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Gentleman Coded

The Code

Twenty-six rules of dress, conduct and taste. Each is short enough to remember and explained well enough to live by.

Dress

  1. IDress for your hosts, not for yourself.
  2. IIFit before fabric, fabric before brand.
  3. IIIClean shoes say more than expensive ones.
  4. IVOne good watch, worn well, beats a drawer of them.
  5. VWhen in doubt, wear the tie.

At the table

  1. VIThe host orders the wine, or asks who would like to.
  2. VIINever let a waiter see you check the bill twice.
  3. VIIIThank the kitchen, not just the waiter.
  4. IXWait for your host before you start.
  5. XTalk to the person on both sides of you.

The digital gentleman

  1. XIReply on the day you read it.
  2. XIIYour phone stays in your pocket at the table.
  3. XIIIAsk before you post a photograph of anyone.

Hosts and guests

  1. XIVAnswer an invitation within a day.
  2. XVNever arrive empty-handed.
  3. XVISend your thanks in writing within two days.

Respect

  1. XVIIBe the same man to the waiter as to the chairman.
  2. XVIIIHold the door, whoever is behind you.
  3. XIXLearn the names of the people who look after you.
  4. XXKeep your word, especially the small promises.
  5. XXIApologise once, plainly, and without a “but”.
  6. XXVIHold the umbrella over the other person.

Drink

  1. XXIIDrink better, not more.
  2. XXIIINever press a drink on someone who has said no.
  3. XXIVStop one before you need to.
  4. XXVMake sure everyone gets home.