[1] It was first published in 1963 in the inaugural issue of The Classic,[2] a South African literary journal founded by Nat Nakasa and Nadine Gordimer.
Philemon, a doting husband who works for a lawyer, prepares breakfast in bed for his beautiful wife, Matilda whom he calls Tilly.
Philemon and Matilda share a communal lavatory with thirty other people who live in a backyard slum which was typical in Sophiatown.
Philemon pretends not to acknowledge the discovery and scratches through the cupboard, telling Matilda that he was almost at work when he realised that he had left his pass at home and thus returned to fetch it.
South African writer and publisher Mothobi Mutloatse and playwright Barney Simon adapted the story into a play by the same name,[5] first presenting it in November 1994 at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.
[6] Marie-Hélène Estienne and Peter Brook presented their French translation/adaptation of the play, Le costume, at Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris in 1999;[7] the production toured the world.
They revisited the play, returning it to its original English and incorporating the music direction of Franck Krawczyk, and presented their new version of The Suit in Paris in April 2012.
South African film-maker Jarryd Coetsee[8] adapted the short story into a screenplay and directed a short film adaptation, The Suit, which held its African premiere on 12 July 2016[9] at the Old Fort of Zanzibar[10] as part of the 19th Zanzibar International Film Festival[11] where, although it was not in the official competition, was given a Special Mention by the jury.