I'm looking at a pair of Bills Khakis Poplin:
http://www.billskhakis.com/poplin-m2-pant?bk_color_product=2277
I'm familiar with the Bills M1, M2, M3 designations and what they mean, but I'm not sure what is best for me.
I'm almost 6'...weigh anywhere from 160-170 (depending on the obvious lifestyle choices of the moment)...chicken legs...and a relatively short inseam (29.5-30 usually does it for me) for my height.
I think M1s are right out. The huge seat and baggier legs are not going to be to my liking.
The big difference between M2 and M3 I am looking at is rise. I'm thinking the M3's shorter rise (it is shorter, not lower rise, right?) is better for my relatively short, scrawny legs. But do the M2 and M3 sit differently on the waist? Or is it just a short rise on the M3 that will give the appearance of my legs being longer? Maybe Bills are just not right for me?
According to their official sizing page, M1 as an 11 inch rise, M2 10 inch, M3 9.25 inch.
I have a couple pairs of M3s. I wear them like jeans — on my hips. When I am in decent shape, it's a decent look. When I am carrying 20 extra pounds like now, I won't go near the M3. (I'm thinking muu-muu instead.)
I'm 5' 9", and have muscular but short legs (28.5 inseam, usually). I also have no rear end to speak of. I swim in M1s. M2 is the right cut for me.
The best cut of all for me was the old LL Bean Double L chino, before they brought in the Teflon-coated version. My last pair of those was relegated to "fish pants" status last year.
Do the M3s sit on the hips? I was getting the impression that all fits sit at the same waist area. If they are on the hips, that's no good. That look tends to accentuate a long torso.
The best fitting chinos I have are a pair of BB Clark fit in stone. It's very odd because a pair I picked up the year after in a different color are much baggies.
I measured the rise on the good fitting BB. 10.5. Outseam was surprisingly short at 39.75. But the leg is just like I like chinos...tapered but not ankle hugging and no break.
M2 appears closest, but the inter webs are full of comments about how full the legs are. Not good for me. With my scrawny legs I'll look like mc hammer. Doesn't look like Ox ever did a review, but his J Donnelly review comes up in a search.
M2s are baggy, have you considered Orvis chinos Jeff? Their Ultimate Khakis in the TrimFit are surprisingly good with an ideal tapered profile that is slender, but not overly so. They have a proper natural waist rise, my size34s measure at just under 12 inches. They're not US made unfortunately but the quality and construction are very acceptable. They have a deal running at present:
http://www.orvis.com/p/ultimate-khakis-trim-fit/12pf
Have a pair of Orvis trim fit khakis coming today. Woof convinced me to try them. They sound like what I'm looking for. I hope so. I loathe returns.
Hah...right on time...your review was why I got them, Woof. I did get two pair, but the field khaki won't ship until sometime in April.
Last edited by Jeff Reed (2015-03-19 08:16:13)
Jeff, have you tried the O'Connell's khakis? Since you're in the U.S. I strongly recommend you try a pair. They're $99, excellent construction and fit IMO, and if they're not to your liking just send them back.
Never tried them, but I do have other pants from O'Connell's and they are all very good. My size is currently out of stock in their Oyster poplin, which is what I am after. Otherwise, I'd probably give them a try.
The primary reason I like the look of the Bills is because their poplins appear to have a very casual look. That's what I am after...nothing refined. I like the look of my BB stone chinos, but they are too dressed up for the beach or being a fat, loud, boorish American tourist.
Last edited by Jeff Reed (2015-03-22 12:06:58)
^
That'll just about do it.
I'm almost 6'...the DMV believes I am 6'...71.5" officially
Waist is actually just shy of 32", if I am measuring right. Looks like 15.75".
Woof - did you get those online in the UK or in the London store ?
I forgot all about Orvis...was a bit underwhelmed by the new shop when it opened...think I was expecting more stuff...seemed to have less than Dover St??...well maybe not.....but certainly it was far pokier than I envisaged...
May just go in and mount the bear in a Bop stylee... even tho' I've never been one for sloppy seconds tbh...
Is it worth a stroll Woof or should I save my cash for The Lyric on Gt Windmill Strasse....?
Someone told me The Harp is all luverly again meanwhile.... Ding Dong......
That sounds more like it...
A few floors = an Adventure...
Especially if you make your way up the outside of the building
Ha ha...only if there's a safety net....but good shout...I do like to make an entrance..
I'm sorry Sid...I'll sod off in a bit...honest...