I've got to say, I don't think half sleeves work on the older gent - it just looks rough, or , as my mum would say, "common". The ageing flab of the middle age lower arm can be exposed in a polo or T shirt I think, but half-sleeve button downs absolutely not. If you want to wear a shirt in summer then roll up the sleeves, an act which looks more natural and uncontrived, which is much more Ivy of course. And it can look sprezzy, and who can resist working on your inner sprezzatura..?

I’ve got plenty of, in fact too many, short sleeve shirts that are mainly madras and a few Reyn Spooners. They all come virtually down to the crook of my elbow, covering my biceps, which suits me as they admittedly are no longer as tensile or sculpted as they used to be.

But middle aged male lower arm anxiety I cannot relate to. I will have to pay closer attention to other older mens forearms next summer to see if I’m just gifted with unusually attractive and well preserved ones. I may have forearms to die for, but I would happily trade them for a full head of hair or a big knob.

I say, that's really not the type of gentlemanly discourse I expect on an ivy clothing forum. Sorry but I'm sticking to Ivy Style from now on. Nice knowing you.

Frankly, I intend taking our Gibson's advice.  It only confirms a growing sense of unease that's developed after seeing men modelling half-sleeves for sale who are tattooed.  A terrible look.  I had the damn things done in 1976 and loathe them.  I even tend to wear polo shirts beneath a v-neck sweater.  All right, I know every other woman now looks like an East End docker but I'm still sensitive.

I have a soft spot for a smaller Gingham check. Long sleeves only!

'I would happily trade them for a full head of hair or a big knob'

Try Grindr.

'I don't remember the last time I set eyes on a 'skinhead''

Again, Grindr is your best bet.

When tieless I prefer a check. Not too big I suppose.

Talking of matters sexual, my younger daughter worked with a girl her own age who used some kind of 'dating' site.  A lot of shagging in dark car parks apparently.  A bit cold on your bum in Derbyshire at this time of year.

She wasn't dogging, though.  It was supposed to be a 'date'.

In fact, a long-sleeved Gant Madras has just turned up, looking nicely faded and softened.  Exceptions, ahem, can be made.

Bit cramped, too, I should imagine.  But teenagers have always been inventive, Robbie.  I once had it away inside a concrete pipe.  Any old port in a storm.  You just had to make sure the female arse didn't get cold.