Pink's Commuter Shirt (Verdict: Oy!)

When confronted with a bag from Thomas Pink there usually is not much of a delay in peeking to see what’s inside. Let’s face it, Thomas Pink is a name that stands on its own. It’s a brand that signifies dignity, class, and most importantly, style. So when we were introduced to the idea of reviewing the Commuter Shirt, a new addition to the Thomas Pink Spring 2006 line, how could we resist?

We’ll start by offering you Thomas Pink’s definition of a “commuter shirt.” According to Tommy P, it’s a shirt that looks fashionable, is multifaceted, and allows you to integrate your doo-dads and thingies into your clothing in an un-obtrusive yet functional fashion. The front pocket is capable of holding an iPod, or a Blackberry, or maybe even a little cash, since the pocket has a Velcro entrance to protect your prized possessions. Integrated into the shirt is concealed routing for headphones that “allows safely stowed cables to run through an internal placket.” And lastly, the right cuff has internal Velcro compartment that allows the wearer to whip out a business card at a moment’s notice. Of course, you can purchase this shirt in “two classic style options” either Pinpoint Oxford or white, and like always, the cuffs are to be used with only the best cuff-links.
Now that you’ve been well-informed of Thomas Pink’s definition, here’s the Spungle definition of a “commuter shirt.” It’s a comfortable wrinkle free shirt, that can be worn transatlantic yet still look fresh, be worn with a pair of jeans or with a suit, and most importantly, offers the wearer an element of comfort not confinement.

Ok, so you’ve probably realized that there is a fundamental difference in definition between us and those guys on the other side of the pond. What’d we think? We found the shirt to be a cute idea, but not in the least bit realistic. The pocket is angled in such a way that the user must be right-handed, interested in concealing their iPod, and, not perturbed by the thought of “dewiring” himself when arriving to the office. Mind you, dewire once and they may think you’re weird. Make this shirt the mainstay of your wardrobe. and you might as well buy your own book of Pink slips! (not available on the Thomas Pink website)

We find it perplexing that the development folks at Tommy P didn’t have the insight to realize that a) this shirt is not for the conservative man, so advertise it in something other than Goldman White or Lehman Blue, b) not everyone cuts their MetroCards in half, so stop telling people the cuff pocket is designed for MetroCards, c) to use the cuff pocket you have to take off your cuff links, and most of us hate coming home with just one cuff link because we were dumb enough to take them off somewhere, and d) the internal pocket contributes to a double shirt thickness of the left chest affording the user the most chaffed nipple he’s ever had if he just happens to sweat!

So if you were to ask us to offer you a one-line review of the Thomas Pink Commuter Shirt, we’d liken it to the utility of a screen-door on a submarine! Save your money on this Spungle-Bungle and buy yourself a nice, normal, traditional, classic Thomas Pink shirt. Trust us, you’ll thank us for the insight!!!