TOP 4 JEAN ALTERNATIVES

When I was younger, before I took an obsessive interest in men’s style, I seemed to make limited stylistic decisions. My biggest problem was that I seemed to have difficulty choosing anything other than jeans to step out in. Now don’t get me wrong, we all love jeans as these days, they can pretty much be worn with anything, especially with designers now pushing the boundaries of fabric manipulation and rules of conformity being smashed on what you can and cannot wear.

However, I would never feel creative and I’d get pissed off with my choice for bottoms. I would simply throw on a pair of jeans without being satisfied with my decision. Now, we all know that when you’re unhappy with your outfit, you’re in a bad mood. Everyone becomes irritating and the day can become a drag. Even that stinking stockroom boy who happily shows his bum crack seems more content with life. So I needed more options. It was simply a case of getting educated on what else was on the market. I mean, surely, there’s got to more than just jeans and Sunday church trousers? But there is. Kanye West knows…Here goes (that rhymes!):

1. THE CHINO

Chinos are a great way in which to show off your more preppy side. The new urban, ‘metrosexual’ has welcomed them with open arms. In many places they are being adopted as part of their smart casual work attire. They can be worn with trainers and shoes, both dressed up or down. Most importantly you can get into clubs with them.

2. THE CARGO

Cargos, or combats as some people call them, are a very casual pair of men’s trouser. They are baggy and have pocket details on the sides, and are another great alternative to jeans; they are a more laid-back alternative. Often found sported by dancers, they are a little baggier than most jeans (unless you’re a Hip Hop fanatic) and made of rougher cotton. Just remember to wear these with chunky shoes, boots or high-cut trainers. Nothing is worse than seeing a pair of cargos rocked with slim-fitting trainers that cover the whole shoe. And please don’t wear cargos with a really tight top. Please. We don’t ask for much, but please listen. Please.

3. KHAKIS

The humble khaki is a mix between chinos and cargos. Similar to the cargo, they are a little thicker in material compared to the chino, but don’t have the side pockets. They go perfect with shirts and have a more formal fit than the chino (less tailored). They come in basic colours and will give you something different to play with in your wardrobe.

4. SHORTS

Yes I know we live in England, but you and I both know that the second the sun comes out, even if it peeps through a cloud, the whole of Hyde Park is covered in naked Brits. It’s what we do best, make the most of it. Most of the time, we would advise that the bottom half of your outfit be subtle both in colour and pattern (with exception to the extreme fashionistas). But with shorts, you can afford to be more creative. Checks, patterns and colours are all perfectly acceptable and will give you more options to co-ordinate your outfit and look a cut above the rest. Team them with some classic Tom Ford sunglasses for a classic look.

So there you have it; some fundamentals on what to wear on your waist. Make sure you give them a try and allow your poor jeans some time to breathe. Maybe even wash them for once. That odd shine means they are dirty, not ‘worn in’…DIRTY. Don’t end up like these guys in the video link below. They are so used to just having jeans that they have found so many ways to get them on. Entertaining but not inspirational. Get some shorts lads.