Filling the gaps: Six pairs of odd trousers

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If shirts are the items in a man’s wardrobe where he wants most predictability and consistency, then trousers are undoubtedly second.

In that spirit, over the past year I have regularly commissioned odd trousers (‘odd’ as in separate, so not part of a suit) from Whitcomb & Shaftesbury, in their Classic Bespoke programme.

I have used them for several reasons:

  • One, I liked the subtle style of the trouser than John cut for me, and so there is no fiddling around to do there (precise measurements in an upcoming post)
  • Two, they are good value at £444 (ex-VAT) for Row-quality make, though partly made in India
  • And three - more subtly but I would argue rather importantly - the service has been very consistent. We did one fitting with each pair, but barely had to bother, the results were so good each time

Here are the six pairs I had made, plus why I chose them, where they fitted into the wardrobe, and what I’ve thought of them since commissioning.

Design-wise, they were all: flat-fronted, with a mid-rise, slanted hip pockets, one rear (buttoned) pocket, and 5cm turn-ups.

 

1 Heavy grey wool

Holland & Sherry

27oz wool

986034, Overcoating bunch

This is the same cloth I had cream trousers made out of in 2016, and that used to be part of the H&S Pardessus bunch, until it was discontinued. Fortunately, a few colours are still available in the ‘Overcoatings’ bunch.

I would never have commissioned these had I not already tried the cream, given how heavy the cloth is. But the cream didn’t feel heavy, merely warm, which is lovely through the colder months. And it held a lovely shape.

The grey has been exactly the same, although the mid-grey colour makes them much more versatile. I've also found that, although they aren't milled like flannel, they have enough texture to make them just as able to bridge formal and informal combinations.

They were featured in this duffle coat shoot.

 

2 Khaki-green linen

Huddersfield Fine Worsteds

11oz linen

9255, Cotton and Linen bunch

Those grey-wool trousers were made at the tail end of the winter last year, and as a result didn’t get a lot of wear until the next winter.

I did rather better with the timing of this second pair, made in linen just before the start of summer 2017.

Although I can see the appeal of a lightweight linen for a jacket or suit (such as my tobacco-coloured Langa), I would always pick a heavier, Irish linen for trousers.

This is usually around 11oz, as here, and I find this weight (as with my Dege suit) holds its shape for longer and rumples more than creases.

I already had dark-green, cream and stone-coloured linen trousers, but had only found the last to be versatile across a range of odd jackets.

So I hoped this khaki-green would fill a gap there - and it did. It's great with navy and brown, and even dark green given how pale the colour is.

It has also proved to be particularly nice with a range of brown shoes, from dark chocolate all the way through to tan.

 

3 Green winter cotton

Ariston

350g (12/13oz) cotton twill

C056-4, Linen e Cotoni bunch

I’ve long been a fan of green trousers in the sartorial wardrobe - because they can be very versatile, and because they don’t come up much in discussions of greys and tans.

I had found my khaki-coloured trousers from Cerrato very useful, and so decided to try something greener, here from Ariston.

They have been good, although not quite as nice as the previous pair. I think if I had the choice over again, I would go for that heavier cotton (15oz rather than 12/13).

A key risk of such cotton trousers is that they can look a little ‘old-manish’ and I think the heavier cotton is better in that regard.

I also used this pair of Whitcomb trousers to try some of the extra detailing they can offer through the India workshop - here some brown cotton piping on the pockets.

I’m not sure it worked. I don’t mind the colour - it doesn’t look flash, unlike say a yellow buttonhole - but it’s not as sophisticated as the brown-suede details you often find on Italian knitwear, which is what I had in mind.

 

4 Heavy Fox cotton

Fox Brothers

22oz cotton twill

These trousers came out of a conversation with Douglas at Fox Brothers about the heavy cotton they used to produce for the British Army, for puttees among other things.

This khaki cotton was a close cousin of that, and in some ways is similar to the vintage ecru cloth that they re-wove recently - a tough, steep twill with an indulgent amount of raw material in every yard. Unfortunately it is currently sold out. 

I wore this pair regularly through the winter. The thickness of the cotton and the strong colour gives them a casual, military flavour which meant they were particularly good with leather jackets, such as my Chapal flight jacket.

I would suggest a paler tan or beige for a dressier cotton trouser, however.

I’ve found the colour to be slightly limiting as to jackets it can go with, often requiring something equally dark and strong on top.

As with the grey Holland & Sherry trousers, these had buttoned or Daks-style side adjustors rather than buckles, as buckles can struggle to function with heavier cloths.

In picking buttons for those side adjustors, I found I liked horn on paler colours (as with this pair), and mother-of-pearl on darker ones.

 

5 Blue-tinged green flannel

Loro Piana

11oz wool/cashmere

640055, Winter Flannel bunch

In the same vein as the green cottons above, these were an attempt to expand my range of green trousers for winter.

My other pair, in a Holland & Sherry flannel and made by Elia Caliendo, had been worn very frequently. I wanted something similar but perhaps a little darker - closer to charcoal, and smarter as a result.

These, in a Loro Piana cloth, have done well in that regard, although the colour is slightly odd. It has a slightly blue cast and I find it’s not great with jackets that have much colour in them (eg my Richard James herringbone) but fine with pale greys (such as my Steven Hitchcock).

I would also not normally pick trousers with cashmere in the mix - I missed that on the description. Ideally I’d also have something heavier than 11oz, but there are rarely many green flannels to choose from.

 

6 Vintage Fox navy serge

Fox Brothers

25oz wool twill

This is a vintage piece of cloth I bought from Fox Brothers (anyone interested in vintage Fox will need to come to our next pop-up shop, presuming Fox are there).

It's a pity that it - like the heavy cotton - is no longer available, because it’s a wonderful wool twill that makes up with a great drape and sharp crease.

I don't normally wear or recommend navy odd-trousers, as I don’t think they work well with odd jackets. They too easily look like one half of a suit, where grey usually doesn't.

But these will be largely worn with knitwear, under a casual jacket such as my M-65 field jacket

 

Pictured at top and above, by the way, is Sian at Whitcomb & Shaftesbury, who was hired last year to help out John McCabe on the cutting. She cut the latter half of these trouser orders, and has done so extremely well.

Pictured below is Bob Bigg, the coatmaker who helped set up the India workshop where Whitcomb & Shaftesbury has these pieces made.

Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man

In the top image with navy trousers, I am also wearing: Edward Green Top-Drawer boots, and Anderson & Sheppard charcoal cashmere polo-collar knitwear. 

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Alexander_F

That looks like a collection any man should take as a model. It’s nice to see a proof that a life without denim is possible.
Best regards from the Continent

Kanute

A life without denim, now that’s an inspiration!

Alfred

444 pounds for made in India, what a joke…

Rups

Just to add that a Savile Row / West End tailor charges £1000 and upward for a pair of trousers these days. With a finer cloth (from likes of Fox which is on expensive side) probably looking at £1250. That makes these half the usual price. In either case it’s a lot for most regular people. If it is a lot of money then you’re better off just going to m&s and paying £35 for a pair of trousers. Most people in London and most capitals dress in an anything goes manner now which means nobody will notice or care too much anyway. No big deal.

Bob

What is their suiting price inc VAT? I thought it was too distant from G.Browne but their £533 for a pair of trousers is close to double that of Browne’s (not commenting on if one is over priced or one underpriced, just the notable difference in cost ratios)

Anonymous

Ok, so a 15% increase in the two years since the article you linked to and its stated price of £1,350

Anonymous

Well it’s all relative but Luxire will make you a pair (in India) to a very high standard and fit (once they have nailed your pattern), using the best Yorkshire cloths, for less than half that price.

I know where I would go.

JB

Trousers are my biggest issue when buying clothes, as I’m quite a hard fit. I agree having somewhere to see and touch cloth is very valuable, as is having personal fittings.
Whether Luxire is a great fit from the get go I think depends a lot on body type. I’ve seen great results from measuring existing trousers or taking body measurements at home, but I’ve also seen some pretty bad fits. The most consistent and best option seems to be to send Luxire a garment for replication/pattern making.
Having said that once you have a pattern nailed (trousers, shirts etc) they are amazing value for money.
Ironically, I was measured by them at a trunk show and the result was the worst I’ve ever experienced. However, after providing my own measurements taken from a well fitting pair of trousers, the results were a lot better. Plus, they offered to remake the original pair for me free of charge, just haven’t gotten around to sending them back yet.
Looking forward to reading your views on Luxire.

Stòffa and Saman Amel are still my goto for trousers though.

Ralph

Compared to £365 for Anderson & Sheppard RTW I’d say it’s pretty decent value!

Mujtaba

I’d like to get more odd trousers, given I work in a ‘business casual’ office. How do you care for them, particularly the cotton? Hand-wash at home?

Mujtaba

Got it. Thanks!

luca simoni

I’ve tried dry cleaning on two pairs of bespoke trousers, heavy cotton and moleskine, both cream white. It didn’t work. At all. Water cleaning was the final (and sole) solution. But, as predictable, thet stretched at the first washing. Not anymore the following.

DKP

@Simon – is there a particular steamer you recommend? I believe years ago you’d mentioned a Fridja. Thanks

Axel

Thanks on this nice overview!
In regard to buckle versus button side adjustors, latter ones failed for some summer cottons I have, as they were slipping through.
Now I am thinking of buttons to be used on a light cotton summer trousers. Would you recommend those?

Reuven Lax

I had this problem with a pair of summer gabardine trousers – the lightness of the fabric combined with the smoothness of the gabardine cause the adjustors to constantly slip. I took it back to the maker and they inserted a thicker interfacing inside the side adjustors, which fixed the issue.

Anonymous

How do they differ in terms of fit, style and make from your Italian trousers from Cerrato, Ambrosi et al.?
Do you have any preference for Daks or metal side adjusters? And why would the latter struggle with heavy twill but not with flannel?
Thank you

Dan G

Too bad you didn’t post this yesterday! I commissioned two pairs of grey odd trousers (H&S Crispaire – 337053 and 337053) but would have liked to have some inspiration from your collection when selecting cloths… There’s always next time.

Harris

Hi Simon

How do the waist adjusters with the buttons work? I’d assume some sort of elastic in the waistband but that doesn’t seem like something you’d go for. Aesthetically it looks great but If elastic I’ve found it doesn’t work as well as side tabs.

Michael

Hello Simon,

In a previous post you commented that you generally prefer 18.5”/16” for formal trousers and 18”/15.5” for informal pairs. Have you stuck with those guidelines in this recent set of commissions?

I ask so as to better gauge the overall style and line of these trousers. In addition, would you consider taking more photos from various angles, to better showcase the cut and style?

Konrad

Glad to hear that W&S are still doing well by you. Based on your previous posts, I tried out their India service earlier this year, and walked away very happy.

To the doubters who sniff at a “Made in India” product, I suggest you try the product firsthand. I’m a longstanding Dege customer, and W&S India is TRUE Savile Row quality at a fraction of the price.

Simon – aren’t the much-lauded 100 Hands shirts made in India as well? Is Madras the new Naples for the iGents???

James

Konrad, very interesting. As a fellow (not so longstanding) Dege customer, how did you find W&S compared in terms of (a) cut (b) turnaround time?

Konrad

James – I found the cut to be fairly similar, with the exception that the W&S make is perhaps a bit softer than Dege (more Poole than Andersons though). They were meaningfully better from a turnaround perspective – I am based in New York, and W&S visits ever 2 months, as opposed to 3-4 annual visits by Dege. Customer service is good w/ both firms.

KP – I used to visit Madras with some frequency years ago. I just can’t bring myself to say Chennai when Madras just rolls off the tongue so nicely!

KP

Much glad to see my city being referred by the name given to the eponymous pattern. Brought a smile.

Matt S

I saw that you don’t like cashmere and wool-blend trousers. I have my reasons for not liking this either, but what are yours? And why are wool and cashmere blends so common, either in flannel or in smooth suitings?

Matt S

Thanks for the response. That’s what I feared.

Ralph

Superb blog post, Simon, many thanks for giving this overview and sharing your process. I’d be interested to know how you choose to wear any of these as an alternative to grey flannels, which from so much of your writing appear to be a ‘go to’ option.

The best thing though is that your investment in bespoke trousers helps me justify an increase in my clothes spend!

Peter K

Simon do you have some principles that guide in matching the green trousers to jackets? Particularly if you use them with a sport jacket?

Martin

What about navy jackets or coats (for example a duffle coat)?

Alan

At a much lower price level, I ‘experimented’ with a ‘winter weight’ M&S trouser from their Sartorial range in a very similar shade. They’re nice enough, but I have indeed struggled to pair them. I was in ‘capsule mode’ last winter and thus they didn’t feature; they were on the edge of going into the charity shop, but I think I will make an effort this winter to get some wears out of them.

In practice, this means build a small capsule wardrobe around them – which I think means orange-tan duffel (JW/Gloverall), Cashmere mono POW (Brioni) jacket (It was 2nd hand with trousers for £50, but the trousers are what you might expect), Charcoal Rollneck, White shirt, very pale green denim shirt (advertised as white fwiw), black brogues (none of my brown shoes are quite right, for whatever reason).

All sounds rather fun, but will be a bit of an effort as I say. I think navy trousers are a wee bit underrated; most people don’t think about whether you are wearing half a suit!

Martin

Interesting that you chose to have only one back pocket. Do your Italian trousers have two? And is there a difference in formality?
Looking at the pictures of the trousers hanging in a row I could swear the turn ups look different in length.

Anonymous

Any particular reason for that, as it’s marginal? Wouldn’t symmetry be more pleasing?

G.

Green is typically difficult to work with unless for blue collar workwear or for accessorizing. Interesting you spent so much money on essentially an experiment.

Josh

It’s always a matter of personal taste of course, but for me green is a country clothing colour, think cords, moleskins etc, and absolutely not something I would wear in anything more formal.

If you do see greens in tailored outfits, it may be a Ryder cup team or a driver from Arriva trains.

Anonymous

Love articles such as these. Out of interest why do you commission with turn-ups – most of my informal (unmatched) trousers are cut without, beyond personal preference what are the practical advatages? On the blue serge trousers (they look great) what will you be matching them with beyond the M65… your green overcoat? Lastly, as with another comment (the importance of cloth and colour not-withstanding) more images showing the cut please. Why? Because images of well cut trousers are too few (anywhere, not just here) and it helps to educate the eye and the sensibilities. Thank you.

Peter

Hi Simon,
Re. turn-ups, i’ve recently bought a pair of grey flannels, to be worn with brown brogues. I can’t make my mind up whether to have the them finished with plain bottoms or with turn-ups. Given your comments above, do you think a plain bottom would look too formal with this trouser / shoes combination, or is it ultimately just a subjective choice?
Thank you, Peter.

Fabrizio Gatti

It’s a relief for me to learn from Simon that the cuffed/plain bottoms choice is personal . I almost always wore, and still wear, cuffed pants. I have very few pants with plain bottoms: four RTW, and the ones, by A. Caraceni, that belong to my tuxedo (very seldom worn in the last thirty or so years), my morning coat (which I have worn only at a few formal weddings in the past) and a gray suit (that I wore on my own not-so-formal wedding 48 years ago – after all, it was the seventies!) and still wear whenever I attend a ceremony and for the only reason that, being a ceremony, more formal pants are, or should be, required (i.e. plain bottoms and oxford shoes). Since we leave in a much less formal world, and I am not a billionaire neither a royal or an Instagram celebrity and style guru, my question for you, Simon, is: could I wear for these contemporary ceremonies a different gray suit (which, by the way, I like more) with cuffed pants instead and just derby shoes? Thank you.

Paddy

Hi Simon,

I’d assume information regarding the workshop in India is confidential. The reason I ask is I am working in India and if a visit is possible, would be very interested. I’m located in the South.

Thanks

E. Talbot

In the last year I have had an overcoat and a single breasted flannel suit made at W & S, both cut by Sian and I can attest to the excellent quality and friendly service offered by this wonderful establishment.

Harry

I like your trousers Simon.I usually purchase Cordings chinos and cotton pants in the summer.They are well made and are tremendous value compared to most brands.
On a shirt note I cannot recall you purchasing any Frank Foster shirts.I think a barrel cuff with a high collar would suit you down to the ground.Sir Roger Moore’s high collar Foster shirts always looked fantastic.Let’s support British brands whenever we can …!

Fred

Dear Simon,
I know of late you have been tending towards more subtle and subdued colours, and these trousers are that way, and I see the attraction. But I was wondering if you might be missing a trick, by not using trousers as a inexpensive way to play and experiment with some slightly more adventurous colours. I had some duck egg blue and burnt orange trousers made up, which I like to throw in to the mix occasionally to spice things up. Your thoughts?

AJ

Simon, how useful do you find dark brown as a trouser colour? I’m thinking of crispaire as the fabric.

Thanks.

Jerrell

Simon,
Do you plan on commissioning trousers from Stoffa?

Anonymous

Can I ? I’ve noticed you adopted a metal hook instead of hole and button, for the waistband. This is peculiar of many famous taylors as Caraceni, Cifonelli, A&S, but – in itself- it is not sartorial at all. I’ve seen few stilished fellows taylor using the buttonhole cutted only into the inner part of the waistband end, towards the button, invisible outside. Personally, I find it much more adequate than industrial metal hooks on an entirely sartorial work. But is just an opinion.

Ian A

I’m surprised that burgundy never features in your odd trousers! I can understand people’s aversion to red and that a man’s legs are hardly the place he wishes to draw attention to!

Could it be that they are difficult to pair with dark brown shoes and that only black or burgundy shoes really work with them?

Fabrizio Gatti

Excellent suggestions regarding the weight of the cloths and the corresponding choice of side adjusters (buttons or buckles). I will certainly pass them to my tailor here in Chicago for my next trousers. I have two questions: do you use the same buttons of natural materials for the fly? and would you consider using a button to secure the trousers instead of a hook? Thank you.

Nick Inkster

Only trouble with a button closing is that it is visible, whereas hook and bar is not, thus looking a touch cleaner.

I’ve only ever been able to get a burgundy trouser to work well with tweed coats, but this gives you all the fun of cloths that were picked up in a recent thread.

And chestnut or darker on the feet, either leather or suede, but never black with burgundy.

Chaim S

I recently had a pair of trousers altered, and i found the fit was slim, with no long clean line, rather slim (though not tight). As a younger man, should i go for a slimmer look, or a wider leg with less creasing.

James

Simon,

I have recently had a bespoke suit (my first!) made, and would like some advice. I originally wanted belt loops on the pants, but decided to change to side adjusters (after reading some of your posts) at the time time of my first fitting, which was with a suit made from trial cloth. At the second fitting, the belt loops were still there, so I reiterated the change to my tailor. One week after the second fitting, I now have the finished suit, still without side adjusters. I have reached out to my tailor about this, and he said he can change the pants, but that there may be some residiual scarring from removing the belt loops. What would you recommend?

Max

Hi Simon,
You mentioned that you did one fitting. Could you please clarify whether it was one fitting after initial measurements were taken or they just took the measurements and no further adjustments were required.
Tha you

Max

Thank you, Simon. I am aware of this procedure but since I am not lucky enough to live in London I was hoping to get all done within one visit 🙂

Julian

Hi Simon,
Same issue here, I don’t live near a bespoke tailor and trunk shows are almost non-existent. I can try to travel to a bespoke tailor like london, Italy etc occasionally, just probably not too often. Should I avoid having a bespoke trousers like this entirely? Are my options for a well made & fitted trousers limited to RTW brands like drakes, anglo, A&S (after seeing your review)? What do you think?

Julian

Thanks for the advice. I’m assuming some of your preferred RTW brands are drakes, anglo and A&S. Any preferred MTM brands?

Julian

Thank you for the advice. I know you don’t cover a lot of MTM brands. But do you have any preferred MTM brands? And what do you look for when you are choosing between MTM brands?

COLIN MACDONALD

What is the bottom width please

Michael

Simon,

The cut of the trouser looks great. What is the width of the leg opening at the cuff? The width looks good paired with the 5cm turn-ups. Also, what are the benefits of having trousers made bespoke rather than MTM? I understand the benefits of having a jacket made bespoke due to its 3-d nature, but does that apply to trousers? It seems to me that the lack of that 3-d aspect in trousers does not necessitate going bespoke. Thanks.

Chancellor

On a related point to this, would it be fair to say that if one were to use a much inexpensive tailor (~200 pounds for trousers), but still get a bespoke piece with a couple of fittings, the major disadvantage would be in aesthetic details and opportunity to appreciate the craft?

Chancellor

Thanks, I mis-wrote earlier–it’s about 200 GBP without cloth; 275 GBP with cloth.

Nonetheless, a very helpful response to watch out for precision and strength (presumably functional handsewing and quality materials?).

TOS

Simon,
As I’m a novice in this sartorial world, thank you for such a useful article. Apropos of this article and the previous one regarding your seasonal cloths of choice I’d like to ask questions relating to how you go about choosing a fabric:
1. Do you choose the tailor first for a particular item of clothing and then be guided by their suggestion for fabric/fabric supplier?
2. Or do you find the cloth first and then work out what to do with it?
3. How do you decide whether, say, a linen from H&S is better than one from Cacciopoli?
Many thanks and best wishes.

M

Simon,

Re. odd trousers: do you know who makes Drakes’ spring-summer 2018 trousers? Rota, perhaps? I’ve recently bought a couple and I am very happy with their quality. Thank you.

TOS

Many thanks again Simon.

FIDELIO

Hi Simon. Thank you for the very informative article. Would you mind sharing what is the rise of these trousers to have a sense of proportions? Front and back?
Thank you,

Claudia

I love that Sian is wearing a pleated front shirt, loose and open, and wide suspenders. Menswear, but she made it her own.

Axel

Thank you for this article, Simon!
Your odd trousers presented here all come with cuffs. Is there a kind of “ruling taste”, like it looks better with taller folks than with shorter ones? In my tailor’s opinion cuffs are ok for people taller than 185 cm.

Michael

Simon,

I’ve noticed, or maybe haven’t noticed, that you do not generally comment on whether your trousers are lined, half-lined, or unlined. What is your “rule-of-thumb” in this regards?

Anonymous

What is your reason for not having them fully lined?
Do you fully line heavier-weight trousers to shield yourself from the cold?

Ivan

Simon, what are some recommendations you have for creme trousers in wool for 3 season? I am looking for something similar to the calvary twill ones you had from FOX, but those are way too hot for Hong Kong

AG

Hi Simon,

I own several pairs of trousers (followed your advice and love the collection—cream, brown moleskin, indigo jeans, etc.). But I don’t own grey, yet. I know you’ve praised flannel (Fox Flannel is especially wonderful), but I’m looking for something more year-round wear for my first purchase, and ideally something that has a bit of resilience. I know worsted wool will feel a bit too crisp for business casual wear (almost as though it’s incomplete without the corresponding jacket.

I’m looking for something for wearing with odd jackets. Came across this, for example, on Drop93. Thoughts? https://drop93.com/products/copy-of-ring-jacket-s166-grey-wool-core-trousers

Thank you!

Mac

Hi Simon

Would high rise trousers sit on or above the navel? Also, do the mid-rise trousers above sit just on or above the hip bone?

Pete Gris

Hey Simon – I’ve got a pair of charcoal flannel trousers I wear with knitwear lots, but sometimes struggle to find the right sport jacket for. Any tips?

Pete Gris

Great, thanks Simon. I was looking at the below image as a point of reference for the charcoal/navy duo – do you think having metal/brass buttons on the jacket make it easier to combine with a not-totally-contrasting trouser?
http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-gianpaolo-milano/

T_S

Hi Simon,

Long time follower, first time poster.

Like many others I have had a lot of problems with trousers. Off the peg jackets tend to fit me really well with only minor adjustments usually to the sleeve length but I really struggle with trousers. I have a 32″ waist (5″10″ height) but a slight belly which means most of my trousers after a short walk fall down to my hips and looks saggy. I am endlessly pulling them up. One solution was to go tighter on the waist band but this just makes them uncomfortable. I can use belts but that cause’s bunching of the waist band. Braces aren’t an option either as I often wear my odd trousers without a jacket. Someone recommended pleats might be a solution but I’m just not sure. I have never bought a bespoke pair though but am wondering if there is some magical solution to this problem that bespoke would fix?

Do you have any advise that could help? Many Thanks

PS. I have been considering going to A&S or W&S to get a couple of pairs. Do you have a preference of one over the other?

T_S

Thanks for the advise. Will give W&S a go. Now just need to decide material and colour. Probably charcoal, cream, navy in that order. Would like all three but will see how the first one fits before pulling the trigger on the others.

Stan

On the green ones – what is the colour of the mother of pearl buttons and more in general what colour would go well with green fabric?

Stan

Thank you.

Daniel Lichtenegger

Hello, I’d have a few questions concerning winter trousers and linings. I am in the process of ordering some flannel and corduroy trousers for winter. (Flannel, Twill from Dugdale in 14oz and corduroy from luxire in 15-16oz). I am now a bit confused what to choose for lining and if I should go for lining at all. Of course lining always means warmer but I am unsure if a 14oz flannel/15oz corduroy fabric itself will be warm enough for autumn/winter.

Perhabs you could give me a quick Reply on your opinion with my choice of fabric and if lined, what lining I should go with. I’d appreciate your advice and opinion.

Daniel Lichtenegger

Thank you for your quick reply. In this case I’ll go with half lining until the knee.

One more thing concerning fabric weight and side adjusters. From what fabric weight onwards would you stay away from metal size adjusters on the waistband?

Elliott

Hi Simon, im in the hunt for a stone colored linen trousers or biscuit colored linen trousers. Are there any particular fabric brands/makers you would reccommend for the stone or biscuit colored linen trousers. What fabric maker was your stone linen trousers from? Would mid green be a versatile linen color colour?

D

Hi Simon,

Are the trousers featuring side straps half an inch higher in the rise than the daks ones? I remember you said having the side straps on the seam meant the rise would be a bit higher, that’s why.
On a related note, why don’t you systematically require those to be on the seam, if it’s a better solution for you? On several recent pairs, they’re positioned on the waistband. Any reason for going with that in some cases?

Last question: how many pairs of chinos do you own and in which colors?

Thank you

Ben

Very useful post Simon. I have a question. I am always a huge fan of linen, but I can hardly find a linen fabric of great dark green color for trousers. If it happens that you have a great green linen trousers, would you please let me know the maker and the code of that fabric?

Many thanks

Ben

Thanks so much Simon. How about any dark green linen fabric for bespoke trousers? I like high waisted and pleated trousers. So I mostly go for bespoke.

Ben

what do you think of a dark green wool pant (something like fresco)? highly breathable. Or you still prefer the texture of cotton or linen for green trousers?

Tung

Hi Simon,

Do you have any recommendations for fabric books that have brushed cotton?

Tung

Thank you for the helpful recommendations!

Tung

Awesome! Thank you the helpful recommendations. Yeah I think I’m looking for something like moleskins. I also remember seeing some fantastic green winter cotton trousers in the post on Alan See’s style.

anon

Simon,

I find matching my odd trousers with appropriate sports coat to be challenging from a texture/finish perspective. What do you match flannel trousers with? Tweeds (herringbone or otherwise)?

Panagiotis P

As regards turn-ups, do they match well with all styles of semi-formal trousers? For example, would you choose them for cotton, linen, or wool-cotton trousers (not chinos/jeans)?

Henry

Simon, I am 6.2” tall, recently I bought myself RTW Rota Sartorial sand cotton twill trousers (19.5cm bottom) and now I am wondering what in your opinion would be they best turn up size 3cm/4cm/5cm? Ps. I would wear them mainly with brown suede penny loafers and navy blazer. Many thanks in advance

Shem

Hey Simon, I know you’re a fan on green trousers. I’m personally not convinced as yet but am thinking of trying them out. I’m wondering how useful would a pair of green wool trousers be in a smart casual work setting? I’m asking in the context of humid Singapore where we often just wear shirt and trouser without jackets. Also what color socks would you wear with green trousers and brown shoes?

Colin

Hi Simon….I’m about to commision some cavalry twill trousers from Luxire; if I was looking for a versatile cloth weight that work in all but the warmest summer or coldest winter days would 11/12oz be a good weight and secondly would you suggest they be half lined? I couldn’t tell whether any of your Whitcomb or other trousers are lined? Thanks

Martin

Hi Simon,

When considering odd trousers (in my case: brown cords, beige/stone cotton, cream linen), is there a pair for which cuffed hems would be more advised/appropriate? Do you have a general rule of thumb as for height? Thanks

Mr J

Interesting how you didn’t include any trousers with pleats. My impression is trousers with pleats tend to have fuller (less slim) cut and therefore more suitable for heavier body types. I have a slim figure with narrow hips, would you think it’s best to avoid pleated trousers? Any examples of pleated trousers that maintain a nice and slim silhouette?

Nick

Dear Simon,

I am thinking of ordering a pair of herringbone grey donegal tweed trousers (probably WS) which I would wear with navy knitwear and a Barbour, what do you think? Or would it look too much as if it was part of a suit and I’d simply forgotten the jacket?

Nick

Nick

Thanks!

Simon

Simon,

Great post!

Looking at ordering 4-5 pair of trousers for fall/winter. I work in a professional consulting firm, but I get by most of the year with a tweed sports coat in winter and linen/silk/wool in summer, flannels/cords in winter/ fresco/cotton in summer, but have been wanting to experience with colours and maybe new materials.

On the materials front, I was thinking covert cloth, would you say that these are wearable in professional settings? As for colours, any recommendations? I wouldn’t mind steering away from grey and navy!

As for flannels, I was thinking something similar to your green flannels from Fox, but was also thinking of something like cream/oatmeal, something in those colours. Again is that acceptable?

Keep you the great work with the blog, you have a great pen, I enjoy reading you

Colin

Hi Simon…..I had a chat with the guys at Whitcomb last week about ordering some trousers and it was suggested that I wouldn’t need anything heavier than 11oz for the English climate, which I found a little strange given some of your orders are between the 22-27oz range. Any thoughts on the suitability of those heavier cloths in England or are you finding you are not wearing them here? Thanks Colin

anon

Simon,

I’ve noticed you and the subjects of your articles wearing pleated trousers more frequently in recent postings. Are pleated pants gradually replacing flat-fronts? Are flat-fronts out of fashion again, or does “fashion” (current trends) take a back seat to “style” (how something is worn from a personal perspective) in this regards? I would hate to think that I have to start replacing a major component of my wardrobe.

anon

Simon,

What’s your view as to cuffed trousers versus uncuffed trousers? Stylistically, what’s the advantage of one over the other? I’ve always felt that uncuffed made my legs look longer (a good thing for me since my legs are on the short side).

anon

Are cuffs more appropriate to pleated pants, or are pleated pants equally fine without (and is the converse true of flat-fronts)?

Rups

Simon on the daks adjustor trousers you had made, I wondered if they had the elastic running though between the tabs so the whole thing tightens up as you button them? If trousers have this system on them, are they difficult to adjust later on in terms of taking in or out in the waist?

Anonymous

On picture #4 showing your blue trousers and shoes, do you have both daks adjusters on those pants and an extended clasp in the front?

Do you find that an extended clasp and belt loops look too busy/stylized?

Fabrizio Gatti

Hi Simon. Are the cuffs of the grey pants on the far right of the third image (picturing five pants hanging) 1.75 inch tall (4.5 cms.)? The cuffs of the other four pants seem to be a bit taller, I assume 2 inches (5 cms.), which is the preferred high by many contemporary tailors and young stylish gentlemen as yourself. Some traditional tailors still favor the 1.75 inches high (as I still do).Thank you and enjoy the rest of this Sunday.

Anonymous

Now with daks adjusters– stylistically do you prefer a slightly extended waistband ending in a point with a button? Or having an extended waistband ending in a point with a hook? Or just no extended waistband with daks?

Rupesh Bhindi

Hi Simon,

I have been looking for some good quality pair of trousers from synthetic materials as I do not like the elastane added to every RTW trousers in today’s leading brands if not 99%. I am firm believer in 100 percent cotton trousers or whether its wool/linen/denim. I am now contemplating on going down the MTM route as its becoming an arduous task in London to find nice cotton trousers that are pure material and can experience the true characteristics of the material over time after wearing. Please could you recommend some brands that I could potentially pursue whether MTM or RTW. I have tried placed like Drakes and anglo Italian but their RTW blocks are high waist which doesn’t suit my body type. my preference is mid waist rise and slim cut. I think you should collaborate with a few Italian brands to create staple trousers to have in a man’s wardrobe in classic colours beige and navy to feature on your website for consumer to buy.

Thanks

Rupesh

Jj.

Hi Simon,any suggestions for summer casual trousers?
Linen is an option but I tend to wear linen shirts, and cotton sometimes makes an old man look.
Thanks very much.

Dylan

Hi Simon. I am looking to buy some wool fabric for my trousers in London. Do you have any recommendation ?

Felix O

Dear Simon,

In general, would you recommend having flannel trousers lined, or unlined?

Thanks,

F

Paul F.

I’ve referred back to this post several times for trouser inspiration, though I personally have a very hard time finding the right fit in trousers. (In the world of RTW trousers, my thighs are apparently disproportionately larger than my waist, and sizing up to accommodate my thighs usually means having a waist that’s too large. Even a good tailor has trouble taking the waist in to make it look right.)

Would you comment on what’s a reasonable expectation for range of motion in a pair of dress trousers? For instance, should you expect to be able to squat down completely in them without fear of ripping the back seam? Or should you expect that your range of motion will be a bit more restricted? I recognize that this is partially a matter of preference and of keeping in mind what you’re going to be doing in the trousers. But I’m curious about the various tolerances in fit that one might expect between, say, dress trousers, chinos, and denim.

Anonymous
Anonymous

Thanks Simon! I noticed you consider the cream linen trouser on the formal spectrum, which i assume you prefer to pair it with formal dress shirts. I do wonder how well it will go with casual shirts like indigo linen / denim? If you want to dress down the cream linen, is there a certain point that you will consider the pairing would be too casual? Cheers.

Anonymous

I would like to know when do you wear your linen trousers and when shorts in summer?

In general, when do you wear odd trousers without a jacket and when more casual pants like chinos or jeans?

Rupesh

Hi Simon,

What is your reason for having a single rear pocket on a pair of trousers?

Thanks

Rupesh

Anonymous

The grey trousers in the overcoatings bunch do seem very heavy. I just wondered whether you wore them much over the two subsequent winters – one being quite cold whilst the other was very mild – and would buy them again with hindsight?

Anonymous

Simon for summer cream trousers, do you prefer to have them in linen or cotton? Thanks.

Luke

Hi Simon,

I’ve just received my first suit from Whitcomb and they’ve done a lovely job. I am now looking to commission a basic ‘capsule’ set of odd trousers—probably four pairs.

I really am at that starting point of developing my wardrobe, and excepting a perfectly decent pair of charcoal flannel trousers, will be looking to replace the trousers I already have as opposed to adding extra pairs, so starting from scratch, in other words.

I wonder what you might suggest as a solid ‘starting four’ to cover most of the year. I live in Oxford, and am rather conservative in temperament when it comes to clothes.

I am currently thinking of commissioning the following:

Mid/light-grey flannels
Darker grey flannels with a hint of green or brown
Stone or khaki Irish linen (for summer)

… and am rather stuck on a fourth pair. Perhaps something spring-y or not so wintry as flannel.

Anyway, I would really appreciate your advice before taking the plunge. Ordering four at a time is a little daunting as the choice of cloth is so immense.

I have another question about a first sports jacket commission but this might not be the place.

Luke

Many thanks, Simon. I appreciate your taking the time to comment so widely and expeditiously. Beige cotton does seem a little too casual for me, but corduroy is a brilliant idea! I would naturally lean to a warmer dark brown here, but perhaps another colour might get more wear. What do you think?

As to commissioning more than two pairs at once, I take your point. However, I am quite sure on the style points (buckle side adjusters, flat front, slanted pockets, turn-ups, one pocket in the rear, etc.). Would you still recommend going slow here with two at a time?

A final question which is relevant to me though not to this thread, so please feel free to ignore it: I want to commission a first sport jacket pretty soonish. I work and teach at Oxford, where the dress code dictates that anything too sleek or smart looks out of place except at dinner (despite the famous advice given Charles Ryder in Brideshead). So I think navy might be out. Taking that into account, do you think a rough tweed with some depth to it or a slightly slicker herringbone would be better for a first? Or something else entirely? Many thanks again.

Luke

Luke

Thanks so much once again. Hopefully other readers will get something out of your answers to my questions too. Cheers!

Peter

The price seems very reasonable Simon inspite of some of the negative comments. From the makers point of view trousers are great until they go wrong!! Calculate one third of the price of a two piece suit for the cost of your trousers. From a provisional tailor that probably represents £900 – it’s a lot of money but if he makes a mistake involving comprehensive alterations he is making less money than if he were flipping hamburgers.

Anonymous

I really like grey trousers and I do have a lot of flannel / high twist trousers in grey. However, I think these are rather formal, definitely not casual at least. Given that I do have a lot of navy tops, I do want something more casual in grey for weekends year round (that i can wear to casual pubs) but I find that grey denims / grey chinos do not carry the same appeal of flannel / high twist trousers and they just look a bit awkward in my opinion. In this case, are there any fabrics that you would suggest for casual grey trouser? Cheers!

Michael

Hi Simon,
Which trousers do you think are more suited to be worn casually? I am thinking bomber jacket, M 65 ,peacoat, knitwear, Oxford shirts,plain T shirts with suede chukka boots,maybe some calfskin wingtip?

https://angloitalian.com/products/garment-washed-cotton-trouser-stone

https://www.trunkclothiers.com/products/trunk-welbeck-regular-fit-cotton-trousers-beige?variant=15419496202275

https://rota-pantaloni.com/collections/fall-winter/products/khaki-pair-of-regular-fit-winter-cotton-stretch-trousers?variant=32820388593739

Thank you

Anonymous

If I own a pair of cream linen trouser, should I get a pair of cream twill cotton trouser or a pair of cream jeans next? Thanks.

Daz

Hi Simon, I recently commissioned a pair of linen pants with wbill wb61314, a very light oatmeal colour. After getting the pants, I find the fabric colour together with the texture looks very much like one of those eco bags we bring to shopping. Does it matter? Is it something I should be concerned about? Thanks!

nicholaswmin

Hi Simon,

The Linen 9255 from Huddersfields Fine Worsteds (https://shop.hfwltd.com/collection/80) looks a lot darker in their website than in the first trouser in this post. Is it possible that a merchant uses the same number for different cloths if you know, or is it just the photo looking darker? They also name it “olive” instead of “khaki-green”. Just wondering if it’s the same cloth, as I want to follow this guide for separates to a T.

nicholaswmin

Thanks you Simon,

I’m thinking instead of olive, to get brown linen (9243 from hfw) and a taupe linen (9246 from hfw). I find that brown linen has a “havana” look that I like and the taupe as just a paler linen albeit not as showy as cream. I’m looking to wear these with chambrays and pale blue or pink shirts without jackets in the summer.

What’s your opinion on these colors?

Anonymous

Hi Simon, do you have a picture of the Fox woollen 13oz flannel in soft/light grey made as trousers, jacket or suit? I’m trying to see how light the grey it. Thanks!

Andras

Hello Simon, my question is regarding trousers linings. Some of the bespoke makers using it, and some not .For example my both linen trousers from Graham Browne is lined, and now I consider some new pieces for summer unlined. Do you think it will be correct, and how it will affect linen trousers. Thanks for answer and for your great job.

Michael

Hi Simon,
How many grams would you recommend for a cotton trouser for summer and also for autumn/winter?

Thanks

Michael

You mean that heavier cotton can be worn during summer?

Haackk

Hi.

What is the width of the waistband on these pants?

Thanks

Matt S

Hi Simon, would you advise against strap side-adjusters for heavy moleskin trousers? In your experience, would straps that are so thick not fit through the buckles? I have trousers made of a hefty 18-oz cavalry twill that work well with side straps, but the moleskin is thicker.

VincentL

Hi Simon,
My main brand to buy trousers is Berg&Berg but they don’t sell high twist trousers this year and I do not have any. I don’t want to spend too much (less than 400 euros, but it’s hard to find in Paris…) because I know that trousers doesn’t live long when we don’t have as many as you do. So what do you recommend, to buy 2 or 3 MTM Crispaire or Fresco trousers (mid-grey) because it’s versatile and resistant to tearing (not sure about tearing) or to buy different trousers, one tailor advises me to go for “Dakota Holland&Sherry Calvary Twill”, I don’t know if i’m going to wear it a lot because i’m not sure it works with smart jacket.

RT

Hi Simon,
I’d like to have a pair of navy casual trousers. I tend to agree with your often expressed view that navy trousers too often look like part of a suit and I’ve tended to avoid them for that reason. However, I quite like the look of your serge ones here, but I don’t think that Fox are still doing the cloth. I’m not quite sure that navy flannel would be an adequate replacement, but I’ve been looking at the char-navy https://www.themerchantfox.co.uk/collections/classic-flannel/products/370g-char-navy-fox-flannel and wondered if that would be ok. I have the char-brown, which I like a lot. Have you come across the char-navy, by any chance, and if so, do you think it would be good for casual trousers?
Thanks,
Richard

Nicholas Kyriakides

Hi RT,
I have both the char-brown and char-navy. I always find myself preferring the char-brown exactly because the char-navy looks like a suit trouser. It suffers less from this particular problem than a regular worsted navy because it’s char-navy and flannel; but at the end of the day it’s still a navy tailored trouser. If I could choose again, i’d go for char-brown again but perhaps a shade of grey instead of char-navy.

PS: The char-brown is an amazing colour.

John

Hi Simon, i am going to commission my first pair of linen trousers – in time for the summer – and was hoping for your opinion. I only want one pair, at least for now, and cannot decide which colour would be more versatile: stone, or the khaki-green you went for here. Which have you found to be more useful? Many thanks.

John

Thanks!

Matthew

Hi Simon, I’m looking to have a pair of odd trousers made in a bone/ecru pale wool twill. Maybe whipcord or cavalry twill. I’ve looked at some bunches online but can’t seem to find something suitable based on these articles.
Could you possibly share some pointers on where to source?
thanks

Pete

Hi Simon
Can you recommend a green/charcoal flannel cloth for this season?

Pete

Sorry Simon I should have specified! I meant a green-tinged charcoal, or a dark/cold green. Looking for something that could go nicely with a mid-grey herringbone jacket that’s a bit like your Caraceni. I know olive/cold greens work well — just struggling to find a good fabric to do so (whilst also respecting your advice that it’s worth going >13oz)

Pete

Thanks Simon, that’s stunning. I’ll look into it. Greatly appreciated

Pete

Sorry for double-comment. You also once had some green-tinged grey flannels by Elia, which I remember you showed with an oatmeal jacket. They were mostly grey but with a subtle green cast – a fantastic shade. Perhaps less colour-intense than this one? do shout if you’ve seen a similar bunch anywhere this season – totally understood if not, I appreciate it’s a slightly random and niche request. One of the many great things about PS is that lots of us benefit from your expert eye on these things. Prevented a lot of expensive mistakes, no doubt.

Dani

Hi, Simon. Nice post everyone should read to have the perfect trousers wardrobe!

I was just wondering if you have “better”pics. I mean, the first one looks great as we can see the shape and the fit, but is hard to see It with the latters. Maybe is there some other link to other posts where we can you see wearing them?

Thank you kindly.

Dani

There is nothing special I want to see. It is just that I prefer to see the trousers wearing to have a better idea about how It looks like! I’ll try out to find them on other articles. Anyways, I had a question about loafers and tassels, but I don’t think this is the right place, so I’ll find an article about this issue.

Regards,

Kirill

Simon, is there some general idea of which heavyweight fabrics are suitable for trousers, and which are not? I would assume that anything soft will not be suitable, even if very heavy. And can you suggest any place where I can current buy some fabrics similar to the ones you used in this collection? I know Fox have some heavyweight flannels, but I haven’t seen such heavy cottons or wool twills on their website.

Kirill

How do you tell if a fabric is firm enough for trousers?
I work with one tailor in Chicago, but he didn’t seem to have similar fabrics available.

Lindsay McKee

If I may, Simon, which of the types of side tab are your favourite?
Why do I ask?
W&S are a tailor very high on my shortlist and the quality of the side tabs are important to me.
I like the look of the button style side tabs but if they are elasticated,I would fear that the elastic will “doze” in the long term, especially if the tension is not released after wearing.
The buckle style, which are used on my current trousers, I assume don’t use elastic and more durable and will last longer? Is this correct?
I imagine that it depends in the thickness and type of trouser cloth used which then dictates the type of the side tab used?
The most durable and strongest are what I’m looking for.
Can you advise me accordingly please?

Lindsay McKee

Fantastic, it’s the buckle type on my trousers.
Many thanks
Lindsay McKee

Lindsay McKee

This is a great article.
Let’s take the Whitcomb & Shaftesbury Classic (Indian) Bespoke as a benchmark here if I may.
I don’t know what their current price, inc.VAT is at this moment in time.
Waist size is my problem …45-46”…and very difficult to buy RTW.
At the very cheapest level, I currently use Peter Christian who do an excellent range of men’s apparel including a fantastic range of trouser types and very generous sizes but…
…I’d like to move up a rank or two.
Now, if we leave out the RTW and MTO and go up to MTM.
Simon, can you recommend anyone for Made to Measure trousers?
Can be Italian (or European) or ideally British to avoid expensive travel arrangements.
London or even online would be ideal.
Thanks
Lindsay

Lindsay McKee

Many thanks
Lindsay McKee

Paul

Hi Simon,
I have some denim trousers from Cerrato that need reshaping (ironing?) due to loss of shape at the knee. If this anyone in the UK who performs this service?
Many thanks.

Paul

Marvellous, thank you!