All About Trousers

In a professional environment, the trousers you choose to wear speak volumes about you. There is a tremendous difference in the impression that you will make if you wear a quality pair of wool trousers rather than a run of the mill pair of khakis. When selecting trousers for work wear, there are several things to consider, including fabric, color, pleats, lining and the finish of the trouser bottoms.

Let's begin our discussion with fabric choices. 100% wool is the most appropriate fabric for business dress. Wool is a breathable natural fiber available in a variety of weights for year round comfort. Gabardine and 120's merino wool are fabrications that can be worn in every season. Heavier weight wool, like wool flannel, is more suited for fall and winter. Add texture to your trousers with wool twill. Wool trousers are easy to care for, hold creases quite well and generally provide a great drape.

As the weather gets warmer, other natural fiber options are available. Trousers made of linen and silk are becoming increasingly popular. Cotton poplin and twill are also appropriate. And if you prefer a synthetic fiber, 100% Tencel® provides superior drape and appearance.

There are quite a few trouser constructions to select from, including pleats, linings and bottoms. More traditional dress trousers come with double or even triple reverse pleats (the pleats face outward from the trouser fly). These models also tend to be more fully cut. For a more updated look, select a single reverse pleat or flat front (no pleats) trouser. When purchasing for multi-season wear, you should select trousers that are lined to the knee. The lining will add both comfort and longevity to the garment.

When purchasing dress trousers, especially finer quality garments, we strongly recommend unfinished styles. A tailor can then sew the bottom of the trousers to match your exact inseam length. The question of "to cuff or not to cuff" is largely a matter of personal taste. Cuffs do add a bit more weight to the bottom of the trousers, which actually helps keep their shape. Cuffs are more traditional, and thus may be more appropriate in a traditional business environment.

In order to maximize the use from your dress trousers, we suggest that you purchase several pairs in fairly neutral colors. Navy, brown, gray, tan and charcoal are all versatile colors that will work with a number of shirts and knits. To add variety, select a muted plaid or hounds tooth pattern.

To extend the life of your dress trousers, simply follow a few simple care guidelines. When you remove your trousers at the end of the day, hang them from the bottoms on a clip hanger. The weight of the waistband will cause wrinkles to fall out and help maintain the trouser crease. If trousers become wrinkled, but are not soiled, have them pressed by a professional cleaner. Limit excessive dry cleaning, which will break down natural fibers and cause the trousers to wear out more rapidly.