When you say sartorial, drawstring trousers aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind! Nevertheless, these comfortable ”at leisure” joggers are included in many classy luxurious looks and have experienced a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. Here’s why!
This hybrid garment initially started out as a crossover between the casual trouser and sportive jogging pants. There are many variations of drawstring trousers but they almost all have one big advantage in common ; flexibility.
The drawstring replaces the belt loops which, straight away, give it a young formal look. Often, elastic waistbands are added on the side to give it a tailored edge and to make it look less plain and more sporty.
Comfortable
Being cut from luxurious fabrics, soft to the touch and having a relaxed fit, this garment should serve as the main piece in any at leisure look.
You can pull them on quickly, without the need to look for a matching belt which will need threading through those fiddly loops!
Versatile
The styling possibilities are endless. Serving both as proper trousers (suitable for working attire) and your casual jogging pants (suitable for comfort whilst having a cozy evening on the couch).
This drawstring trouser is the best of both worlds. Plus, they are suitable for all age groups.
Having both casual elements and formal features, they will appeal to many and are a real asset to your everyday wardrobe. For example, you can wear a drawstring on your Sunday stroll through town or going for a coffee with your friends. Alternatively, with dress codes being more relaxed and comfort becoming ever more important, why not wear drawstring trousers during office hours?
I bet you can wear the very same drawstring for both that Sunday stroll and for the presentation you have to give to your company’s board members. That’s how versatile it is. All you need to know is how to combine it!
Combining your Drawstring
Being suitable for the office is fairly easy. All it takes is a nice shirt and sports jacket, combined with a pair of slick sneakers, and you are good to go. The jacket will automatically add that dressed-up look to your trouser, making it suitable for office wear. It goes without saying that you should make sure to only wear a slim fitting drawstring. Not the baggy ones!
One thing you should avoid is to wear shoes that are too formal, like leather brogues. If you do want to wear more formal shoes, choose a more classy sneaker which is a bit more dressed. For example, a suede ankle boot, if possible with a contrasting sole. But, in the end, sneakers are the way to go whilst wearing a drawstring.
Going more casual, drawstrings do not go well when combined with a coat. Even if it’s freezing out! Obviously, during winter, a thicker material should be worn. Flannel fabric or sweatpants material will give warmth and comfort.
For that laid-back look, combine it with a chunky knit turtleneck or some other piece of thick heavy knitwear. And if it does turn out to be too cold, just wear another layer under the turtleneck.
Finally, slip into a pair of sportive sneakers. Any color. Although, if you ask me, I prefer white or a sneaker that has white elements. Combined with heavy knitwear, the look is leisure time perfect but not suitable for the office.
Going casual
Going more casual, if you want to take on a relaxed look, avoid wearing a coat, especially a long one like a parka.
Even if it’s freezing out! Obviously, during winter, a thicker material should be worn. Flannel fabric or sweatpants material will give warmth and comfort.
And if it does turn out to be too cold, just wear another layer under the turtleneck. Finally, slip into a pair of sportive sneakers. Any color. Although, if you ask me, I prefer white or a sneaker that has white elements. Combined with heavy knitwear, the look is leisure time perfect but not suitable for the office.
In summer, when fabrics are thinner, replace the heavy knits with a long, or short-sleeved, polo. Come to think of it, if you just add a sporty blazer, this would work in the office too. You can also swap the polo for a thinner turtleneck or crewneck, formal and informal. That would work just fine too!
You will find drawstring trousers both during winter and summer, thus they are not season-related. Often during summer, linen and cotton are preferred fabrics, whilst in winter, flannel and wool is popular.
Conclusion
In rapid time, the drawstring has become an essential for the modern man looking for that go-to item that can always be worn. In short, drawstrings are comfortable, versatile, yet classy! Of course, they come in many styles, including cargo’s and pleated styles. If you still have room left and you haven’t got a pair, get these in your wardrobe asap!
