17 Questions to a well-dressed man – Mateusz Tryjanowski
Photo credit: Mateusz Tryjanowski
I might have mentioned it more often but Poland’s Sartorial position in the world should not be underestimated. The country has quite some excellent tailors, shoemakers and other craftsmen like tiemakers and glovemakers. But beside this all a big group of young people that dress well and know about style and quality. One of those young gentlemen is Mateusz Tryjanowski who started working in menswear when he was just 18. He moved over the years from being a salesman and MTM specialist to the digital marketing field. This gave him a broad perspective on the menswear field. Meanwhile he also started to work with his other hobby, coffee, and works as an e-commerce manager at HAYB Speciality Coffee in the beautiful city of Warsaw. He’s a fellow colleague menswear writer as well and his blog posts can be read at the webpage of Poland’s sartorial menswear brand Poszetka. He found the right balance between menswear and other topics which is a very healthy attitude. On his Instagram page we can see the quality but down to earth outfits Mateusz wears on a daily basis where quality plays the main role. And today you can read what Mateusz answered on the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ below this introduction.
What are you wearing today?
Right now, comfortably spending an evening at home, a grey Shetland cable crewneck sweater, well-worn pair of jeans (my favourite one) and white socks. I got changed from gray flannels and a blazer I wore earlier in the day.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
I’m not a watch guy, I only have two vintage ones (inexpensive, mind you - Raketa and Seiko) I got purely for their looks and I think I wouldn’t like any other - so definitely a suit. Or multiple suits, considering the insane amounts of money some watches cost!
What jewellery could a man wear?
Every piece they like! I only wear my wedding ring (and sometimes a watch), but if you like other kinds of jewellery - go for it.
Tie or a bowtie?
Easily a tie. Bowties just don’t suit me - the only one I ever wear is a black one, to match my green velvet dinner jacket.
Do you remember your first jacket?
I think the first few ones, those I wore as a child and in my early adolescence, were all cheap, synthetic & navy. The first one I truly liked came in the age of 16. I did buy a navy one again (and yes, it was from a cheap chain store), but this time in linen and cotton 50/50 blend. I almost wore it through before outgrowing it.
What is your favourite watch?
If you ask me in general, I’d say Cartier Tank - purely for its looks. I love that shape and size. Still, I don’t think I’d ever buy it - so I’m stuck with my two, without naming the favourite among them.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
A fountain pen, preferably a very heavy one as it helps my hand flow. Back in school it was the only way to make my handwriting readable! Nowadays I enjoy both the practical and aesthetical aspects of using one. I use my Kaweco Brass Sport pen and purple ink for noting/signing/drawing whatever, whenever and wherever I can.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
I had some pretty close calls for this one, but never hit the jackpot. I guess that this never-ending pursuit is a part of a hobby! Once I find the perfect garment, write me off the #menswear.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Genuinely enjoying things I do on daily basis.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Hip-hop music. Not the genre in general - as there are lots of artists and albums I truly love and enjoy without any guilt - but some particular hip-hop music. Names like Kaz Bałagane, Belmondo, Hewra and Młody Dzban. All in Polish. All very specific. All… not really worth checking out if you aren’t either a street thug or a guy who doesn’t treat himself too seriously.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
I don’t think I could truly call anyone the best dressed ever, but I can point my current favourite: Ethan Newton. His style is just incredible, I’d love to have this ability of mixing tailoring with workwear so effortlessly.
The best book you ever read?
A Clockwork Orange by Antony Burgess. I am fascinated by the use of language here, it’s even more prominent than in the Kubrick’s film (a masterpiece too, by the way). And I love everything dystopian, I suppose.
Which city should one go shopping?
A tough one. Let’s say I don’t have any particular recommendation - but come visit Warsaw if you’ve never been there! Great city to order bespoke shoes, leather gloves or even a suit in.
Tweed or flannel?
Tweed for a jacket, flannel for trousers.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I am always a bit intimidated by those venues you would call elegant in popular sense. Really, I would (almost) always choose a curated street market or a food hall over a fancy restaurant. Comfort food over fine dining. Authentic over experimental. I love a good eat, but I find the perfection in simplicity.
Describe your style in three words?
Easy, eclectic, cheerful.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
70s vintage Lee 101J denim jacket.