'Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides.’
André Malraux

We had a few friends over for dinner and there was a lull in the conversation. This might be the time, I thought, to mention my M&S joggers.

And so I began:

‘I read an article the other day about people making random purchases during lockdown - to alleviate the boredom. Well I’ve decided to jump on board the casualisation trend by buying myself some navy Marks & Spencer’s joggers. With a matching hoodie.’

My wife looked across at me – in silence.

‘Really, Jim?’ said a friend. ’When are you planning on wearing them?’

‘I thought I’d loaf around the house a bit on a quiet day. They’ll be fine for popping to the gym or down to the shops. Maybe I could wear them at the local. Actually the joggers and hoodie look rather good together as a matching pair.’

I sensed my wife’s gaze from the other end of the table. A frown had formed on her face. Still she said nothing. But I knew what she was thinking.

She would regard any departure in the direction of sports casual-wear as an ominous lowering of sartorial standards, a first step on the slippery slope towards sloth and indolence; a concession to age and decay. She would not approve.

Indeed the anticipation of my wife’s censure had prompted me to raise the subject at a social gathering. I’ve determined over the years that it’s best to make difficult disclosures in public situations. It diminishes the displeasure; diffuses the danger. It cushions the crime in a soft layer of gentle admonishments and light-hearted reproach.

‘Bit of a change from wearing suits all day, Jim.’

‘Are you sure you’re sporty enough for joggers?’

Indeed one of our dinner guests actually commended me on my good taste.

‘Well, I think they sound great. Everyone likes joggers. Have you tried them on?’

‘Yes, and I’ve bought a grey set too!’

I think there may be a lesson here for brands. Don’t suppress your secrets, or cover up your mistakes. Don’t whisper them quietly in the hope they’ll not be noticed; or confess them only to the few who are directly affected. Rather you should expose your blunders to the sunlight of popular scrutiny; acknowledge your missteps in the court of public opinion. You may find that people respect your openness, accept your contrition and forgive your failings.

‘Three things cannot long stay hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.’
Buddha

I’ve still not properly worn my M&S joggers and hoodie combo. I’ve been waiting for a bout of illness, or a festive season, or a weekend in the country…

But I still think they look rather fine.

'If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.'
George Orwell

'There's a note underneath your front door
That I wrote twenty years ago.
Yellow paper and a faded picture
And a secret in an envelope.
There's no reasons, no excuses,
There's no second-hand alibis.
Just some black ink
On some blue lines and a shadow you won't recognize.’
The Civil Wars, '20 Years', (J Williams / John White)

No. 376