Work pants: New threads for a new job

[TheConstantGardener]

I'm about to start a new job and am seeking some advice about pants. The job is with pretty successful IT firm of about 120 people. Prior to this I was in residentil construction and the managed a cabinet making facility. This IT firm just moved into the penthouse of their building, but the attire seems to be pretty standard bus/casual. I have plenty of shirts, shoes, belts, and sports coats, ... but I've never had to make the leap to buying (and even worse, wearing) the silky, suit type pants. All my pants are JCrew and Ban Rep chinos. Standard cotton. I think that is too casual for this company as everyone else seemed to wearing the silky-type pants.

So,.... my questions....
What are those types of pants even called?
Can anyone recommend a brand or style that are comfortable and look good? I'd be willing to spend up to $100-$120 if it was worth spending that much,...but I'd rather spend less.
Am I wrong to be dreading this transition?
I assume that 3-5 pairs would be suffiient? Maybe Grey, Black, Khaki and Blue?
How many times can I wear them before either a) dry cleaning them ,.... or b) ironing them

Two more quick questions for those that work in offices with similar dress codes:
-Up to now I've just been wearing black athletic socks (bc I hate the thin dress socks ...not comfortable) but know that wont fly anymore. PLEASE let me know if there are any brands to look for that are "dress" socks but still have a thicker athletic sock feel.
- Finally, ....I'd certainly appreciate any other advice on this transition. I know its really no big deal, ...but Im just kida bummed to miss my comfy athletic socks and cotton chinos. Should I dry clean everything? I think I need to get a tailored suit. I had like 5 suit but got rid of all but one because they all fit like garbage bags.

Thanks for reading.

 

[David Copeland]

I assume that 3-5 pairs would be suffiient? Maybe Grey, Black, Khaki and Blue?
How many times can I wear them before either a) dry cleaning them ,.... or b) ironing them

The law firm I worked was business dress (suit, usually with white shirt, tie, and dress shoes). Fridays was casual dress without tie, and many of us chose the dockers in olive, khaki, blue, and grey (not black). We treated the casual Docker styles the same as dress trousers. If after a day on the job they needed to rest a few days with touch up ironing, then that would be done. We rotate our slacks in the same manner as rotating our dress shoes (see Allen Edmonds Thread here).

Should I dry clean everything?

There are issues with dry cleaning everything. You may wish to Google Dry Cleaning versus Steam Cleaning. Also, selected fabric products in standard washing may be a plus for some of the items.

Are you single?


I think I need to get a tailored suit. I had like 5 suit but got rid of all but one because they all fit like garbage bags.

We can certainly offer some great tips on your suit needs. But you need to get measured first . . . by a professional.

If you happen to be trim and not over weight, than that will go a long way toward saving you a bucket load of extra cash to tip and tuck a suit. An off-the-rack suit at a quality upper end retailer may only need modest free tailoring to help you shine as a professional.

Thanks for all of your questions.

May you have a safe weekend,

David

 

[mensimageconsultant]

The "silky" pants must be wool dress pants. There are some that are machine-washable, but they tend to be lower-quality. If you post your size and approximate location, then some good local recommendations probably could be made. Clothes really shouldn't be ironed without cleaning first. Fortunately, wool that isn't lightweight tends not to wrinkle much if handled properly.

Suit measurements do need to be taken in person before doing anything, but also (unless local options are terrible) a suit from an unfamiliar brand or line shouldn't be bought without trying on in person first.