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If you’re ever wondering what it’s like to work at InsideHook, picture this: two grown men (in this case myself and IH style editor Paolo Sandoval) sitting in the lounge area of our office talking about…pants.
Just yesterday, I was lamenting that I don’t know what pants to wear anymore. I’m sick of wearing jeans. I sometimes feel like, unless they’re cut just right, traditional chinos make me look more like a grandfather than the mere father I am. I’d like to move toward more formal dress pants, but I fear I’d run into the same issue I have with chinos, only more so.
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Maturing is investing in a really nice umbrellaAs I scrolled through page after page of options at Mr Porter, Paolo made a suggestion that was 100% in jest: “I think you should start only wearing white pants,” he said.
It did get me thinking, though. I haven’t worn a pair of white pants since 9th grade when I quit playing baseball, and I don’t imagine I’ll go back any time soon — but I think I could be persuaded to embrace something lighter than the standard navy blues, olives and charcoals I tend to favor. And given that my preferred colors when it comes to shirting are also… navy blues, olives and charcoals, I think I could stand to benefit from a bit more contrast.
Thus, my newfound obsession with cream-colored pants. With the weather warming up, it feels like exactly the right time to dive in. Below, six options I’m eyeing.
Part of the brand new and first-ever J.Crew x Lee collab, these straight-leg jeans in “white wash” denim are selling quickly, so don’t wait. I ordered a pair this morning.
In coffee, I find oat milk disgusting. As a color of pants, though, specifically these pleated numbers from Alex Mill, I find it delightful.
We’re longtime fans of all manner of Huckberry house brand Flint & Tinder’s 365 Pants, and their classic fit chino in “salt” is especially appealing right now.
Fatigue pants have been everywhere lately — a solid casual option when you need a break from jeans. Madewell’s version, in stone, feels like it could be a real winner.
More formal, yes, but also somewhat laid back thanks to the 5-pocket design and linen-cotton fabrication.
And lastly, if you happen to be in a position to say, “fuck it, I got paid today,” you could do much worse than these.
Meet your guide
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