Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Style Debate: Are wool dress pants a waste of money?

July 25, 2012 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

The Case AGAINST spending money on dress pants:  Wool dress pants, trousers, whatever you want to call them, they exist in a style no-man’s-land.  And it’s expensive real estate considering what they cost.  A full suit or well pressed cotton chinos can fill in during almost any situation you might reach for trousers.  If the situation is more dressed up?  Put on a suit and tone it down by going tieless or pair it with something like a chambray shirt and cotton tie.  If the situation is dressed down, break out the starch (go easy though) and make sure your cotton chinos are pressed and free of any noticeable wear.  Dress pants are what’s normally worn by the business casual set.   Invest in a suit and wear the pants separately if you’d’ like.  The next time that you’re thinking about buying a pair of dress pants… hold off.  Save up and spring for a new suit down the line instead.

The Case FOR having solo dress pants in your arsenal:  What are you wearing with your blazers & sportcoats in the fall and winter?  Just cotton chinos and jeans?  Wool trousers have always been a staple of men’s style.  While the rest of the world might default to jeans, a guy can look super sharp in a pair of wool trousers, a crisp shirt, and a sweater.  Wool trousers are also good for experimenting.  Stick to solid suits, maybe a pinstripe, but go bold with pants if you’re on a limited budget.  That way you’re not stuck with a plaid suit you won’t wear that often.

Your turn guys.  To the comments.  Do you own a bunch of dress pants?  Or do you stick to jeans, chinos, and then jump to suits?  Leave it all in the comments below.  Pants above:  Bonobos Aringabones – $87.50 w/ SALEBOAT

Filed Under: Clothing Tagged With: dress pants, style debate, trouser

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Chelsea boots, suede sneakers, and a lot of dress oxfords. Ranking the 10 best from one of AE’s biggest sales of the year.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.