Dries Roelvink is no stranger to the glitz and glamour that comes with being a Dutch singer. However, he has voiced his frustration about a particular expectation that shadows his travels: the requirement to don a three-piece suit when flying. As revealed in his recent interview with Party, Roelvink’s wardrobe choice is not a mere fashion statement but rooted in a belief that has followed him since his youth.
Every few weeks, we see images of Roelvink strutting through airports, decked out in his tailored suit. His partner often captures these moments on her phone, allowing the singer to share them on social media. Yet, one has to wonder: why does he engage in an act that he himself finds a bit over the top?
Roelvink’s Dilemma
Dries is baffled by how people perceive his attire as something humorous. “Many people don’t realize that I fly in a suit and tie out of superstition, not because I want to look good. I would much prefer to travel in jeans and a shirt, but I’ve convinced myself that it’s not allowed,” he explained in his interview.
The origins of this belief stem back to his teenage years when he played professional football for FC Amsterdam. Following a particularly turbulent flight to a tournament in Toulon, France, Roelvink emerged unscathed. He attributed this turnaround to his choice of clothing that day, leading to a lifelong commitment to wearing his suit during flights.
Superstitions and Suitcases
After that flight, Roelvink created a narrative in which wearing a tie and suit was directly linked to good fortune. “I’ve made myself believe that my safe journey was due to wearing that club suit, so I’ve decided to keep my tradition alive for the rest of my life,” he states. His sons, however, think he’s lost his mind, and they’re not alone in that assessment.
Dries now flies about ten to fifteen times a year, and regardless of his travel companions, he receives the same question upon arrival at Schiphol: “Dries, aren’t you hot?” Interestingly, just before flying to Marbella, Spain, his suit had already been laid out days in advance.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of diverse travel attire, Roelvink’s story raises questions about the ways we attach meaning to clothing choices. Whether rooted in superstition or personal preference, attire can dictate how we navigate experiences, even something as commonplace as flying. As he continues to embrace his style, one has to admire his commitment to tradition, even if it invites a few quizzical looks along the way.
Social Media Snippet
For those intrigued, you can catch Dries in his tailored suit on Instagram. Check it out here!
