Slacks Tag

The Flat-Front Trouser Compromise

I received this question from a reader: My wife says I should buy flat-front trousers, but they’re uncomfortable—too tight, and not just at the waist! Is there any compromise? This is what I shared with them: Yes, there’s an excellent compromise. Trousers with pleats are generally felt to be more comfortable because they not only offer more room around your middle, they are also roomier at the knee. We can subtly alter the dimensions of even flat-front trousers to provide ample room at the knee, so that you lose nothing in comfort—and keep your wife happy with the trim look of flat-front trousers....

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What’s Great about Gabardine

Born in the middle ages and refined with current textile techniques, gabardine has come of age with surprising elegance. Originally intended for outerwear such as traveling cloaks, today gabardine is a refined, elegant fabric for a variety of purposes. In more modern times, gabardine has clothed adventurers and trendsetters as they traveled to such exotic locations as Antarctica and Mount Everest. Gabardine combines the strength and durability of a tightly-woven twill with a more supple hand than many other twills. The twisted weave that is gabardine’s signature element creates micro-ridges that allow light to almost bend around it, giving it a soft, almost luminous look. The fabric’s luxurious feel will complement the finer pieces in your wardrobe without looking overly formal. This fabric is also a fantastic choice for business-casual trousers. Gabardine’s durability stacks up well next to the twilled cotton that is today’s most common choice for casual trousers, while retaining...

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Khaki Slacks Go Custom

Khaki began as a color—the dusty shade of the Indian desert—used by the British army in the 1800s to camouflage their previously white trousers. When applied to the cotton twill “chino” military fabric, the color and the style of slacks became synonymous. Khaki slacks are considered one of the most hard-working options in casual wear, but they never have to be average. Crafting custom-fit khakis specifically to your taste and build takes the ordinary to extraordinary. We can help you design your ideal pair of workhorse slacks, whether you prefer a flat front and a trim fit or a pleated front with a full fit—or anything in between. Contact us today to create your ultimate pair of khakis....

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All About Trousers

Tell people about your slacks, and they'll figure you're fairly casual. Tell them about your pants, and they'll figure you're indifferent. Tell people about your trousers, and they'll know you've got style. Your trousers should rest comfortably on the hips, neither rising so high that they cover the abdomen nor sitting so low that they need to be cinched tight to stay on. Secure them either with the aid of a belt or suspenders (you can call them braces). Braces ensure your trousers stay in place when you switch between sitting and standing. If you opt for braces, choose a set that attaches to the trousers with buttons rather than metal clips. Using a belt offers a clean, crisp look. The belt may need to occasionally be lifted when your trousers have settled too low, but keeps a lower visual profile than braces. Your individual style should determine whether your custom trousers use a...

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Cuffed Hems vs. Plain Hems

I received this question from a reader: How do I choose between cuffed and plain hems on trousers? This is what I shared with them: Cuffed hems add weight and importance to the gentleman’s trousers. Their function during movement is to cover the sock and continue the trouser’s crease. Cuffs create a dressier look, so can be reserved for suit pants, except tuxedos. More casual fabrics, such as twills, poplins, or corduroys can be worn without cuffs. These fabrics do not demand a heavier hem, and are easily weighed down by unnecessary fabric. Clothing that is dress casual or business casual can be worn without cuffs....

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