Get in line for a pair of these pants and add a nostalgic vibe to your look.

The fact that the world currently seems awash with side-striped trousers is down to a convergence of two key trends, both of them somewhat nostalgic. First off we have designers’ ongoing love affair with 1970s sportswear, which has prompted the return of a series of The Royal Tenenbaums-style zip-up track tops and side-striped sweatpants. Then there’s the influence of vintage militaria – clear to spot in various tailored trousers, from the likes of Dries Van Noten and Alexander McQueen, that are embellished with wide side-stripes, harking back to those worn by US army officers in the 1940s. But more important than all the above is the fact that this is an inherently fun and easy-to-wear trend, which is all about adding just a touch of character to your outfit. Scroll down to discover the best side-striped trousers currently available on MR PORTER, and some tips on how to wear them.

Marc Jacobs’ cosy-feeling grey sweatpants update the polyester fabric of their 1970s inspiration and replace it with a speckled cotton jersey, making them a perfect option for those weekends when you really want to hang loose. Complement their graphic black side-stripes by opting for a jacket in a matching colour – this wool example from PS by Paul Smith is an incredibly easy outer layer to throw on if you need to nip out to the shops (or the pub).

Halfway between sweatpants and chinos, these drawstring trousers from Dolce & Gabbana marry a decidedly retro design with a sophisticated and contemporary colour palette, resulting in a garment that feels wonderfully relaxed but also looks rather sharp. Work with the rich, autumnal colour by pairing them with a deep indigo shirt from New York’s Eidos. The grandad collar offers a more casual feel that chimes perfectly with these slightly loungey slacks.

Side-stripes aren’t just for the weekend. In fact you can get away with them as part of a smarter outfit, just as long as you don’t overdo it and pair them with shiny black Oxfords – that can come across a bit sergeant-major-y. Instead try these sleek satin-trimmed wool trousers from Maison Margiela (embellished not only with side-stripes but contrast stitching too) with a pair of Common Projects’ perennially useful Achilles sneakers.