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Reproducing Trousers, Questions

CharlieH.

One Too Many
Messages
1,169
Location
It used to be Detroit....
Since we're on the subject of trousers here, what kind of fabric would you recommend for a pair of white (or off-white) pants?
I've always wanted to get away with a look like this and I think that the khaki stuff won't quite cut it. (I ask because the only fabrics I've seen this clear are polyester and cotton)
 

herringbonekid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,016
Location
East Sussex, England
wool, wool/flannel are the most traditional fabrics for that kind of trouser. a heavy cotton too for a slightly less formal look. but don't disregard linen either.
DO disregard polyester.

something stiff-ish to hold the shape well.
as you've probably read elsewhere, modern floppy fabrics are the main problem when it comes to reproducing old styles, especially menswear.
 

herringbonekid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,016
Location
East Sussex, England
............and

that is a great look.

ballew.jpg


the dark shirt really makes it, and ties it in with the saddle shoes.
 

shindeco

A-List Customer
Messages
377
Location
Vancouver (the one north of M.K.)
CharlieH. said:
Since we're on the subject of trousers here, what kind of fabric would you recommend for a pair of white (or off-white) pants?
I've always wanted to get away with a look like this and I think that the khaki stuff won't quite cut it. (I ask because the only fabrics I've seen this clear are polyester and cotton)

I've actually been looking, for exactly the same reason. White/cream flannel is nealy impossible to find. If you find it, snap it up! Cotton or linen duck (basically, a kind of canvas) trousers were pretty standard for summer wear. During a search, I stumbled on a potential source: it's still used in fairly heavy weights (12-14 oz) by artists for stretched canvases to paint on! When I get some free time, I'm going to check out the art supply stores in town. Just have to make sure I get unprimed!!
 

CharlieH.

One Too Many
Messages
1,169
Location
It used to be Detroit....
I guess I'll go for heavy cotton, then. I always wash by machine (There's something I forgot to mention). And I hear linen is prone to shrinking... I wouldn't like to have my new trousers end up like a pair of siamese white socks.
 

shindeco

A-List Customer
Messages
377
Location
Vancouver (the one north of M.K.)
CharlieH. said:
I guess I'll go for heavy cotton, then. I always wash by machine (There's something I forgot to mention). And I hear linen is prone to shrinking... I wouldn't like to have my new trousers end up like a pair of siamese white socks.

If you're buying the fabric yourself, just pre-shrink it. Stick it in the washing machine and let it go. Fabric doesn't continue to shrink. I've got several pairs of linen trousers that I wear a lot in the summer and I always wash them myself. I don't have a problem with shrinkage.
 

scotrace

Head Bartender
Staff member
Messages
14,392
Location
Small Town Ohio, USA
It's back to the amish fabric warehouse for me this weekend. BT - why not hop a plane and come help with this project? I'll buy the beer (not that American mule pee either).
:)
 

repeatclicks

Practically Family
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606

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