Elevating the Khaki Pant

Elevating the Khaki Pant

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Here’s how to give this staid menswear staple a much-needed upgrade

As ubiquitous a part of American menswear as the white cotton t-shirt or blue jeans, the khaki pant is worn by men everywhere regardless of income bracket, geographic location or political beliefs. It’s one of those pieces we grow up in, scraping and scuffing them up in the haste of our youth and wearing them to the office with a button-down or sweater on the weekends when we have kids of our own. But the “khaki” pant doesn’t have to be reserved for the casual parts of life. With the right fabric and design this versatile shade can easily be elevated.

I designed these trousers with subtle upgrades that allow me to wear them not only with casual pieces like knitwear and button-downs, but also more upscale tailoring. First I started with the fabric, a Super 150’s wool from Loro Piana, which is a significant upgrade from the traditional cotton blend. This luxurious weave is lightweight and extremely smooth to the touch, with a very slight sheen, contrasting beautifully with suiting like this Loro Piana plaid check jacket. Details like a single pleat and a 2-inch cuff at subtle touches of formality to dress the beige tone up even more. While the classic khaki chino isn’t going anywhere (and it shouldn’t), this is a great way to add a touch of “quiet luxury” to your trouser rotation.