TCR1982 Meets UNCLE Mac

Some time in late June last year, a visit to a nearby café for my routine morning coffee led to a chance meeting with Mac Tanakorn (also known widely on social media as Uncle Mac).

As it happens, I had already been a follower of Uncle Mac’s content. His love for vintage and classic style, and certain sense for adventure has always inspired me, especially in the way he shows how different individuals can express themselves through clothing, given that they are truly confident and comfortable in what they wear. What I also appreciate about his content is its genuine, unpretentious spirit.

I walked over to his table, introduced myself, and pitched the idea of dressing him in The Cutting Room’s elegance. Little did I know it would become the beginning of a beautiful collaboration and an enduring friendship.

Over the next four and a half months (with a schedule that had me shuttling between three cities), we managed to meet on three occasions for fittings, and once socially. Through these encounters, I got to know Uncle Mac better, both in terms of his physique and his personality. On the day he collected his garments, during our final session, we sat down for a conversation that revealed even more about Uncle Mac as a person.

How did you start your menswear journey?

I have to give credit to my father, who has always been my inspiration since I was young. When I was a kid, I would see him wearing a suit often: full-break trousers with a necktie, almost every single day. Naturally, when I grew up, I began dressing like him. Especially when I started working as a salesperson in a corporate firm after university, dressing well helped build an image of trust. That’s when I revived my dad’s style, wearing a suit and a necktie to work.

My colleagues would ask me, “Why do you wear a necktie? Isn’t it a little old?” I would take that as a compliment! And that’s where the idea of Uncle Mac came from: “Uncle Style”!

Since my father’s style came from the seventies, and I felt that there was an opportunity and purpose to bring that 70’s style into the present. Sharing the idea through social media, with the aim of inspiring people in appreciating the beauty of past styles. Interestingly, my father would often see my videos on YouTube and jokingly ask, “Why do you dress like me from the past?”

Another source of inspiration comes from films, such as James Bond 007 and the old American movies featuring Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Daniel Craig. Stars from different eras wearing suits left a lasting impression on me. That’s where I find it fascinating, how movies have played such an important role in shaping menswear trends over time.

Comparing menswear in the past and present, what elements do you think should be carried forward?

I would say quality. When you look at garments from the past, you realise how much many modern pieces lack in terms of craftsmanship. The industry today rewards speed more than it rewards patience and true quality (especially in fast fashion). It would be beautiful if we could return to focusing on delivering real quality, rather than simply marketing “quality” as a commercial word.

What is it looking like for Uncle Mac in 2026?

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I would love to continue educating my viewers about menswear, and to keep challenging myself to improve. I started creating online content with a friend in 2019, when my knowledge of classic menswear was still very basic. My first tailoring experience was actually a nightmare. Even though my first suit cost me just about 10,000 THB, the service was a wake-up call. That experience pushed me to learn and research more, and it gave direction to my content journey.

Since then, learning about classic menswear and historical trends has been a joy for me, especially since I love vintage styles and products. There is a beauty in vintage garments that cannot be replaced.

In the coming year, I think we’ll see a stronger merge between vintage and modern styles. I’d like to explore that direction further, especially through mix-and-matching of styles, such as pairing a sport jacket and jeans with a necktie. That would be fun!

What is one philosophy in life that you would love to share?

For me, being myself is the most important thing. That means being confident in what we do, especially if it’s something we love. Finding peace and happiness through our passions.

I notice many viewers are keen on finding the “best brands.” In doing so, they become followers of brands rather than of style itself. I believe that can sometimes hinder personal style discovery. Trust yourself and explore more. Mistakes are part of the process. What one person enjoys may not be the same for another.

This collaboration has been truly meaningful for me, just as it has been for Uncle Mac, and I’m grateful for the friendship that has grown from this first collaboration. Do check out Uncle Mac’s YouTube channel, UncleMac Style, where he documents this journey and shares inspiration on different menswear styles.