Paddy's phrase, but I'm beginning to agree with him, they're somehow just wrong. They're comfortable enough and seem hard-wearing, but the cut, the zippers (belong on a bivouac, says Paddy), the finish and the hype are all redolent of sheer contrivance. The cords I have look just about all right with desert boots but awful with loafers; and - as noted elsewhere - the khakis themselves can really only be worn with a hefty shoe like a Jarman wingtip. Bean cords, according to Paddy, are better. Good old reliable Bean. Any additional thoughts?
I have seriously mixed feelings about Bills. They are comfortable as knock around pants. They seem pretty well made but in truth I only have one pair that hasn't seen much wear. The problem is that they look like sleep pants on me, even the M2. I would never buy their cords. I wear cords in the winter with v-neck sweaters and cardigans. I think the overall effect is pretty sharp. Bills just never look sharp to me. They look slouchy and comfortable (which can be good things) just never smart. Bean Classic Fit cords are great pants. I have cords I like more(better cut than Bean), but Bean's may be the perfect simple pair of cords. The cut is neither tight or baggy. The quality is as good as BB, and Press to name the usual suspects. I've mentioned previously that I am a fan of the simple "crew on crew", cords, and mocs outfit. The cords in this outfit are always Bean classic fit. Pure comfort without looking like I am ready for bed.
Last edited by ScarletStreet (2009-05-21 19:20:02)
I like Bill's just fine but am under no illusions about what they are - voluminous pants.
The M2s less so. I haven't tried the M3.
My favorite chino is the O'Connell's house brand, which I think is made by Berle. They come in at about 30 bucks less than Bill's and have a cut similar to the M2 that works better for me.
I bought some Bean cords a couple years back and sent them back. Very flimsy and cheap, I thought.
All good points well made, chaps. I particularly like that phrase 'knock around' - that's about the way I see them. The price over here, of course - supposing you can find them at all - is steep: too much so for 'knock around'. The shorts are okay, but pleated. What about the hype? Perhaps that's felt more over here. To me, they're the B.D. Baggies of pants. Patrick, didn't you sort of know Bill quite a few years ago?
I have a few different pairs of Bills and do like them, but understand the criticism. I find the M-2s a bit baggy, although when I sized down from a 35 to a 34 it seemed to help the bagginess problem quite a bit. The poplins are my favorite. Great for the summer.
To me, the twills are not quite dressy enough to wear with a coat a tie to the office on casual days.
My favorite chinos are the RL GI Chino. Fit is less baggy than the M2 and quality is superb.
Did anyone ever buy the real GI chinos from Silvermans or Lawrence Corner? Are those establishments still there?
was on Drummond St a few weeks ago, and the building's still there... shop's been closed a few years no though
Last edited by ScarletStreet (2009-05-22 22:05:46)
I'm a fan of the Bean Cord Chino - Different cut & different Cord to the trou. - Might be worth investigating if you're that way inclined. Woolrich do a good Cord chino too.
A really odd point: Bill's cords look okay with loafers so long as you're sockless.