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"dress pants" - questions about wool and cotton

enginerd917

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Perhaps this is an idiotic question, but the further I delve into researching cloth types the more confused I become.

What defines a dress pant? How does a casual chino differ from a "dress" chino? I'm assuming it's all in the cut and actual cloth. (they are both twill, correct?)

Many of the Mabitex/Incotex offerings found in B&S are cotton, ranging from "soft" look casual chinos to houndstooth cotton trousers.

Are these to be considered "dress pants"?

As far as wool pants are concerned: in a regular rotation of 1-2 pairs, would a plain (worsted) weave be chosen? Where does gabardine fall into this with it's inherent sheen from frequent wear.

Flannel seems to be a better choice as an addition to a solid rotation, right?

Hopefully this can be of use to others as well, thanks!
 

Matt S

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I never consider anything in cotton to be dress pants. Usually the only thing that separates chinos from cotton "dress pants" is that the dress pants are better made, with a fancier waistband and properly hemmed bottoms.
Plain weave wool trousers are good for warmer weather, gabardine is good for autumn/spring and flannel and cavalry twill are good for later autumn/winter. Serge is a good weave for year-round wear. Gabardine is said to be more casual, though I wouldn't say it's any more casual than flannel.
 

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