THE JOURNAL
3 MINUTE READ
Why Tailored Trousers Can Steal The Show
Words by Lucy Kingett
25 April 2024
When it comes to tailoring, there is sometimes an unfair bias towards jackets. The guy up top gets all the attention, while poor old Johnny two legs is considered secondary. Suit trousers match their jacket, not the other way round. Most understand that throwing a sharp blazer over an otherwise casual ensemble instantly takes it up a notch, and that a sports jacket can easily be mixed and matched with a variety of bottoms. But the same can be said for tailored trousers, which can transform your outfit in a subtler and more thoughtful way. Whether you’re planning to wear them as part of a suit or styling with your current wardrobe, let your trousers be the star.
01. The handmade Saman Amel trousers
Stockholm-based label Saman Amel put impeccable craftsmanship at the forefront of their contemporary reworkings of classic tailored pieces. This pleated midnight-blue pure-wool pair are handcrafted – whip that out as a talking point when it comes up at your next meeting – and the comfy straight legs are finished with pressed front creases.
02. The drawstring Stòffa trousers
As a brand that prizes “relaxed elegance”, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Stòffa would design suit trousers that challenge the expected rigidity of formalwear. The soft charcoal wool-flannel and loose, draping cut of these are accentuated by a playful tie waist. Go high impact with the full suit or let them stand alone with a more casual top.
03. The everyday-style Loro Piana pair
With an easy straight leg and subtle taper, Loro Piana’s linen-twill trousers would give your workhorse chinos a run for their money – all while providing a little extra suave point of difference. The linen gives them a light and summery feel, but the cotton and deep front creases help them keep their form.
04. The sleek TOM FORD trousers
For a refined look, TOM FORD is hard to beat. The brand’s tailoring has long been revered by those in the know. This sleek black pair (exclusive to MR PORTER) is cut from a wool, mohair and silk blend that has a pleasingly smooth handle. They’re finished with a flat front and gentle crease. Our advice? Go for a full look, with TOM FORD polo neck, jacket and boots.
05. The versatile Gabriela Hearst pair
Somewhat conflictingly, while blue and black jeans might be the casualwear standard, those same colours tend to be considered the “smartest” in tailoring. Opting for a different hue – such as a rich brown, like this soft wool pair by Gabriela Hearst – will not only give your formalwear a creative edge, but extend its usage to more informal situations, too.
06. The relaxed ZEGNA linen trousers
Talking of laid-back occasions, may we suggest a pair crafted with that specific purpose in mind? ZEGNA’s breezy straight-leg trousers are cut from creamy sustainable linen and have a roomy fit that’s perfect for warm days. A higher waist and belt fastening give these a faintly vintage feel – whether you go full Tom Ripley or 1980s yacht rock is up to you.
07. The finely detailed Rubinacci pair
A touch of unexpected detail is a sure-fire way to increase your style credentials tenfold. These double-pleated textured indigo linen trousers by Italian heritage brand Rubinacci have a wide cummerbund waistband with crossover buckle fastening that will catch the eye as your jacket opens.
