A Pants Problem – Ask Ant

This week’s dilemma for Askant comes in the form of a problem which I think affects most men at one time or another and that is buying trousers which AREN’T jeans.

Well Blubes, I hope you don’t mind me calling you Blubes, thanks for taking the time to get in contact and firstly don’t worry this isn’t a problem that affects just you, this is an issue that affects men up and down the country. We all like what we know and know what we like and when it come to jeans once we’ve found a pair and brand we like, it’s like the footie team we support, we like them for life and grief them once they’ve gone.

The first matter I think we need to address though is your fear of chinos or Chinophbia to give it, its correct term. Now, this may stem from having to have worn them as part of your school uniform, or a dislike to yuppies in the 80’s, which is very similar to the phobia many people suffer, Coulrophobia or the fear of Clowns. Now Chinos have moved on an awful lot these days, so please no longer think of them as the remit of sailors and bankers on their day off (that was bankers BTW). There is literally a pair to suit any man of any colouring and body shape.

Regardless of your budget, I would set a side an hour and visit TOPMAN and take advantage of their personal shopping service, get someone else to do the running around store for you while you have a bit of a seat down. They have a multitude of colours and fits, (check out topman.com) or if TOPMAN puts the fear of God into you, maybe try the home of the chinos GAP(gap.eu) or Burton, yes you did read that right Burton (burton.co.uk).

After you’ve got a better idea of what cut, shape and colour of chino actually suits you then you can expand your search, if you so wish, to reflect the amount you wish to spent. Do a little retail research but I’d recommend a brand like Ralph Lauren, Maison Martin Margiela or Albam.

Now remember Chinos are not the only casual trouser, another option open to you are the humble cords, don’t think Geography

teacher, but do think geek chic. Dressed down with a pair of plimsoles/trainers or boots, like the above images and your cords can be ever bit as versatile as your chino, plus they come in nearly as many colours as the chino and can be dressed up by pairing them up with a blazer and if you’re feeling adventurous thrown in a pocket square and you have the look down to a tee.

Lastly, Blubes, I’m going to throw you a screw ball and put out there the idea of maybe buying a suit or using already the suit

trousers you already have and utilising them as an individual piece in their own casual right. Once again wear the suit trousers with a pair of plimsoles and a T-shirt rather then a shirt and tie and you instantly give them a new lease of life.

So Blubes, all that is left for me to do is to tell you, the choice is yours ??? Let us know what your decision was and join us again soon for another style clinic.

A.M.