A reader asked:
I was wondering if you believed women can pull off wearing L.L. Bean’s men’s flannel-lined khaki pants, currently listed as “Men’s Bean’s 1912 Chinos, Flannel Lined Standard Fit.” I noticed that L.L. Bean does not offer a women’s version of this type of pant but would very much like to find a pair before it begins snowing, as I commute to work via public transportation and on foot. While the men’s version certainly looks appropriate for a casual workplace that does not allow denim, I am concerned about how these usually fit on women. Or, perhaps, is there another brand you recommend that does carry flannel-lined pants for women? Thank you for your help!
My response:
I am going to find out this winter, as I plan to try some for myself. Although I will probably go with the L.L. Bean Lined Double L Chinos in the Natural Fit. One of the biggest issues I have when wearing Men's pants is with the hips, as Men's pants are usually more narrow. (Their Standard Fit has more of a straight cut.) If I buy them big enough to be comfortable in the hips, they are usually too big in the waist. And then there is the issue of fuller legs overall. However, in the winter I am cold enough to care much less about all of this, and the waist area is usually well covered with heavy wool sweaters anyway.
L.L. Bean does offer one lined version for women, although they do not have the best customer rating. There have been many complaints about the cut and quality on these, and the color, Deep Khaki, is dark. It used to be that Lands' End and Cabela's as well as L.L. Bean offered flannel-lined khakis for women, but now I cannot find them anywhere.
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4 comments:
I remember reading in the book "What Remains" (page 149) by Carole Radziwill the fact that she wore LL Bean flannel-lined pants to the hospital during her husbands many stays. She also convinced her cousin-in-law (?) Carolyne Bessette Kennedy to wear them too after CBK remarked on how cold it was in the hospital.
I'm admittedly in way over my head in commenting on trousers that may work for women.
However, you might consider Bills' flannel lined khakis.
Bills' has three models; M1 fullest, a lot of room, then M2, and M3. M3 is the slimmest.
Bills' are initially more expensive, but wear much longer, thus cost per wear may be less.
Consider the M1. If it works, the waist is alterable. In the past LLB made flannel lined that had a waist that couldn't be altered. LLB person on the phone can find out for you if present model is alterable.
If you decide to try Bills', obviously a local source where you can try them on is preferable. If not, you might Google and find a dealer who will allow returns.
My guess is that if you are interested,you could call O'connels in Buffalo, talk to Ethan, and tell him what you want. See if you can get agreement to return trousers if they don't work.
I have the Bass Pro Shop/Cabela's version, in a light khaki. They have worn well for 6 years now and are great for winter sports. My only complaint is the lack of inseam choice. They are a 31, and I am a 33. With winter boots, gaiters, etc... it isn't important but I can't wear these casually in the city.
If you are a standard leg, these might be for you!
I went beagling today and wore the men's khakis because when I left the house the temperature was still in the forties. They worked very well, standing up to the thorns and branches. The trick is not to expect them to fit in the waist, but pull them down a little so that they're sitting on the top of your hips. The rise in a man's trousers is shorter than a woman's, so it feels comfortable this way. And of course the point is to be warm and comfortable, not gorgeous and sexy.
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