Mobile Advisor

First there were the iPod Socks (from Apple) and then the iPod trainers (Nike). There has even been a pair of iPod pants (iBoxer), bringing new meaning to the shuffle and mini. Obviously there are a few iPod hats out there, with hidden headphones, from the likes of Nike. But what should the well dressed gent wear with his iPod Commuter Shirt (Thomas Pink)?

There's no need to wait any longer, now that Marks & Spencer has launched its own iPod Suit, which not only holds the digital music player but also features a set of controls within the jacket's lining.

The wool-blend, single-breasted, two-button, black-stripe suit costs £149, including Apple-endorsed iPod connector.

Along the left side of the jacket's lining is an iPod pocket that neatly houses the connector to prevent bulges. Subtle control buttons on the inner lapel let you operate the iPod without having to drag the iPod out into the open to touch its main controls. In addition, loops along the lapel help to conceal the earphone wires.

The controls work just like the iPod's own, and rarely failed to work when operated on my two-mile walk to work.

I could feel my 60GB video iPod but it didn't hang too heavily, although the suit obviously works best with an iPod nano. The connector won't work with an iPod shuffle but you wouldn't need the hidden controls with such a small player anyway.

The smart suits fits well, and is dry-clean only - remember to remove the iPod connector! There are 14 jacket and 15 flat-front trouser sizes to choose from, but the iPod suit is available with just the rather natty thin black stripe.

The jacket is available separately for £90; the trousers for £59 (although with no real iPod tech except belt hooks to allow you to still carry your iPod on very hot days).

I can't fault the iPod Suit in operation and the suit is good quality, although probably with a shorter life span than a £499 suit from the same retailer. It's therefore good value, and something of a show-off suit on the 8.34 to Victoria.