This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Mr. Thomas W Coombs (@coombstw), Accounts Manager & Freelance Writer from Faversham, Kent, England.
Thomas, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
To be a modern gentleman is to know oneself, to understand your style, to be confident but not overbearing, to have manners and understand good decorum in any situation. And know how to mix at least one classic cocktail well.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
I find my style is now quite simple and very much on the smart casual side, which came after years of experiments and some serious fails. I don’t think of it as being inspired directly but looking at my choices it does come from the classic looks of the French and Italian Riveria, think Alexander Kraft and the old holiday pictures of John F Kennedy.
What’s your personal style signifier?
There maybe a few but I think my go to is a very colourful pair of socks during the cooler months or with a suit, lets just say I own many as not sure I want to count them. There is something about that hidden burst of colour, noticed only once sat at a restaurant or cafe.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
The essentials are things I feel all gentlemen should own, a plain button down shirt, a good fitting pair of jeans, a quality sports jacket, some well made shoes and at least two watches, one dress watch and one casual.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I have a love for the written word, they can take you anywhere or help share your other passions. I can be found mostly scribbling in a notebook or journal or writing about my other loves such as cocktails and cigars for my own online journal.
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet.
Sweet vermouth is a must, I have many variants which I use for mixing my favorite cocktail, a Negroni.
Originally posted as part of the Gents Cafe Newsletter, a bite-sized read about men’s lifestyle to enjoy over a coffee or a nice cocktail. Join now!