I love that whooshing sound my legs make when I’m wriggling into a pair of pants, khakis, or chinos. In fact, the meat of every man’s life is measured, and sandwiched, between two moments: The first time your fingers hauled a pair of pants to your waist unassisted, and the day when the only way you can accomplish the ritual is with an assist. But let’s not dwell on death. Instead, fill your life with a few choice pant selections.
I’ve sampled the spectrum from the bloated, wide-legged style popularized by blissed-out candy ravers to an ill-fated jaunt with jeans so skinny that any bulge was a boner. Now my style is trim and timeless. Consider adding these selections to your roster.
J. Crew, Sun-Faded Chino in 484 Fit ($75)
Some pants say they fit slim. Then you slide them on and you look below the knee and notice they’re flaring. Chino please. These pants stay extra slim throughout and arrive soft and already broken in. Available in adjective-heavy colours such as deep harbour, russet orange, or dusty khaki, they flatter your figure and finish narrow at the ankle. In a word, classic.
Dockers, Alpha Khaki ($75)
Dockers is revelling in a revival. It’s because of their Alpha Khakis. It’s not denim and it’s not high fashion. Wedge it somewhere in between. Stylish enough to wear during business meetings, the Alpha Khaki won’t leave you feeling overdressed at your favourite bar. They’re also inexpensive and pair nicely with a great blazer, shirt or cardigan—or a deft mix of all three.
Wings + Horns, The Westpoint Chino ($198)
My fashionable friend Rich raves about his go-to, slim-cut chinos from Vancouver’s Wings + Horns. They’re inspired by trousers at the U.S. military’s West Point Academy, and maximized for those whose idea of utility is refined. They’re pricey ($198), but that’s because they’re made in Vancouver with high-quality Japanese cotton. These are not your run of the mill chino. They’re primo. They should last longer and look better long after your cheaper chinos fade.
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Pierre Hamilton is a freelance writer from Toronto, where some of his best friends describe him as an acquired taste. He enjoys bourbon and scotch, but craves craft beer, overproof Jamaican rum and great non-fiction. He has a very limited style knowledge but knows what he likes. He also produces a monthly music podcast called Sound Considerations. Follow him, but not too closely, on Twitter.
