Slatewear: It Had to Happen

Well, for a while we thought we'd try to be the only organization in either the software or the magazine business not to be peddling T-shirts on the side. But Slate's technical-support department (three chimpanzees and a demoted Microsoft program manager) reports that among the most frequently asked questions is this one: "What am I supposed to wear while reading an online magazine?" We naturally consulted our monthly "Clothes Sense" columnist, Anne Hollander, who advised that traditional geekwear--boxer shorts, T-shirt, and baseball cap--is appropriate for both sexes and any hour of the day.

We're still working on the boxer shorts, but the T-shirt and cap are now available. Scientific studies indicate that they enhance the pleasure of reading Slate by anywhere from 19 percent to 26 percent. They are also suitable for puttering in the garden, plea bargaining on both the federal and state levels, or writing fiction or poetry (blank verse only, please--Slate cannot be held responsible for rhymes).

The cost is $14.95 for the T-shirt and $11.95 for the cap. To order (toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week), dial 800-380-3180 (United States only). Or order directly off the Web. (This links you to the order form for all Microsoft logo products, and you have to scroll down a bit to find the Slate stuff. Ask for item no. MS0306SL [T-shirt] or MS0403SL [cap].) When we checked a few days ago, the Slate products were illustrated with a pile of golf balls. If that's still the case, just ignore it.

--Michael Kinsley