Long before he created Permanent Style, Simon Crompton was sprinting through London parks with his marathon runner dad. Since then, the celebrated men's style critic has pursued nearly every classic sport, consistently running along the way. It's no surprise that Crompton's athletic approach is, as he admits, quite competitive. On a professional level, he's known for his meticulously researched documentation of quality menswear. His website Permanent Style is as thoughtfully composed as the tailors he features—no detail left unnoticed or lapel unturned. Permanent Style now extends to an equally detail-oriented capsule of classic clothing made in collaboration with small brands he respects. You can experience the product in person at the roving ‘Permanent Style Presents’ pop-up most recently on Savile Row, where bespoke tailors and Crompton himself set up shop. It's a bit like a small Pitti Uomo, the Florence-based trade fair where we spent a morning testing Crompton's endurance at the Circolo del Firenze 1898 tennis club nearby. Afterward, over coffee and cornetto, we discussed his approach to athletics and color theory before suiting up for day three of the fair.
Simon's Sartorial
Approach
Athletic Style
"When most men are asked why they got into menswear, they say they were inspired by their father or grandfather. I don't have any of those origin stories with menswear, but my father was a marathon runner, and I started running with him. We lived next to Richmond Park, which is a spectacularly beautiful place to go for a run. I enjoy sports and have always been into exercise. I can't go a few days without doing something."
"At this point, running is probably eighty percent about feeling good and twenty percent vanity. I just won't feel good or have as much energy if I haven't exercised. I think that's why I've done it for so long. As a guy, you start to do more solo things because team and organized sports take more effort. It's something you can hang onto."
"Running while traveling is my go-to for exercise, and helps with jet lag as well. We did a pop-up last October in New York and went out running together at the beginning and end. We ran from Chelsea up to Central Park and ended at Tom's Restaurant for breakfast on the Upper West Side."
Permanent Style
"Permanent Style started as a hobby when I was a fashion journalist. It had quite humble origins in that sense. I was doing my journalism during the day and started a blog because I was interested in clothes and buying smart shoes and suits for the first time. I was never happily writing about anything that didn't require investigation or have substance, and that makes Permanent Style stand out today."
"I like dressing simply and elegantly, which means the emphasis is on colors and textures. A lot of elegance in menswear, particularly at Pitti Uomo, is about the subtle details more than something loud. The thing I find pleasing with the jacket I’m wearing here is how subtle the pink is—it requires you to really look at it."
Tracksmith Style
"From a visual point of view, I'd like to be wearing slightly old-fashioned whites and trainers. I've tried running in an old sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off and a pair of cotton shorts. But that doesn't work for me, simply because I notice it. With technical gear like Tracksmith, I don't notice or feel it. The 'Grayboy' collection is a sweet spot for me––nicer material that feels more heritage."
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Simon, for such a fun and inspiring morning! We’re looking forward to our group run next season, and hopefully a few sprints before.
Explore Permanent Style here, and follow along @permanentstylelondon