penguin

Ask the MB: Resort Swim Trunks

February 16, 2010

Q: I'm headed to the beaches of Mexico and my wife has put her foot down on knee length surfer-dude shorts. I'm in reasonable shape for a 40 year old but I'm not quite ready to don the James Bond short shorts. What do you recommend in a mid-thigh model?
--Matt

A: Anglophilia definitely has its limits, especially as the inseam approaches zero (top). While at the other end of the inseam spectrum, we're with your wife about not looking like The Situation and Pauly D. (Note to The Situation: give the biceps a rest and work those anemic calves.)

If an MB is in reasonable shape, even at your advanced age, our general rule is to go with the shortest inseam you can wear with confidence. With the right cut they're not only comfy but allow room for a few extra cervezas -- and they put you many miles away from Jersey Shore. Our perennial favorite is Penguin, like this 5" inseam caviar/light blue "Mr. Splash" option that gives a nod, however slight, to Mr. Bond.

Note: Original Penguin is one of the brands on sale at Giltman.com today. We consider this a sign.

Ask the MB: Tommy Bahama Shorts

July 3, 2009

Q: Based on this link I'm pretty sure this proves that plaid shorts are post-peak. I've loved my plaid shorts from Penguin and the like for 3 or 4 years now but I think the style is over. What are alternatives for shorts in summer if Tommy Bahama has taken to plaid short production?
--Bradley

A: One word, Bradley: jorts (top).

Just like Eddie Van Halen's toolbaggish, sleep-inducing, fret-jerking in "Beat It" couldn't kill the guitar solo, Tommy Bahama can't kill plaid. Next season they'll be back to florals (bottom). Wear the Penguins and the like without fear.

Ask the MB -- Penguin Clothing Part II

June 26, 2008

Original Penguin white cotton 'Golfing' t-shirt via bluefly, $21.00 — Original Penguin white cotton 'Golfing' t-shirt via bluefly. $21.00.

Q: So I read your "missive" on Penguin clothing and was wondering what you thought about illustrated Penguin t-shirts like this one, featuring a guy teaching a woman how to play golf. Thanks.
--Pete

A: We like anything that demonstrates to the fairer sex the proper:

* grip
* stance width
* waist bend

For golf.

This question reminds us of the old joke about how you teach your girlfriend or wife how to play golf: A bucket of balls, a 1-iron, and a downhill lie.

Ask the MB -- Penguin Clothing

June 18, 2008

Q: I am happy to see that Penguin is at least somewhat MB endorsed. However, much of their offering breaks the rule of logoed clothing -- is there a time and a place for the Penguin logo, or should I stick with their non-branded items?
--Mark

A: Toughest question we've received so far. Logoed Penguin duds were especially cool pre-2003, when you could only find them on ebay or at vintage clothing shops. Now that their rebirth is in its 6th year these items are much more common. Yet it's such an iconic brand, and they still make very good-looking (logoed) clothing it's a real MB dilemma.

Let's look to orignalpenguin.com for guidance:

ORIGINAL PENGUIN by Munsingwear became a staple among the masters of suburban leisure well into the 1980s –- worn by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Richard Nixon.

Problem solved. Thanks originalpenguin.com!

Simply print out and then cut out the Magnificent Bastard Spinner below. Attach arrow to board with pin. Before you decide to wear your obviously logoed Penguin clothing, spin the arrow. If it lands on the hack comedian or Dick, wear something else. If it lands on the legendary golfer or legendary entertainer, wear the Penguin with confidence.

MB-Endorses: Retro Swimwear

January 22, 2008

Penguin brown retro swirl 'Eddie Cooke' volley swim shorts via Bluefly, $35.00 — Penguin brown retro swirl 'Eddie Cooke' volley swim shorts via Bluefly. $35.00.

It's never too early to prepare for summer, or for that Caribbean escape from face-melting temperatures. Enter Penguin with these short-inseam retro swim shorts.