative power of the suit, implying that the author believes it will magically solve his problems.
Others discuss the nature of bespoke tailoring itself, contrasting the genuine craftsmanship and personalized fit offered by traditional bespoke with the more common "made-to-measure" services often misrepresented as bespoke. They emphasize the significant price difference and the level of skill involved in true bespoke tailoring. This discussion touches upon the idea that the author might be mistaking a high-end made-to-measure suit for a truly bespoke one.
A few commenters offer more empathetic perspectives, acknowledging the potential psychological benefits of investing in well-made clothing and the confidence it can provide. They suggest that while the author's pursuit might seem excessive to some, it's ultimately a personal choice and shouldn't be judged too harshly. However, even these comments maintain a slightly ironic tone, recognizing the inherent humor in the author's obsession.
There's a brief tangent about the changing landscape of men's fashion and the decline of formal attire in contemporary society. This leads to a discussion about the role of clothing in self-expression and the different ways people choose to present themselves to the world.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post are a mix of amusement, skepticism, and mild criticism towards the author's extravagant pursuit of sartorial perfection. While some commenters attempt to understand the underlying motivations, the prevailing sentiment is one of gentle mockery and a questioning of the value placed on such material possessions. The discussion also delves into the nuances of bespoke tailoring and the broader context of men's fashion in the 21st century.