Grey Flannels are Blue Jeans for the Sartorially Inclined

A Trans-Atlantic Trouser Discovery

The foundation of many an outfit within the realm of the collegiate styles is that of a semi-formal trouser. Most commonly of course this refers to a wide-leg chino, but corduroy, tweed, and flannel also fit nicely into this camp. This meeting focusses very specifically on dark grey or charcoal flannels and their surprising relationship with jeans.

To explain the title I have lent to this meeting, I need to start with an anecdote. I acquired my first pair of grey flannels in the summer of last year, they came to replace a pair of black wool trousers that I had been finding difficult to style. At some point between then and now I came to the realisation that the outfits I was putting together with them were identical to those which I had in the past made around my 501s. Moving forward with that epiphany, I now treat the two as interchangeable when styling them, that is to say, if an outfit works with one, I can assume it works with the other, and thus I’ve added two outfits to the rotation. So when I say they're jeans for the sartorially inclined, I mean that quite literally.

Of course this is, to a certain extent, the nature of versatility within clothing, yet I would posit the two are not a likely pair. Whilst flannel and denim originated as working fabrics, the pleated silhouette of flannel trousers conjures principally the image of British gentlemen, referenced in Isherwood’s Goodbye to Berlin and the works T.S. Eliot for example, contrasting with the Wild West origins of the five-pocket. To see the two come together in the wardrobe of the modern individual marks a pleasing return to their similar conceptions, to see them function interchangeably as I have found they do, is fascinating.

Another point of intrigue is that I do not think the wash of the jeans matters either, general consensus says formality increases with amount of indigo present, but mine are light, and rather ratty in all honesty, I wear them to clean etc., yet I still came across this harmony.

So, if you own one, and not the other consider an acquisition to greatly increase your outfit selection. If you own both, try to swap them, I’m curious to see if others find similar results. Likewise, if you own one and see an outfit you like which employs the other, it may be worth a try.

Thank you for your attendance today, and if you’d care to invite others to join the club, it would be greatly appreciated. Meeting adjourned, see you in two weeks.