Tape - I've tried everything over the years except cork tape, which I have an aversion to for no real reason.

I like shellacked cotton for commuting and city riding. I'm kind of over it. Is it snobby to not like it now that other people know what it is? Probably... Anyway, I've come to prefer uncoated cotton for most of my bikes - not that I have a big fleet. Besides liking the softer feel of plain cotton, I get bored and cloth tape doesn't last long, so it works for me.

What about ... Grab Ons!! You know you want them.... Oddly enough, they're still in business. I used their racing grips once BITD. They were OK if I recall. https://www.grabongrips.com/bicycle.php

I have some Hunt Wilde sparkle tape I'm saving for something. I'm tempted to hoard some more before it becomes impossible to find.

Here's my Mercian wearing summer clothes - white soft touch Fizik. A truly bad idea but I like it.