Jackets and Pants
November 2, 2009
Men usually find that it is easier to buy a suit than a jacket/pants combination. Since all the pieces (2 or 3) match, you need to make just one selection.
Not so with separate jackets and pants. The myriad of colors, textures, styles and weights available means it is easy to go wrong. Here’s how not to do so.
Fabric Types For Trousers
Most men believe that you only have to match the colors properly. Strictly speaking, this is not true. You are actually matching the fabric. Here are some of common fabrics used:
Flannel - This fabric is probably the most versatile. It is comfortable in many types of weather. It is easy to pair with many types of jacket materials, especially corduroy and tweed, weather permitting.
Wool Gabardine - The look and feel is softer and smoother than flannel. It works especially well when matched with a blazer made of a contrasting fabric, such as tweed.
Corduroy - Made from heavy cotton, heavier than wool gabardine or flannel, it is generally seen in colder months. It should be matched with a jacket that is of a similar warm material. Wool that’s soft or cashmere jackets work best.
Chinos - Since it is cotton canvas, it is less formal. It needs to be matched up with a casual jacket type. Corduroy jackets work well with chinos, weather permitting.
Pants Colors
After we choose the right fabric, it’s time to return to the color choice. It is easy to fall back on a navy blue blazer and gray flannel pants, but there are so many more choices out there that show style and flare.
Contrast Is Key -Don’t ever see how close you can get the jacket and pants colors to match. Dissimilarity is the key here.
Tones Do Match - Not always considered, but nonetheless, the tone match is important. Unlike colors, which should contrast, the tones should be close.
Patterns - There’s no rule that says jacket and pants combinations must always be solids. Usually it’s one or the other that’s patterned, not both, which can become busy looking.
Do It Right
To do it right, you need to not only consider color, but also contrast, tone and pattern.
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