Jeans alternatives

Hi-
I'm a photographer in NYC and amy trying to branch out a little in my habits...for most of my life I've been a jeans addict, meaning I wear them every day, I wear them to client meetings...in fact the only time I don't wear them is when I wear a suit. As I get older (in my 30s now) I find myself dressing them up as much as possible (ie courdoroy / canvas sportscoats, collared shirts, non-sneaker shoes), but there seems to be a limit there. (Or is there? I mean, it is downtown NYC arts scene, after all...) Nontheless, and in the interest of variety, I'm trying to look for another type of pant that might work as well and that I'd actually enjoy wearing. My main issue is that since I'm in an active profession, I like wearing something comfortable and durable that I'm not afraid to get down in the dirt with, and that will still look ok afterwards (it's amazing how much dirt and crap you can get on jeans without affecting how they look...much). Any suggestions for a starting place? Khakis aren't really my thing (as Geoge Carlin calls them : "big fat white people pants") and courdoroy pants make me feel like a college kid. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

Moleskin? A bit warm maybe. I've never owned a pair but I really like the fabric.

I think heavy twill chinos can be alright if they're cut well: i.e. slim, flat front (not Dockers). Also, if you can find them in navy or grey they'll have less of that "fat, white guy" look. Maybe try Dickies if your going Workwear. I just got a pair of reddish incotex trou from chorse, which are heavy duty twill and a good non-jean option. Good with Purcells and a sweater.

Jeans alternatives?
I do not understand the question.
It does not compute.

Ass-less chaps for the spring weather.

its jeans or natural around here mate (no ****)

Originally Posted by kiya

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Jeans alternatives?
I do not understand the question.
It does not compute.

LOL.

Wool is the only thing I can think of. And they don't work in the summer.

Superfuture user doctorgnar posted a pic of the new "vintage chinos" available at Uniqlo. They look real nice--more rugged and slimmer than Dockers or J Crew (and of course, less ubiquitous). I think someone here (familyman?) also bought some WWII-era repro chinos from Sugar Cane that looked cool. The faithful vintage fits are not slim, of course, and aren't flattering on everybody.

Canvas workpants could also work. Tailor a pair of carhartts. Their washed duck color is classic and looks good beaten and dirty.

^ yeah! cotton duck!!!

leather pants. if it's the NYC art scene you should be able to get away with it, right?
if that's not an option then the carharts are where it's at. they may get a bit hot but they can sure take a lot of abuse.

Have you considered a utilikilt?

More seriously, Nudie has been doing some interesting stuff with their "canvas" jeans lately and might be worth checking out. They don't really look or feel like regular denim.

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

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Canvas workpants could also work. Tailor a pair of carhartts. Their washed duck color is classic and looks good beaten and dirty.

That's a damn interesting idea. Anyone ever do this?

I have some black margiela cotton pants and two pairs of rag bone chore pants which are indestructible. I suggest you look into those.

On the very rare occasion that I can't wear jeans, I wear some moleskins from Costume National, or, until I became too small for them, some green/grey canvas pants from Cloak.

Martin margiela 10 has a great line of "non jean" casual pants. Try www.yoox.com for this.