These bottoms have been winners on some of my friends and clients. They are sustainably and ethically produced, and will probably be available at a discount price soon. Versatile items if you like to wear jeans and Summer pants.
1. Boden Barnsbury Chino Pants
These cotton chinos are fabulous in both silhouettes. There are relaxed straights and wide crops. The fabric composition is 98% cotton with 2% stretch, which feels lovely against the skin. It doesn’t crease nearly as much as linen and holds up well in the laundry. The white versions are not see-through. Fits have ease through the thighs, hips and seat. Rise isn’t too high. Works on a range of body types. Sizes run from US0 to 22 across petite, regular and tall in a range of colours. I have the relaxed straight version in white. For me, they are perfect ankle-bearing, lightweight Summer pants that look casually neat and tidy with coverage for sun protection.
2. Western Levi’s 501s
In the early ‘90s, Levi’s 501’s were THE jeans. They were very expensive across the globe, but more affordable in the US. Back then, there was ONE unisex fit that varied only in waist and length measurement across the washes. If they were too big on the waist, you reined them in with a belt. For length, you wore them long with scrunch, or cuffed them shorter.
These days, there are many Levi’s 501 fits. They vary in leg width, seam length, rise length, and piece-detaling. On the one hand, this complicates things. On the other hand, the variation assures a better fit across a range of body types. If the original Levi’s 501 was ill-fitting, you’ll probably find one that fits better today.
These Western Levi’s 501s are a super duper fit on a curvier bottom half. They fit a narrower waist and have ease through the thighs like a relaxed straight leg silhouette. That said, they look great on a straighter figure too (might need to size up). You can wear them with a bit of scrunch at the hems, cuff them to showcase some ankle, or wear then without a break line. The Western front and back yoke detailing is awesome, and amps up the look. I preferred the faded denim to the dark blue in this style because it accentuates the yoke. There’s a button-fly, and no stretch so you’ve been warned. Available from US23 to 34 across two lengths. I got these to replace a blue pair I passed on. Nostalgic, a playful horsey integrity, and can’t go wrong. Love them!
