Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s star-spangled wardrobe isn’t as American as it looks, according to one of the internet’s best-known menswear critics.
Derek Guy, a menswear writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Bloomberg and The Financial Times, called out Hegseth on X this week. He said the defense secretary’s American flag-lined suits come from a company that makes its clothing in Thailand.
The exchange began Wednesday, when Guy posted two side-by-side photos. One showed classic dark dress socks and polished black shoes. The other showed American flag socks paired with tan shoes and a bright blue suit.
“The world you grew up in no longer exists,” Guy wrote.
One X user shot back: “Yep. Nice to have a patriotic American instead of a p---- a-- globalist.”
Guy didn’t let it slide.
“Not true. Hegseth gets his clothes from a company called Book a Tailor, which he confirmed in a Fox News segment,” Guy wrote. “I suspect he got his clothes for free in exchange for this mention on Fox News. The company owner confirmed in an interview that their suits are made in Thailand.”
His post included a photo of Hegseth opening his blue suit jacket to show an American flag lining, with a red arrow pointing to a “Book a Tailor” tag. It also included a clip of Hegseth with Steve Doocy on Fox News.
“In the time he since promoted this company, three US suit factories have faced closure,” Guy continued. “Instead of promoting US-made clothing, Hegseth promoted cheap imports that undercut US manufacturers.”
“You only think they’re made in the US because the clothes are plastered with US flags,” he added. “This is because you are more easily impressed by spectacle than substance, which is why this administration is so exciting for you.”
Guy’s post lands as Hegseth fights to keep his job after Republicans’ massive midterm losses, which Trump and Vice President JD Vance have tied in part to the unpopular Iran war. He also faces a possible impeachment vote in the House as soon as next week.
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