Arthur Less’s search for identity occupies much of the narrative. After several personal tragedies, he seeks to redefine himself. He questions his style, his self-worth, his status as a writer, and his sexuality. Only once he determines where he exists in relation to these traits does he find his identity.

One of the most telling parts of Less’s identity is his wardrobe. He wears one blue suit so often that people are astounded to see him without it. The blue suit has come to define him, and he has internalized the belief that there is no Arthur Less without the blue suit. The adoption of the blue suit as an external expression of identity is a coping mechanism. If people define Arthur Less by his clothes (which he can remove on a whim), they then do not need to look further into his actual character. Less does not want people to scrutinize him too closely, as he is afraid to do this to himself. Thus, he adopts the suit as an external identity. During his journey, he learns to distance himself from the suit. First, he buys new clothing. Then, the suit is ripped and torn to shreds.