Get your foundations right.

SUIT TROUSERS, CHINOS OR SOMETHING IN BETWEEN?

GET YOUR FOUNDATIONS RIGHT

• WORDS: R. TOOK

Any suit expert at Moss. will tell you that the variety of legwear options out there is complex and sometimes difficult to navigate (brands, fits, lengths, widths), and one of the most common questions we get is this:

“Do you have anything more formal than a chino, but less formal than a suit trouser?”

The answer, in short, is yes. Let’s discuss.

 

SHOP TROUSERS

LET’S START WITH SUIT TROUSERS

The suit trouser is one that is endlessly versatile, and you are spoilt for choice. Classic characteristics of suit trousers are a flat or pleated front, a formal crease down the front and back of both legs, and a slanted pocket at the thigh. Found in almost any two or three-piece. Excellent in wool.

CHINOS AREN’T HISTORY

A staple of menswear, the chino is a cotton twill style created years ago for military uniforms because of its durability, strength in weave and ease of wear. Classically cut in khaki cotton, today chinos come in all sorts of colours, both trending and timeless.

LINEN TROUSERS, A SUMMER STAPLE

Linen is the ideal fabric for summer since it’s cool and breathable. That means linen trousers are a breezier, smarter alternative to jeans in the summer. Pair yours with a knitted polo for work, tuck in a T-shirt for a night out, or wear the matching linen overshirt for a twist on a summer suit.

SO WHERE IS THE MIDDLE GROUND?

Here. Now the smart trouser is one that dips into both garments and takes inspiration: it gives you an option for those moments when you need to be on form, even if you’re going informal (or not even leaving the house). Our line-up includes checks, Donegal and trending block colours that are ideal for the day-to-day wearer. The check trousers shown here are also woven with extra stretch for comfort – aren’t you winning? Yes, you are.