Looking for Low Cost/High Quality Wool Pants

[2sweet]

I usually wear cotton dockers as my standard work pants. I am looking to upgrade to something nicer, like wool slacks which are slim fitting. No pleats.

It seems like if I go to Banana Republic, their pants fit a bit too loose through the leg, and they're not really true to size, either, often fitting bigger than they're supposed to. So I'm looking for something which fits slimmer, are high quality and relatively low cost.

2!!!

 

[HalfCanvas]

How high quality do you want? How low a cost do you want? The word relatively is a bit unhelpful. Is Banana quality (excluding fit issues) sufficient? Are Banana prices low enough?

 

[jett]

As I always say, I am not an expert - however I have a pair of slacks I found at Sears which are some of my favorite pants. They're slim fitting, low-rise, and have no pleats (who the hell likes pleats?). I don't know who makes them but they had them in a good 4 or 5 different colors and I don't remember them being expensive. Others may frown on buying clothes at Sears, but in my opinion these are some really good pants so you all can shove it.

 

[philosophe]

A few standard recommendations:

Kirkland wool pants at Costco (see discussion on AskAndy)
Ballin etc at the Nordy's Rack, Saks and NM outlets
Land's End OTR or custom fit

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by philosophe

A few standard recommendations: Kirkland wool pants at Costco (see discussion on AskAndy) Ballin etc at the Nordy's Rack, Saks and NM outlets Land's End OTR or custom fit
I second the recommendations of Ballin from outlet stores (~$100) and Lands' End OTR. Mid-level quality, workhorse trousers at good prices. Edit: I have no first-hand experience with Kirkland trousers.

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by philosophe

A few standard recommendations: Kirkland wool pants at Costco (see discussion on AskAndy) Ballin etc at the Nordy's Rack, Saks and NM outlets Land's End OTR or custom fit
What's the fit like on those three? The OP wants something slim...

 

[ChicagoRon]

I have no experience w/ the Lands End, but they're worth a try. I have some old Jos. A Banks which you can get Signature 2/$199 during sales, but remember you'll need to add price of alterations. They are very good for entry level despite what some others on the forum might say.

The outlets are a good idea, and Ballin are decent quality and easy to find. If you have access to a Brooks Brothers outlet, you may also do well.

Also on the sub-entry level you will find some RTW (no alterations needed) gabardines and twills from Ann Klein, Perry Ellis, etc. (popular price mall brands) around $50/pair. They will work until you can afford something nicer but they are not what I would call "High Quality".

If you move up a notch on price point, you can usually find Zanella on sale for under $150 at the end of a season. A good time would be at the end of summer (JULY in the fashion world) because the trop. weight wool will be on sale, and that is year-round weight for most men who spend 90% of the day inside.

 

[skalogre]

The choices of material for Land's End Custom is rather limited MHO. And I don't like the results, either, unlike their custom shirts.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by jett

As I always say, I am not an expert .............who the hell likes pleats?............... so you all can shove it.

Well said.

 

[jett]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Well said.

Enlighten me then: What's so good about pleats?

 

[NewYorkBuck]

Originally Posted by jett

They're slim fitting, low-rise, and have no pleats (who the hell likes pleats?).

Any man with more than 5" to accommodate.....

 

[Stereojeff]

While the Kirklands are fine pants and a great value, they are not slim fitting.

Jeff

 

[Lawman]

Tallia can be had at a fair price.

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by Jared

What's the fit like on those three? The OP wants something slim...

Ballin and Lands' End trousers are slim fit IMO. I was 6'3" 160 lbs., 30" waist and 36" inseam when I was buying from them (now that I'm 6'3", 175 lbs., I've donated most of my LE trousers because they no longer fit). If in doubt about the LE fit, they accept returns with no questions asked and you can make the return at Sears and save the return shipping.

 

[arenaissanceman]

Originally Posted by Stereojeff

While the Kirklands are fine pants and a great value, they are not slim fitting.

Jeff

This is true, but at their current price ($40 - $45) you're still looking at under $60 with alterations. I picked up a bundle when one store in my area had them on clearance for $15 each.