A good pair of khakis.

[MadRiver]

Howdy all:

I'd like to tap into the collective sartorial knowledge of our community. Anyone got a particular brand of khakis they like knocking around in? I'm not thinking work pants, but just something comfortable to wear to the office and on weekends. Note that I'm self-employed, so I currently wear jeans to the office most days, but I'm searching for something that's as comfortable and as hardy as jeans. My problem is that everywhere I look I find pants made for twenty-somethings who want to show the top of their underwear, or something way too expensive, stiff and dressy.

I want khakis like this guy wears:

 

[DrEntropy]

My closet is laden with khaki; some "Docker", "Timbercreek", "Basic Editions"...
The pair I like most are a thing with "Knightsbridge" as the tag. No clue where they came from, likely my Mum-in-law. No front pleats (I ~do~ iron 'em most times). Docksiders on me plates o' meat and I figger it's a bit more professional lookin' than most GenMe geek squad types, and I'm comfortable...


Since I've "expanded" it's more difficult to find the "non-modern" (I'm tryin' to be diplomatic :wink: ) cuts in my size. Usually need to hem up the cuffs an inch.

 

[swift6]

I've had Khaki's from both GAP and Banana Republic that were very soft to the touch, very comfortable and wore very well. Had them actually outlast some jeans.

 

[poolboy]

Although I didn't wear a uniform I did wear "Dickies" khakis just about everyday. They were pretty plain, but had wide enough belt loops for a 1 5/8" leather belt.

 

[TR6BILL]

Patagonia Stand Up pants. Wear like iron, get better with age.

 

[JPSmit]

all mine are Dockers

 

[poolboy]

Probably should mention the "big three" LL Bean, Eddie Bauer and Landsend.

 

[TR6BILL]

And for the true purist, there is always Bill's Khakis (www.billskhakis.com). Still made in 'Merica. I am still wearing some of the same pair for over 30 years. Uh, they have been let out a bit.

 

[William]

Good luck. I've yet to find a pair of khakis that beat a good pair of jeans for day to day use. They all share these traits:

1.) The material is too thin to be useful in cooler weather...
2.) ...yet it doesn't breathe so they're too hot in the middle of a Chicago August
3.) They wrinkle if you look at them funny, much less, you know, wear 'em.
4.) They have those stupid dress pants pockets, which appear to be designed less to hold things, and more to allow your car keys and change to fall out when you sit down.

I only wear them if I'm going to be stationary and doing things that don't involve doing things.

-Wm.

 

[MadRiver]

Good luck. I've yet to find a pair of khakis that beat a good pair of jeans for day to day use. They all share these traits:

1.) The material is too thin to be useful in cooler weather...
2.) ...yet it doesn't breathe so they're too hot in the middle of a Chicago August
3.) They wrinkle if you look at them funny, much less, you know, wear 'em.
4.) They have those stupid dress pants pockets, which appear to be designed less to hold things, and more to allow your car keys and change to fall out when you sit down.

I only wear them if I'm going to be stationary and doing things that don't involve doing things.

-Wm.

I hear you, brother. I hear you.

 

[DrEntropy]

Dickies come close enuff, IMO. I have the blue ones for car work, they're fairly rugged... never thought about their khaki ones for "dress/work."

 

[wkilleffer]

I have to throw in another note of support for Bill's Khakis. My mother bought me a pair and I wish I could splash out for a few more. The way I understand it, they're design is based on the Army WWII khaki uniform pants, but I could be wrong. The pockets are quite deep and I have yet to have lost keys or change out of them. They're pretty comfortable and very hard-wearing. Also made in USA.