What exactly are slacks? How are slacks and trousers different from one another? Where are slacks and formal trousers used? Jackets, coats, shirts, and suits are topics that come up frequently in the realm of men’s fashion. It’s normal to overlook the importance of trousers. After all, with tubes of cloth for your legs, there isn’t really much avant-garde you can do (legally and in style).
The phrase “slacks” did not just emerge overnight. It derives from the word “slack,” which was used in the ancient Saxon language to refer to loose objects like the loose end of a rope or a sail. Men’s clothing “slacks” are actually loose-fitting trousers, hence the term “slack.” The majority of the time, slacks are worn with similar blazers, dressier shirts, or even casual t-shirts because they never go out of style. These trousers have a dressier appearance than chinos or your typical denim because they are typically made of wool or blended fabric.
Slacks are any dressier-looking trousers that aren’t designed to go with a suit. Dress trousers are meant to be worn independently, whereas suit trousers are only meant to be worn as a part of a suit. In the “business casual” and “semi-formal” categories, dress trousers and slacks hold a firm position. They are not the kind of jeans you’d wear to lounge around the house, and while they are appropriate for less formal business situations, you wouldn’t wear them to an event that requires a lot of formality. If you couldn’t wear them to a regular workday or a more laid-back summer wedding, they aren’t dress pants.
History
While we’re on the subject of words, it’s important to note that the word “slacks” is derived from a Saxon word for rope ties, which is closely related to seafaring. This is due to the fact that mariners would typically use scrap pieces of rope to hold up loose trousers they could move around in, which is likely where the idea that slacks need to be a loose fit originated. Obviously, slim fit wasn’t a choice back then when most tailoring was done on the weaver’s loom in the village or on the flour sack you bought!
Others contend, however, that the word “slacks” only came to be associated with fashion after women’s suits and trousers became commonplace. It served as a distinction between women’s non-suit trousers and the “pantsuit,” which was a simple women’s suit that included a set of trousers and a jacket. It’s not a skirt and blazer, also known as a “suit” for women’s business attire.
Why Slacks?
First of all, the fabrics they use are extremely versatile. Like everything else we’ve just looked at, slacks can be made of cotton, but they can also be made of linen, wool, and a tonne of other materials. They can therefore be used more conveniently throughout the year, regardless of the conditions.
They’re also smart without being excessively formal (unless you want to make them formal). In this regard, dress trousers and chinos are very comparable; both allow for comfort and freedom of movement, which suits frequently struggle to achieve. You can look professional but not overdressed wearing slacks and a shirt, and you can go almost anywhere. However, you can upgrade that outfit by adding a blazer, a better shirt, and chic accessories if you want to take it to the next level. So, you can effortlessly blend in at a semi-formal or business-casual event.
You now have a pair of trousers that will serve you well until you need a complete formal suit. It can be dressed up in a formal manner for a friend’s wedding or step up beautifully for a coffee date or quick meeting. It can easily look good at a casual gathering.
How Do You Wear Slacks?
Now that you are fully informed about slacks and the distinction between trousers and trousers, it is time to discuss the core concern. How should trousers be worn? Since they are such a versatile style, as we’ve already stated, your choice of clothing will have a significant impact on how you appear as a whole. It is difficult to appear bad in a suit as long as it fits well. Not really for just trousers alone! If you put together the wrong slacks ensemble, you risk looking messy, gauche, or overly effortful.
Styles Of Slacks
What elements of fashion can alter the appearance of your slacks? Let’s look at this:
Fabric
The manner a fabric looks and hangs will affect how much it costs and how it appears, so make your selection carefully. As with mohair suits, blends are frequently a smart way to get the best of two fabrics without any of their drawbacks. How formal trousers look can be greatly influenced by fabric selection. In warm weather, dress light; in cold weather, dress heavily.
Cuffs
Pant cuffs can be a “cheat” for tall men to get extra fabric, but we’d prefer to recommend having your trousers fitted properly. A good choice for taller men is almost always made-to-measure clothing. By adding a personal touch and helping looser pants hang nicely, cuffs give them a much less official appearance than a pair of regular straight pants.
Pockets
Men’s trousers almost never come without pockets because they are so useful. They do, however, increase bulk. So keep that in mind. Your trousers’ fit can also be influenced by the type, arrangement, and number of pockets. A design with more pockets is also considered to be less formal.
Lining
Trousers with a lining are perfect for men who may have missed a few leg days because they offer a slight amount of volume. They are great for chilly climates as well because they insulate you. Also, they avoid unseemly ridges or transparency if your slacks are exceptionally light in color or made of a thin fabric. You can prevent your bright red boxers from peeking through your white trousers without using a boxer check with a liner. But if it’s hot outside, you’ll roast. If you can afford it, a silk or silk-blend lining will hang elegantly and will be both luxurious and moisture-wicking on the skin.
Closure
Slacks with buttons and zippers are available. Comfort will be impacted, but style won’t be affected.
Fronts
Both flat and pleated slack fronts are acceptable. Pleated slacks provide a bit more material, making them ideal for men with larger hips or thighs. Additionally, they give a body with broad shoulders and lean hips balance. However, flat fronts enhance good bodies and work incredibly well with longer coats and jackets.
All of these components can be combined to create your personal style and level of comfort. You might find that you need to get items that are useful for the intended usage rather than just buying for comfort and design because some of them do alter how official or casual the slacks look.