The touching reason Peter FitzSimons will always wear his red bandana.

It’s the accessory that’s synonymous with Peter FitzSimons – the red bandana.

Now, his wife Lisa Wilkinson has shared the reason he’s rarely seen without it. No, it’s not down to a fiery passion for accessories.

Dinner with this lovely man. Happy birthday sweetheart. xxx PS. A few are asking about the bandana and why Pete wears it. It was actually a very sweet thank you present from our kids after a fabulous family holiday we all had in Cuba. It was all they could afford and it meant the world to Pete that they went to the effort. And the kids are so chuffed that after all these years he’s still wearing it. It also provides excellent sun protection in the harsh Australian sun. And finally, simply, the reason he wears it is because he LIKES it, and because – I love this – because he doesn’t give a stuff what anyone else thinks… It puts a smile on his face – and in a world where criticism and judgement are too often the default positions of far too many, it’s an attitude I deeply admire.

A photo posted by Lisa Wilkinson (@lisa_wilkinson) on Jun 29, 2016 at 3:27am PDT

Out for dinner celebrating his birthday, Wilkinson explained in an Instagram post that it was a gift from their children.

“A few are asking about the the bandana and why Pete wears it. It was actually a very sweet thank you present from our kids after a fabulous family holiday we all had in Cuba,” she wrote.

“It was all they could afford and it meant the world to Pete that they went to the effort. And the kids are so chuffed that after all these years he’s still wearing it.”

Watch: Peter Fitzsimons’ on what it’s like to be married to Lisa Wilkinson. Post continues after video.

No, we’re not crying, YOU’RE crying.

There’s also a very practical reason the writer, former Wallaby and leader of the Australian Republic movement loves his bandanna – it provides excellent sun protection. Fair point, Pete.

The reason Wilkinson is a fan? Precisely because it’s not always trendy or fashionable.

“Finally, simply, the reason he wears it is because he LIKES it, and because – I love this – because he doesn’t give a stuff what anyone else thinks,” she said. (Post continues after gallery.)

“It puts a smile on his face – and in a world where criticism and judgement are too often the default positions of far too many, it’s an attitude I deeply admire.”

London, Paris, New York and Milan – take note. Style, indeed.

Listen to the full interview with Peter, in which he discusses family, writing and why Australia needs to become a republic here:

Image: Instagram/@lisawilkinson.

What’s your signature accessory?