Pre-Packed and Selected Wardrobes for Men

A few years ago, I read about Puma’s 96-hour suitcase. I think it’s been discontinued, because I coudn’t find it online (they’ve got a whole store called 96 Hours, but no sign of the product itself). There’s a description and small photo on, as it turns out, Kate’s (of Boris and Kate) website. She confirms my suspicions:

I thought that there would be a big market for the pre-packed suitcase such as the one offered by Puma in their 96 hour collection which contains enough clothes for 4 days right down to socks and undies. As it turns out the pre-packed suitcase wasn’t popular (too sprocket like and expensive) and a new ready-made suitcase revolution did not occur. I am still holding out for this concept to catch on but until then will have to perfect my own packing skills.

It was pretty pricey at US $3800, but I still liked the quick path to stylish certainty.

I was interested, then, to read Dethroner’s post on Click a Closet:

The gist is simple – “tell us your sizes and pick out a wardrobe package that best represents the style of dress at your work.” There are currently six packages to choose from: Casual, Business Casual, Business Casual Plus, Business Dress, Business Suits, and The Interview. Within these parameters are half-orders, something called ‘One Day’ options, seasonal selections, and refresher packages for the suit that has a fallen soldier (e.g. your shoes finally gave out, the slacks got hosed at the cleaners, etc)

We’ll see if this one catches on. Maybe the Puma suitcase was just before its time. Here’s what US $1030 gets you at Click a Closet:

4 Slacks: Black, brown, grey, navy, neutrals, or subtle patterns
6 Shirts: Combination of long sleeve button downs with button down collar and/or nice golf shirts
1 Belt: Black or brown leather
1 Pair of Dress Shoes: Black or brown
4 Pairs of Socks: Black or brown wool

If you do some quick math, depending on quality, you’re paying a couple of hundred bucks for the service itself. It’s not an inconsequential one, though, in terms of the time saved on shopping.

Is this the first step to a Star Trek universe where everybody wears more or less the same thing (“Picard, stop pulling down that tunic and requisition one that fits!”)? While I don’t particularly like shopping, I do agree with Alex from Dethroner:

Just as a painter shouldn’t have his assistant select which colors he uses, nor should a man have someone they haven’t even met select his shoes. I am chagrined and appalled about this service; your clothes are an immensely personal choice, and this is the style equivalent of cheating.