Slim Fit Pants Palooza II – Kenneth Cole & Banana Republic

Slim Fit Chinos: K.C. Linen and B.R. Cotton

Fit is everything.  And ever since the Slim Fit Shirt Paloozas hit the site, you guys have been politely asking for more.  With the recent seasonal warm up, more than a few of you have emailed asking for a slim fit palooza focused on pants. Jeans are getting stashed in favor of lighter chinos for spring and summer, and men just don’t want those ballooning khakis many of us were raised in.  And thus, the search is on.

They will all be flat front.   They will all be affordable.   And they will all be easy to get your hands on and your legs in either through the web or in an easy to find store.

Size/Body Type Reference Information: I’m 5’9″-10″, 165-170lbs, wear a 32×32 in most pants, and have larger than normal but not gigantic (‘kay, maybe they’re a little big) upper legs.
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Kenneth Cole REACTION Linen Blend Pants – $44.99 (reg. $75.00)

The problem with linen is the see-through-ness that comes with the lighter versions.  And you can pick up a bit of that in the photos above (see the pockets?) but in person it’s not all that bad.  They aren’t as transparent thanks to the fabric’s blend.  A linen/poly blend yes, but they feel good and move well.  If you’re looking for trim fit dressed up linen pants that can be paired with a sportcoat, then these are a real decent choice.

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Banana Republic Vintage Straight – $59.50 (but go on sale plenty)

Solid.  For those of us without chicken legs, there’s enough room for stronger hamstrings and quads while still having a lower rise.  Much better looking than the more conservative and higher rise Gavin chino.  They’re washed which is good for the feel, but… eh…  there’s some tiny dings at the cuffs.  Iron and starch em’ and no one will notice.  Fabric is a perfect mid weight chino.

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Banana Republic Straight Fit Canvas 5-Pocket pant – $69.50 (but go on sale plenty)

If you’re hooked on jeans and need a non denim option for summer, these are about as good as it gets.  The rear patch pockets make them a little tough to dress way up but many (I will) could wear a cotton blazer with them.  If you’re sockless anyway, who cares if there’s some barely noticeable patch pockets?  Trimmer than the vintage straights.  Feels like a 501 fit.  Often on sale and seem to bottom out around $41.  Worth it at that price for sure.

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Final Grades

Kenneth Cole Linen Blend: B- Not bad, but the linen look limits their use.
Banana Republic Vintage Straight: B+ Just wish they weren’t washed quite so much.
Banana Republic Straight 5-pocket : A- Us denim addicts need these for summer.  Spendy, but catch a sale.

Click here for previous editions of the pants palooza, and feel free to leave your reaction below…