The $1500 Wardrobe – Pants

Pants  – The $1500 Wardrobe Part IV

Building a wardrobe is almost always a process and not a one weekend affair.  But what if you had to blow up your closet and start from almost scratch?  Sure you’d keep a few things.  Maybe have your tailor make a few tweaks, and keep a favorite pair of beat up boots.  But what about the rest?   Suppose you were also on a strict budget of $1500.

Over five weeks we’ll explore some of the best options for remaking a budget friendly guy’s wardrobe one section at a time.   A lot of these will be basics and necessities (but not underwear or socks).   It probably won’t be easy, some corners will be cut, but the total budget is set at a strict $1500.   Let’s see how far we can stretch it.
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The Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original in Clean Rigid – $44.00 ($58.00)

Like the Indochino Ultimate Gray last week, this pick is stunningly predictable.  But it had to be made.  GAP denim has that pesky waistband stretching issue.  The L.E.C. Straight fit might be a little too bulky & their slim fit might be too tapered.  The 501 in the non-whiskered deep & dark “Clean Rigid” color can be worn almost anywhere, w/ anything, and the fit is dead between the almost too tight 514 and slightly loose 527.  Button fly, and instead of bee-yellow stitching, these come with a toned down stitch which leans more towards taupe or grey.  Ships free w/ email signup.

 

The Chinos: Lands’ End Canvas Straight Fit Chino in Granite – $16.99 ($39.50)

Almost all of us were raised on khaki colored chinos and that’s what most men still reach for into adulthood.  Grey allows you to wear all sorts of blue shirts, blazers, and polos, without looking like a Best Buy employee.  They won’t look out of place in winter, & these from L.E.C. are dirt cheap.  Too big for your taste?  Your tailor can slim em’.

 

The 5-pocket Chinos: Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Vintage Chinos – $34.75 ($69.50)

Probably a bit too modern for the more traditional Brooks Brothers shopper, and that’s most likely why they’re on sale.  Washed cotton with a five-pocket denim layout in a true slim fit (Surprise!  Brooks Brothers can make one).  These are chinos that look a little more like jeans, wear a little more like jeans, but certainly aren’t jeans.

TOTAL COST: $95.74
CASH REMAINING: $237.76.

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