Since appearing on The Traitors, Stephen Libby has become synonymous with jumpsuits. He has been required to wear one at every public appearance since the show aired, despite only wearing two on the programme.
From TV to a Personal Style Staple
Libby now owns five jumpsuits, a number he notes is probably five more than almost any other man. They all tend to be quite 70s in style, a period he describes as a golden era for the men's jumpsuit, when David Bowie and Elton John wore them and they became part of popular culture. He credits Harry Styles and Benson Boone with helping bring them back.
His first jumpsuit, bought six years ago from Palomo Spain, cost about £300 and took him 18 months to save for. It is orange and blue with short sleeves and was one of the ones he wore on TV. He describes wearing it out of the house as the gateway drug to his jumpsuit era.
Practicality and the Traitors Finale
Libby loves jumpsuits for their practicality, noting they are a whole outfit in one and easier than trousers when going to the loo because there is no button, just a zip. He advises that a good jumpsuit can elongate the body, with the trick being to make sure the waist sits where the waist of trousers would sit.
His second jumpsuit, also from Palomo Spain, was black and white and worn in the finale of Traitors, though he nearly didn't wear it. He had planned to wear a micro-checked 70s suit, but discovered the print caused the camera to strobe. The only unworn option was the jumpsuit, so he wore that, leading to his association as "Stephen from Traitors in the jumpsuits".
Style Tips and the Hunt for the Perfect Piece
Libby suggests that men seeking affordable options should buy a women's jumpsuit and get it altered, noting Reiss and Me+Em do denim jumpsuits in longer legs. He prefers loafers or Cuban heels over trainers, as jumpsuits are not casual items.
He remains on the hunt for the perfect jumpsuit, inspired by a photo of David Bowie leaving Studio 54 wearing one by Willie Brown. He has not found that exact one, but is about to bid on a purple disco number from the 1970s.
