Ask A Question, Get An Answer... - Post All Quick Questions Here (Classic menswear)

[Chase H]

Quick question: what are 'odd' trousers?

Dress trousers that are not part of a suit.

 

[gsgleason]

Quick question: what are 'odd' trousers?

Dress trousers that are not part of a suit.

Thanks. Does it mean they once were, but are no longer, like an orphaned jacket, or just any dress trouser that's sold on its own?

 

[Chase H]

Thanks. Does it mean they once were, but are no longer, like an orphaned jacket, or just any dress trouser that's sold on its own?

Either one, but if it was clearly a part of a suit (for instance, subtle windowpane or any pinstripe), it may as well go to goodwill - you're not going to be able to wear them on their own.

 

[Spurious]



Thanks! Yes, pants do need to be tapered but not enough time until Saturday

Would get them tapered, not that much, but still a bit.
And also, my tailor would be able to get it done by the end of the week, maybe ask him for a one time favor and if necessary pay a premium.

 

[Kira]

Either one, but if it was clearly a part of a suit (for instance, subtle windowpane or any pinstripe), it may as well go to goodwill - you're not going to be able to wear them on their own.

Nope, you can wear windowpane trousers. Same goes for hounds tooth, checkered, plaid, etc. But those are more difficult to pair. Unfortunately, I have about three pinstripes in my wardrobe (when I was a young sartorial neophyte). I might just put them in a box... or Ebay.

 

[g transistor]

Atlanta SFers: who is your cobbler of choice? I'm looking for a good cobbler to resole some of my leather soled boots to a more durable sole (leather just doesn't cut it for outdoor work) and to have someone work on my more expensive footwear in general, and I'm having trouble finding an acceptable answer. I've heard Bennie's, Trio, Midtown Shoe Repair... but none of them actually seem to stand out. What are your experiences?

I've asked the guys at Sid Mashburn and they said "Bennie's for small repairs" and for complex repairs they send it out off to New York, and shipping off my boots isn't something that's particularly appealing to me.

 

[lukejackson]

Agree with everything, but they dont add much to the conversation nor contain anything most of us won't agree with, though with a lot more unneccessary vehemence.

I can't tell from that one, but I think it could possibly be one of those jackets (forget the name) that does drape properly with both buttoned. That actually seems fairly likely, given that he has a "following." Most people who are interested in menswear know not to button the bottom button.

Incidentally, he looks sort of dumb, bottom button done or not. The pants aren't my thing. Also, I would say that comments like this directed at a style blogger are entirely appropriate. I wouldn't say he looks dumb to his face, but the internet is not a hugbox, and I think there's less of an obligation to be gentle with someone who puts himself forward with confidence, saying "this is good," than there is with someone who's just asking for advice and information.

 

[Chase H]

Nope, you can wear windowpane trousers. Same goes for hounds tooth, checkered, plaid, etc. But those are more difficult to pair. Unfortunately, I have about three pinstripes in my wardrobe (when I was a young sartorial neophyte). I might just put them in a box... or Ebay.

How subtle are we talking about, here? I mean, there are some windowpanes that seem (to me, at least) exclusively the province of a suit. The stuff on the left is bold enough that it could (imo) be worn as a trouser alone without looking out of place. The one on the right seems a bit too subtle and restrained - it looks like it belongs on a suit.

 

[CruzAzul]



The one on the right seems a bit too subtle and restrained - it looks like it belongs on a suit.

I don't think the one on the right belongs on ANYTHING.

That said, even linen trousers in a complex plaid (like Prince of Wales) in tan would look great with for instance a white polo shirt.

 

[Chase H]

I don't think the one on the right belongs on ANYTHING.

That said, even linen trousers in a complex plaid (like Prince of Wales) in tan would look great with for instance a white polo shirt.

I didn't say I liked it, just that it's a suit-y pattern.

And yeah, I agree that complex plaid can look fine. I have some glen check tweed pants that I adore. But if the pattern is too subtle, it looks (imo) like part of a suit.

 

[Kira]

How subtle are we talking about, here? I mean, there are some windowpanes that seem (to me, at least) exclusively the province of a suit. The stuff on the left is bold enough that it could (imo) be worn as a trouser alone without looking out of place. The one on the right seems a bit too subtle and restrained - it looks like it belongs on a suit.

Okay, that I agree. I should've been more specific on my post.

 

[Kira]

For DB jackets (given that they have peak lapels), do they look best with a Full Winsdor tie knot and spread collar?

 

[Chase H]

For DB jackets (given that they have peak lapels), do they look best with a Full Winsdor tie knot and spread collar?

I personally think a double four-in-hand is your best choice with a spread collar, and I have to admit I usually go with a spread collar with my db jacket.

 

[Kira]

I personally think a double four-in-hand is your best choice with a spread collar, and I have to admit I usually go with a spread collar with my db jacket.

Double four-in-hand? isn't that three or four wraps around the tie? Wait, don't four-in-hand knots look best with a button down?

Another question: what about the exotic knots?

Trinity Knot



Elderidge Knot



Floating Spiral Knot




Glennie Double Knot



Krasny Hourglass Knot




Cape Knot



Onassis Knot



I'm not trolling here. Undoubtedly, these won't be acceptable in any business environment. The Onassis knot is the worst one out of this bunch. Either that or wearing two ties simultaneously.

 

[Chase H]

Double four-in-hand? isn't that three or four wraps around the tie? Wait, don't four-in-hand knots look best with a button down?

Another question: what about the exotic knots?

Snip pictures

Double four-in-hand is two wraps around, blade of the tie goes underneath both of them. More than two wraps around and the knot starts getting chunky and gross. I find that full (and to a lesser extent half) windsor knots are too lifeless. The double four-in-hand is big enough for a spread collar and asymmetrical enough to have a bit of life in it.

I really, really don't like those "exotic" knots.