Pope Francis Is Best Dressed Man Of 2013, Says Esquire Magazine

And The Best Dressed Man Of 2013 Is..
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DECEMBER 25: Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he delivers his Christmas Day message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on December 25, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing (to the city and to the world) is recognised as a Christmas tradition by Catholics with the Pope Francis focusing this year on the peace in the world. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DECEMBER 25: Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he delivers his Christmas Day message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on December 25, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing (to the city and to the world) is recognised as a Christmas tradition by Catholics with the Pope Francis focusing this year on the peace in the world. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Pope Francis has picked up yet another year-end honor which may be his most surprising yet!

Esquire named him "The Best Dressed Man of 2013," chiefly for the symbolism of his papal style choices. Pope Francis has largely avoided splendor, and is most commonly seen in a plain white robe and skullcap. He chose the simplest papal ring out of those proposed to him, and passed over the red leather shoes that were previously a customary part of papal dress.

The humble pope has overseen a great shift in tone for the Catholic Church, and his forthright reforms have garnered him global attention.

"Pope Francis understands that menswear is meant to express the character of the man wearing the clothes," says Mary Lisa Gavenas, author of The Fairchild Encyclopedia of Menswear, told Esquire. She added, "No rapper-style popewear for him."

Ann Pellegrini, Associate Professor of Performance Studies & Religious Studies at New York University commented to Esquire, "The humility of his garments offers a way to visibly display his theological and material concerns for the poor. This Holy Roman emperor really does have new clothes."

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