Based on the success of the Outpost shoe guide last year, I’ve wanted to do another guide, hoping to have a working doc for each facet of men’s clothing — shoes, pants, shirts, and so on.
So, in lieu of a traditional fall guide that folks proliferate around the columns, I’ve decided to drill into the one thing that I think is most important as the leaves change and the temps drop: PANTS.
The honest truth is I struggle with pants myself — too baggy, too tight, hugging you in the wrong places. Pants are damn hard, as Lyndon B. Johnson said:
“And another thing — the crotch, down where your nuts hang — is always a little too tight.”
That is a real quote on a recorded line. Kid not - It’s worth a read.
All is to say, pants are hard. I am actively trying to right-size the weakness in my closet, but let’s take a stab at it together…
I present to you the Outpost Pant Guide in the five categories I deem necessary.
Levi 501 - Every man should own a 501. They cost next to nothing and have more heritage than perhaps any other article of clothing. The hardest part about buying a 501 is figuring out the right wash… this is the right one. Go get it.
Iron Heart 888 - An old friend suggested these. I’ve never been able to pull the trigger on the THICK BOI denim, fearing I’ll have to start smoking cigarettes after purchase, but I think it’s time to invest in one pair.
APC - A classic from the French. Love the stitching on these bad boys.
Octobre Barkley Jeans - Another brand out of France, Octobre is where I get a lot of my pants. These jeans are so comfy — a touch baggy but not too far gone.
Rag & Bone Slim - I’ve owned two pairs of these for the last ten years, always swapping ’em out for the next man up after an inevitable tear. They are definitely a slimmer jean, but I dig ’em. Perfect stretch and a color that Rag & Bone made famous and no one else can seem to replicate.
Quick Note on Slacks - Slacks kind of drive me nuts. Generally, I don’t find them very comfortable, but they undoubtedly look great. A good pair of slacks with a white shirt and a mixed-color blazer is a strong look from the boardroom to the startup. Here are a few I dig.
Suit Supply - Say what you want about Suit Supply, but they make decent stuff. Affordable, clean, straight lines. I’d add these navy staples to the cart without thinking twice.
Octobre - Octobre again. I own both of these wool pants. As you can see from the model sporting sneakers, these look great dressed up or down. Loafers to sneakers doesn’t matter.
Incotex - On the higher end of cost, but these slacks from Incotex are fantastic.
Informale T10 Easy Trouser - This is the perfect price point. Great pants, incredible fit and quality. I love the pair I own.
Informale Linen Drawstring Trouser - Do you have the brass to pull off the drawstring linen at the office? I think you do.
Slim Straight Sid Mashburn - Is my favorite pant on this list, full stop. They are incredibly durable, elegant, and, in my mind, the perfect shade of khaki. It was how I was introduced to the brand ten years ago and one I come back to every season.
Pro tip: size up one. These bad boys have a touch of the LBJ effect.
J.Crew Straight Slim - For $98, I’d argue every guy should own these in a color or two. I have both the stone and the khaki for when I want a baggier fitting. Perfect to pair with an Oxford and some loafers — feels like the khaki pant I used to have in high school from Vineyard Vines. Remember those?
AG 5 Pocket - Speaking of memory lane remember the dads that always had a clean AG pant on — grey, khaki, stone, white? They had ’em all and the hot wife to match. Is this memory just me? Regardless, I think a good 5-pocket from AG is a staple.
Brooks Brothers Cord - Generally, I think Brooks Brothers is royally dropping the ball as other heritage brands like Ralph Lauren and J.Crew have roared back from the morgue. But I do think they make one of the best cords out there. Even though it seems they aren’t making these as much anymore? WTF, BB.
My toxic trait is I think I could turn this brand around in a year — call me.
Ralph Cord - Speaking of Ralph Lauren, I think they make a tremendous cord as well. Nice and stiff, the lines aren’t too thick. Good one.
Amundsen Cord - Lastly, and a bit of a curveball, I have the short version of this pant equipped to be paired with a boot, and I will be getting these this year. I love Amundsen.
KÜHL - A buddy of mine who is a dying breed of guys who wear workwear to actually… work swears by these. Who are we to judge?
Carhartt - It’s a funny world we live in that Carhartt probably sells more in their SoHo store to hipsters than those who actually work in workwear, but who am I to judge? For $50 you should own a pair of Carhartts.
Rivay Garment Pant - I love these damn pants. They have an energy that makes ya want to wear ’em barefoot at the beach or in the country. I have ’em in white. Will be getting ’em in olive for the fall.
Imogene + Willie - I wish I owned every single item on their website — these pants included.
Imperfects - I get more compliments on these pants than perhaps anything else.
Alex Crane - These linen pants are so comfy. I love ’em in the summer, but the navy pair in nice, crisp fall weather bliss.
Gramicci Gadget Pant - A friend of mine suggested these. Already ordered ’em.
Service Works - Another suggestion from a friend, a guy that used to work in the kitchen growing up. These work on and off the line.
Studio Baker Pants - Why are all pants olive these days? This brand and website rocks.
AYR Ginza - Instagram suggests these pants every single day and eventually I’ll bite the bullet. Love the belt strap.
G/FORE - I feel that this list wouldn’t be complete without a golf pant. I reach for the brand for all things golf.
And that’s all for today, plus a few more mentioned on Outpost. Let me know what you think. What’d we miss? What doesn’t deserve to be on here? What do you think about everything being backlinked to Outpost? Let’s hear it.
